You’re staring at a bag of chips like it holds the secrets to the universe, or maybe you’re suddenly very worried about the way your own breathing sounds. We’ve all been there. Whether it was an edible that hit way harder than expected or a "one-hit" strain that turned out to be a powerhouse, the question is always the same: how long does it take to get unhigh?
Honestly, there isn't one single "timer" that works for everyone. It's frustrating. You want a number, but your body is currently processing a complex chemical dance. Usually, if you smoked or vaped, you’re looking at 1 to 4 hours. If you ate an infused brownie, buckle up, because that can last 6 to 12 hours, sometimes trailing off into a hazy "weed hangover" the next morning.
The Science of the "Peak"
Timing is everything. When you inhale cannabis, THC hits your bloodstream almost instantly through the lungs. You feel it in minutes. According to research published in the Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, THC levels in the blood peak about 15 to 30 minutes after smoking. Because it hits fast, it also leaves relatively fast. You'll likely feel the most intense effects subside after two hours.
Edibles are a different beast entirely.
When you eat THC, your liver processes it and turns it into 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite is much more potent and crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than inhaled THC. This is why 10mg of an edible feels like a different planet compared to 10mg of smoked flower. The onset takes 30 to 90 minutes, and the duration is marathon-like.
Why your friend is sober and you aren't
Metabolism matters. If you have a high metabolic rate, your body might clear those cannabinoids faster. But there’s also "tolerance." Frequent users have downregulated CB1 receptors. Their brains are literally less sensitive to the high. If you’re a novice, your receptors are wide open, making the duration feel much longer and more intense.
Fat content is the silent variable. THC is lipophilic—it loves fat. It hides in your fat cells. This is why people with higher body fat percentages might feel a "lingering" sluggishness longer than others. It's not just in your head; it's in your tissue.
How Long Does It Take to Get Unhigh? Breaking Down the Methods
The method of consumption is the biggest "tell" for your timeline.
Smoking and Vaping
- Onset: 2–10 minutes.
- Peak: 20–30 minutes.
- Total duration: 1–3 hours for most; up to 4 for heavy hits.
Edibles (Gummies, Baked Goods, Drinks)
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- Onset: 30–90 minutes.
- Peak: 2–4 hours.
- Total duration: 6–12 hours. Some people report feeling "off" for a full 24 hours.
Dabs and Concentrates
- Onset: Immediate.
- Peak: 20–40 minutes.
- Total duration: 2–4 hours, but the intensity is much higher, which can make the "come down" feel more exhausting.
The Myth of "Sobering Up" Quickly
You've probably heard that drinking orange juice or taking a cold shower will "kill" a high. Not really. While a cold shower might shock your system into alertness through an adrenaline spike, it doesn't actually remove THC from your receptors. You’re just a high person who is now very cold.
The only thing that truly works is time. However, there is some interesting evidence regarding Terpenes.
Dr. Ethan Russo, a neurologist who has studied the cannabis plant for decades, published a paper in the British Journal of Pharmacology titled "Taming THC." He noted that certain plant compounds can mitigate the effects of THC. Specifically, pinene (found in pine needles) and limonene (found in citrus) might help with focus and anxiety. Some people swear by sniffing—not eating—black peppercorns. Black pepper contains beta-caryophyllene, a terpene that binds to the same receptors as THC and can theoretically help "calm" the psychoactive effects. It sounds like an old wives' tale, but there's actual molecular biology backing it up.
What to Do While You Wait
If you’re currently in the middle of a "how long does it take to get unhigh" Google search because you’re panicking, breathe. You are safe. No one has ever died from a marijuana overdose alone. Your heart might be racing—that’s called tachycardia, a common side effect of THC—but it will pass.
- Hydrate, but don't overdo it. Cottonmouth is real. Water helps, but it won't flush the THC out faster. It just makes you feel more human.
- CBD is your "brake" pedal. If you have high-quality CBD oil (with zero THC), take it. CBD is a non-competitive antagonist of the CB1 receptor. Basically, it gets in the way of THC and can take the "edge" off a paranoid high.
- Distract your brain. Watch something familiar. The Office, a nature documentary (on mute if it's too intense), or listen to Lo-Fi beats. Avoid anything with complex plots or jump scares.
- Eat a heavy meal. While it won't stop the high that's already in your blood, it can ground you physically. Focus on the texture and flavor.
The "Greening Out" Phase
Sometimes, "too high" turns into nausea, dizziness, or intense paranoia. This is "greening out." If this happens, lay down on your left side (this helps with digestion and prevents choking if you do vomit). Keep a bucket nearby. Remind yourself: this is temporary. The chemical half-life of THC is predictable. Your brain will return to its baseline.
Factors That Keep You High Longer
Not every session is created equal. If you drank alcohol before consuming cannabis, you’ve engaged in "cross-fading." Alcohol increases the absorption of THC, leading to significantly higher blood-THC levels than if you’d used cannabis alone. This will almost certainly extend the time it takes to feel sober.
Strain type matters too, though "Indica vs Sativa" is a bit of an oversimplification. It’s more about the concentration of THC versus minor cannabinoids like CBD or CBN. A strain with 30% THC and 0% CBD is going to have a much more "sharp" and long-lasting psychological effect than a balanced 1:1 strain.
Actionable Steps for Your Recovery
If you need to be sober for a specific event or work, and you realize you're still under the influence, the best thing you can do is manage the appearance of being high while waiting for the clock to run out.
- Eye drops are a lifesaver. Redness is caused by vasodilation. Clear eyes make you look—and often feel—significantly more "together."
- Wash your face. The sensory input of cold water on the trigeminal nerve can help pull you out of a mental fog.
- Change your environment. If you’re stuck in a "thought loop," literally move to a different room. The change in visual stimuli can break the cycle.
- Journal the time. Write down what time you took the substance. Seeing on paper that "it's been three hours" can give your logical brain the evidence it needs to realize the peak has passed and you are on the way down.
The most important takeaway? Don't fight the feeling. Resistance often creates anxiety, which makes the high feel more intrusive and "longer." Accept that you'll be in this state for the next few hours, find a comfortable spot, and let the clock do the work. You’ll be back to normal soon enough.