When vaping an edible cannabis cartridge, known as a "cart", there are many ways to use these products, and one of the most common questions asked by those trying these products is how long they will stay high. The basic explanation for how long the main effects will last is anywhere between 1 to 3 hours. However, as each person experiences their own unique high, there are many variables that can influence how long the effects of a cannabis cart last.
From using numerous cart brands and learning about the various types of carts, I have come to learn that while the overall phases of the high remain the same, the amount of time each phase takes is unique to each individual user.
To create a safe and enjoyable experience when vaping a cannabis cart, the best way to do so is to learn about the general timeline of the high from a cannabis cart, along with the many influences that can impact how long the effects of the cart will last.
The Standard Timeline of a Cart High
The effects of a cannabis cart, similar to many other cannabis-based products, follow a very predictable sequence of events:
- Onset (1-10 minutes): You will begin to feel the effects of the cannabis almost immediately upon the first few draws of the cart. This is one of the reasons why carts are such a well-liked choice for people looking for a quick high.
- Peak (15 minutes - 2 hours): The highest level of intoxication you will experience, as well as the strongest feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perceptions will occur during this timeframe. The peak high typically begins and ends within a couple of hours of use.
- Primary High (1-3 hours): Once you reach the peak of the high, you will begin to slowly experience the psychoactive effects of the cannabis wear off and eventually fade away completely for most users.
- Residual Effects (Up to 4 Hours): Although the peak high has faded away, you may still experience residual or lingering effects of the cannabis. These could include slight feelings of relaxation, or even just a gentle feeling of being "high" or relaxed.
What Determines How Long You Stay High?
Your personal high is determined by a variety of elements including:
1. The Potency of the Cart
The concentration of the THC in the cart is the most significant element determining the length of the high. Since the average THC content in today’s cannabis products has increased fourfold since the 1990’s, the potency of the cart is significantly related to both the strength and the length of the high. In addition to the THC content, the cannabinoid profile of the product also plays a role, particularly if the product contains a balanced ratio of THC and CBD, as the CBD may help to extend the length of the high.
2. Your Personal Biology and Habits
- Tolerance: Developing a tolerance to cannabis is a critical component determining how long your high will last. When you regularly consume cannabis, your body develops a tolerance to the THC, requiring larger amounts of THC to achieve the same level of intoxication and potentially causing your high to be shorter. To avoid developing a tolerance, experts suggest taking regular breaks from consuming cannabis.
- Metabolism: Each person metabolizes cannabinoids differently, depending on their metabolic rate. Users with a faster metabolism will process the THC more quickly, resulting in a shorter high.
- Dosage: Vaping a cannabis cart is an exact science, making it easy to miscalculate how much product you’ve consumed. If you’re taking large puffs, or multiple puffs in a row, you’ll likely experience a more intense and longer-lasting high than if you were taking a single small puff.
3. The Method of Consumption
Vaporizing cannabis carts can also affect how long you experience the effects of the THC. The heat of the vaporizer, as well as the size of the draw you make on the cart, can all impact how much THC you’re delivering to your system at once. Additionally, the portability and convenience of vape pens can also negatively affect the frequency of your use, as noted by medical professionals, who see vape pens as “easy to get addicted to.”
Carts vs. Edibles: A Major Timeline Difference
It’s essential to recognize how carts and edibles compare to one another in terms of their timing of onset, peak effects, and total duration, because mixing up the two can cause you to have a poor experience.
The Golden Rule for Edibles (Doesn’t Apply to Carts): When consuming edibles, the best rule of thumb is to always start with a small dose and then wait a full 2 hours before deciding whether or not to take another dose. Because the effects of carts hit you so quickly, you can tell how long the effects of a particular product will last and determine if you want to continue using it shortly after you feel the effects.
How to Manage and Shorten Your High
If you find yourself too high after taking a cart, don’t worry. The effects of cannabis are temporary and will subside over time. There are a number of strategies that have been effective for me and are recommended by others to help you manage and shorten your high:
- Staying Calm: Keep in mind that the intensity of your high will decrease and that the experience will end. Create a calm, comforting atmosphere around you, and engage in calming activities.
- Using CBD: Consume CBD as it can help to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC.
- Drinking Water and Eating Something: Drinking water and eating a snack will help to alleviate dry mouth and will assist in grounding you back to reality.
- Engaging in Calming Activities: Listen to music, practice deep breathing exercises, or engage in a simple hobby to distract you from your thoughts.
Final Insights: Safety and Setbacks
While I believe the greatest risk of using carts lies in the potential for overuse due to the high potency of modern cannabis products, I am also concerned about the increasing risks to mental health as a result of frequent cannabis use, especially among users of high-THC products. As reported by a recent survey of Boston University students, nearly 22% reported using THC products recreationally in the past month.
By understanding the typical timeline of highs experienced with cannabis carts, and the many factors that influence how long the effects of the cart will last, you can safely enjoy cannabis carts with confidence and control.