A question almost every coffeeshop visitor asks at some point: how long does cannabis actually last? Whether you smoke a joint, take an edible, or try a strong strain, the duration of the effects can vary significantly.

For some people, a high lasts an hour, while others feel relaxed for several hours. In this blog, you’ll learn how long cannabis typically lasts, which factors influence the duration, and how to plan your coffeeshop visit wisely.

How long does cannabis last on average?

On average, the effects of cannabis last 1 to 3 hours when you smoke or vape. With edibles, this can increase to 6 to 8 hours or even longer.

This difference exists because THC, the main psychoactive substance in cannabis, is absorbed by the body in different ways.

According to the Dutch Trimbos Institute, the effects are felt almost immediately when smoking, while eating or drinking cannabis leads to a delayed onset but longer-lasting effects.

In short:

Smoking or vaping

  • Effects noticeable: 1–5 minutes
  • Peak of the high: 20–60 minutes
  • Total duration: 1–3 hours

Edibles

  • Effects noticeable: 30–90 minutes
  • Peak: 2–3 hours
  • Total duration: 6–8 hours

Why does cannabis affect everyone differently?

Although the above times are a good guideline, the experience differs from person to person. Several factors play a role.

1. Strength of the cannabis

The amount of THC largely determines how intense and how long a high lasts. Stronger strains with a high THC percentage usually produce longer effects.

Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD influence how your body reacts to cannabis.

2. Your tolerance

If you use cannabis regularly, your body builds tolerance. This means you often need more to feel the same effect.

Beginners usually experience a longer and more intense high, while experienced users may notice the effects wear off faster.

3. Method of consumption

The way you use cannabis makes a big difference.

Smoking or vaping

  • Fast onset
  • Shorter duration
  • Easier to dose

Edibles

  • Slower onset
  • More intense high
  • Much longer duration

4. Your body and metabolism

Your body also plays a role in how long cannabis lasts.

Factors that influence this include:

  • Metabolism
  • Body weight
  • How much you’ve eaten
  • Hydration
  • Sleep

Someone with a fast metabolism may notice the high fades more quickly, while others feel effects for longer.

how long does cannabis last

How long do you stay high from a joint?

Most coffeeshop visitors choose a joint. Typically, the experience follows this pattern:

  • Within a few minutes, you feel the first effects
  • After about half an hour, the high reaches its peak
  • After 1 to 3 hours, the effects begin to fade

How strong the effect is also depends on the type of weed or hash you use.

How long do space cakes and other edibles last?

Edibles are known for their long-lasting effects. Because THC is absorbed through the digestive system, it is converted in the liver into a compound that has a stronger effect on the body.

This means:

  • Slower onset
  • More intense high
  • Longer duration

According to Jellinek, the effects of edibles can last up to 8 hours, depending on the dose.

That’s why it’s important to be patient and not take more too quickly.

How long does cannabis stay in your body?

The effects of cannabis wear off relatively quickly, but THC can remain in your body for longer.

On average:

  • Blood: several hours
  • Saliva: up to 24–48 hours
  • Urine: days to weeks with regular use

This does not mean you stay high that long, only that traces of cannabis can still be detected.

Cannabis and the rules in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, cannabis is tolerated in coffeeshops, but there are still rules.

For example:

  • You may carry a maximum of 5 grams of cannabis
  • Coffeeshops are not allowed to sell alcohol
  • Sales are only for adults

These rules are important to know when visiting a coffeeshop.

Tips for a relaxed coffeeshop experience

Want to enjoy cannabis without it becoming too strong? Keep these tips in mind:

  • Start with a low dose
  • Wait before using more
  • Don’t combine cannabis with alcohol
  • Drink water and eat something
  • Choose a strain that suits you

This helps prevent a session from becoming longer or more intense than planned.

So, how long does cannabis last?

The duration of a cannabis high mainly depends on how you use it.

On average:

  • Joint or vaporizer: 1 to 3 hours
  • Edibles: 6 to 8 hours (sometimes longer)

Other factors like dosage, tolerance, THC level, and metabolism also play a major role.

Cannabis in the body

Visit The Border

Planning to visit a coffeeshop? Take your time to relax and discover which type of cannabis suits you best.

At The Border Coffeeshop Amsterdam, the team is happy to help you choose a product that matches your experience.

FAQ about how long cannabis lasts

How long do you stay high from weed?
 When smoking or vaping, a high lasts about 1 to 3 hours. With edibles, it can last 6 to 8 hours or longer, depending on the dose and your body.

How quickly does cannabis work?
 Smoking or vaping works almost immediately (within 1–5 minutes). Edibles take longer and usually start working after 30 to 90 minutes.

Why does an edible high last longer?
 With edibles, THC is absorbed through digestion and converted into a stronger compound (11-hydroxy-THC), making the effects last longer and feel more intense.

Can a high last longer than expected?
 Yes, especially with edibles or high doses. Factors like not eating much, fatigue, or low tolerance can also make the high last longer.

How do you know how much to take?
 Always start with a low dose, especially if you have little experience. With edibles, wait at least 1.5 to 2 hours before taking more.

Do stronger strains make you high longer?
 Often yes. Cannabis with a high THC content usually produces a more intense and sometimes longer high, but this varies per person.