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You’ve heard that THC-O is nearly three times as potent as traditional THC products—an exciting prospect for adventurous cannabis consumers. But with heightened potency comes new questions, and one of the most important is:How long does a THC-O high last?
Whether you're planning your first experience or just want to better understand this powerful cannabinoid, here’s everything you need to know before diving in.
We mentioned that THC-O is nearly three times more potent than Delta-9-THC products, but you should also be aware that the effects are slightly different. In general, they are often described to be more uplifting and energizing. Thanks to the increased potency, THC-O is also sometimes named “the spiritual cannabinoid” and is described as borderline hallucinogenic.
This can make for a positive, uplifting, and potent high, but also means that you shouldn’t plan to drive, operate machinery, or do tasks that otherwise require sobriety. That makes it all the more important to understand how long the effects of THC-O will last (and how to potentially come down from the effects faster when the need arises).
If you want to learn more about the general effects of THC-O, we recommend you read:
Otherwise, let’s skip to the bottom line
THC-O and Delta-9-THC may produce similar euphoric effects, but THC-O is much more potent—up to three times stronger. THC-O is also often described as having more energizing, uplifting, and even psychedelic effects, compared to the more mellow experience associated with traditional THC.
Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for the intensity of a THC-O high and decide which cannabinoid better fits your needs.
Simply put, a THC-O high can last anywhere from 3-8 hours depending on the dosing method you use and your own unique biological factors, like your metabolic rate.
However, there is no scientific evidence available to give us any specific guidelines for understanding the half life of THC-O.
THC-O is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system in a manner that is incredibly similar to Delta-9-THC, and the molecules are incredibly similar in nature. So, we must draw conclusions from what we know about traditional THC products and from anecdotal experiences to better understand the duration of THC-O’s effects.
It’s also important to understand that everyone will metabolize THC-O differently, meaning that your dose may not wear off at the same time as another person who took the exact same dose. In general, the duration of the effects you will experience are also impacted by the type of product you take. In fact, this may have the heaviest impact on how long THC-O will last.
Let's look at a few different products types:
Certain THC-O edibles, like gummies, need to be processed through digestion. Thanks to this slow process, the effects could take 1-2 hours to kick in, and they may last longer than other methods, up to 8 hours. Many people suggest that the effects of edibles peak around 3-4 hours after dosing and begin to slowly taper off.
Other edibles, like candies and chews, are meant to be dissolved slowly in the mouth and may be partially absorbed through the mouth’s mucous membranes. This means that they can begin to take effect after 15-30 minutes, and the effects may begin to wear off 1-2 hours quicker than traditional edibles.
THC-O vaporizers or other inhalation products take effect quickly, usually in about 15 minutes. Typically, the body metabolizes substances quickly through these pathways, and the effects may last between 3-5 hours.
THC-O will trigger the same results on a drug exam as if you had used Delta-9-THC prior to taking the test. For that reason, it’s important to understand how long THC-O is detectable in the body even after you come down from its effects.
To put it briefly, THC-O’s half life is thought to be about the same as Delta-9’s, and after about 30 minutes half of the original dose has been metabolized. Still, the half life doesn't determine how long THC-O is detectable. Instead, the length of time THC-O is detectable in the body depends mostly on the type of drug test being used. This is because all tests have different detection windows.
Other factors, like your metabolism, age, weight, and frequency of use will also factor in, but to a much lesser extent. In general, THC metabolites may be present in your urine for as little as 3 days or as long as 30 days after last consumption. THC is typically only present in saliva for about 48 hours after dosing and in blood for about 36 hours after dosing. Hair samples have the longest detection window of up to 90 days.
Check out “Does THC-O Show Up on a Drug Test?” for more information.
If you tried THC-O and the effects are lasting a bit longer than you are comfortable with, you may be able to do some things to ease the experience along. To come down from a THC-O high more quickly, try the following:
Overall, with a few simple tricks and a bit of patience, you can manage a lingering THC-O high and ease back into a more comfortable state. Always start slow with THC-O to avoid feeling overwhelmed in the first place.
THC-O’s effects are much more potent than other hemp-derived THC products, so its important that you process with caution if you’re new to the THC experience. If you want to test the THC-O experience safely, here are some tips that may help:
By taking a cautious and informed approach, you can enjoy the unique effects of THC-O without feeling overwhelmed. Remember—slow and steady wins the race when trying powerful cannabinoids for the first time.
Although THC-O is legal and accessible, not all hemp-derived THC products are made equal. Be sure to look for a trustworthy, experienced hemp manufacturer in order to find high-quality, safe products. Look for products that are made from legal hemp material in an area where both hemp products and THC-O are legal.
The brand you choose should also be willing to provide a Certificate of Analysis from the third-party batch tests used to verify the information presented on the product's label.
For hemp-derived THC products that are 100% Farm Bill compliant and meet all the marks we listed above, we recommend checking out our Cloud9 Collection, which includes a variety of edibles, vapes, flower, and more.
THC-O is a potent, fast-rising cannabinoid that offers an intense and often extended cannabis experience. While the high can last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours depending on the method of consumption, the effects are much stronger than traditional THC products.
If you're trying THC-O for the first time, take it slow and plan ahead, especially since it can linger in your system longer than you might expect. Choose high-quality products, stay informed, and always prioritize safety for the best possible experience.
Yes, THC-O can cause you to fail a drug test because it metabolizes into compounds that standard THC tests detect. It's best to avoid THC-O if you have an upcoming drug screening.
Smoking one joint a day is common for some users, but daily use can increase tolerance and potential health risks. Always listen to your body and take tolerance breaks if needed.
THC-O effects kick in within 20–30 minutes when vaped and 1–2 hours when consumed through edibles. Patience is key, especially with edibles.
THC-O is more potent and has psychoactive effects compared to Delta-8, making it a heavier experience for most users. It's not necessarily "worse," but it can be overwhelming if not dosed carefully.
No, THC-O legality varies by state, and some states have moved to ban it entirely. Always verify legality in your area before buying.
Anecdotally, THC-O may help with pain relief, anxiety, and appetite stimulation. However, research on its therapeutic benefits is still limited.
THCP effects typically last between 5 to 12 hours, depending on dosage and individual tolerance. It's known for producing a long, powerful high.
Vaping Delta-9 can be safe if you choose products from reputable, lab-tested brands. Always avoid products with harmful additives like Vitamin E acetate.
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