How Long Does a Gummy High Last? (THC Edible Duration Guide)

Edible gummies are one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis. But one of the biggest questions people ask is: how long does a gummy high last?

The short answer:
👉 Most THC gummy highs last 4 to 12 hours, with peak effects around 6 to 8 hours.

However, the exact duration depends on your dose, metabolism, tolerance, and other factors. This complete guide explains edible onset time, how long THC gummies last, how they compare to smoking, and how to dose safely — especially when buying from trusted cannabis retailers like Dank Mart.

Quick Answer: How Long Do Edible Highs Last?

Onset: 30–120 minutes
Peak: 2–6 hours after eating
Total duration: 4–12 hours
Aftereffects: Possible mild tiredness the next day

THC gummies last significantly longer than smoked cannabis because of how your body processes them.

What Is a THC Gummy?

A cannabis gummy is a weed edible infused with:

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — the psychoactive compound that creates a high
CBD (cannabidiol) — non-intoxicating but may influence THC’s effects

THC gummies come in various strengths, typically labeled in milligrams (mg) per piece.

When purchasing from licensed dispensaries like Dank Mart, always check the label to confirm:

THC per gummy
Total THC per package
Lab testing information

Clear labeling is essential for predictable dosing.

Why Do Gummies Last Longer Than Smoking?

When you smoke cannabis, THC enters your bloodstream quickly through your lungs. Effects begin within minutes and usually fade within 1–3 hours.

When you eat a gummy:

THC is digested.
It travels to your liver.
The liver converts it into 11-hydroxy-THC.
This compound crosses into the brain more easily and can feel stronger.

This metabolite is why THC gummies often feel more intense and last much longer than inhaled cannabis.

Edible Onset Time: When Will You Feel It?

One of the most common mistakes with edibles is taking more too soon.

Typical onset time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Sometimes it can take longer.

Factors that affect onset:

Empty stomach → faster onset
Full stomach → slower onset
Higher dose → stronger peak
Individual metabolism

If you’re trying THC gummies from Dank Mart for the first time, wait at least 2 full hours before considering more.

How Long Does a 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg Gummy Last?

Here’s a general breakdown:

1–5 mg THC

Mild effects
Duration: 4–6 hours
Ideal for beginners

5–10 mg THC

Noticeable high
Duration: 6–8 hours
Standard single dose in many legal markets

10–20 mg THC

Strong effects
Duration: 8–12 hours
Best for experienced users

25+ mg THC

Very intense
Long-lasting effects
Not recommended for beginners

Dank Mart offers a range of THC strengths so users can choose a dose that matches their experience level.

What Affects How Long a Gummy High Lasts?

There is no universal timeline. Several factors change how long edible highs last:

1. THC Dose

Higher doses usually last longer and feel stronger.

2. Metabolism

Faster metabolism may mean quicker onset but sometimes shorter duration.

3. Body Fat

THC is fat-soluble and may stay in the body longer in higher body-fat percentages.

4. Tolerance

Frequent cannabis users may experience shorter or less intense highs.

5. Food Intake

Eating before your gummy slows absorption.

6. Product Type

Gummies, drinks, and baked goods absorb differently.

Even with consistent, lab-tested products from Dank Mart, these personal variables matter.

How Long Do Edible Highs Last for Frequent Users?

Daily cannabis users often develop tolerance. This can:

Shorten perceived duration
Reduce intensity at lower doses

However, high doses can still last many hours — even for experienced users.

Switching from smoking to edibles may feel stronger at first due to 11-hydroxy-THC production.

Safe THC Gummy Dosing Guide

To avoid overconsumption:

Start with 2.5–5 mg THC
Wait at least 2 hours
Do not mix with alcohol
Stay in a safe, comfortable environment

Buying clearly labeled, lab-tested gummies from a trusted retailer like Dank Mart helps reduce dosing mistakes.

What If a Gummy Feels Too Strong?

If you feel uncomfortably high:

Stay calm — it will pass
Sit or lie down
Drink water
Eat light food
Use CBD (may reduce anxiety for some users)

Seek medical attention if you experience:

Trouble breathing
Chest pain
Severe confusion
Extreme panic

Will THC Gummies Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes.

Edibles produce the same THC metabolites as smoking. Detection time depends on frequency:

Occasional users: Several days to 1 week
Frequent users: Up to 30 days or more

All THC gummies — including those from Dank Mart — can trigger a positive test.

How Long Do THC Gummies Stay Fresh?

Properly stored gummies usually last:

3 to 6 months

Store in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Always check the expiration date and lab information before consuming.

Practical Edible Timeline

Here’s what a typical THC gummy session looks like:

0–30 minutes: No noticeable effects
30–120 minutes: Effects build
2–6 hours: Peak intensity
6–12 hours: Gradual fade
Next day: Possible mild grogginess

Planning your time is important due to the long duration.

Key Takeaways

THC gummies take 30–120 minutes to kick in
Most highs last 4–12 hours
Peak effects last around 6–8 hours
Edibles feel stronger due to 11-hydroxy-THC
Start low and wait at least 2 hours

If you’re exploring THC gummies, choosing clearly labeled, third-party tested products from DankMart.co helps you dose confidently and avoid unpleasant surprises.

FAQ: How Long Does a Gummy High Last?

How long does a 10mg gummy high last?

Typically 6–8 hours, depending on tolerance and metabolism.

Can a gummy high last 24 hours?

Strong doses may cause lingering effects like tiredness, but the main high usually ends within 12 hours.

Why do edibles last longer than smoking?

Because the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which produces longer-lasting effects.

How long should I wait before taking another gummy?

Wait at least 2 hours to feel full effects before consuming more.

References:

Rae, A., PhD, Reviewed by Stacia Woodcock, S, PharmD. (2024, May 21). How Long Do Cannabis Edibles Last?. Available at: https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/cannabis/how-long-edibles-last

Rumack, L. (2025, June 6). A Beginner’s Guide To Weed Gummies. Available at: https://chatelaine.com/living/weed-gummies-beginners-faq/

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. (June 2019). Cannabis: Inhaling vs Ingesting. Available at: https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2019-06/CCSA-Cannabis-Inhaling-Ingesting-Risks-Infographic-2019-en_1.pdf

Dr. Louisa Degenhardt, Ph.D, AO, FAA, FASSA, FAHMS