How Long Does the Effect of Brownies Last?

When you eat a brownie infused with cannabis, the high doesn’t hit like smoking. It creeps in slowly-sometimes taking 30 minutes, sometimes over an hour. And once it’s there, it doesn’t just fade away. It lingers. People often ask: how long does the effect of brownies last? The answer isn’t simple. It depends on your body, the dose, and even what you ate for breakfast.

When does the high start?

Unlike smoking or vaping, where effects kick in within seconds, edibles like brownies have to be digested. THC from the brownie travels through your stomach, gets absorbed into your bloodstream, then processed by your liver. That’s where it turns into 11-hydroxy-THC-a stronger, longer-lasting version of the compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily.

Most people feel something between 30 and 90 minutes after eating. If you’ve eaten a heavy meal right before, it could take two hours or more. That’s why some people eat another brownie thinking nothing happened-and end up overwhelmed. Patience is key. Wait at least two hours before considering more.

How long does the peak last?

The strongest part of the high-the peak-usually hits between 2 and 4 hours after consumption. This is when you feel the full body buzz, the altered sense of time, the deep relaxation, or sometimes, the anxiety if the dose was too high. The intensity varies wildly. A 5mg THC brownie might give you a gentle lift. A 50mg one? That’s a full-day experience.

Studies from the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs show that peak effects for edibles typically occur later and last longer than inhaled cannabis. In one trial, participants reported peak intensity at 3.5 hours, with noticeable effects still present at 8 hours.

How long does it all last?

Most people feel the main effects fade between 6 and 8 hours. But that doesn’t mean it’s over. You might still feel slightly off-drowsy, spacey, or emotionally sensitive-for up to 12 hours. Some people, especially those who are new to edibles or metabolize THC slowly, report lingering effects into the next day.

Factors that change the timeline:

• Dose: 10mg may last 4-6 hours. 25mg+ can stretch to 10-12 hours.
• Metabolism: Faster metabolisms clear THC quicker. Slower ones? It sticks around longer.
• Body fat: THC is fat-soluble. Higher body fat means THC stores longer and releases slowly.
• Stomach contents: Eating on an empty stomach speeds up onset but may shorten duration. A full stomach delays onset but can make the high last longer.
• Tolerance: Regular users often report shorter, less intense highs. Beginners feel it harder and longer.

What about residual effects?

Just because you’re not "high" anymore doesn’t mean your body has cleared everything. THC metabolites can stay in your system for days-even weeks-but that’s not the same as feeling impaired. The functional high, the one that affects your coordination, reaction time, and judgment, is usually gone by 12 hours for most people.

Still, if you’re planning to drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions, wait at least 12 hours. Some experts recommend 24 hours for safety, especially after a strong dose. In New Zealand, driving under the influence of cannabis-even from edibles-is illegal and carries serious penalties.

What if it lasts too long?

It’s not uncommon for someone to panic because they feel "stuck" in a high that won’t end. The truth? It always ends. You’re not broken. Your body is just processing slowly.

Here’s what helps:

• Stay calm. Panic makes everything worse.
• Drink water. Dehydration can amplify discomfort.
• Find a quiet, safe space. A dark room or a walk outside in nature helps.
• Chew black pepper. Studies suggest it may help reduce anxiety from THC.
• Try CBD. If you have CBD oil or gummies, a 10-20mg dose can counteract anxiety without causing sedation.

There’s no antidote. No vomiting, no coffee, no cold shower will speed it up. Time is the only cure. And it will pass.

How to avoid overdoing it

The biggest mistake people make? Eating too much too fast. Start low. Go slow.

• New users: Start with 2.5-5mg THC.
• Experienced users: 10-15mg is a solid baseline.
• Never exceed 20mg in one sitting unless you’re very experienced.
• Wait at least two hours before eating more.
• Label your brownies clearly. Don’t assume everyone knows what’s in them.

Store edibles in child-proof containers, out of reach of pets and kids. In New Zealand, accidental ingestion by children is a growing concern. A single brownie can send a toddler to the hospital.

Can you build up a tolerance?

Yes. Regular use leads to tolerance. Your body adjusts. You need more to feel the same effect. That’s normal. But tolerance drops quickly if you take a break. Even 3-7 days off can reset your sensitivity.

Some people use "microdosing"-taking 1-2.5mg every few days-to avoid tolerance buildup while still enjoying subtle benefits like reduced stress or better sleep.

What about drug tests?

THC stays detectable in urine for days to weeks, depending on frequency of use. One-time users might test positive for 3-7 days. Daily users? Up to 30 days or more. Hair tests can detect it for months. If you’re subject to drug testing, avoid edibles entirely. There’s no safe window.

Final takeaway

On average, the strong effects of a cannabis brownie last 6-8 hours. The afterglow-feeling slightly off, sleepy, or emotionally sensitive-can stretch to 12 hours. For most people, everything fades by the next morning. But if you took a high dose, or your metabolism is slow, it might linger longer. The key is patience, preparation, and respect for the dose.

Edibles aren’t candy. They’re medicine with a strong effect. Treat them like you would a prescription: know your dose, wait it out, and never rush the process.