How Long Does the Effect of a Brownie Last?

When you eat a brownie made with cannabis, you’re not just enjoying a sweet treat-you’re ingesting a powerful substance that affects your body differently than smoking or vaping. The question isn’t just how long it takes to feel something, but how long that feeling lasts, and why it varies so much from person to person.

When Do You Start to Feel It?

Unlike smoking cannabis, where effects hit within seconds or minutes, edibles like brownies take time to kick in. Most people start feeling something between 30 and 90 minutes after eating. But some wait up to two hours, especially if they ate the brownie on a full stomach. Digestion is the key here. Your body has to break down the THC in the brownie, absorb it through your gut, and send it to your liver before it enters your bloodstream as 11-hydroxy-THC-a stronger, longer-lasting version of the compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily.

This delay is why people often eat more, thinking the first brownie didn’t work. That’s how overdoses happen. One study from the University of Colorado found that nearly 40% of emergency room visits related to cannabis edibles were caused by people eating a second dose too soon.

How Long Does the High Last?

Once the effects start, they don’t fade quickly. For most people, the peak hits around 2 to 3 hours after eating, and the main high lasts 4 to 6 hours. But the aftereffects-feeling relaxed, a little spaced out, or sleepy-can linger for up to 8 to 12 hours. Some users report subtle changes in perception or mood for as long as 24 hours, especially with high-dose brownies (10 mg THC or more per piece).

Compare that to smoking: a joint might give you 1 to 3 hours of strong effects, then you’re back to normal. A brownie? It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

What Affects How Long It Lasts?

Not all brownies are created equal. The duration of the high depends on several factors:

• THC dose per brownie-A 5 mg brownie might last 4 to 6 hours. A 25 mg brownie? You’re looking at 8 to 12 hours, sometimes longer.
• Your metabolism-Faster metabolisms process THC quicker. Younger people or those with higher body fat may feel effects longer.
• Whether you ate on an empty stomach-Eating on an empty stomach speeds up absorption. A full stomach delays onset and can extend the total duration.
• Tolerance-Regular cannabis users often feel shorter, milder effects. First-timers can be overwhelmed by the same dose.
• Other ingredients-Fats like butter or oil help absorb THC. A low-fat brownie might not be as effective or long-lasting.

There’s no exact formula, but a general rule: for every 10 mg of THC, expect 4 to 6 hours of noticeable effects. Add 2 to 4 hours for residual feelings.

Why Do Some People Feel It Longer?

Some people swear they felt the effects of a brownie for over 24 hours. That’s rare, but it happens. The reason? It’s not the THC itself-it’s how your body handles it.

THC is stored in fat cells. After your liver converts it to 11-hydroxy-THC, your body slowly releases small amounts back into your bloodstream over time. This creates a slow, low-level buzz that can feel like lingering effects-especially if you’re sensitive, or if the brownie was made with a concentrated extract like distillate or hash oil.

Also, people with slower liver function (due to age, medication, or genetics) may process THC more slowly. One 2023 analysis in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that people over 50 experienced effects 30% longer on average than those under 30, even with the same dose.

What Should You Do If It’s Lasting Too Long?

If you’ve eaten a brownie and the effects are overwhelming or lasting longer than expected, here’s what actually helps:

• Stay calm-Panic makes everything feel worse. Remind yourself: this will pass.
• Drink water-Dehydration can make dizziness or anxiety worse.
• Eat something sugary-A banana, candy, or juice can help stabilize your blood sugar and reduce anxiety.
• Find a quiet, safe space-Noise and crowds amplify discomfort. Put on headphones, listen to calm music.
• Don’t take more-No matter how long you wait, adding more will only make it worse.

There’s no antidote to cannabis. Time is the only cure. Most people feel better within 6 to 8 hours. If you’re vomiting, losing consciousness, or having chest pain, seek medical help-those are rare but serious signs.

How to Avoid Overdoing It

The best way to control how long the effect lasts is to control how much you eat.

• Start with 5 mg THC or less if you’re new to edibles.
• Wait at least 2 hours before considering a second bite.
• Look for brownies labeled with exact THC content. Avoid homemade ones without clear dosing.
• Store edibles separately from regular food. Use labeled containers.
• Keep them away from kids and pets. A single brownie can be dangerous for a small dog.

Many dispensaries now sell brownies in 2.5 mg or 5 mg doses. That’s the sweet spot for beginners. Even experienced users often stick to 10 mg per sitting to avoid the long, unpredictable ride.

How Long Does It Stay in Your System?

Even after the high is gone, THC stays in your body. It can show up in urine tests for up to 3 days after one use, and up to 30 days for heavy users. Blood tests detect THC for about 24 hours. Hair tests can show use for months.

If you’re subject to drug testing, eating a brownie-even once-could have consequences. Don’t assume the high is over means the drug is gone.

Final Thoughts

A brownie isn’t just dessert. It’s a delayed, potent, and long-lasting experience. It can be relaxing, creative, or deeply uncomfortable-depending on the dose, your body, and your mindset. The key isn’t just knowing how long it lasts, but learning how to control it.

Respect the dose. Wait it out. And remember: the longer the high, the more you need to plan for it. Don’t drive. Don’t operate machinery. Don’t make big decisions. Give yourself space, time, and patience.