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We talk a lot about cannabis and its consequences on health. But once taken, how long do the effects of the drug last? This is the question that a team of Australian researchers tried to answer.
How long do the effects of THC on users’ cognitive abilities last? Does the mode of administration and the frequency of consumption have an impact? As surprising as it may seem, until now there were no categorical answers to these questions.
Results based on the analysis of more than 80 independent studies
To answer it, researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, have not been idle. They reviewed 80 separate studies looking at the effects of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component of cannabis.
They were also interested in data from 1,534 people subjected to driving tests (or an equivalent task) in order to determine the level and duration of the effects of the drug on the consumer’s cognitive abilities.
Effects that last between 3 and 10 hours
The effects of THC last between 3 and 10 hours depending on how the drug will be taken and the user’s tolerance to it. According to the main author of this work, Danielle McCartney, “cognitive impairment can last up to 10 hours if high doses of THC are consumed orally. But the usual duration is 4 hours when lower doses of THC are consumed via smoking or vaping“.
Three factors influence the duration of the effects of the consumer’s cognitive impairment;
- The THC content;
- How to take the drug: orally or inhaled. The effects are longer when taken orally;
- The regularity of the intake: the more the consumer is exposed to THC, the less the effects will last.
Elements that induce a de facto difference between occasional consumers and those who are used to taking cannabis.
Effects decrease with regular use
Asked about this study, Dr. William Lowenstein, internist, addictologist and president of SOS addictions finds the results of this meta-analysis very interesting: “We observe that, on average, the effects of cannabis consumption decrease 5 to 7 hours after taking it, with regard to neuro-cognitive effects.“He explains first.
“The second major lesson relates to the tolerance of the product: the more we are used to consuming a drug, the more the body gets used to it and the more its effects are attenuated. This is also true for alcohol“adds the specialist.
“This raises the question of screening and the sensitivity of the tests carried out while driving.“says Dr. Lowenstein, who advises users who take cannabis”not to drive within six hours of consuming“.
Slide: Cannabis: how does it affect our body?