Edibles vs Smoking vs Vaping: Which High Lasts Longest?

Cannabis consumers often ask one key question: How long does the high actually last? The answer depends largely on how THC enters the body. Edibles, smoking, and vaping each produce different onset times, peak effects, and durations.

This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose the method that matches your goals and lifestyle — especially when ordering through legal cannabis delivery in California.

Edibles: The Longest-Lasting Experience

Edibles must be digested before THC reaches the bloodstream. During digestion, the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that produces stronger and longer-lasting effects.

General experience:

• Onset: 30–90 minutes
• Duration: 4–8+ hours
• Effects: Strong body relaxation, deeper mental shift

If you’re planning for a long evening or need sustained effects, edibles are the most reliable option.

Explore THC edibles available for delivery here:

Cali Greens Edibles

Smoking: Fastest Onset and Most Controllable

When inhaling burned flower, THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs almost immediately. This creates noticeable effects rapidly — ideal for people who want instant relief.

General experience:

• Onset: Seconds to minutes
• Duration: 1–3 hours
• Effects: Mild to strong head high, depending on strain and potency

Smoking makes it easy to adjust dosing by taking additional inhalations as needed.

See top-shelf flower available for delivery:

Cali Greens Flower

Vaping: Smooth, Discreet, and Slightly Longer Than Smoking

Vaping uses heated oil or live resin, creating vapor instead of smoke. Many consumers find this smoother on the throat and more discreet overall.

General experience:

• Onset: Immediate
• Duration: 2–4 hours
• Effects: Clean, terpene-rich experience

Live resin tends to maintain more natural cannabinoids and terpenes, which can enhance effect duration.

Browse vape cartridges and disposables:

Cali Greens Vape Pens

Which High Lasts the Longest?

• Edibles last the longest due to digestion and liver metabolism
• Vaping offers a middle-ground duration
• Smoking provides the quickest but shortest-lasting effects

Your choice depends on how quickly you want the high to start and how long you want it to stay.

Why Experiences Differ from Person to Person

Many factors influence high duration:

• THC potency and product type
• Your personal tolerance level
• Body chemistry and metabolism
• Full vs empty stomach (for edibles)
• Inhalation volume (for vaping/smoking)
• Strain genetics (indica, sativa, hybrid effects)

No two experiences are identical, even with the same product.

Responsible Consumption

Regardless of how THC is consumed:

• Follow legal purchasing requirements
• Avoid mixing with alcohol or operating a vehicle
• Understand your own tolerance
• Buy only from licensed delivery providers

Legal delivery ensures product quality, lab testing, age verification, and safe hand-off procedures.

Where to Get Cannabis Delivered

Cannabis delivery is fully legal in California.

Cali Greens delivers premium cannabis across the Inland Empire, including:

Riverside, Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Corona, Lake Elsinore, and nearby cities.

This makes it easy to choose your preferred method — edibles, smoking, vaping — and get high-quality products

delivered directly to you.

Conclusion

If you want the longest-lasting high, edibles are the top choice. If you want speed and total control, smoking or vaping may be better. With legal delivery options available, cannabis consumers can pick their perfect experience without leaving home.

Explore the Cali Greens menu to find what fits your moment — whether you want hours of deep relaxation or a short session with quick effects.