Cannabis culture has grown rapidly in Canada since legalization, and with it, a new appreciation for the craft of consumption. But whether you’re lighting up for the first time or revisiting after a break, one common question never goes up in smoke: how many hits does it take to get high?

The answer isn’t straightforward — it depends on a mix of factors like strain type, THC percentage, your tolerance level, and even how you consume it. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cannabis potency, what affects your high, and how to enjoy your experience safely and comfortably.

Understanding What a “Hit” Means

Means of a hit in cannabis terms refers to one inhalation, whether it’s from a joint, pipe, bong, or vape. The potency of each hit depends on the quantity, quality, and efficiency of your burning or vaporizing.

For example, a small puff of a mild hybrid strain rolled loosely in a joint will deliver far less THC than a dense bong rip of a high-potency cultivar like Godfather OG or Jealousy.

That’s why the question isn’t so much how many hits, but how you hit and what you’re hitting.

Factors That Affect How Many Hits It Takes

Several variables determine how quickly you’ll feel high and how intense the effects will be. Think of them as puzzle pieces that come together to shape your experience.

1. THC Content and Strain Quality

The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) level is the key factor. In Canada, the top-shelf strains often test between 20% and 30% THC level. Some boutique cultivars boast even higher levels.

  • Low-THC strains (10–15%): Often suitable for beginners who prefer mild, functional highs.
  • Medium-THC strains (15–25%): Balanced experience for social or creative use.
  • High-THC strains (25–35%+): Very potent—ideal for experienced users or those with high tolerance.

If you’re smoking a premium strain from a trusted BC grower or a top-tier Ontario dispensary, even one or two hits could be enough to feel effects.

2. Your Tolerance Level

Frequent users may need several hits to achieve the same high as a new consumer does in just one. The body builds tolerance over time, especially if it’s regularly exposed to THC.

If you consume daily, you might need three or four deep hits to feel noticeable effects. Meanwhile, first-time users may get comfortably high from one puff.

3. Consumption Method

How you consume cannabis dramatically changes potency absorption:

  • Smoking (joints, pipes): Traditional as well as controllable, but some THC burns away.
  • Vaping: Generally more efficient, delivering stronger hits with less smoke.
  • Bongs: Intense and fast—one rip can feel like several joint hits.
  • Edibles: Not measured in hits, but in milligrams—start low (2.5–5 mg).

If you’re vaping high-quality flower or concentrate, expect to feel the high more quickly than from a joint.

4. Body Chemistry and Metabolism

Individual biology also plays a key role. Such as weight, metabolism, hydration, and even what you’ve eaten recently can influence how cannabis affects you. Two people can take identical hits from the same joint and experience completely different intensities.

Average Number of Hits to Get High

Exact numbers vary, but here’s a general guideline for adult recreational use based on tolerance and strain strength:

Experience Level THC Strength Typical Number of Hits Description

Beginner 10–18% 1–3 minor hits Mild euphoria, clarity, light relaxation.

Casual User 18–25% 2–5 hits Noticeable mood lift, mild body buzz.

Regular User 25–30%+ 4–7 hits Strong mental and physical high.

Heavy User 30%+ or concentrates 6+ hits. Intense euphoria, body sedation, heavy relaxation.

Cannabis is incredibly personal, though—some may be comfortably high after two hits, while others need more. Pay attention to your body and mind—once you start feeling good, pause. Overdoing it rarely makes the experience better.

Why Strain Quality Matters So Much

In Canada’s growing legal market, not all weed is created equal. The quality of the strain affects much more than taste. High-quality, well-cured cannabis will burn evenly, produce smooth smoke, and deliver consistent THC levels in every hit.

Premium strains from reputable cultivators—like BC Black, Tantalus Labs, or Broken Coast—usually contain a balanced terpene profile that enhances both potency and flavour. Terpenes aren’t just about aroma; they also influence how THC feels. For example:

  • Myrcene can add a sedative, “couch-lock” feel.
  • Limonene provides an uplifting, citrusy effect.
  • Caryophyllene offers a comforting, spicy relaxation.

That’s why two strains with identical THC numbers can feel completely different. Quality cannabis gives you more predictable, enjoyable highs.

The Role of Terpenes and the “Entourage Effect”

You’ve probably heard of the entourage effect. It’s the theory that cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) work best when combined with terpenes and other plant compounds. Essentially, your height is shaped by synergy.

This means smoking a rich, terpene-heavy strain might get you higher—even with the same THC percentage—than a low-quality, poorly cured batch with little aroma or flavour.

When considering how many hits you need, don’t just look at the numbers. Look, smell, and taste your weed. A strong aroma often signals high terpene content and better overall effects.

Tips for a Better High (Without Overdoing It)

If you’re trying to figure out your ideal number of hits, here are simple, harm-reducing tips to keep your session smooth:

  • Start slow: Once you take one small puff, wait 10–15 minutes before your next one.
  • Hydrate: Dry mouth and dizziness are common when dehydrated.
  • Smoke in a comfortable setting: Your environment can affect how you feel.
  • Use quality gear: Clean glass or a good vape ensures pure flavour.
  • Know your limit: Stop when you feel relaxed—not overwhelmed.

For first-time users, it’s smart to smoke with someone experienced or under the guidance of a budtender at a nearby cannabis store. They’ll help you gauge when enough is enough.

Signs You’ve Had Too Many Hits

Even with good weed, too much THC can tip the balance. Watch for signs like racing thoughts, dry mouth, dizziness, or temporary anxiety. If you feel too high:

  • Sit or lie down in a calm spot.
  • Sip some water.
  • Have a snack (something sweet or fatty helps).
  • Take slow, deep breaths.

You’ll be fine—give it time. The effects usually fade within an hour or two.

Final Thoughts: Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to getting high, less is often more. The number of hits you need depends on your personal tolerance, the strain’s quality, and the method of use—but high-quality cannabis always offers a better, smoother, and more enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re puffing a mild hybrid on your back porch in Vancouver or sharing a potent bong session in Montreal, remember that the goal isn’t to take the most hits—it’s to find your sweet spot where relaxation, creativity, and comfort meet.

Cannabis is about enjoyment, not endurance. Respect the plant, appreciate its power, and you’ll always have a significant high—no matter how many hits it takes.