Being high refers to the intoxicating effects experienced after consuming cannabis products containing THC. This psychoactive compound interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system to produce a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional effects.
This article will provide an in-depth guide to the sensations and subjective experience of what being high feels like. We’ll explore how cannabis affects the brain, the timeline of effects, and factors like strains and consumption methods that influence the type of high. You’ll learn about the range of physical sensations, psychological effects, and potential risks involved.
We’ll compare the differences between indica, sativa, and hybrid strains, as well as vaping, smoking, and edibles. The phenomenon of the “munchies” will be explained, along with tips for safe and responsible cannabis use. By the end, you’ll understand the nuances of what being high is really like.
How Cannabis Affects the Brain
THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, produces its effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the brain. This system is made up of endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors.
THC mimics the structure of endocannabinoids, allowing it to bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The two main receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the central and peripheral nervous systems, while CB2 receptors are located in the immune system.
When THC binds to CB1 receptors, it activates the receptors and alters normal brain communication. This disrupts the release of neurotransmitters and produces changes in mood, perception, memory, cognition, and movement coordination.
Some key brain regions impacted by THC include:
- Hippocampus: Involved in memory formation. THC impairs short-term memory.
- Cerebellum: Important for motor control and coordination. THC affects balance, posture, and fine motor skills.
- Basal ganglia: Plays a role in cognition and reward. THC releases dopamine, producing euphoria.
- Prefrontal cortex: Responsible for executive functions like planning and decision making. THC impairs judgment and focus.
By binding to cannabinoid receptors in these parts of the brain, THC creates the complex effects associated with being high. Understanding how cannabis interacts with the brain helps explain why people experience altered senses, moods, and perceptions when high.
Physical Sensations
The physical sensations of being high are often the first effects that cannabis users notice. A feeling of relaxation spreads throughout the body as muscles become less tense. This is what’s referred to as a “body high” – a soothing physical sensation of calmness and relief from stress or pain.
Users may feel lighter, almost as if they are floating or sinking into their seat or couch. Movements can feel slowed down and labored. Being high relaxes the body and relieves muscle tightness, which is why cannabis is often used for chronic pain symptoms.
In addition to relaxation, cannabis heightens the senses. Food may taste more flavorful, with nuances noticed that are usually missed when sober. Music sounds richer and more textured. Visual details stand out more, colors appear more vibrant, and artwork or scenery can seem fascinating.
Touch and physical sensations also intensify. Surfaces may feel softer, temperatures more extreme, and sex more pleasurable. The skin is more sensitive to tactile stimulation. However, fine motor control and coordination can be impaired while high, making detailed tasks more challenging.
Overall, the physical effects of being high produce a sense of calmness, relief, and comfort in one’s own body, while also amplifying sensory experiences. The combination creates a pleasant state of relaxation and euphoria.
Psychological Effects
Being high from cannabis can significantly alter your psychological state and thought processes. One of the most common psychological effects is a feeling of euphoria or happiness. Cannabis contains compounds that mimic the brain’s natural endocannabinoids, which regulate pleasure and reward pathways in the brain. THC activates the release of dopamine, creating a euphoric high.
In addition to euphoria, being high alters your perception of the world around you. Colors may seem more vibrant, music more immersive, and tactile sensations more pronounced. Some report an enhancement in their senses, while others experience a distortion in time and the speed at which things are happening.
Being high can also make your thoughts more introspective. Some find it easier to be creative or come up with new ideas when high due to decreased inhibitions. The high can also lead to deep philosophical insights or new perspectives on life. However, it may be harder to focus your thoughts for extended periods when high. Thought association and conversational flow may become disjointed.
In high doses, THC can trigger anxiety, paranoia or panic attacks in some individuals. It’s important to start with low doses and build up slowly to avoid negative psychological effects from too much THC too quickly. Setting and mood also impact the psychological experience of being high.
Factors Influencing the High
The experience of being high can vary greatly depending on several key factors:
Strain Differences
The two main strains of cannabis, indica and sativa, produce noticeably different effects. Indica strains are more likely to produce a “body high” – feelings of physical relaxation and sedation. Sativa strains are more likely to produce a “head high” – feelings of euphoria, energy, and cerebral effects. Hybrid strains exhibit effects somewhere between the two.
Beyond indica vs. sativa, different strains have different terpene and cannabinoid profiles that shape the nuances of the high. For example, strains high in the terpene limonene may provide uplifting, mood-enhancing effects. Strains high in myrcene may produce more sedating effects. The many combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids allow for a wide diversity of high experiences.
Consumption Method
Smoking or vaping cannabis provides the quickest high, with effects setting in within minutes. However, it provides shorter lasting effects compared to ingestion through edibles or oils.
Edibles and oils result in a slower onset of the high, taking 30-90 minutes to take effect. However, the high from ingestion lasts much longer, up to 8 hours compared to 1-3 hours from smoking/vaping. The prolonged high from edibles is perceived as more intense and psychedelic for some.
Dabbing concentrates provides a nearly instantaneous high that is much more potent than smoking flower. The intensity of the high is amplified but diminished more quickly.
Dosage and Tolerance
The dosage or amount of cannabis consumed directly impacts the intensity and duration of the high. Consuming a small 2-3 mg dose of an edible will produce light effects, while a 100 mg dose can cause hallucinogenic effects.
Frequent users develop a tolerance and require higher doses to achieve the same effects as new users. Tolerance resets after a break of a few days to a couple weeks.
Onset
- Smoking/vaping: Effects set in within seconds to a few minutes after inhaling.
- Edibles: Takes much longer, around 30 minutes to 2 hours. This delay is because edibles must be digested first before THC enters the bloodstream.
Peak
- Smoking/vaping: The peak high is reached within 30 minutes and can last 1-3 hours.
- Edibles: Peak effects occur 1-3 hours after ingestion and last 3-5 hours.
Comedown
- Smoking/vaping: The comedown starts 3-4 hours after smoking. Residual effects can linger for up to 24 hours.
- Edibles: The high tapers off slowly over several hours. It’s not unusual to feel some effects up to 6-12 hours after ingesting edibles.
Factors like dosage, tolerance, body chemistry, and potency of the cannabis product all affect duration. First-time users will get much higher for longer compared to frequent users with higher tolerance. Consuming cannabis on a full stomach can prolong the effects from edibles too.
Comparing Strains and Consumption Methods
Different cannabis strains and consumption methods can significantly impact the effects and experience of being high. Here’s an overview of how they differ:
Indica vs Sativa Highs
- Indica strains are known for providing a “body high” – relaxing the body, reducing pain and inflammation, and helping with sleep. The high feels calming and sedating.
- Sativa strains tend to provide more of a “head high” – boosting creativity, energy, and focus. The high feels more uplifting and cerebral.
- Hybrid strains exhibit a blend of indica and sativa effects, depending on their lineage.
Smoking vs Vaping vs Edibles
- Smoking cannabis provides the quickest high, within minutes, but the shortest duration, 1-3 hours. The high comes on strongly at first. Smoking has more negative health effects.
- Vaping also has a fast onset, within 5-10 minutes, and the high may last up to 4 hours. Vaping is generally seen as healthier than smoking. The high is clear and energetic.
- Edibles take much longer to kick in, around 30-90 minutes. But the high can last 6 hours or more and be very intense. The effects come on gradually. Edibles typically provide a strong, sedating body high.
- Oils/tinctures placed under the tongue have a fast-acting high similar to vaping. Effects start in 15-30 minutes and last 2-4 hours. The high is mellow and moderate.
The Munchies: Fact or Fiction?
One of the most well-known effects of getting high is getting “the munchies” – the phenomenon of getting an increased appetite after consuming cannabis. But why does cannabis make some people hungry?
It’s not just a myth – multiple scientific studies have shown that THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, stimulates appetite and increases food consumption. Here are some of the main theories behind why cannabis causes the munchies:
- THC activates the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating appetite and food intake. THC mimics the chemical anandamide, an endocannabinoid that is naturally produced in the brain and increases appetite.
- THC may increase the sensitivity of smell and taste, making food seem more appealing when high. Some studies show enhanced olfactory function after cannabis use.
- Cannabis may decrease nausea and gastrointestinal distress, making it easier to eat more. The anti-nausea effects of THC are used medicinally for chemotherapy patients.
- THC alters levels of leptin, ghrelin, and other hormones involved in hunger signals. It decreases leptin, which suppresses appetite, while increasing ghrelin which stimulates hunger.
- The relaxing and stress-reducing effects of cannabis may allow people to eat more freely and enjoy food without worries or anxiety.
However, increased appetite is not experienced by all cannabis users. The effects can vary based on the individual, strain, dosage, and tolerance level. While fun, giving in to the munchies can lead to weight gain, so it’s best to plan healthy snacks ahead of time when using cannabis. Moderation is key!
Responsible Cannabis Use
Responsible and moderate cannabis consumption is key to ensuring a positive experience. Here are some tips for safe, responsible use:
- Start low, go slow. Consuming too much cannabis too quickly can lead to uncomfortable effects like anxiety and paranoia. Start with a low dose and wait at least 1-2 hours before consuming more.
- Consider your tolerance. Those new to cannabis should start with a very low dose. More experienced users may need more to feel the desired effects. Tolerance breaks can help reset tolerance if needed.
- Know the source and quality. Consuming cannabis from a licensed dispensary ensures regulated, contaminant-free products. Avoid buying from unverified sources.
- Choose the right environment. Being around supportive, trusted friends in a safe, comfortable environment helps minimize anxiety and paranoia. Avoid public places or situations requiring coordination.
- Stay hydrated. Cannabis can dry out mucous membranes. Drink plenty of water before, during and after consumption.
- Have activities planned. Have engaging activities, music, movies, games, etc. planned to focus your high on. Don’t plan activities requiring coordination or concentration.
- Monitor your mental health. Those with anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions should carefully monitor effects. Consider CBD-dominant strains.
Seek professional help if cannabis causes significant life interference, including impacts on work, relationships, health, finances, motivation, or psychological well-being. Sudden cannabis withdrawal can also cause issues for heavy users. Support is available through addiction counseling and treatment programs.
Conclusion
Being high from cannabis produces a wide range of effects that vary based on the strain, dosage, and method of consumption. The main takeaways about what being high feels like include:
- A feeling of relaxation and euphoria as THC interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system
- Alterations in the senses, perception of time, coordination, and mood
- Physical sensations like dry mouth, increased heart rate, and appetite
- Psychological effects including introspection, sensory enhancement, and giggling
- Differences in effects between indica, sativa, and hybrid strains
- Faster onset and shorter duration from smoking/vaping versus edibles
- Building of tolerance with frequent use, requiring higher doses
- Potential negative effects like anxiety, paranoia, dizziness
- Impairments in focus, judgment, and motor skills
The cannabis high is a complex experience that varies. But armed with knowledge of strains, dosages, and one’s own tolerance, the pleasurable effects can be enhanced while minimizing adverse reactions. Most importantly, cannabis should be used responsibly.
