Ah, the age-old question: What is it like to be high? Will it be good or scary… or scary good? It’s what we all wondered before our first time consuming cannabis.
Your friends and cultural context have probably given you a variety of answers to these questions – and probably contradicting ones. Especially as marijuana becomes legal in more states, opinions abound. But not all ideas are rooted in fact or concern for curious consumers like you.
As your go-to Massachusetts cannabis dispensary, Garden Remedies separates fact from fiction, providing evidence-based, engaging education about our favorite plant. Visit our dispensaries in Newton, Melrose, and Marlborough to learn more.
What Being High CAN Feel Like: The Varied Effects of Cannabis
Though many parts of the cannabis plant work together to create ranging effects – a phenomenon known as the entourage effect – the cannabinoid THC stands out. It’s primarily responsible for creating the “high” sensation you’ll grow to know and love.[1]
What does being high feel like? It’s simply different for everyone, every time, depending on lots of factors. Despite how different each high can seem, cannabis reliably affects the same aspects of mind, body, and consciousness during all of the experiences it sparks.
By choosing the right products and doses with care, you can learn to control the high (more on that later!).
Physical Changes
Cannabis directly affects your endocannabinoid system: the complex, semi-understood network of enzymes, receptors, and endocannabinoids that regulate various bodily functions, from sleep to immunity to appetite, and much more.
Therefore, you’re likely to experience alterations in your heart rate, breathing, eyes and mouth (like dry mouth or itchy eyes), and coordination. The endocannabinoid system’s interaction with THC also explains the “munchies” you may get when you smoke a smooth joint and then suddenly crave a snack.[2]
Changes to Your Mood & Pain
Has anyone ever told you about a time that they took a bong rip and then had to lay down because they were so relaxed? Or a spliff that made them anxious or nervous?
Relaxed, happy, on edge, talkative, at peace… All of these reactions stem from the variable interaction between marijuana and the endocannabinoid system, which is part of the nervous system.
Cannabis causes changes way deeper than temporary fluctuations in mood: it has the proven ability to alleviate pain (including chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and pain resulting from inflammatory conditions). In some cases, it can bring needed relief to those struggling with mental, emotional, or physical pain.
To see if you or someone you love qualifies for a medical marijuana card – and for simple step-by-step instructions to get one if you do: Check out our blog post on Massachusetts medical marijuana cards.
Altered Perception of Time & Yourself
Consumers have reported a wide range of novel experiences, which can be more difficult to expect, navigate, and process than the better-known physical and emotional effects of cannabis. At the same time, these experiences may be more expansive, transformative, and fun!
“When I am high I immediately gain a broader perspective on what it means to be human and am able to look back at my usual sober state with more objective hindsight, which I can then generate into foresight.”[3]
-Russell Lehmann
"For me, being high helps me feel more in touch with myself. It helps take me out of the swirling storm of everyday stressors and rediscover the beauty and wonder of myself and the world around me."
-Abby Aronson, Marlborough Cannabis Advisor
Picture that wholesome sense you get at the end of a day well spent, perhaps with friends or exploring gorgeous nature outside… You feel like the day either disappeared or lasted for ages. Now multiply that by a thousand. You’re getting closer to how you might experience varieties of cannabis.
Deep presence may be one way that time twists when you’re high. You can access this feeling of inner stillness and placid awareness anytime, but cannabis, when enjoyed in the right set and setting, may present it to you naturally.
What Being High DOESN’T Feel Like: Debunking Common Myths About the Impacts of Cannabis
When you hear about someone else’s experience smoking, vaping, or ingesting cannabis, do you automatically assume yours would be similar?
Many folks think this way. But being high on cannabis isn’t the same for everyone – far from it. You may (and probably will) experience the plant’s interaction with your endocannabinoid system differently than your mom would; her cannabis high might be nothing like her best friend’s.
Unlearning other myths about cannabis will give you great insight into what being high does actually feel like.
No, Weed Doesn’t Make You a Lazy Stoner
Maybe something your parents said made you start equating regular pot usage with laziness. (Or maybe it was that one guy in high school who was, by all accounts, a lazy stoner.)
This myth has been around for ages. While cannabis does affect areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory – making it temporarily hard to focus sometimes – there is no evidence that it contributes to long-term personality patterns or cognitive abilities.[4]
When you use cannabis responsibly and intentionally, you’ll certainly notice changes in the quality of your mind, whether it’s temporary relaxation or a deeper sense of yourself. Don’t worry about your analytic capacity, which will still be there when your high wears off.
Yes, You Can Influence the Effects of Cannabis
Another unhelpful narrative about marijuana goes something like this: You take a hit and then, boom. Everything is wonky. You’re either freaking out or floating in an endless sea of your own bliss.
Really, those extreme sorts of experiences are rare. What happens during your cannabis high is a product of several factors, especially your mind and your environment. Choosing them with intention can set you up for the type of experience you’re looking for.
Does Marijuana Make You Detached from Reality?
Yes, using cannabis can alter your sense of time, yourself, and larger reality. (Remember: it can do this, not necessarily will do this.)
Whether this makes you detached from reality is more than a matter of semantics. It’s also not definitive.
If you’re 21 or older – or have a valid medical marijuana card – and feel interested in trying cannabis, you’ll discover your own perspective over time. Does smoking detach you from reality? Does it bring you into an altered perception of reality for a time? Is it helpful or unhelpful? What does being high feel like?
The Best Garden Remedies Products to Try for Your First Few Highs
Garden Remedies is here for you during your personal journey with cannabis. We offer a wide variety of medical and recreational cannabis products for residents of Massachusetts. Get started with this collection of recommendations – or choose your own from our extensive online menu.
In general, marijuana products with moderate to low doses of THC are best for beginners, since THC is the cannabinoid that produces your “high” sensation. These selected products contain varying levels of THC, and all of them are well-suited for your early explorations of what it feels like to be high.
Dank & Delicious Pre-Rolls
This Pocket Pack from REALM contains twelve 0.35 gram joints, packaged together in an inconspicuous tin. Smoking one will give you a lovely introduction to cannabis highs. This packaging makes these pre-rolls easy to enjoy on the go – perhaps at a local park, at your friend’s house, or in the comfort of your own home.
Fans of Governmint Oasis prize it for its strong diesel taste and scent. Even if you don’t expect it to be your thing, diesel can be a surprisingly alluring flavor and aroma. Share this package with a friend, and let the good times begin.
When you’re ready for a bit more, this 1 gram pre-roll can give you the high you’re looking for. It tastes like ripe cherries, as its name suggests, providing you a sweet and one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
Thanks to its 15.02% THC content, this pre-roll will likely spark a moderate high. You’ll enjoy its complex cannabis-derived terpene profile, featuring 0.35% Beta Myrcene, which is known to be soothing.
Neither of these pre-rolls catch your eye? Then, to select one (or some) you’ll love, check out our many pre-rolls!
Vapes to Savor (and Share)
Want to try vaping instead of smoking? This Cherry Lime vape from High Flavor would be a terrific first choice. Its bright flavor evokes the sweet and sour candies and sodas you used to love when you were younger. Plus, it’s disposable and ready-to-use, offering you maximum convenience.
Consumers report feeling uplifted, energetic, and creative when using this 1 gram vape. You’ll probably feel the effect of it within minutes, so pause and check how you’re feeling after every exhale. You can always savor some of it and save the rest for later.
What will your experience with the Cherry Lime vape be like? There’s only one way to find out…
Gentle Edibles for Uplifting Highs
Edibles can be another wonderful way to wade into the world of weed. Enjoy them with friends, family members, or by yourself – depending on the experience you seek.
These ones will make you understand their name in every cell of your body. Tropic Thundah will roll through your mind and senses, covering them with out-of-this-world deliciousness. A tropical fruit blend makes up these gummies’ center and combines nicely with their sour sugar coating.
With 4.63 mg of THC, the Tropic Thundah gummies provide a relatively small high. You may find yourself feeling lively but calm, eager to continue your exploration of what it feels like to be high.
If you’re searching for a way to consume cannabis that’s more familiar than vapes, joints, and gummies, this is the one. THC-infused seltzers are rising in popularity because of how approachable, delicious, and effective they can be.
This one is a Garden Remedies favorite. It’s simply delicious with a fresh pomegranate flavor. Fellow fans report a quick lift in their energy – as you can feel the effects of this seltzer in just 5 minutes – which makes it perfect for social gatherings. With 5 mg of THC, you’ll certainly feel its effects.
Four Expert Tips to Enjoy Your Cannabis High
Once you’ve gathered your product of choice, along with a basic understanding of what your cannabis high may entail, it’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for… really, it’s almost time. You’ll still want to properly set yourself up for an expansive, grounded, beautiful, and eye-opening high (or whatever experience you’re looking for).
These tips will help you finish your preparations, since:
“The effects that a person experiences from using cannabis can vary depending on how much they consume, how they consume it (inhaled vs. edibles), what their mood and mindset is like prior to using it, what setting they are in, and the variety of cannabis they are using.”[5]
1) Choose Your Products Wisely
Even if you go with products sold by other companies (and if you’re not a resident of Massachusetts, you’ll have to), promise us one thing: you’ll only use cannabis from legal, regulated dispensaries. Other options come with too much risk. Don’t you want your highs to be as clean and wholesome as possible?
2) Start Low and Go Slow
This is the classic advice when it comes to edibles. Start with low doses, and proceed with slowness and appropriate caution.
Since edibles can take up to two hours to kick in, don’t judge their strength based on how you feel shortly after taking them. Give it some time. You can always take more edibles if two hours have elapsed and you’re looking for more intensity.
3) Set Meaningful Intentions
Intention setting can be a fun way to realize how your mind influences your high. Reflect on why you’re trying cannabis. Are you craving:
- Relaxation?
- Transcendence?
- Connection to yourself?
- Connection to others?
- A light night full of giggles and funny videos?
- Something else?
Beyond any intentions, your whole mental state may be on vivid display while you’re high. Try your best to make it something you’d like to see deeply by going into the experience grounded, open, and focused.
4) Create a Peaceful, Beautiful Setting
When your intentions become clear, so will your next steps. You’ll naturally know what you need to do – and where you’d like to be – for your chosen experience.
Smoking at home comes with a unique flavor of comfort, privacy, and relaxation. Taking edibles and going for a walk in nature may open you up to marvelous insights. Sharing a vape with your partner might catalyze inspiration and intimacy.
Where would you like to be for the high you have in mind? So long as you steer clear of areas where smoking weed isn’t legal (like public places in Massachusetts), the whole world can open up to you when you intentionally enjoy cannabis.
Embrace Cannabis Highs with an Open Mind
So, what does being high feel like? Has your perspective broadened or changed at all?
As you start to form conclusions about cannabis highs, rely only on evidence-based sources. Always take into account that your friends’ stories may not be like your own, since, as several articles agree:
“The truth is, being high can feel different for everyone. It’s like asking people to describe the color blue – you’ll get a different answer every time.”[6]
“Being high from cannabis is different for everyone. Just like being in love, it’s hard to explain and everyone experiences it in their own way.”[7]
While you continue researching cannabis, and eventually begin trying it, we hope you will fall in love with it along the way.
Consider Garden Remedies a resource, both for top-notch cannabis in Massachusetts and education about it from our blog and our expert team of Cannabis Advisors at dispensaries near you. Great people. Great weed. Great prices. Guaranteed.
[1] Weed Use & Marijuana Body High Symptoms
[2] Sensation of a Cannabis High: Smoking, Edibles, and Vaping
[4] Does Weed Make You Lazy? Exploring the Stoner Stereotype
[6] What Does Being High Feel Like? Stages Of Being High
[7] Why Does Cannabis Affect People Differently? Experts Answer 7 FAQs About The Cannabis High
