What Does Being High Feel Like? Stages Of Being High

"I'm so high right now."

We've all heard it (or said it) before. But what does being "high" really mean?

What does being high feel like?

Well, there’s no one answer for everyone, the experience of being high varies for each person and depends on some factors like the strain, how much of THC you took and how you took it.

Yet, there are similarities of a high which are very common and you should know if it is your first time experiencing cannabis.

What To Do If You’re Too High?

Before we start, we’d like to offer some tips on dealing with being too high.

If you're feeling a little more "out there" than you bargained for. It happens to the best of us.

If you’ve dosed higher than your tolerance, you may feel the following effects:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Depressive thoughts
• Reduced cognitive (mental) and motor skills

Okay, first things first: Don't panic - remember, it will pass.

These are just the normal effects of consuming too much THC, you’ll sober up in a few hours.

Now, take a deep breath.

So, you accidentally launched yourself into outer space?

No worries, we've got you covered.

Instead of fighting it, try to actually ride the wave. Here are some tips which can help you feel more grounded and enjoy:

• Find a Calm Space: Get comfy on the couch or bed, and maybe put on some chill music or your favorite show.
• Hydrate: Water or juice can help you feel grounded and ease any dry mouth or headache.
• Take CBD: CBD can help regulate the THC’s psychoactive effects and make you feel calmer and more relaxed.
• Breathe Deep: Slow, deep breaths can help regulate your heart rate and ease anxiety.
• Time: Remember, the effects will wear off. Try to relax and let time do its thing.

What is a high?

Is it the uncontrollable laughter? The profound thoughts about the universe? The sudden urge to order every item on the Taco Bell menu?

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.

From giggle fits to philosophical debates, from couch-lock to sudden bursts of creativity, cannabis can turn people into wildly different versions of themselves.

What Does Being High Feel Like?

Being high is a combination of various effects, from happiness, uncontrollable laughter to getting more pleasure from music, movies, food, gaming, and making love.

THC may also lessen the sensation of pain and promote better sleep.

Many people consume cannabinoids with the goal of getting some pain relief, easing stress, or sleeping better.

For others, they might just want to have some fun and enjoy themselves for the moment.

Our Delta-9 THC Gummies are great for both.

Here are some of the most common effects people report when being high:

• Euphoria
• Laughter
• Creativity
• Relaxation
• Sleepiness
• Increased hunger
• Altered sensory perceptions

You can sit and watch a documentary for hours but also forget what you were doing just 10 seconds ago. Things which you find amusing are now downright hilarious and you can’t stop laughing.

You can feel like your brain is running 100 miles a minute, but in slow motion.

It can also make your motor skills a bit decreased.

Why is it different for everyone?

Ever wondered why your friend can't stop giggling after a hit, while you're suddenly contemplating the meaning of life? Or why that strain that mellowed you out last time now has you cleaning your entire apartment at 2 AM?

Welcome to the wonderfully unpredictable world of cannabis highs.

It's like each hit is a roll of the dice, and you never know if you're going to end up philosophizing about the meaning of life or spending an hour trying to remember where you put your keys.

So, what's the deal?

From sudden bursts of productivity to falling into a YouTube rabbit hole for hours, cannabis has a way of making people behave in ways that range from hilarious to downright bizarre.

The sort of experience you have depends on a lot of things like;

• the kind of person you are (e.g. outgoing or shy)
• the environment you're in (you're more likely to feel paranoid or anxious if you don't feel comfortable where you are or if you're with people you don't trust)
• how much THC your edible has
• how much CBD your edible has
• how much you take
• how often you take it

Why Does Cannabis Get You High?

When you consume cannabis edibles like THC Gummies, THC enters your bloodstream and makes its way to your brain, where it interacts with your CB1 and CB2 receptors.

These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network which regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and more.

Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made up of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.

This system has receptors throughout your body, including in your brain, nervous system, and immune system.

THC binds to these receptors, particularly the CB1 receptors in your brain, mimicking your body's natural endocannabinoids¹.

When THC binds to CB1 receptors, it alters the normal functioning of various neurotransmitters.

This leads to changes in mood, perception, appetite, and memory. It also triggers a larger-than-normal release of dopamine, contributing to the euphoric "high" feeling².

Cannabis gets you high primarily because of a compound called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Here's how it works:

• THC enters your system: When you consume cannabis, THC enters your bloodstream, either through your lungs (if you smoke or vape) or through your digestive system (if you eat an edible).
• THC binds to receptors: THC travels to your brain and binds to specific receptors called cannabinoid receptors, primarily the CB1 receptor.
• THC mimics natural chemicals: THC mimics the actions of endocannabinoids, natural chemicals produced by your body that activate these receptors.
• Brain activity changes: When THC binds to CB1 receptors, it alters the way neurons communicate with each other. This can lead to changes in various brain functions, including:
  • Increased dopamine release
  • Altered sensory perception
  • Changes in time perception
  • Impaired memory and cognition
• High feeling: The combination of these changes in brain activity leads to the characteristic "high" associated with cannabis use. The experience can vary greatly depending on the amount of THC consumed, the individual's tolerance, and other factors.

It's important to note that THC is just one of many compounds found in cannabis. Other cannabinoids, like CBD (cannabidiol), also interact with the ECS but don't produce the same psychoactive effects. In fact, CBD can actually counteract some of the unwanted side effects of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia.

The effects can vary based on factors like the strain's THC concentration, terpene profile, consumption method, and your individual body chemistry. Some strains might make you feel relaxed and sleepy, while others could energize you or spark creativity.

Remember, cannabis affects everyone differently. Your unique brain chemistry, tolerance level, and even your mindset can influence how you experience the high.

The Stages Of Being High

1. The Anticipation

You've just taken a hit or an edible. Your taste buds are tingling, but nothing else... yet.

2. What Was That?

Suddenly, it hits you. Colors seem more vivid, music feels more intense. Your mind quiets down, there’s no stress or tension.

A wave of calmness comes over you, and your mental chatter subsides.

3. That Was Something

Everything is hilarious. That cat video you’ve watched a hundred times? Comedy gold.

You don’t hear music anymore - you feel it.

Music becomes a full body experience which makes you feel like you’re floating.

This is where you start putting effort into functioning normally. Your motor skills can feel a bit disoriented, your coordination might be a bit off.

Walking in a straight line becomes a challenge, and texting isn’t so smooth anymore.

It's like trying to sign your name with your non-dominant hand – your brain knows what to do, but your hand just can't quite get there.

The pizza is now speaking to you, but walking to the kitchen feels like a marathon.

You might find yourself tasting flavors you never knew existed in the food you eat.

You’re feeling the full effects of THC, it’s not the peak, but you’ll soon be there. It’s a good time to be prepared, get some water and relax in bed.

Some snacks and a cozy spot are your best friends.

5. Philosopher Stage:

Your thoughts become…interesting.

Conversation? Pfft…who needs it?

Suddenly, you’re thinking about life’s big questions:

What is the meaning of life? Is reality what it seems?

Was the moon landing real?

What should I eat!?

You have the ability to become hyper focused on anything you choose to think about or do.

Things start to mellow out. You're feeling philosophical, maybe a bit sleepy.

6. Snacking Time:

You feel hungry, everything tastes delicious. You’re craving weird food combinations.

The high is wearing off. You're either ready for bed or reaching for another snack.

Moving seems like way too much effort. The couch has become your new best friend.

If you’re feeling one with the furniture, that’s normal as well.

The fog clears. You're left with a mix of relaxation, hunger.

As the high wears off, you might feel a sense of clarity, or you might feel a bit groggy.

7. Back To Normal

The high has faded, and you're back to your usual self. However, depending on the amount of THC consumed, you might experience some lingering effects. This is where your tolerance level comes into play.

A higher tolerance can mean a quicker return to baseline, while those new to THC might notice some residual effects for a bit longer. You might feel a bit more relaxed or contemplative, and you'll likely have a serious case of the munchies.

But that's not all. You might also experience:

• Increased Thirst: THC can dehydrate you, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
• Mild Fatigue: After the energy boost of the high wears off, some people feel a bit tired.
• Headache or Dizziness: In some cases, especially with higher doses, a mild headache or dizziness can occur as the effects fade.
• Mood Changes: While most people feel relaxed and content, some might experience a bit of a comedown or mood swings.

If you experience any discomfort, don't worry – it's usually mild and temporary. Just relax, hydrate, and give your body time to adjust.

THC and CBD:

THC and CBD compliment each other’s effects and create an entourage effect.

This means they can enhance each other’s benefits and have a more comprehensive effect.

For some people, too much THC can make them feel anxious and paranoid.

CBD can help you take the edge off and help you relax, while THC can enhance the pain relieving and sleep promoting effects of CBD.

CBD is known to reduce anxiousness and paranoid thoughts, two of the most common side effects of a high THC dose.

If you’re feeling too high, CBD may calm your racing mind.

Remember, everyone's endocannabinoid system is different. What works for your friend might not work for you. It's all about experimenting and finding your sweet spot.

Side Effects Of Being High

Potential Side Effects to be Aware Of:

• Perceptual Changes: High doses of cannabis may induce mild hallucinations or changes in sensory perception in some individuals.
• Lethargy: Some users report feeling tired or less motivated after consuming cannabis.
• Cognitive Impact: Cannabis can temporarily affect memory and concentration in some people.
• Developmental Concerns: Research suggests that regular cannabis use in adolescents may impact brain development and academic performance.

References

1. Leslie Iversen, Cannabis and the brain, Brain, Volume 126, Issue 6, June 2003, Pages 1252–1270, https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awg143 ↩︎
2. Bloomfield MA, Ashok AH, Volkow ND, Howes OD. The effects of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system. Nature. 2016;539(7629):369-377. doi:10.1038/nature20153 ↩︎