What Being High Feels Like, From Buzzed to Stoned

The feeling that accompanies smoking, vaping or ingesting is usually described as being “high” or “stoned”. If you have never used cannabis, you might be curious about how this actually feels.

While describing the effects of cannabis, it is important to note that effects can differ greatly between people.

Keep reading as we describe how it feels to be high on cannabis and outline the different factors that can affect your high.

How Does Cannabis Affect the Brain?

Though cannabis contains many compounds, the most discussed are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

CBD is prominent in cannabis but does not cause intoxication. It is being studied for potential therapeutic uses.

When talking about a “high”, THC is the primary driver.

Before we go further, it is helpful to note two common descriptors. A body high is often described as relaxing, tingling or heavy. A head high is the more euphoric, mind-focused experience associated with psychoactive effects.

THC produces a psychoactive head high when ingested, smoked or vaped.

After entering the bloodstream and reaching the brain, THC binds to CB1 receptors, changing how signals are processed. This can alter perception, reaction time and coordination, which many people describe as the feeling of being high.

If you are still wondering what feeling high might be like, you may feel:

• relaxed
• euphoric
• happy
• giggly
• hungry
• creative
• inspired
• sociable
• chatty
• heightened sensitivity to smell, color, touch, sound, taste and light
• greater enjoyment and amusement
• sedated

These are common effects of a high. Several factors including product type, dose and your physiology will affect how you experience cannabis. We will discuss each factor in the course of this article.

The Stages of Getting High on Cannabis

Cannabis inebriation is often described in three levels: buzzed, high and stoned. It is simply the stages you go through as your body is exposed to different levels of THC over time.

A high may start with a small buzz and build to a more intense experience before it gradually recedes. This is because THC levels in your bloodstream vary over time. During the peak you will feel the full effect before it is metabolized and cleared.

At the tail end of a high, you may experience the following:

• Hunger
• Sleepiness
• Anxiety and sometimes mild paranoia

The intensity of a cannabis high is affected by:

• Consumption method such as vaping, ingesting or smoking
• Cannabis strain or product profile
• Amount ingested and frequency of use
• Sex
• Age
• Your endocannabinoid system
• Whether you have taken any other intoxicating substances

Do Different Cannabis Strains Cause Different Highs?

Yes, highs may vary by product. Effects are influenced by cannabinoids and by the terpene profile. In modern markets the THC to CBD ratio and terpenes often predict feel better than the sativa or indica label, though those labels are still commonly used.

Cannabis strains are often categorized into three types:

• Sativa
• Indica
• Hybrid

There are many strains from different breeders. Each strain can have distinctive effects for body and mind.

Sativa strains are often described as uplifting and can pair with social or active settings, producing what many call a head high.

Indica strains are commonly described as relaxing and may feel body heavy, producing what many call a body high.

Hybrid strains can combine elements of both. They are useful when it is too late for a stimulating sativa and too early for a deeply relaxing indica.

Method of Consumption

There are several ways to consume cannabis. Three common approaches are below.

• Smoking or vaping: There are different ways to smoke cannabis such as joints, blunts and bongs. Vaping heats cannabis without combustion. The effects of inhalation are almost immediate and you should feel a high within minutes.

• Edibles: There is a wide range of edibles which can include foods such as brownies and candy, drinks, sprays and tinctures. The edible high differs widely. An edible high can take 30 minutes to two hours to begin so use caution to avoid taking too much.
• Topicals: Cannabis topicals include lotions, creams, bath bombs, patches and sprays. Most topicals act locally on the skin and do not cause a high. Transdermal patches or products designed for systemic absorption may produce broader effects.

How Long Does a Cannabis High Last?

The duration of a cannabis high depends on dose and potency. The method of consumption also has a large effect on how long you will feel high.

A study published in 2017 reported typical onset, peak and duration by method. Individual experiences vary.

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Note that duration can differ between a bong and a small joint due to dose and absorption.

What Does it Feel Like to be “Stoned”?

While being high can feel upbeat, being stoned is often described as dopey, heavy and drowsy. If a high feels fast and lively, being stoned can feel slower and more body focused.

A stoned state can be the tail end of a high, with feelings of lethargy, relaxation and intense hunger.

Possible Side Effects of Being Very High On Cannabis

Stories about zoning out or seeing unusual patterns are common. On the extreme end, a cannabis high can elicit unpleasant experiences, especially at high doses or in unfamiliar settings.

These might include:

• Panic
• Temporary psychosis in rare cases
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Delusions or hallucinations at very high doses
• Red eyes
• Delayed reaction times
• Poor coordination
• Increased heart rate
• Distorted senses

If you are new or use infrequently, you are more likely to experience these effects.

Generally, consuming cannabis results in a pleasant, relaxed experience. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that high doses can induce short-lived psychotic-like symptoms in some people. Edibles more often lead to uncomfortable experiences because people redose before the first dose takes effect.

It is not yet clear which effects are long term and which are temporary for all users, and research is ongoing.

Avoid combining alcohol with cannabis because the combination can intensify impairment and unpleasant effects. If you experience side effects, stop using, hydrate and rest. If symptoms feel severe or alarming, seek medical care.

Tricks to Chill When You Feel Too High

Almost every cannabis user has been there. You took another cookie before the first one kicked in or took too many hits off the vape, and now you are uncomfortable.

You might feel uneasy or anxious. Remind yourself that these feelings are temporary.

Cannabis does not depress the brain centers that control breathing like opioids do. That said, inhaling smoke can irritate the lungs, and impairment can raise safety risks. Use responsibly.

If you are already too high, try the following:

• Drink Water: Sip water regularly. While smoking does not dehydrate you directly, cottonmouth is common. Hydration can make you more comfortable.
• Try Black Peppercorn: Peppercorn contains caryophyllene, a terpene many people find calming when sniffed or chewed. A small amount can be soothing.
• Distract Yourself With a Mundane Task: Pick something easy and repetitive like brushing your teeth. You can also watch something light or listen to calming music in a comfortable space.
• Go For a Walk: Fresh air can help. Take a short, safe walk or pace at home. Skip this if you feel dizzy to avoid falls.
• Take a Bath: Soaking can relieve stress. If baths are not your thing, a shower can also help. Consider calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus.
• Take CBD: Some people find CBD helps counter certain THC effects. Learn more about the ECS and consider a low-dose CBD tincture placed under the tongue.
• Go to Sleep: Rest in a dim, quiet room. Sleep can help the experience pass more comfortably.

If your high escalates to a panic attack or you feel unsafe, reach out to a medical professional.

Conclusion

Everyone wonders what being high feels like. While effects vary from person to person, it is often a memorable experience. From relaxed body highs to more head-focused, perceptual highs, cannabis effects can be enjoyable when used thoughtfully.

Remember that laws vary by jurisdiction. Only consume where legal and follow local rules.