What Is Getting High?

Getting “high,” as it’s commonly called around the world, refers to the psychoactive effects produced by compounds—most notably THC—found in the cannabis plant.

This altered state of consciousness changes a person’s mood, perception, and awareness (Cohen, 1985). These changes can lead to a range of mental and physical effects, including increased creativity, feelings of peace, relaxation, euphoria, and even spiritual or mystical experiences. Heightened sensitivity to touch and enhanced sensations of pleasure are also common.

However, not all effects are positive. Some users may experience paranoia, lethargy, impaired judgment, or even a sense of despair, depending on the dose and their state of mind.

Today, most people use cannabis recreationally, either socially or alone, as a way to unwind and escape from daily pressures. For some, though, this relationship becomes dependent—needing a smoke to function, to start the day, or to engage socially. This dependency mirrors other substances like alcohol, where people may describe themselves as functioning alcoholics: dependent, yet able to maintain normal routines.

Cannabis, however, has a much longer history than its modern recreational use—or its criminalisation. For thousands of years, ancient Asian, African, and South American cultures have cultivated the plant for religious rituals, healing practices, and medicinal purposes (Cohen, 1985).

VINTAGE PRO CANNABIS BUTTONS IN BARCELONA'S HEMP MUSEUM

How Cannabis Gets You High

Smoking remains the most common and fastest method to achieve the high. This is because cannabis must be exposed to heat—specifically temperatures exceeding 100°C—to convert THCA (a non-psychoactive plant acid) into THC, the compound responsible for the high. Think of it as “burning off” the inactive acids to release the active substance.

When inhaled, THC is absorbed through the lungs directly into the bloodstream. The longer the smoke is held in, the greater the surface contact with the lungs, allowing more THC to enter the system—and the faster the effects are felt.

Fun Fact: As a spliff burns down, its THC concentration increases. The final few draws are typically the most potent—so if your goal is maximum effect, don’t waste those last pulls near the roach.

WORKING ON RUDE DRUGS @ CANNAE IN SABADELL, SPAIN

The Two Phases of the High

There are generally two main phases to the cannabis high:

1. The Initial Phase (First 10 Minutes – 1 Hour):

   Users feel an onset of pleasant sensations—relaxation, openness, creativity, talkativeness, and enhanced appreciation for music, art, food, and touch. Some may also experience an increased heart rate (Cohen, 1985), which can cause anxiety or even panic in first-time users.

2. The Secondary Phase (2–3 Hours):

   This stage brings deeper calm and introspection, often accompanied by sleepiness. Users tend to become more reflective, preferring stillness or deep conversation. However, in stronger doses, this phase can also bring paranoia, nausea, dizziness, or delusions (Cohen, 1985).

Altogether, the altered state can last up to 8 hours, depending on the strain, dosage, and method of consumption.

A GRAM OF 'HAWAIIAN SNOW' (SATIVA)

Coming Down

The comedown or “come down” marks the gradual return to baseline as THC levels decline in the bloodstream. Depending on the dose and method, this can take several hours, leaving users feeling calm, drowsy, or introspective.