Stages Of Being High

Although no two people will have the exact same experience with weed, there are definitely stages of being high. From experiencing the taste, smells, and effects of cannabis strains to the bursts of giggles and munchies, there are levels of feeling “out of this world”. 

The types of highs are all dependent on the cannabis strains and the method of consumption. Here is everything you need to know about being high. 

Head High Vs Body High

The most common highs are body highs and head highs. The two are vastly different in their effects on the body, with head highs being described as incredibly happy feelings and bursts of euphoria with vivid focus and creativity, while body highs are described as extremely relaxing with feelings of being present and numb. 

One of the biggest factors in experiencing either a head or body high is the method of cannabis consumption. If you smoke cannabis, the THC/CBD cannabinoids go straight to the lungs. From there it enters the bloodstream and travels to your brain, crossing the blood-brain barrier, thus activating the brain receptors. 

If you consume an edible, which CBD is commonly made from, the THC/CBD cannabinoids will go through the liver and affect body receptors instead of the brain receptors. This is because smoking cannabis allows for the cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream faster and activate a head high, while a more medicated, body high is achieved through edibles.     

What Causes A Head Or Body High? 

There is a vast amount of cannabis strains, some even crossed to create hybrids, that can be consumed to achieve the high you are looking for. There are the cannabis strains – cannabis sativa and cannabis indica – and then there are the cannabinoids you are consuming, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). 

Understanding the two main strains and cannabinoids associated with them will go a long way in achieving the head or body high you are looking for. For a head high, cannabis sativa strains that are combusted, and their smoke inhaled will be your best bet. For a body high, cannabis indica strains that are consumed by either an edible or joint will activate body receptors for a relaxed, numb feeling. 

CBD is often consumed for medical purposes, by means of an edible, for bodily effects like pain relief while THC is dominant in all cannabis strains and is often rolled in a joint or packed in a pipe to be smoked for a euphoric, creative, or focused high. 

While the science of cannabinoids and strains is expanding more through research, there is no denying that there are different types of highs you can experience with different types of cannabis strains. 

Different Types Of Highs

While there are levels of being stoned, it is important to differentiate the types of high you can achieve when consuming cannabis. Each strain of cannabis has terpenes and cannabinoids that stimulate various bodily effects. Terpenes are the aromas and taste profiles of the cannabis strain that contribute to the type of high you can have as well as the bodily, or head effects.  

Here are the different types of highs you can have: 

The Relaxer

It is common to feel relaxed when consuming cannabis. Many users report slipping into a calm, present mood; this is due to the THC and other cannabinoids doing their work and settling into your system. 

There are a variety of cannabis strains to achieve this effect. Indica dominant strains will have you feeling like you are unwinding from a busy day and ready to call it a night for a night of deep sleep. 

Creative High 

THC and other cannabinoids, especially sativa dominant strains, can stimulate the neurons in your brain to increase blood flow. The frontal lobe of your brain is where divergent thinking takes place, thus giving you a burst of creativity. 

Strains like Tangie, AK-47, and Blue Dream are all cannabis strains for creativity because of their pure sativa roots.

The Focused

Another high that can be obtained with sativa dominant strains, or even hybrids of sativa and indica, is the focused high. This is due to the THC entering your system and the effects of the strain you are consuming. 

Aurora Haze and 707 Truthband are both hybrid strains that have taste profiles of lime, tropical, and vanilla to increase focus and upliftment. 

The Medicated 

The medicated is a special type of “high”, as it often comes from consuming THC or CBD infused edibles. This is a body high that alleviates pain and tension in the body, allowing you to continue on about your day without any hassle. 

Medical Note: Although CBD does not have THC’s psychoactive properties, the effect of a CBD edible is akin to feeling high due to its effects on the body. 

The Active High 

This is the type of high where the cannabis strain uplifts you and gives you the energy to complete that last stretch of the day or even allows you to let loose on the dance floor for those late nights. 

As we determine, indica strains are more the medicated and relaxed highs, whereas sativa strains give you that much-needed energy and creativity boost you need. 

The Everything-Is-Funny High

This is usually after the second joint. There is nothing like smoking sessions with friends that leaves you in stitches and nursing an aching jaw from smiling ear to ear. Cannabis strains, both indica, and sativa, are known to induce feelings of happiness and upliftment that will leave you feeling that everything is just funny and deserves a good chuckle. 

Honourable Mentions: the paranoid, lethargic, and insomniac highs are all highs you can experience. Although not pleasant experiences, these are effects your body can have when consuming too much cannabis. You are either blown out of your mind and buzzing or couch ridden with deep thoughts. 

6 Stages Of Being High

To sum up the experience of being high, there are different stages your body enters when consuming cannabis. Whether you are consuming indica or sativa strains, you are most likely to experience these levels of being stoned. 

Here are the 6 stages of being high:

Stage 1: A burst of aromas, tastes and coughs  

This stage is dependent on consuming cannabis via methods such as joints, pipes, vapes and bongs. When rolling and lighting one up, you will immediately taste and smell the unique profiles of the cannabis strain. These are called terpenes, which makes the cannabis strain unique in smell, taste and bodily effects. 

Watch out for those coughs, it will be sure to fasten the process of getting high. 

Stage 2: Euphoria

When the THC and other cannabinoids enter your bloodstream, it goes to your brain and activates the receptors the strain is known for. This is when you are “climbing” and will experience euphoria, happiness and hyperfocus. 

This stage usually occurs minutes after the smoke session, and you will feel sensations in your head and body. Some even call this feeling “rushing” but it is the hypersensitivity, another bodily effect of cannabis, that makes you feel euphoric. 

Stage 3: That moment of realisation

Oh, what is that feeling? This is a feeling only you will know and often comes with a phrase that has to be said out loud, I’m high! 

At this stage of being high, your body has become accustomed to the effects of the cannabis strain and will “settle” in your system by easing the hypersensitivity feeling you felt earlier. 

Stage 4: Self-Awareness

This is the stage where you are aware that you are high and the bodily effects you are experiencing from the cannabis strain. It is easy to go into deep thoughts, if you’re alone, and can experience slight paranoia, but with good energy and music, it is easy to block out this stage and head straight to that delicious snack you’ve had your eye on. 

Stage 5: This tastes nice

This is the stage of high where everything placed before you will look visually appetising and will be the best tasting thing you have ever eaten. 

Stage 6: Satisfaction 

Stage 6: Satisfaction is also known as the coming down stage. With all the munchies you consumed, the cannabinoids will begin to fade, and you will feel much less elevated than in the beginning stages of being high. 

A Pleasant Experience

For a guaranteed pleasant experience with every high, there are a few considerations you need to take into account. There is such a thing as a “greenie” (vomiting from consumption) which is definitely not the experience you want. 

• Maintaining a positive attitude will help you feel more relaxed and allow the cannabis to settle in without any hassles. 
• The environment or setting plays a significant role in feeling safe to consume cannabis and will minimise anxiety. 
• Knowing your limits is key. Quantities of consumption and THC tolerance will vary from person to person. 

The stages of being high are awesome with any cannabis strain and method of consumption you take.