Set & Setting When Getting High – What To Consider And Why

Although the term “set and setting” is usually linked to psychedelics, this is also an important part of fully enjoying your experience with cannabis. Like any other drugs, weed can enhance the senses and emotions. It is important to choose the right environment that will lighten the mood and boost your high in a positive direction with the right strains.

What Does Set And Setting Mean?

Mind-altering drugs such as weed are said to work on one’s consciousness like a magnifying glass. Therefore, “set and setting” can be defined as the preparation, expectation, and intention (mindset) of the user when using these substances, as well as their environment (setting).

This concept suggests that there are many external factors that influence your high. Weed might be the substance that gets you high, but your experience while high greatly depends on non-pharmacological factors.

For example, it is a good idea to be cautious with weed when feeling depressed or anxious, as this negatively affects your mindset. Others avoid weed consumption in public since judgement from onlookers may disturb their setting. 

When enjoying cannabis in a safe space and with good company, you will have a bunch of feel-good hormones circulating around. Cannabinoids have the effect of amplifying these pleasure molecules, making the experience even more enjoyable. 

On the other hand, feelings of anxiety, worry, and depression can also be amplified by cannabinoids. A negative mindset is able to overpower many of the benefits cannabis can bring. If you are feeling down, it is best not to reach for weed unless you can surround yourself with friends and a relaxing setting.

Set and setting is not just about increasing your feel-good experience; it can also enhance the therapeutic outcomes. Favourable contexts contribute to favourable results. You may be able to process insights and emotions that you were not consciously aware of, which can be a pretty healing experience. 

Having An Energising High

First thing first, you will have to make sure that you get a strain that is known for giving energetic highs. Sour Diesel, Durban Poison, Super Silver Haze, and Green Crack are high in terpenes like Limonene and Pinene, making them great strains for keeping up your energy during your trip.

Cultivating The Right Set And Setting

To keep your energy levels high, you should eat a full meal before consuming these strains and stay hydrated throughout your trip. These are great options for people who like to consume weed before working out.

Surround yourself with friends, play some hyped up tunes, plan fun games or activities, set up some neon lights, and make sure that there are enough things to keep you stimulated. If you are planning to use your extra energy to focus, be sure to minimise possible distractions, so you can really get to work. Nature is a great place to get high, so gather some buddies for a hike. The possibilities are endless!

Relieving Depression

If you have suffered or are suffering from depression, you are well aware of how difficult it can feel to accomplish the simplest of tasks in the moment. However, if you can manage to improve your setting to appear relaxing and safe, it can greatly improve your results. Reach for an uplifting strain, like Jack Herer, Blackberry Kush, or Harlequin.

Cultivating The Right Set And Setting

Make sure that your environment feels comfortable and safe – surround yourself with close friends that can help you set up and make you feel more at home. Your home would probably be the best option, but if you need a change of scenery, you can always hang out at a friend’s place. Light some scented candles, hang up fairy lights, get comfy on a bed or couch, and put on some of your favourite TV shows.

If you want to prepare for the munchies, you should aim to get healthier snacks, since food with added sugars may have a negative impact on your depression. You can also sit outside for a bit or go for a walk – mild exercise and fresh air can actually help your mindset. Do whatever helps to make you feel more like yourself when you really need it.

Relieving Anxiety

Using cannabis for anxiety can be tricky, as some strains can actually intensify your symptoms and increase paranoia. Limonene, Linalool, and Caryophyllene are terpenes known for their anti-anxiety properties, so opt for strains that have a high concentration of these. Good options include Lavender Kush, Berry White, and Blue Dream.

Cultivating The Right Set And Setting

Make sure that you make your setting as relaxing and stress-free as possible. Light scented candles (lavender scents are known for their anti-anxiety properties), make yourself a cup of tea, and get some painting or crafting materials ready. This can help to take your mind off heavily anxious thoughts.

A nice bubble bath is also a good idea to calm your mind and body. Do some yoga or meditate, since breathing exercises are great for alleviating stress and anxiety. To lift the mood a bit more, you can put on a relaxing playlist – there are plenty of curated playlists for you to choose from.

Having A Creative High

Fuelling creativity is a common reason for many cannabis users to indulge. Amnesia Haze, AK-47, Chemdawg, and Tangie are perfect strains for boosting creativity. Get ready for innovative thoughts, inspiration, and motivation with these strains.

Cultivating The Right Set And Setting

How you choose to spend your creative energy is completely up to you. If you enjoy writing, be sure to get your journals and notebooks ready. If you prefer visual art, set up everything you will need to draw or paint. And if music is your thing, set up a space with your preferred instrument or mixing tools and get ready for a creative boost.

Alternatively, you could also utilise this creativity to explore new creative hobbies – no need to stick to what you already know. That is the beauty of creativity, after all. Put on some of your favourite music, get your materials ready, and let your creative juices flow. Bonus point: it can be really fun to review what you have done the next day.

Fighting Insomnia

If you find yourself tossing and turning for way too long, you can use cannabis to ease your pain. Linalool, Terpinolene, and Caryophyllene have sedative properties, so opt for strains like Ghost Train Haze, Timewreck, Northern Lights #5, or Master Kush.

Cultivating The Right Set And Setting

Cannabis can only get you so far when used on its own. For better sleep, make sure that you do everything you can to get yourself ready for peaceful rest. Turn off your screens around 30 minutes before you want to fall asleep, and make your room as dark and cool as possible. Put on your comfiest pyjamas, spray some lavender mist on your pillows, and pack your bed with cosy blankets to pull over yourself if your room gets too chilly.

Set and setting when getting high is pretty important and can really help to avoid any bad trips. Make sure that you use the right strains to support your high and boost its effects. Prepare yourself mentally and get your environment ready for an enjoyable and worthy high.