How Does Weed Get You High?

The effects weed has on a human brain and body are owing to its cannabinoid contents. These compounds, specifically Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have been identified as the key contributors to the sensation of being high that users experience. THC is a psychoactive chemical that interacts with the neurons in the brain to alter feelings, sensations, behaviors and actions. How does it bring about such changes? Let’s get into the details.

When you smoke marijuana, the THC-laden smoke enters the lungs and is absorbed into the bloodstream by way of the alveoli and surrounding capillaries. It is then taken to the heart and pumped throughout the body. This method of consumption takes only a matter of minutes for THC to reach the brain where it activates certain receptors by binding itself to their membranes to produce the effects we refer to as a ‘high.’

Moreover, the brain produces a natural compound called Endocannabinoids- responsible for suppressing and eradicating feelings of pain, inflammation, stress and fear. It wouldn’t be incorrect to think of Endocannabinoids as our body’s own weed! Since Endocannabinoids and Tetrahydrocannabinol both have similar functions, the latter is able to attach itself to the receptors of the former. There are two types of receptors in the brain; CB₁ control pain, anxiety, memory, learning and coordination while CB₂- control immune system. When THC compounds interact with these receptors, they cause a release of chemical signals.

Consequently, an adequate dose of weed produces a high that can result in pain numbness, anxiety control, happiness, elevated moods, clumsiness and even a severe case of giggles. In some, this high can also result in short term memory deficits, dry mouth or a redness of the eyes.

When ingested orally, the THC contents of marijuana are absorbed through your stomach’s lining and the gastrointestinal tract, and are subsequently metabolized by the liver.  The liver proceeds to convert THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which has more potent psychoactive effects on your system.  It is for this reason that edibles may take longer to “kick in”, and are known to create more pronounced effects on your body and mind.

Nonetheless, the feeling of being ‘high’ greatly differs from one person to another- even if both have taken the same amount and type of weed. It is safe to say that this potent drug has more of an individualized high, where the tolerance of the user and the health of their bodies play an important role.