What Does High Mean?

high

noun

(informal)

a state of high spirits or euphoria

synonyms: ecstatic, euphoric, exhilarated, delirious, elated, ebullient, thrilled, overjoyed, beside oneself, walking on air, on cloud nine, in seventh heaven, jumping for joy, in raptures, exultant, jubilant

The effects of THC on the human mind and body have been well chronicled and many users know what to expect long before partaking. The term “high” describes the series of physical and psychological side effects one experiences after ingesting cannabis.

In terms of physical effects, increased heart rate is quite commonplace. According to WebMD, smoking cannabis can double one’s heart rate for several hours as blood flow to the brain is increased and the heart has to work much harder.

Another well-known physical effect of being high is feeling drowsiness. The cannabinoids THC and CBD mimic the body’s natural sleep regulators, and in doing so trigger the sleep/wake cycle causing us to feel tired even if we were wide awake before smoking. It is no surprise then that many regular marijuana smokers smoke right before bed, as a sleep aid.

Cotton mouth, or dry mouth is another physical effect of getting high. As THC enters our bodies, it can bind itself receptors of the submandibular glands on the bottom of our mouths which account for producing about seventy per cent of our saliva. Once this happens, they can no longer receive messages from our parasympathetic nervous system, that under normal circumstances would instruct them to produce more saliva. Staying hydrated with water or other liquids will result in a more enjoyable high.

One of the lesser known physical effects of being high is impotence in some cases, despite heightened sexual arousal. This occurs as nerve receptors in the penis are targeted by marijuana molecules, actually causing said receptors to go numb. It can be difficult for certain men to achieve erection after smoking.

Getting “the munchies” or an increased appetite is also to be expected when high. THC latches onto cannabinoid receptors in the brain, and mimics the cannabinoids in our brain that signal hunger and regulate appetite. This has the effect of making us believe we are hungry even if we have just eaten.

Being high on marijuana also has the ability to make us feel as though time has slowed down. The cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that regulates muscle activity, receives altered blood flow when we are on pot. We can sit in a circle with our friends, feeling like hours have gone by like minutes. This can be easily understood as the cerebellum is linked to the body’s timing system.

Finally, one of the best side effects of being high is our greater capacity to giggle. Since cannabis produces the neurotransmitters dopamine and endorphins, and also increases blood flow to the right frontal lobe of the brain, where science people say that humor is appreciated, it is no surprise that we yuk it up after having a few hits of the bong. The most unfortunate side effect of being high is paranoia in some users. This occurs as THC binds to receptors in the amygdala, which governs responses such as fear and stress, and kind of warps them.