THC can change the way you interact with life. For example, a person who regularly consumes 5mg of THC will have a more intense experience than someone who eats it for the first time. The endocannabinoid system is pretty unique, just like fingerprints—there’s no standard cannabis experience! All cannabis users, however, agree that THC makes you high and that it’s an amazing journey.
Stage 1:
The nose and mouth are usually the first organ to come into contact with cannabis. Even subliminal details like raw weed’s flavor can influence its high. This gives you the opportunity to consciously choose how you want your weed to affect you.
Most people would notice the effects of marijuana in one minute or less. If you were holding your breath, you might feel dizzy. Even if marijuana isn’t the direct cause, you’ll start to notice this feeling soon enough. Once you question what happened, that’s when this stage is over. You’re no longer self-aware at this point–you’re no longer sober.
If you have been given an edible to eat, don’t make any plans for the next few hours. It’s unclear if it’s a regular treat or THC-infused, but the high might sneak up on you.
Stage 2
THC is absorbed through the sebaceous glands of the skin and mouth, then enters the blood-brain barrier. Here it can bind to CB1 receptor sites in your brain. This can happen within seconds if you’re smoking, minutes if you inhale it, or hours if you eat it.
Cannabis usually takes about 10 minutes to take effect. The effects depend on a few factors, but the main thing is that once the blood-brain barrier has been broken, basic effects will start to manifest. These include tingling sensations in areas that have been stimulated by the cannabis and a shift in cognition, which brightens and softens rough edges before spreading throughout your body.
Stage 3
In stage 3, the effects of euphoria set in, so the drug is going to be stronger than it was at stage 2. The duration and intensity of your experience depends on a few factors, such as the type of high you’re seeking and how much THC you take in.
THC, which is found in marijuana, can increase your pleasure when the substance enters your blood. Not only that, but it can also leave you feeling more relaxed, less anxious, and even more creative. It’ll eliminate pain without getting you high at all.
Stage 4
When you get high, your blood THC level hits its highest point and you’ll experience a high onset. Most people can go through the stages 2-4 quickly and smoothly, but they’re often less aware of the effects of a resounding hit. However, there will come a point when your blood reaches maximum THC content and you will experience some sort of high onset – which is usually quite abrupt.
It’s important to adjust your dose to meet your tolerance if you want to avoid any harmful side effects.
Stage 5
If you smoke weed, then you may experience symptoms of anxiety or stress while your body adjusts to the high. Weed has a higher level of THC when consumed during this stage and can lead to some uncharacteristic bouts of anxiety.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious at this moment, the best thing to do is to have a plan. That could be as simple as knowing what to do next. You can also order some THC-softening CBD oil and have it ready in case you need it.
When you’re stoned, it’s a good time to go out on a stroll, hang out with friends or family, enjoy some gaming, listen to great music, or take a bath.
Stage 6
When your high hits its peak, the effects of your marijuana or other drugs intensify.
Marijuana strains can have different effects on people, depending on their level of intoxication. Some strains, like those that cause creativity and euphoria, may give some people the feeling that they’re “on top”. Other strains may be harder to notice, but will still yield a relaxing or calming effect. THC blood concentrations peaks when people consume large amounts of marijuana and their body becomes used to that level.
This stage of being high, the reflective phase, is the time to get deep about your life and the world. Perhaps allow your thoughts to drift where they normally wouldn’t—you might find you’re able to resolve some old issues. You might also have a definite lack of patience for anything but productive activities.
Stage 7
Stage 7 of weed is pretty intense. At this point, you might feel like your eyes are bloodshot or that your eyelids are heavy. You might also be craving a particular food if your high requires it.
Contrary to popular belief, not every type of cannabis high is accompanied by hunger. Many strains can be appetite suppressants as well. If you know your strain will make you hungry, plan to avoid getting high without carrying any edibles or munchies with you during the earlier stages of your trip.
The buzz from smoking weed usually lasts anywhere from 30 mins to 6 hours. Towards the end of this time period, you might feel a lessening of its effects as THC is absorbed into your body’s endocannabinoid system.
Stage 8
The high from marijuana doesn’t last forever and so stage 8 is when bong romps, joint smokers, and dab hitters are gearing up for their next session (8). This is a perfect time to brew a cup of tea while you’re still feeling stoned.
Stage 9
A potent stage 7 might lead to dizziness or feelings of sluggishness compared to the euphoria brought by the other parts of the high. Burnout is regular in these situations. If you feel it coming on, don’t resist or try to control it–just give in and take a nap.
Stage 10
In stage 10, the best-case scenario is that your high will quickly wear off. This leaves you with a few physical changes in your cognition and senses, but your consciousness is intact. Cannabis or THC’s psychoactive effects wear off at this point, but the many other cannabinoids have had major effects on you.
Amidst the hilarity of a cannabis high, there are many physical side effects such as tranquility and overall happiness. These stay even after a person is finished laughing, riding on head trips, and eating snacks. Stage 10 is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your high – what you liked about the strain, how different stages effected you, and what you may change next time you smoke.
