By Max Sargent

Getting high on cannabis can be a wonderful thing—it breaks down the defences, generates positive vibes, and generally helps you see things from a different perspective. But not all weed highs are the same. In fact, various factors can strengthen, diminish, or otherwise impact the nature of the psychoactive experience, some of which are easier to control than others. Below we examine 13 factors that can affect your high, and what this means for you as a cannabis user.


 1. Set & Setting 

Set and setting are two of the main factors that can affect the perceived strength and quality of a cannabis high. Though more common in the realm of psychedelics, the concept of set and setting is just as relevant in the cannabis domain.

“Set” refers to mindset—how you feel going into a drug experience. Have you had a busy day where you were rushing around right before smoking, or have you taken time to shake off the day and prepare yourself for being high? “Setting”, of course, refers to the environment in which your high will take place, as well as the individuals around you. Are you in a cosy, safe room? A sunny forest? Or will you be shopping in the supermarket? Moreover, are you in the company of close friends, or will you be smoking with people you’ve never met?

With both set and setting, the state you’re in before, during, and directly after smoking may well determine whether your high is euphoric and relaxing or anxiety-inducing and unpleasant. Regardless of strain type, set and setting have the capacity to influence what you’re feeling through various environmental factors. Beautiful scenery and good friends can be just as inspiring as a chaotic setting and strangers can be overwhelming.

 2. Previous Experiences 

Previous experiences with cannabis can affect your high in a number of ways. First, we have frequency of use and tolerance to consider. If you’re someone who smokes daily, potentially even multiple times per day, your highs are likely going to feel less dramatic than those of infrequent smokers using the same dose. Furthermore, there are various theories about how the brain responds to THC during early use versus prolonged use. Some preliminary animal studies point to downregulation of CB1 receptors[1] with chronic THC use, which could dampen the feeling of the high. Whether this is true in humans is unproven. But generally, the same amount of weed becomes less intense the more you use it.

The second way previous experiences can affect your high has to do with your emotional response to weed. Has your cannabis journey largely been enjoyable, with just a few paranoid hiccups here and there? Or have you experienced your fair share of semi-traumatic events while stoned? Your answer to this question may influence your physiological response to cannabis every time you toke up. If you’re going into the high worried about becoming anxious, it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you’re open to the experience, however, your high is likely to be more enjoyable, whichever way it ultimately goes.

 3. Body Size 

Weight and height can have an influence on the strength of a cannabis high as well. Indeed, this is true with most drugs, and is chiefly due to the fact that, gram for gram, larger people need a larger amount of a compound compared to smaller people to achieve the same concentration in the blood.

In reality, it’s much more complex than this, and larger people shouldn’t immediately start taking higher doses of any drug to compensate for their size. But if you find you have unusually strong or weak highs compared to others, this could be why.

 4. Metabolism 

Metabolism is a term that’s used a lot, but is poorly understood. As such, what we know regarding metabolism and the effects of cannabis is by no means certain.

However, what seems likely is that those who have a “fast” metabolism process cannabis faster, and may also experience stronger effects. Those with a “slow” metabolism, on the other hand, might have a harder time getting as high, and could naturally have a higher tolerance to cannabis. Again, metabolism is a complex topic that encompasses numerous factors, and is also related to the aforementioned factor of body size. That said, if you’re in a room full of regular smokers and find that your highs have a different intensity and duration than everyone else's, your metabolism may have a role to play.

 5. Exercise 

Exercise can have a profound effect on the intensity of a high. If you engage in some intense cardio, then immediately consume cannabis, you’ll notice that it has very different effects compared to if you smoke after a day of doing nothing.

There are many factors that influence this. One is that, following exercise, high levels of neurotransmitters such as endorphins are swimming around your brain, which will naturally make you feel good. Combine this with THC, and they are bound to influence one another.

Furthermore, exercise increases heart rate and the amount of oxygen in the blood. This means that THC will hit harder and be transported to the brain much faster, making the effects potentially feel stronger. If you find you have a strong cannabis tolerance, then exercising before smoking can be a great way to increase the magnitude of its effects.

 6. Food 

Interestingly, food can be an influential factor regarding the strength and quality of a marijuana high.

On the whole, an empty stomach will increase the effects of cannabis (and other drugs), but not necessarily in a pleasant way. Low blood sugar and THC aren’t exactly a match made in heaven, and can make for an unpleasant high.

On the other hand, certain foods contain compounds that can alter and potentially enhance the effects of cannabis. Mangoes, for instance, contain the terpene myrcene (found in most strains of weed). This chemical is thought to increase[2] the speed at which THC crosses the blood–brain barrier, which may make the effects feel more potent!

 7. Time of Day 

The time of day can have an impact on our mood and the amount and type of chemicals released by our body, even without the influence of cannabis. But add weed to the mix, and you can really feel the difference. Regardless of the strain, enjoying weed in the morning sun alongside a coffee or tea is likely to culminate in a different high than when smoking before bed, as melatonin is signalling your body to prepare for sleep. Likewise, if you’re smoking during a busy part of the day, or week for that matter, this may result in a more anxiety-inducing experience than when you are subject to no pressures.

Exercise, sleep, diet and eating schedule, and, of course, the specific cultivar being used can all affect the strength and quality of the cannabis experience at different points throughout the day.

 8. Consumption Method 

Different consumption methods also yield different results, with smoking being perhaps the “weakest”. Bioavailability plays a role here, which essentially measures how much of a substance reaches the bloodstream. But it’s not the only factor. For example, while vaping has a greater bioavailability than smoking, and indeed results in notably stronger highs, eating cannabis-infused food has a relatively low bioavailability but is widely considered the most potent method of intake. This is due to the fact that, when digested, THC converts into 11-hydroxy-THC, which has much longer-lasting and intense effects. This means that even veteran cannabis users can indulge in mind-bending highs by eating their weed.

There are also cannabis concentrates to consider. These are typically enjoyed using a vaporizer or a dab rig, the latter of which is essentially a bong made for concentrates. Unlike cannabis flower, which contains an average of 20% THC, concentrates can achieve THC levels of 80% and above, making them much more potent by volume.

Furthermore, there is an inverse relationship between the strength of the consumption method and cannabis tolerance. Stronger methods cause stronger highs, which lead to stronger tolerances. Therefore, it might be best to indulge in edibles and concentrates sparingly so you don’t have to use greater and greater amounts to achieve the same high.

 9. Technique 

Poor technique can seriously limit the quality of your high, while good technique can maximise it. Poorly rolled joints and clogged bongs will make things rough from the outset, and not inhaling properly can all but waste an entire joint. Furthermore, if you fail to decarboxylate your edibles or take too high of a dose, you’re likely setting yourself up for a disappointing or unpleasant experience, respectively.

 10. Dose 

It may seem obvious, but dose affects both the experience of the high and ultimately your tolerance. Large doses will, initially, lead to very powerful highs. But over time, these will dwindle and you’ll find that, no matter how much you smoke, you just can’t get high like you used to.

Big doses lead to big weed tolerances. So, what can you do? If you can bear it, cutting down your dose or using a strain with less THC (more below) can save you from diminished highs. Then, once in a while, you can still enjoy a heavy session and find yourself super blazed, before going back to your regular schedule. Besides, not smoking huge doses of THC everyday will probably be quite good for your brain too!

 11. Strain and Quality 

A cannabis strain’s chemical profile, and the way in which it was dried and cured, will absolutely have an effect on the high you experience.

High-THC cannabis with very little CBD will cause powerful highs, but will also lead to developing a big tolerance. Strains with a more balanced THC to CBD ratio, or those with very little THC, however, will have a much less dramatic effect. But they also won’t induce the same kind of highs.

For those who want to smoke regularly while keeping their tolerance low, a balance can be found. Regularly consuming strains with a lower THC content and a higher CBD content will allow you to toke often, without dulling the effects of high-THC weed—so long as you only use it occasionally.

Also, the way your cannabis is grown, dried, and cured will affect the psychoactive experience, and overall quality. A mistimed harvest and bad storage can reduce the amount of THC found in the flower, meaning it will have less pronounced effects compared to weed grown, harvested, and stored with the utmost care.

 12. Terpenes 

Terpenes famously account for cannabis’ myriad flavours, but they go much deeper than this. Have you ever wondered why different cannabis strains can exhibit such different effects, even though they contain the same amount of THC? This is because terpenes are capable of working with cannabinoids to elicit different responses from the body. Research on these interactions is scant, currently. But consider the myrcene example from earlier to demonstrate the potential effects of various terpenes. As time progresses, breeders will continue to tailor the effects of cannabis to our wishes by manipulating terpene and cannabinoid levels in a given strain. 

 13. Frequency of Use 

The main factor that will affect your high, as well as your tolerance, is your overall frequency of cannabis use. Smoke every day, and there’s not much you can do to prevent yourself from building up a massive tolerance. Maybe novel ingestion methods will scratch the itch once in a while, but you can't cheat your way out of a tolerance.

With cannabis (and most other drugs), you have a choice. Use it sparingly and enjoy its effects in a novel way, or use it regularly and face up to the fact that the effects will fade, and the novelty will likely begin to wear thin.


 How to Reduce Weed Tolerance

As you can probably see, the more THC you consume, the greater your tolerance.

If you’re serious about reducing your tolerance and increasing the magnitude of your high, then your only real options are to stop for a bit or reduce your intake.

First, you can take a true tolerance break. A tolerance break involves stopping cannabis use entirely for an allotted period of time; perhaps five days. The longer you leave it, the more your brain will “neutralise”, and the greater the effects will be when you return to cannabis (to an extent).

Alternatively, you can change up your habits. Consider smoking strains with less THC and more CBD. At first, it might seem underwhelming, but over time your tolerance will adapt to your new regimen, and you'll find that, from time to time, you can enjoy a heavy session and it will feel like the good old days.

 Can Some People Not Get High?

Is it possible for some people to not get high, regardless of their tolerance level? There are a few theories surrounding this, none of which have been proven outright. However, there have been cases[3] of people not getting high off of edibles, despite them containing extremely high amounts of THC, and doctors admit it could be a real phenomenon. There's also the issue of new users to consider. Whether it's down to not knowing what to expect, using improper technique (as mentioned above), or due to some sort of sensitisation period (another theory that has yet to be proven), new users may find that they "don't get high" their first few times using cannabis. But this tends to change as the experience level of the user increases, and the body becomes used to THC and its effects. That said, the jury is still out on whether, genetically, some people do not get high from THC.

Promoting Responsible Cannabis UseRQS emphasizes the importance of responsible cannabis consumption.

While many individuals use cannabis frequently without complications, some may be susceptible to developing adverse behaviours. We believe the herb should enhance one’s life, not hinder it.

Responsible use involves limiting consumption to adults only, refusing to operate cars or machinery while under the influence, and making an effort to resist abuse.

Stay Cultivated.

External Resources:
  1. Reversible and regionally selective downregulation of brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors in chronic daily cannabis smokers | Molecular Psychiatry https://www.nature.com
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128210383000380
  3. Ediblocked: Some people can’t get high from eating marijuana, and scientists aren’t sure why - The Boston Globe https://www.bostonglobe.com
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: