By Luke Sumpter

We’ll break down how it feels to be high, and show you how THC affects the brain.


Humans have used cannabis for its psychoactive properties for thousands of years. But how, exactly, does this product of nature alter our perceptions? As you read on, we’ll walk you through the details of how cannabis affects our minds, and show you how it’s able to do it all.

Chemistry of the Cannabis High

To understand how cannabis makes you high, you have to take a closer look at what you’re toking on.

If you’ve looked at some cannabis flowers, you’ve probably noticed the small, shiny, and crystalline glands covering them. These small glands are known as trichomes, and they produce a viscous resin rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.

Through the years, growers have bred their cannabis strains to produce resin high in one particular cannabinoid. That one, of course, is THC—the primary psychoactive cannabinoid. It doesn’t just take effect right after gaining entry to the bloodstream, though. The molecule, in fact, acts on very specific receptor sites to make you feel high.

Just as all of our bodies have a nervous system, we also all possess an endocannabinoid system[1], known as the ECS for short.

This regulatory system oversees the functions of much of our physiology, keeping everything in balance. It consists of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids[2]—signalling molecules that bind to these receptors.

As one of the major endocannabinoids in the body, anandamide binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors[3]. When it binds to the former, it induces a warm mood and positive emotion, earning it the title of “bliss molecule”. Supporting this status, scientists believe anandamide lies at the root of the euphoric “runner’s high[4]” experienced by athletes after aerobic exercise.

THC shares a similar molecular structure to anandamide. Because of this, it mimics the endocannabinoids in the body and binds to the CB1 receptor, inducing similar blissful effects.

If you’re smoking it, THC diffuses through the alveoli of the lungs and into the bloodstream. It blazes past the blood-brain barrier and begins latching onto the CB1 receptors on neurons throughout the brain, leading to a surge in dopamine production[5].

Chemistry of the Cannabis High

The Movement of Cannabinoids in the Body

Smoked or vaped THC enters the bloodstream through diffusion—the movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to one of low concentration. Specialised tissues in the lungs called alveoli allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide via diffusion, and THC also takes advantage of this passageway into systemic circulation.

But inhalation isn’t the only way to introduce THC into the body. Edible cannabis sends the cannabinoid through the stomach and liver—a route known as first-pass metabolism[6]. This process converts THC into an even more potent molecule named 11-hydroxy-THC.

Inhaled THC enters the bloodstream within a matter of seconds, whereas the throes of the digestion mean the high takes much longer to set it. Regardless of this difference in timing, both THC and 11-hydroxy-THC end up in the same place. Systemic circulation shuttles both of these compounds off toward the blood-brain barrier, and each of these fat-loving molecules is small enough to gain entry through this semi-permeable border to the command centre of the central nervous system.

Once they arrive at their destination, these molecules get to work changing how our neurons fire. The way we perceive everyday reality depends on the routine firing of neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, dopamine, serotonin, and other key chemicals. But these molecules don’t maintain our normal state of consciousness through chaotic synthesis, release, and degradation—a finely tuned system helps to keep all of this under control.

  • The Role of the ECS

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is tasked with governing the flow of various neurotransmitters from one neuron to the next. Cannabinoids such as THC also happen to interface with this body-wide network of receptors, enzymes, and signalling molecules to catalyse effects.

Now, take a second to rummage around in your noggin' for the file labelled "biology" from your school days; you might remember how synapses work. These structures are the communication points between neurons, and are made up of the axon of the presynaptic neuron, the dendrite of the postsynaptic neuron, and the synaptic cleft (the gap between the two).

Almost all neurotransmitters travel in an “anterograde” fashion, meaning they travel across the presynaptic cleft from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron. However, as the traffic controller of this system, the ECS sends its signalling molecules, known as endocannabinoids, backwards across the synaptic cleft in a “retrograde” fashion[7]. This opposite flow of movement allows endocannabinoids to bind to receptors on the presynaptic neuron and control the amount of neurotransmitters they send over the cleft.

Now, here’s where THC steps in. This psychotropic cannabinoid mimics the action of our endocannabinoids. After gaining access to the brain, the molecule docks to the landing pads that are ECS receptors, effectively controlling the flow of neurotransmitters. But instead of acting like the normal endocannabinoids in the brain, THC and its metabolites come in like a wave, flooding the ECS and altering neurotransmitter firing.

The Role of the ECS

Now, take this mechanism of action and apply it to the 85 billion neurons and 100 trillion connections between them in the human brain, and it’s no wonder cannabis makes us feel so euphoric and heightens tastes, sounds, and sights!

Researchers are still trying to figure out exactly what THC does here, and how it tweaks certain brain chemicals. However, they’re fairly certain that the cannabinoid deactivates or “unplugs” the default mode network (DMN)[8].

The DMN consists of an interconnected series of brain regions that activate when we’re at rest. This network allows us to daydream, ponder our past, and get lost in thought. However, engaging in a task that requires concentration shuts this network down and enables us to focus specifically on what’s in front of us.

By unplugging the DMN, THC enables us to see normal and mundane things in a different light. This might explain why nature appears so wondrous when stoned, and why music, food, and films have a much more profound effect on us when high.

What Does It Feel Like to Be High?

All this science talk is fine, but it won’t tell you how using weed will actually make you feel.

Although THC acts on the same biochemical pathways in everyone, many factors come into play that modulate the experience. As a result, people will experience different highs from the same dose of THC, even when they’re smoking the same strain. That being said, the cannabis high is marked by a few common experiences. These include:

Elevated mood Increased hunger
Falling deep into though Enhanced creativity
Increased sociability Frequent laughter

Being high certainly takes some getting used to. However, after the first few tries, you’ll start to feel much more comfortable in the altered state of consciousness. Music sounds more pleasant, food tastes immaculate, and movies will drag you into the depths of their storylines.

For many people, cannabis helps them be more talkative, confident, and able to express abstract ideas. Most cannabis users will agree: some of the best conversations they ever took part in involved copious amounts of the herb.

How to Tell When You’re High

You’ll know the effects of THC are setting in as you start to feel “different”. Many of these cognitive changes are positive, but others are negative and can leave users feeling uneasy.

Pleasant Sensations

When you’ve had an ideal dose in the right circumstances, you’ll mainly enjoy the pleasant effects of being high. These sensations include:

Happiness Euphoria
Cognitive clarity Increased mental activity
Enhanced creativity The “giggles”
Enhanced touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight

Unpleasant Sensations

Every now and then, though, being high can get unpleasant, especially if you take a higher dose than normal. Other times, however, you might just be in a bad mindset or feeling on edge due to your settings. These unpleasant sensations can include:

Anxiety Confusion
Panic Paranoia
Increased heart rate Psychosis (in very rare cases)

Stages of the Cannabis High

Although everyone experiences being high differently, the experience often consists of several common phases.

  • Stage One: You’ll start to feel the effects of THC creeping in after that first toke. After coughing and clearing the water from your eyes, your body will start to feel lighter, your mind will spring to life, and the dopamine will begin to flow.
  • Stage Two: The high begins to peak around 20-30 minutes after polishing off that bowl or joint. Feelings of motivation and creativity begin to hit in full. You’ll feel talkative, social, and the desire to share whatever’s rattling around your cranium.
  • Stage Three: The high tapers down. The mind becomes more lucid, and the effects shift from a cognitive experience into a relaxing body high.
  • Stage Four: You touch down back to Earth, reaching sobriety again.

Stages of the Cannabis High

Different Strains Offer Different Highs

In case modern media didn’t let you know, we figured we should mention there are thousands of cannabis strains available. Each cultivar has different phytochemical makeups, along with offering unique psychoactive experiences.

Although the differences are partly due to variations in THC levels, the terpenes contribute to these distinctions as well. Along with underpinning the signature aromas of cannabis, they synergise with THC and other cannabinoids—a phenomenon known as the entourage effect[9]—to modulate the high.

As a result, breeders have made a point of focusing on terpene blends in their new strains. Over time, this serves to greatly expand the pool of available psychoactive experiences.

CBD High Vs. THC High

Along with THC, CBD enhancement is another major focus for breeders. The other main member of the over 100-strong chemical family, CBD produces no psychoactive effects. The molecule has a low affinity for the CB1 receptor, and instead produces a subtle, clear-headed effect that soothes nerves and relaxes the mind.

Interestingly, CBD also affects the CB1 receptor[10], but through indirect means. It reduces an enzyme that breaks down anandamide, causing the endocannabinoid to linger and bind to the site more often. CBD might also help to bring down an unpleasant high by preventing THC from binding to the CB1 receptor.

Different Methods of Consumption Lead to Different Highs

There are many different ways to consume cannabis. While each offers a similar general set of effects, the overall experiences are distinct.

These are the most common consumption methods:

  • Smoking/Vaping: The high comes on rapidly, and peaks after about 30 minutes. Since users can take one toke at a time to reach their preferred level, smoking weed is the easiest experience to control. The high typically lasts around 4-8 hours.
  • Edibles: Eating cannabis offers a far more intense experience. THC travels through the digestive tract and into the liver. There, the organ converts the molecule into 11-hydroxy-THC, a much more potent and longer-lasting version of the cannabinoid. The edible high takes up to two hours to set in, and lasts up to 12 hours.
  • Sublingual: This refers to placing tinctures or oils underneath the tongue. Here, cannabinoids rapidly pass into the bloodstream via the capillaries of the thin tissue. This simple and fast method shares a similar onset and duration to inhaling cannabis.

Mind High vs. Body High

Different cannabis strains produce different highs. These effects all come down to the unique phytochemical cocktails found within each cultivar. Varying levels of cannabinoids and terpenes synergise to create different psychoactive outcomes.

Cannabis strains used to autumn into two primary categories based on their genetics: indica and sativa. Old schools of thought used to pin specific effects on both of these subspecies. Indica strains were thought to be more stoning, whereas sativa strains were assumed to light up the brain.

While these two types of cannabis do feature pronounced differences, new research shows that they rarely have anything to do with the psychoactive effect. Cannabis scientists now suggest the term "chemovar", "chemotype" or "chemical variety", to categories different strains of cannabis together. Although many strains possess the psychoactive cannabinoid THC, it's the more subtle aromatic terpenes that produce such a diversity of effects.

Cultivars can still be divided into stoning or stimulating categories based on their chemovar. For example, strains high in limonene produce more of a head high, whereas those higher in myrcene are more sedating and stoning. Check out the major differences between head and body highs below.

Mind High vs. Body High

Body high:

  • Stoning and relaxing sensation that makes the body feel heavy soothed—perfect for relaxing evening smoke sessions
  • “Couch-lock syndrome”, and an overall lack of desire to move around

Head high:

  • Mental stimulation, cognitive energy, and alertness—perfect for completing creative projects and enjoying social situations
  • The “giggles”, and a desire to joke around.

Why Do People Think Differently When High?

As cannabis temporarily changes the way our mind works, it’s worth considering how that altered state can open us to different ideas.

As we walk around in our day-to-day lives, our minds are mostly locked in a routine thought pattern, which is known as convergent thinking. This mindset encompasses logic, numbers, facts, and linear thinking.

However, cannabis allows many users to leave this rigid structure of thinking[11] and enter a state known as divergent thinking. This state implies heightened creativity and represents a broader and more horizontal structure of thoughts. Cannabis can ultimately widen our perspective, shift the way our brains think, and allows us to imagine and observe things we usually wouldn’t pick up on.






External Resources:
  1. The Endocannabinoid System as an Emerging Target of Pharmacotherapy | Pharmacological Reviews http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org
  2. THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM: PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY | Alcohol and Alcoholism | Oxford Academic https://academic.oup.com
  3. Endocannabinoid Binding to the Cannabinoid Receptors: What Is Known and What Remains Unknown https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. A runner’s high depends on cannabinoid receptors in mice https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. First Pass Effect - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. Endocannabinoids and retrograde modulation of synaptic transmission - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. Default mode network in the effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on human executive function - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  10. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  11. Investigating the interaction between schizotypy, divergent thinking and cannabis use https://www.sciencedirect.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: