By Steven Voser


Reading is a beloved pastime for many a stoner. But whether or not it's a good idea to combine your love for weed with a book isn't so clear. On the one hand, a gentle buzz from the right strain might help you relax and get lost in the imaginary world of a fascinating piece of fiction. At the same time, weed's intoxicating high might also make it hard to concentrate, leaving you to re-read every sentence countless times without retaining anything. Below, we explore the trend of reading while high and what you need to consider if you choose to light up while hitting the books!

A man relaxing while reading a book and smoking a cigarette, with a cannabis plant prominently visible in the background, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

How Does Cannabis Affect Focus and Comprehension

Cannabis seems to have contradictory effects on concentration. On the one hand, research has traditionally shown that people who regularly use cannabis tend to suffer from negative long-term cognitive effects[1]—especially if they used cannabis at a young age while their brains were still developing.

Some of the negative effects of cannabis on cognition include:

  • Brain fog
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Lowered motivation
  • Difficulty learning or retaining new information

At the same time, however, research from the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery program (MIND) at McLean Hospital has produced contrary findings, suggesting that medical cannabis[2] can actually improve cognition in some cases. MIND conducts various cognitive assessments on medical cannabis patients before they start a cannabis-based treatment, as well as regular checkups every 3, 6, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months after their treatment begins.

In general, the patients perform better on these assessments as little as 3 months after starting treatment—most probably because their symptoms are under control, allowing them to think more clearly. At the same time, the patients also report improvements in their sleep, mood, and energy levels and a reduction in their use of conventional medicines—factors that likely also positively affect their cognition.

So, what does that mean for stoner bookworms? Will lighting up before you sit down to read help you concentrate or dull you out? Well, the answer isn't entirely clear and will depend on your personal reaction to cannabis. For some people, weed promotes relaxation, which may allow you to connect with what you're reading on a deeper level. For others, however, cannabis' intoxicating effect can be too distracting and curb their short-term memory, making it more challenging to concentrate and retain information.

Choosing The Right Cannabis Strain for Reading

If you’re interested in pairing cannabis and reading, it might help to consider the kind of strain you plan on taking.

Cannabis strains can deliver unique effects based on their chemical profiles. Strains that contain predominantly THC, for example, will provide an intense high, whereas strains with a mix of THC and CBD may produce a more balanced and mellow effect. Whether you light up a THC-bomb before you settle down to read or a strain with a more balanced mix of cannabinoids will boil down to your personal preferences.

Besides the amount of THC in a strain, you may want to consider its terpenes, as they may also play a crucial role in dictating its effects. Terpenes like limonene and pinene, for example, have been shown to elevate serotonin levels[3] and reduce anxiety (respectively)[4]. In turn, they may help boost your mood and improve your concentration levels. Alternatively, terpenes such as myrcene, terpinolene, and terpineol all produce more physically relaxing effects, which may help you settle down and get lost in a leisurely read.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach when picking a strain to enjoy while reading. Instead, focus on finding a strain that provides the kind of effect that you find beneficial when reading. For some, a heady buzz may improve levels of concentration or motivation, while others might prefer a more soothing physical sensation. Either way, if you’re new to reading and getting high, be adventurous and experiment with different strains to find the one that works best for you.

A man and woman looking a healthy cannabis plant with vibrant green leaves

Understanding When and What to Read While High

Besides picking the right strain, knowing when and what to read while high is also important. In general, we recommend reading and smoking at times when you can relax. Before bed on a weeknight, on a lazy Sunday, or while on holiday are generally some good, relaxing times to light up and kick back.

In terms of material, we generally recommend light, leisurely reading, such as:

  • Novels
  • Magazines
  • Comics
  • Short stories

Meanwhile, heavier texts like nonfiction or autobiographies, for example, can be harder to digest while high. Finally, never read important work documents, academic papers, or studies while stoned—reading this kind of material usually calls for a heightened degree of concentration and is best done sober.

The same goes for studying. We generally do not recommend studying or reading study material while stoned. Even if you enjoy reading and hope that weed may accentuate that feeling, the intoxicating effects of cannabis may make it difficult to focus and retain information, which is definitely not what you want when studying. Learn more about the effects of cannabis on studying here.

Creating The Perfect Environment and Setting Yourself Up for Success

Besides picking the right strain, time, and reading material, another important part of reading while high is setting up the right space. Don’t expect an enjoyable reading experience in an environment filled with distractions. Instead, set yourself up for success by creating the right environment for your stoned reading experience.

Again, this is super personal. Some people like to read outdoors in the sun, while others prefer to get cosy on the couch or slip into a nice warm bath. Some people like music playing in the background as they read, while others prefer white noise or just silence. In general, we recommend turning your phone off and keeping some water and snacks handy as you read so you can stay hydrated and curb the munchies without getting up every few minutes.

Finally, in addition to the physical environment you create, make sure to foster a positive mental space. To do this, set realistic reading goals (this could be as simple as finishing a set number of pages or a single chapter), and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't meet them. Remember that reading while high should be fun, not stressful.

Young woman reading a book surrounded by lush cannabis plants in a vibrant garden, highlighting relaxation and nature.

Balancing the Experience: When Reading High Works (and When It Doesn’t)

Remember—reading while high isn't universally "good" or "bad." Combining the right dose of weed with a good book can make for hours of super immersive fun for some people. For others, however, it might be a confusing and unproductive experience. Generally speaking, if you enjoy reading and getting high separately, bringing the two together might just be a question of finding the right combination of strain, dose, and reading material.

Also, pay attention to how you feel. If you notice that a particular book resonates with you after a few tokes of a specific strain, take note and try replicating that experience again later. At the same time, don't force anything. If you've tried reading and smoking multiple times without any positive effects, take it on the chin and save smoking for those moments when you know you'll enjoy it the most.

If you do decide to try reading and smoking, here are a few strains that might help you have an enjoyable experience:

  • Northern Lights Auto: A classic indica with an autoflowering twist, Northern Lights Auto delivers a clear-headed effect that couples physical relaxation with light cerebral stimulus. Perfect for getting lost in a fantasy or giggling away at a comic!

Northern Light Auto
23_genetic background_1 Northern Light x Ruderalis
33_Yield indoors_1 500 - 550 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 120 cm
25_flowering time_1 6 - 8 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 14%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 0% Indica 80% Ruderalis 20%
34_yield outdoor_1 170 - 220 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 130 - 160 cm
27_harvest period_1 10 - 12 weeks after sprouting
22_Effect_1 Clear, Uplifting

Buy Northern Light Auto

  • Stress Killer Automatic CBD: Packing 11% THC and high levels of CBD, Stress Killer Automatic CBD delivers a well-balanced, mildly intoxicating effect. It is ideal for bookworms interested in a subtle buzz.

Stress Killer Automatic CBD
23_genetic background_1 Lemon Shining Silver Haze x Juanita la Lagrimosa x Ruderalis
33_Yield indoors_1 450 - 500 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 90 – 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 7 - 8 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 11%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 60% Indica 30% Ruderalis 10%
34_yield outdoor_1 110 - 160 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 120 – 160 cm
27_harvest period_1 11 - 12 weeks after sprouting
22_Effect_1 Clear, Focus

Buy Stress Killer Automatic CBD

  • Power Flower: An uplifting sativa with sweet ‘n sour citrus notes, Power Flower is an excellent choice for bookworms looking for a boost in energy. Just remember to enjoy her in moderation. With 19% THC, Power Flower packs quite the punch!

Power Flower
23_genetic background_1 South African Sativas
33_Yield indoors_1 500 - 550 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 120 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 19%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 88% Indica 12%
34_yield outdoor_1 500 - 550 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 160 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 October
22_Effect_1 Heavy

Buy Power Flower

Reading While High: A Balancing Act

Reading while high is a growing trend. And whether or not it's right for you will depend on your personal preferences and how you experience cannabis. If you already enjoy reading, elevating the experience with a few tokes of the right strain might help you foster a deeper connection to this pre-existing passion. For some, however, the high from cannabis might simply be too distracting to stay focused and retain information.

Remember, there is no right or wrong here. Pairing cannabis with reading is all about your personal preference, so be sure to experiment, listen to your body, and decide for yourself whether you’ll continue hitting the books while high in the future!

External Resources:
  1. Cognitive effects in midlife of long-term cannabis use - Harvard Health https://www.health.harvard.edu
  2. Cannabis and the Brain | Harvard Medical School https://hms.harvard.edu
  3. Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/90/5/530
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: