What You Need to Know About the Effects of Stoned and High
The terms “high” and “stoned” are commonly used to describe the sensations and states of mind and body that occur after consuming psychoactive substances. These states represent the second and third levels of intoxication, respectively. The first level is called a “buzz,” which comes before the “high,” and then transitions into being “stoned.”
Stages of Intoxication
The first sensation a person experiences is the buzz effect. At this stage, there is a subtle feeling of excitement, alertness, and happiness. This state is usually achieved at the very beginning, after consuming small doses. As the dose increases and time passes, the high effect sets in. This is characterized by a euphoric state of mind, often accompanied by a surge of energy, happiness, mood swings, and other intense sensations. Sometimes, adrenaline levels spike, allowing a person to accomplish many tasks quickly.
The high effect gradually transitions into the stoned phase, where the body and mind behave very differently. A person becomes relaxed, apathetic, and sleepy. This classification of effects can be used to describe states after consuming various substances, including alcohol.
Marijuana Effects: High vs. Stoned
When it comes to cannabis, you might experience the stoned effect without a preceding high, or just a pure high without subsequent apathy. These states can be achieved with different types of cannabis, specifically Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Generally, sativa strains are believed to produce a high effect, while indica strains are associated with being stoned.
Sativa Effects
The “high” produced by sativa strains is described as “energetic and uplifting.” The effect is mainly cerebral, meaning it primarily impacts the mind rather than the body. This effect stimulates mental activity, enhances imagination, and can sometimes lead to irrational behavior. Pure sativa in large doses may also cause hallucinogenic and psychedelic effects. Key features of the sativa effect include:
- Surge of energy and euphoria, improved mood
- Unleashing creative potential and desire to create
- Encouragement of active behavior
- Desire to socialize, talk, and laugh
- Relief from depression and anxiety
Indica Effects
Cannabis indica, on the other hand, produces the so-called stoned effect, which is almost the complete opposite of the high. The impact is primarily physical, relaxing the entire body and muscles. The most vivid example of being stoned is the so-called “couch-lock” effect—a slang term used to describe being under strong sedative influence. The person becomes sleepy and almost paralyzed while sitting or lying down, feeling glued to the couch and unable—or unwilling—to move. Often, there is no desire to interact with others, and the person just wants to enjoy a calm, relaxed state. Main signs of the indica effect include:
- Physical relaxation
- Muscle relaxation and relief from spasms
- Calming effect
- Heightened senses
- Mild pain relief
Variability of Effects
Even “pure” strains—100% indica or sativa—can produce unpredictable effects. A pure sativa does not guarantee a high effect, and a 100% indica won’t necessarily leave you couch-locked. This isn’t an exact science, and the effects depend on various factors. The same cannabis strain can have different effects depending on the circumstances.
The effect of cannabis also depends on growing conditions, especially the harvest time. For example, if a sativa strain is harvested too late, when all the trichomes have turned brownish (amber), even the purest sativa can produce a strong stoned effect. This happens because the cannabinoid profile changes in overripe cannabis, and the psychoactive impact of THC loses its brightness and potency. To avoid this, harvest when the trichomes are milky white.
Combining Effects
Many growers enjoy both types of effects. Sometimes they want to kick back and relax, while at other times, they seek inspiration and motivation for activity. For this reason, many breeders combine different indica and sativa strains to create new hybrids. These hybrids can offer both stoned and high effects. In such strains, one effect may be more pronounced than the other, or both may be balanced. In mixed strains with roughly equal sativa and indica content, both effects are present—usually, the sativa effect is felt first, followed by the indica stoned effect. However, as mentioned, this is not an exact science.
Some cannabis enthusiasts prefer to use a specific sativa strain during the day and a more relaxing indica in the evening. The best way to find your ideal combination of effects is to try several different strains with varying effects.
Design: Ilo