Whether holding in your weed smoke will make you higher is an age-old question. As home growers in the USA, it's crucial to understand the effects of cannabis consumption to maximize your experience. There is science behind cannabis smoke inhalation, but there are also some myths to debunk.
What Happens When You Inhale Cannabis Smoke?
Inhaling cannabis smoke initiates a series of immediate reactions within your body. The active chemical compounds present in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, uniquely interact with your body to generate the “high” sensation. Phenomena such as increased heart rate, dilated blood vessels, and fluctuation in your sense of time are among the immediate effects.
Immediate Effects on the Body
The cannabis smoke enters your lungs once inhaled, where it quickly enters the bloodstream. This rapid transfer has almost immediate effects, typically within a few minutes. The experience can vary widely from individual to individual, impacting physical sensations, perceptions, and emotions.
Common immediate effects may include a sense of euphoria or relaxation, and altered senses of sight, sound, and time. Some people may also experience negative side effects such as paranoia, anxiety, and increased heart rate.
Interaction With the Endocannabinoid System
The cannabinoids, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interact with our bodies through the endocannabinoid system. This biological system is made up of cannabinoid receptors, which are located throughout the body. When you inhale cannabis smoke, the THC binds to these receptors, notably CB1 receptors found in the brain.
This binding process impacts various bodily functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and pain. This interaction alters the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, which governs how cells communicate, behave, and process information. This is what leads to the psychoactive effects or the sensation of being “high.”
Does Holding Cannabis Smoke In Make You Higher?
If you've ever smoked weed, you've probably heard the belief that holding in smoke can intensify your high.
Debunking the Myth
Contrary to popular belief, holding cannabis smoke in for an extended period won't necessarily enhance your high. Most THC absorption happens almost instantly upon inhalation. Holding your breath may cause a greater feeling of lightheadedness or head rush, but this sensation correlates more with oxygen deprivation rather than an increased high.
Explanation of THC Absorption
The lungs absorb THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, swiftly. Within seconds of inhaling cannabis smoke, the vast majority of the THC has already entered your bloodstream, making its way to your brain and interacting with cannabinoid receptors.
According to scientific research, the lungs absorb about 95% of THC within the first few seconds of inhalation. Holding the smoke in longer lets more harmful byproducts settle into your lungs, without necessarily enhancing your high.
Factors Affecting Cannabis High
It is important to note that the effects of cannabis can vary widely between individuals and even from one session to another.
Strain Potency and Composition
The strain of cannabis you choose to consume can hugely impact the intensity and quality of your high. Different strains have different levels and ratios of THC and CBD (cannabidiol), among other cannabinoids. Strains with a higher percentage of THC will have stronger psychoactive effects. Additionally, the blend of terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that contribute to the characteristic scent of cannabis, also plays a role in determining its effects.
It's also vital to note that the method of consumption matters. Smoking, vaping, edibles, and topical application all deliver cannabinoids to your system in different ways, leading to varied onset and duration of effects.
Individual Tolerance and Metabolism
Your tolerance to cannabis can also play a significant role in how high you get. Regular cannabis users may find that they need larger amounts to achieve the same effects as someone who uses cannabis infrequently or is new to it.
Metabolism can also factor in. Everyone metabolizes substances at different rates, so even if two people consume the same amount of the same strain, the intensity and duration of their highs could be quite different. Age, gender, body mass, and general health influence your metabolic rate.
Best Practices for Cannabis Consumption
The best way to consume cannabis through inhalation is by taking small, controlled hits. People often recommend the "puff, puff, hold" method where users take a puff, inhale some fresh air, and then exhale virtually immediately. This method may maximize the absorption of THC while minimizing potential lung irritation.
Understanding the effects of holding in cannabis smoke is essential for every cannabis consumer. Holding your smoke in won't necessarily make you higher, but your strain choice, tolerance, and metabolism among other factors could. At Kind Seed Co, we value providing accurate, helpful information to promote safe cannabis consumption. Remember, each person's experience with cannabis is unique, so take the time to understand your body and the potential effects of different cannabis strains and consumption methods to optimize your experience.
