High vs Stoned: Understanding the Key Differences

The terms “high” and “stoned” often pop up when discussing cannabis use. They’re slang, not medical terms, but people use them for two different feelings.

“High” usually means a more energetic, heady feeling, while “stoned” usually means a heavy, relaxed state.

Legal note: This is for adults 21 and over where cannabis is legal. In the US, marijuana is still a Schedule I drug under federal law outside a state medical license or an FDA-approved drug, and state laws differ.

Key Takeaways

• “High” feels uplifting and energetic.
• “Stoned” is more relaxed and mellow.
• Dose, product, method and your own body matter more than the indica or sativa label.

What is “High” versus “Stoned”

When exploring cannabis experiences, you often hear the terms “high” and “stoned.” These words describe different feelings.

High usually refers to a more energetic, euphoric state. You may feel more creative, alert, and social. People often link this feeling to sativa strains.

On the other hand, being stoned often means feeling relaxed, calm, and maybe a bit lazy. You might want to lie down and chill. People often link this to indica strains.

Feeling	Description	Common Strains
High	Energetic, euphoric, social	Often labeled sativa
Stoned	Relaxed, mellow, sleepy	Often labeled indica

Keep in mind that these labels are loose. A study of commercial cannabis in six US states found that strain labels don’t consistently match the plant’s chemistry.

Understanding Cannabis Effects

Cannabis can create a range of experiences from feeling uplifted and energetic to calm and sedated. The specific effects depend on the compounds in the cannabis and how they interact with your body.

Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabinoids are chemicals in cannabis that influence how you feel. Two primary cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC is known for its psychoactive effects, making you feel “high” or elated. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t cause a high. The only FDA-approved CBD drug is Epidiolex, for certain seizure disorders. These cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body.

CB1 receptors are part of this system and are found mostly in the brain. When THC binds to these receptors, it can influence mood, memory, movement and appetite. Having said that, the THC percentage matters. Another important chemical is anandamide, a naturally occurring endocannabinoid, which plays a role in how you feel pleasure and relaxation.

Differences Between High and Stoned

Being “high” and being “stoned” describe different cannabis experiences. When you feel high, you may notice cerebral effects: feeling euphoric, energetic or more alert. The feeling is often associated with increased creativity or joy.

On the other hand, feeling stoned usually means experiencing a body high. You might feel relaxed or in a state of “couch-lock,” where movement takes extra effort. Higher doses tend to push people toward this state.

Indica vs Sativa Strains

Cannabis strains are often divided into two categories: indica and sativa. Indica strains are marketed as relaxing, and many people use them in the evening.

Sativa strains are marketed as energizing and are sometimes described as rich in limonene, a citrus terpene. The linked report covers a small study in which limonene reduced THC’s anxiety-inducing effects.

Still, the labels are a rough guide at best. The chemistry of products sold as indica, sativa or hybrid overlaps a lot, so read the THC and terpene info on the label and start low.

The Cannabis Experience

The way you consume cannabis affects how you feel. Different methods bring different reactions and sensations. Cultural and social elements also shape your experience, influencing attitudes and slang.

Different Consumption Methods

Cannabis is consumed in various ways. Smoking joints, blunts or bongs works fast, but smoked cannabis can harm lung tissue. Vaping also has a quick onset, but it isn’t proven safe: THC vapes were linked to most cases of the 2019 EVALI lung-injury outbreak.

Edibles take longer to kick in, so people sometimes take more before the first dose hits. NIDA warns that this raises the risk of bad reactions, so wait before taking more.

Each method also has its own unique effects, with some people preferring the quick, intense rush from smoking or vaping, while others favor the drawn-out relaxation offered by edibles.

Sensations and Reactions

Your cannabis journey will bring a variety of sensations. The initial buzz may feel uplifting or creative. As it progresses, you might experience a body buzz, feeling calm or even pleasurably numb. Many users experience cottonmouth and red eyes. Some feel restless or lethargic and couch-locked.

Others report feeling happy, sociable or giggly. Be aware of possible negative reactions like anxiety or paranoia. Stronger products lead to more intense effects, and cannabis impairs thinking, memory and coordination, so never drive while high or stoned.

Cultural and Social Aspects

Cannabis plays a significant role in many cultures and social settings. It’s common to see people bonding over a shared joint or bowl. The slang words like “stoned,” “lit,” or “buzzed” describe different levels of intoxication. Cannabis can make people feel more sociable and outgoing, though some prefer to relax alone.

The social context often impacts your cannabis experience, whether it’s a lively party or a quiet night in. Cultural attitudes towards cannabis vary, influencing how freely people partake and discuss their experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many terms to describe cannabis intoxication, each with its own meaning and effects. Understanding these differences can help you better communicate your experiences or understand others’ descriptions.

What distinguishes the sensation of being ‘high’ from ‘stoned’?

Being “high” often means feeling alert, creative, and energetic. It can make you feel uplifted and more social. In contrast, being “stoned” is usually associated with relaxation, sluggishness, and a heavy body feeling.

Can you explain why the term ‘stoned’ is used to describe intense intoxication?

The origin of the slang isn’t clear. Today it usually describes feeling heavy and couch-locked, the deep relaxation that can come with a larger dose.

What are common slang terms used to describe different levels of cannabis intoxication?

Some common slang terms include “baked,” “blazed,” “lit,” and “chill.” Each term can indicate different experiences or levels of intoxication. For example, “lit” might suggest a strong, active high, while “chill” might indicate a more relaxed state.

How is being ‘baked’ different from being ‘stoned’?

Being “baked” is similar to being “stoned” but can suggest a more enjoyable or comprehensive experience. You might feel deeply relaxed and find humor in ordinary things. The term can imply that you’ve consumed a significant amount and are feeling the effects fully.

What physical and mental effects are associated with being ‘stoned’?

When you’re “stoned,” you might feel deeply relaxed, with a heavy body sensation and a desire for rest. Mentally, you might find yourself with slower thinking and a mellow mood. It’s common to feel very laid-back and just want to unwind.

How does the duration of being ‘high’ compare to that of being ‘stoned’?

Timing depends mostly on how you take cannabis. Smoked or vaped cannabis acts within minutes, while edibles take longer to start and last longer. Dose and tolerance also matter.

Sources

• Cannabis (Marijuana) DrugFacts, National Institute on Drug Abuse
• The phytochemical diversity of commercial Cannabis in the United States, PLOS ONE (via Europe PMC)
• Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products, CDC (archived)
• FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD), U.S. Food and Drug Administration