1. Big-picture: what “being high” actually is
When people say they are “high,” they are usually talking about a temporary altered state that happens after using cannabis products containing THC.
This state is short-lived and changes the way a person notices their thoughts, senses, emotions, and body.
THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain, which are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is involved in processes like mood, memory, appetite, pain signaling, and perception.
Because of this interaction, being high is not one single feeling or one single effect.
Instead, it is a bundle of changes that can show up in different areas at the same time.
Those changes can include shifts in thoughts and attention.
They can include changes in the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
They can include changes in body sensations, such as feeling light or heavy, tingly, or physically relaxed.
They can include emotional changes, such as feeling euphoric, calm, anxious, introspective, playful, or silly.
They can also include changes in time perception and memory, such as time feeling slower or faster and short-term memory feeling less reliable.
Not everyone experiences all of these effects, and the exact combination can vary from person to person.
The same person can also have very different highs on different days, even with similar products or doses, depending on mindset, environment, and other factors.
If you are in Oklahoma and want to learn more in person, you can visit any of our High Society locations listed on our locations page.
You can also explore our current menu and place an online order on our order online page before you visit.
2. Common positive or neutral effects people report
These descriptions are based on what many adults report when they talk about their experiences with being high.
They are not guarantees, and they are not recommendations.
Every individual can respond differently, and effects can vary from one session to another.
2.1. Mood and emotional shifts
Some people describe a “good mood boost” when they are high.
They may feel lighter, more playful, or giggly, and they may notice that everyday situations or jokes seem funnier than usual.
There can be a temporary sense that things feel more pleasant or that the moment is easier to enjoy.
Some people feel more talkative or sociable, wanting to chat and connect with others.
Others may feel quieter and more introspective, preferring to sit, think, or reflect.
Many people also notice changes in relaxation.
Muscles may feel looser, and physical tension can feel less noticeable.
Racing thoughts may slow down, and everyday worries can feel less prominent or less “loud” for a period of time.
Some people describe this as a kind of “emotional padding,” where sharp edges and stress feel slightly softened, even if nothing in their life has actually changed.
Along with these shifts, people often report a sense of enhanced appreciation for simple experiences.
Music, art, movies, or even small daily tasks like washing dishes or taking a walk can feel more interesting or emotionally engaging.
Some people describe a stronger feeling of awe, connection, or emotional resonance with media, nature, or their surroundings while they are high.
If you are curious about how different product types line up with different experiences, our team at High Society can answer questions at any of our locations listed on our locations page.
You can view our live menu and order online for pickup on our order online page.
2.2. Sensory enhancement
Being high often comes with noticeable changes in how the senses feel and how the world looks, sounds, tastes, smells, and feels to the touch.
Not everyone experiences all of these changes, and the intensity can vary a lot from person to person and from one session to another.
Vision
Some people say that colors appear more vivid or saturated when they are high.
Visual textures, like wood grain, fabric patterns, or leaves in nature, can become especially fascinating to look at.
Light sources may seem brighter, softer, or like they have a gentle glow around them.
Hearing
Music can feel more immersive and emotionally powerful while high.
Layers in songs, such as harmonies, background instruments, and subtle details, may stand out more than usual.
Ambient noises like rain, traffic, or rustling leaves can become more noticeable and interesting.
Taste and smell
Many people use the phrase “the munchies” to describe a strong interest in food while high.
During this state, some people feel drawn to salty, sweet, or fatty foods.
Flavors can feel richer, more nuanced, and more complex.
Smells can become more intense, which can be pleasant with certain foods and scents and less pleasant with others.
Touch
Soft blankets, comfortable clothing, warm water, or massage may feel more pleasurable or soothing.
Some people report a heightened awareness of body position and physical contact, such as how they are sitting or how their body rests against furniture.
If you are curious about exploring different products and terpenes that people associate with certain sensory experiences, you can visit any High Society location listed on our locations page.
You can also review our current menu and place an online order for pickup on our order online page so you have time to read product details in advance.
2.3. Cognitive effects: how thoughts change
Being high does not only affect the body and senses.
It can also change how thoughts feel, how they connect, and how attention works.
Altered thinking style
Associations between ideas may feel more creative or unexpected while high.
You may jump between topics or “chain” thoughts together in unusual ways that you would not notice when you are not high.
Some people feel more imaginative or artistic and enjoy thinking about big ideas or creative projects in this state.
For others, these same thought patterns can feel scattered or hard to organize.
Focused versus scattered attention
Some users experience a kind of hyperfocus on a single activity, such as gaming, drawing, listening to music, or talking with friends.
They may feel very absorbed in whatever they are doing.
Other people notice the opposite and find that their attention becomes fragmented.
They may be quickly distracted by each new thought, sound, or visual stimulus that appears.
Short-term memory effects
Short-term memory is one of the most commonly mentioned mental changes while high.
People sometimes lose their train of thought mid-sentence and forget what they were just about to say.
It is common to forget what you were about to do, even when you just decided a moment before.
Some people find themselves rewinding a movie or show because they zoned out and missed a scene.
These effects are often linked to THC’s impact on the hippocampus, an area of the brain that is important for forming and managing new short-term memories.
If you want help choosing products while keeping these kinds of effects in mind, our staff can walk through labels and information with you at any High Society location listed on our locations page.
You can also look over products at your own pace and place an online order for pickup on our order online page.
2.4. Body sensations and time perception
The high experience often includes noticeable changes in body sensations and in how time seems to pass.
These effects can be subtle or very strong, depending on dose, product type, and individual sensitivity.
Body feelings
Some people describe feeling light or floaty in their body while high.
Others describe the opposite, with a sense of heaviness or “couch-lock,” especially with sedating products or higher doses.
Tingling or a gentle buzzing feeling in the hands, feet, or face is also commonly mentioned.
Muscles may feel more relaxed, and some people say that physical tension or discomfort feels less noticeable for a period of time.
Typical physical side effects
Dry mouth, often called “cottonmouth,” is very common when using THC products.
Dry or red eyes are another frequently reported effect.
An increased heart rate can occur, and some people can feel this more strongly than others.
Mild changes in blood pressure can also happen and may contribute to lightheadedness for some individuals.
Time distortion
Many people notice changes in how time feels while they are high.
Minutes can feel longer than they actually are.
A short song or video may feel extended or more detailed.
Some people feel like they “lose track of time” completely and are surprised when they check the clock.
If you are planning when to consume and how long you want effects to last, our team can help you understand typical timing for different product types at any High Society location listed on our locations page.
You can also plan ahead by ordering online for pickup on our order online page.
3. Less pleasant or negative experiences
For a balanced and educational view, it is important to recognize that being high is not always comfortable.
Some experiences can be unpleasant or stressful, especially at high doses, with very potent products, or in challenging environments.
3.1. Anxiety and paranoia
Anxiety and paranoia are very commonly reported at higher doses, in unfamiliar settings, or for people who are already prone to anxiety.
A typical experience is worrying about physical sensations, such as thinking, “My heart is beating too fast,” or “Is something wrong with me?”.
Some people feel judged or watched, even if others are not paying special attention to them.
There can be a fear of getting in trouble with law enforcement, family members, or an employer, even in a legal context.
People may feel socially awkward, very self-conscious, or strongly want to leave social situations.
In some cases, this can escalate into a panic attack.
Panic can include racing thoughts, a strong sense that “something is very wrong,” and a feeling of losing control.
Knowing that these reactions are possible can help people choose lower doses, safer environments, and trusted company.
3.2. Physical discomfort and “greening out”
“Greening out” is a commonly used informal term for an overwhelming level of effects from cannabis.
It refers to feeling “way too high,” not to a life-threatening overdose in the way that can occur with some other substances.
Classic features of greening out include nausea and vomiting.
Many people also experience dizziness or a “spinning room” sensation.
Sweating and paleness, also called pallor, are frequently mentioned.
A pounding heartbeat or very strong awareness of the heart can occur.
Some people feel like they might faint or lose their balance.
Cannabis effects are rarely dangerous by themselves in healthy adults, but the experience of greening out can be extremely unpleasant.
Medical attention is wise if there is chest pain or difficulty breathing.
It is also important to seek help if the person has heart disease or other serious health conditions.
Severe confusion, agitation, or hallucinations are additional warning signs.
So is any risk of self-harm, falls, or accidents.
If you want help understanding potency, edibles, and concentrates so you can avoid taking more than you are comfortable with, our staff at High Society can assist at any location listed on our locations page.
You can also carefully compare product strengths and formats before purchasing by using our online ordering system on our order online page.
3.3. Confusion and disorientation
Some people feel very confused while high, especially at high doses.
They may be unable to follow conversations or understand plot lines in movies or shows.
Others feel disconnected from reality and describe the experience as, “This doesn’t feel real.”
There can be difficulty telling the difference between internal thoughts and what is actually happening in the outside world.
At very high doses, especially for vulnerable individuals, these experiences can resemble brief psychosis.
This can include paranoia, delusional thinking, or a strong break from ordinary reality.
A personal history of psychotic disorders or a strong family history of these conditions can significantly increase risk.
Anyone who notices extreme confusion or psychosis-like symptoms should take that seriously and seek appropriate medical or mental health support.
3.4. Emotional heaviness or negative mood
Not all highs feel happy or relaxing.
Some people report feeling sad, heavy, or emotionally flooded while high.
Negative thought loops can occur, where past mistakes or worries are replayed repeatedly.
Irritability or quick frustration can also show up more strongly than usual.
Some people feel “stuck in their head,” with too much focus on internal thoughts.
These kinds of emotional reactions are more likely when using high doses.
They are also more common when someone is already in a bad mood or under a lot of stress before using.
Being alone with a lot on your mind can amplify these feelings.
Combining cannabis with other substances can further increase the chance of uncomfortable emotional states.
If you want to discuss product options and ways to approach cannabis carefully as an adult, our team is available to answer questions at any High Society location listed on our locations page.
You can also take time to review items online and place an order for pickup on our order online page.
4. Why being high feels different for different people
Two people can use the same strain and the same dose and still have very different experiences.
The “feeling” of being high is influenced by multiple layers at the same time.
These layers include individual biology, product chemistry, route of administration, and the situation or environment where cannabis is used.
Understanding these factors can help people make more informed choices as adult consumers.
If you want to discuss these topics in person, you can visit any of our High Society locations listed on our locations page.
You can also explore products and place an online order on our order online page before you arrive.
4.1. Individual biology and tolerance
Individual biology plays a major role in how being high feels.
Genetics can affect how CB1 receptors function, how sensitive a person is to THC, and how quickly their body processes it.
Tolerance is another important factor.
Frequent users often need more THC to feel a traditional high, and the experience may feel more muted or closer to “normal” for them.
New or occasional users can be strongly affected by relatively small doses.
Metabolism and physiology, including body fat, liver enzyme activity, and gut function, also influence how THC is absorbed and processed.
This is especially true for edibles, where digestion and absorption vary from person to person.
4.2. Product chemistry: THC, CBD, and beyond
Product chemistry also shapes the experience of being high.
THC potency is one of the most visible factors on product labels.
In general, higher THC levels are associated with stronger psychoactive effects.
They also come with a higher risk of anxiety, paranoia, and other adverse reactions for some people.
Lower to moderate THC products usually produce more manageable or functional highs for many new users, although responses still vary.
CBD is non-intoxicating and is included alongside THC in many products.
Some people report that products containing both THC and CBD feel different from THC-only products.
They may describe the overall experience as “softer” or clearer, although this is subjective and not the same for everyone.
Other cannabinoids, such as CBG, CBN, and THCV, are present in some products and can also modulate the experience.
Some users report that THCV feels more stimulating and that CBN feels more sedating, but research in this area is still developing.
Terpenes influence aroma, flavor, and the subjective feel of a product.
Limonene is often associated with bright, citrusy scents and is described by some users as linked to an uplifted mood.
Myrcene is often linked to earthy or musky aromas and is described by some as connected with body relaxation or sedation.
Pinene has a pine-like smell, and some users say they feel more clear-headed or alert with pinene-rich products.
Linalool has a floral, sometimes lavender-like aroma and is often associated with calming or soothing impressions.
Because of all these variables, two products with similar THC percentages can still feel very different.
Many dispensaries, including High Society, focus education on effect-based profiles and ingredient breakdowns rather than just strain names.
If you want help reading labels and understanding cannabinoid and terpene information, you can visit any High Society location on our locations page.
You can also compare different product profiles online and place an order on our order online page.
4.3. Route of administration: how you consume matters
The way cannabis is consumed has a big impact on how quickly effects start, how intense they feel, and how long they last.
Smoking and vaping
With smoking or vaping, onset typically occurs within minutes.
Peak effects usually appear around 15 to 30 minutes after use.
The overall duration is often around two to three hours, although this can vary.
Because the effects build relatively quickly, many people feel that smoking or vaping makes it easier to “feel your way” to a comfortable level.
Users can take one puff at a time, wait, and decide whether to have more.
Edibles
With edibles, onset is slower, usually between 30 and 120 minutes.
This timing depends on factors like metabolism and what else has been eaten recently.
Peak effects often arrive about two to four hours after ingestion.
The overall duration is commonly four to eight hours or longer.
Many people describe edibles as more body-heavy, immersive, and like a “longer ride.”
Because the effects take time to appear, some people redose too early, thinking, “It’s not working,” which can lead to an unexpectedly intense experience and a higher chance of greening out.
Concentrates (dabs, wax, shatter, and similar products)
Concentrates usually have high THC levels in a small volume.
They are known for rapid and intense onset.
Even experienced users can find concentrates extremely strong compared with other product forms.
For newer users, concentrates carry a higher likelihood of anxiety, paranoia, or a “too much too fast” experience.
If you are considering trying a new method for the first time, our team can provide basic education at any High Society location on our locations page.
You can also filter products by type and potency when ordering online on our order online page.
4.4. Set (mindset) and setting (environment)
“Set and setting” is a phrase often used in discussions of altered states, and it applies to cannabis as well.
“Set” refers to the user’s mindset, including mood, expectations, current stress level, and overall mental health.
“Setting” refers to the environment, such as who you are with, where you are, and what the surroundings are like.
Supportive conditions, like being relaxed, with trusted friends, in a safe and comfortable space, are more likely to result in a comfortable and positive experience.
Stressful or unsafe-feeling conditions, like being in a crowded public place, with people you do not trust, or worried about being “caught,” can increase the risk of paranoia and anxiety.
Thinking about set and setting in advance can help adult users choose times and places that feel safer and more manageable.
If you would like to discuss product choices with this in mind, you can stop by any High Society location listed on our locations page.
You can also plan your visit by selecting items online on our order online page.
5. Common stages of a high
Many people describe a high as unfolding in stages rather than feeling the same from start to finish.
These stages are especially noticeable with smoking or vaping, but similar patterns can appear with other methods too.
Come-up
The come-up is the early phase when effects are starting to appear.
People may feel a subtle shift in perception, a bit of warmth, or a slight buzz in the body.
Mild changes in senses and mood often show up here.
Some people feel anticipatory excitement, while others experience mild anxiety as they notice themselves becoming high.
Peak
The peak is usually the strongest stage of the high.
Mood and sensory changes are most intense during this time.
Time distortion becomes noticeable, and minutes may feel stretched or compressed.
Thinking can feel different, either deep and creative or more scattered and silly.
This stage can be joyful, intense, or overwhelming, depending on the dose, mindset, and environment.
Plateau
During the plateau, effects tend to level out and feel more steady.
Instead of getting stronger, the high usually holds at a fairly consistent level.
People often settle into activities like listening to music, having conversations, playing games, watching movies, making art, or enjoying food.
There is generally less sense of increasing intensity and more of simply staying in a particular state for a while.
Comedown
The comedown is the gradual return to baseline.
Effects slowly weaken, and most people feel closer to their usual state over time.
Relaxation, drowsiness, or hunger are common during the comedown.
Some people feel foggy or tired afterward, especially after heavy use or late-night sessions.
This lingering fog or tiredness is sometimes called a “weed hangover.”
If you want to choose products with specific timing and duration in mind, our team can review options with you at any High Society location listed on our locations page.
You can also plan your session by selecting products in advance on our order online page.
6. Long-term and frequent use and what the high feels like over time
With regular, heavy cannabis use, many people say that the feeling of being high changes.
The high may shift from feeling intense and novel to feeling more subtle and familiar.
For some people, baseline mood and sleep may become closely tied to their cannabis use habits.
Stopping suddenly after frequent heavy use can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms for some adults.
These can include irritability, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, reduced appetite, and mild physical discomfort or restlessness.
These symptoms usually do not look like withdrawal from substances such as alcohol or certain drugs, but they can still be uncomfortable and important to acknowledge, especially for people planning tolerance breaks.
If you are thinking about changing your use pattern and want to understand product potencies and options, our staff is available to discuss labels and formats at any High Society location listed on our locations page.
You can also review your choices and plan ahead with our online ordering system on our order online page.
7. Safety and harm reduction: helping customers aim for safer experiences
Even in a fully legal and regulated setting, being aware of safety and harm reduction is important.
Talking honestly about what being high feels like goes hand in hand with talking about ways to reduce risk.
Different people will make different choices as adult consumers, but information can support more thoughtful decisions.
If you would like to talk through these topics with a knowledgeable team, you can visit any High Society location on our locations page.
You can also browse product categories and plan your visit with an online order on our order online page.
7.1. Dosing mindsets (non-medical guidance)
Dosing is highly individual, and no single amount is right for everyone.
Many adults choose to approach cannabis with a mindset often summarized as “start low, go slow.”
This is especially emphasized for edibles and for new users.
It means starting with a small amount, waiting long enough for effects to appear, and only increasing gradually if needed.
Avoiding mixing cannabis with alcohol or other depressants is another key harm-reduction theme.
Combining substances can increase nausea, dizziness, confusion, and impaired judgment.
Higher THC levels are not always the best choice.
For many people, comfort, control, and predictability matter more than intensity.
Customers with complex medical histories are generally encouraged to talk with a healthcare provider about their specific situation.
This kind of conversation can help people understand how cannabis might interact with their health conditions or medications.
If you want help reading THC and CBD percentages, or comparing product strengths in a non-pressured setting, you can visit any High Society location on our locations page.
You can also filter by potency and format when ordering online on our order online page.
7.2. Set and setting advice
Set and setting are practical tools for planning a safer and more manageable experience.
For first experiences with cannabis or with new products, many adults prefer a safe, familiar space with trusted people.
This could mean staying at home or in another comfortable environment, rather than in a crowded or high-pressure setting.
Having water, non-caffeinated drinks, and light snacks ready can make the experience more comfortable.
It can also be helpful to have a low-stimulation spot available, such as a quiet room or a comfy couch.
Simple, low-stress activities are often recommended.
Common choices include listening to music, watching gentle movies or shows, coloring, drawing, playing light games, or having relaxed conversations.
If anxiety shows up, a few grounding strategies can be useful.
Slow, controlled breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth can help some people feel more centered.
Sipping cool water or washing hands and face with cool water provides a simple physical reset.
Friendly reassurance, such as reminding yourself or a friend, “You’re safe,” and “This is temporary and will pass,” can also help.
Reminding yourself that you took cannabis and that what you are feeling is a strong but time-limited effect can reduce fear for some people.
If symptoms become extreme, confusing, or frightening, it is important to take that seriously and seek appropriate help.
For in-person education on product types and responsible adult use, you can stop by any High Society location listed on our locations page.
You can also review detailed product information and place an order for pickup on our order online page so you feel prepared before your visit.
7.3. Know when not to be high
There are times when being high is not safe or responsible.
Being high while driving or operating any kind of machinery is unsafe because cannabis can impair reaction time, attention, and coordination.
Being high while caring for children or others who depend on you can affect your ability to respond quickly and make sound decisions.
It is also not a good idea to be high in situations that require quick thinking, such as at many workplaces or during emergencies.
Guidelines generally recommend avoiding THC use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
In all of these situations, it is safer to wait until you are no longer under the influence before using cannabis.
If you have questions about planning your cannabis use around your schedule and responsibilities as an adult consumer, you can visit any High Society location listed on our locations page.
You can also review products and place an online order for pickup on our order online page so you can plan ahead.
8. How people describe being high – examples for consumer language
People use many different phrases to describe their personal experience of being high.
These examples are not promises of how any specific product will feel, but they can help illustrate the range of experiences people talk about.
Some people say, “It’s like my body is heavy but my mind is floating.”
Others describe, “Music feels like it’s wrapping around me.”
Many people report, “I get giggly and everything seems funnier.”
Another common phrase is, “Time goes weird – I’ll think an hour passed and it’s been 15 minutes.”
Some people say, “If I overdo it, I get paranoid and feel like everyone is looking at me.”
Others describe, “When the dose feels right for me, it’s easier to notice the moment I’m in.”
Using phrases like these in educational materials can help normalize both the pleasant and less pleasant parts of being high, so adult consumers feel more prepared for the range of possible experiences.
If you want to explore products with staff who understand how people talk about these effects, you can visit any High Society location listed on our locations page.
You can also browse our menu, read product descriptions, and place an order online for pickup on our order online page.
9. Framing this information as an educational resource guide
If you are turning this material into a consumer-facing guide, a clear and balanced structure can help adult readers understand what being high may feel like.
A good starting point is a section called “What is a high?”.
In that section, you can briefly explain the basics of the endocannabinoid system in simple language.
You can also introduce THC, CBD, and terpenes in basic terms, focusing on what they are and how people talk about them, rather than making medical claims.
Next, you can add a section called “Common feelings when high.”
This section can cover mood changes, such as feeling more relaxed, introspective, or energized, while reminding readers that experiences vary widely.
You can describe sensory changes, including how music, food, touch, and time can feel different for some people.
You can also talk about body sensations, such as feeling light or heavy, noticing tingles, or feeling warmth in different areas of the body.
After that, it is helpful to include a section on “Less pleasant possibilities.”
Here you can mention anxiety, paranoia, and panic sensations that some people experience at higher doses or in stressful situations.
You can explain that nausea, dizziness, and “greening out” are also possible reactions, especially when someone takes more than their body is comfortable with.
You can describe mental confusion or disorientation, including trouble following conversations or feeling detached from surroundings.
Another useful section is “Why it feels different for everyone.”
In this part, you can explain that biology, tolerance, route of use, and product type all play a role.
You can mention that set and setting, meaning mindset and environment, can also strongly influence a person’s experience.
A section on “Route-specific expectations” can then outline how different methods of use work.
You can compare smoking or vaping, edibles, and concentrates in simple terms.
You can highlight differences in onset time, peak intensity, and duration without telling people what they should choose.
A “Safer-use and harm-reduction” section is also important for a responsible guide.
In this section, you can include “start low, go slow” messaging, especially for new users and edibles.
You can remind readers of situations when it is better not to use cannabis, such as driving, caring for others, or pregnancy and breastfeeding.
You can suggest that people with significant health conditions or mental health concerns talk to a healthcare professional before using cannabis.
Including a section called “When to seek help” adds another layer of safety.
You can describe signs that the experience may be too intense or unsafe, such as severe confusion, chest pain, intense paranoia, or thoughts of self-harm.
You can encourage people to contact medical services or trusted professionals if serious symptoms arise.
A brief “FAQ or myth-busting” section can also be helpful and engaging.
You can address questions like “Can I overdose?” by explaining the difference between feeling overwhelmed by effects and life-threatening toxicity, using careful, non-alarmist language.
You can also answer questions like “Why do I get paranoid sometimes?” and “Why was today’s high different from last time?” by referring back to dose, product type, mindset, and setting.
Throughout the guide, it is important to keep the tone neutral, non-medical, and focused on education and responsible adult use.
You can also clearly state that your content is for adults of legal age only and that cannabis products should be kept out of reach of children.
If you would like to connect this type of educational content with your in-store experience, you can refer readers to your physical locations on our locations page.
You can also invite them to explore your live menu and place an order online for pickup on our order online page so they can review information before they visit.
