high

The feeling (or rather, multitude of feelings) that comes on after smoking weed. The sensations you feel when you're high are hard to describe, but I'll try to tackle each one individually since it's such a wonderful thing that everyone should experience at some point. Keep in mind that these descriptions are based only on my personal experiences (and possibly some I've heard from friends). The high varies from person to person but it's pretty much always enjoyable. Positive Effects 1. The euphoria. In my mind, euphoria doesn't really describe being high since if you've never gotten high you don't really know what people mean by euphoria. My first time experiencing euphoria (wasn't actually my first time smoking weed) was one of the best moments of my life. I had already smoked a shitload of weed, gone for a long walk with some friends, and returned to a friends house. I was crashing and decided to smoke some more. Lying on my friend's couch, I suddenly had this overwhelming feeling of bliss. For no particular reason, I just muttered over and over again - "I feel soooo good right now." 2. Deep/introspective thinking. While the experience is different for everyone, I wouldn't go so far as to say I think deeply, philosophically, or introspectively while I'm high. Rather, when I start to think, I go into a sort of trance where I know what's going on around me, but I don't exactly process any of it. I am completely focused on my thoughts. I guess it's almost like tripping. If you ever get an experience like this, immediately listen to Phish. 3. Increased appreciation for music and senses in general. Depending on the setting, type of weed, and the music, the appreciation you feel can differ, but it's always awesome. Sometimes, you simply recognize the skill and talent required to compose the music you're listening to. Other times, you sort of twitch and move to the music unconsciously until it sort of feels like you're part of the music. When you start doing that weird, amazing thinking I described, listening to a good band can take you into a dreamworld. This is really indescribable, partly because it's such a foreign feeling and partly because you probably won't remember most of this experience once you sober up. Other senses are also more sensitive when high - touch, smell, taste. One interesting note - busting a nut while high is a great feeling. 4. Laughter. When you're high, things are just generally funnier. However, a specific sort of humor (which may vary depending on person) usually makes you just completely laugh uncontrollably. When high, some things are just so ridiculous, you find them absolutely hysterical. I suggest watching Aqua Teen Hunger Force while high - it's frickin' awesome, especially the Dickesode. 5. Relaxation. Sometimes, weed will not relax you but just make you experience the above effects intensely. However, many strains of marijuana sort of make you relax. This is because when you're high, you often get this feeling that if you stand up, some invisible force pulls you back down, forcing you to sit or lie down. Once down again, it feels like your body is melting into the surface on which you're resting. It's pretty neat. 6. Other. Even when they're not high, many stoners simply enjoy life more. After experiencing a really good high, you will generally just appreciate the beauty of the world more profoundly. This might not happen very often for all I know, but it has happened to me. Neutral Effects 1. The munchies. The severity of the hunger you feel while high varies from person to person. For me, it's almost intolerable, almost painful. The munchies are weird because the hunger you feel is not normal. You feel incredibly empty and the thought of eating seems wonderful to you, even if you've already eaten. Furthermore, when you're high, food tastes REALLY good. I suggest chicken wings and/or Double Stuf Oreos. I also advise drinking carbonated drinks when you're REALLY stoned as the feeling of little bubbles exploding in your mouth is incredible. 2. Bloodshot eyes. The severity of this symptom varies, but usually your eyes just get really red. The only downside to this is that it makes it pretty easy to tell whether or not someone is high. In addition, your eyelids just sort of refuse to open fully sometimes. 3. Slowness. This is partly a result of the relaxation. Since you always feel like you're being pulled down, moving is hard and takes concentration sometimes. 4. Drymouth. Smoking weed makes your mouth really dry. It's not dangerous, but if you're inexperienced or the high is intense, you might think that your throat is closing up even if it's not. Just drink something - it'll calm you down and taste delicious. 5. Hallucinations. This has never happened to me, so I can't really comment, but you probably need to eat cannabis to get this effect and, even then, I think it's still pretty rare. Don't expect to trip balls (like with lsd) or anything though, even if you do hallucinate. 6. Altered sense of time. While high, time usually seems to slow down. Although this is listed as a neutral effect, it could be considered positive since it makes the high seems like it's lasting longer than it really is. 7. Short-term memory loss. Although this may seem like a bad thing, it only lasts for a little while, maybe even not lasting through the whole high. It can also be kinda cool since when you forget what you were talking about sometimes you see cool visuals in your head of the thought flying away or something (that always happens to me). Negative Effects Although being high is amazing, there are occasionally negative effects. None of these are too bad, but they're unpleasant nonetheless. 1. Anxiety. This is the most common negative effect of marijuana. Anxiety can occur as a result of inexperience, too much experience, bad weed, or a poor setting. Basically, you just feel really nervous and anxious, but this always passes if you move into a more comfortable setting. Never get high alone at night - it's pathetic and scary. 2. Paranoia. This is usually the result of the anxiety, but oftentimes, you may find that you believe everyone is watching you or that you have a spy. This feeling will pass so long as you are with friends if you just relax and think about pleasant things. 3. Other. There are other negative effects, but none of them are very serious at all and usually appear far worse if you experience the anxiety of paranoia mentioned above. 4. Crashing. The high from marijuana only lasts a few hours (although it may seem like longer) and the come-down can be quick to appear. After the high completely wears off, you may feel pretty groggy for a few hours. This will pass, though. 5. Long-term effects. The long-term negative effects of smoking marijuana are pretty much the same as with any other substance that you smoke - lung damage. However, it's possible that long-term use may also impair your memory. The study that weed causes schizophrenia, however, is mostly bullshit (unless you've got a history of it in your family). Overall, I would say that being high is usually a pretty magical experience. I recommend weed to anyone in high school or older.