The main player: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
To understand what gets you stoned, you must first understand the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is a cannabinoid, a type of chemical that interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors and chemical signals that regulate many physiological processes. Specifically, THC binds to the CB1 receptors found in high concentrations in areas of the brain that control memory, pleasure, and coordination.
When THC activates these receptors, it triggers a cascade of chemical reactions, leading to the characteristic effects of being high. These effects can include:
- A sense of euphoria and relaxation.
- Altered sensory perception, such as changes in how you perceive time and space.
- Increased appetite (often called "the munchies").
- Temporary impairment of memory and coordination.
Other psychoactive cannabinoids
While THC is the most well-known psychoactive compound, other cannabinoids also play a role. Delta-8 THC, for example, is a naturally occurring but less potent cousin of THC that also causes euphoria and sedation. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw cannabis. It converts to the intoxicating THC when heated through a process called decarboxylation, which occurs when cannabis is smoked, vaped, or cooked. Synthetic cannabinoids, or human-made chemicals mimicking THC, can also produce potent psychoactive effects but carry significant, often unregulated, health risks.
Beyond cannabis: Other substances that cause intoxication
Many substances outside of cannabis can cause a state of intoxication similar to being "stoned" but with entirely different pharmacological mechanisms and risks. The misuse of prescription and illicit drugs is a major public health concern.
Prescription drug misuse
Misusing prescription drugs, such as opioids, sedatives, and stimulants, can produce powerful intoxicating effects. This can happen when someone takes a medication not prescribed to them, takes a larger dose than prescribed, or alters the method of administration. Key examples include:
- Opioids: Pain relievers like oxycodone and fentanyl can cause extreme relaxation, euphoria, and drowsiness by acting on the same brain receptors as heroin. Misuse can lead to addiction, slowed breathing, coma, and death.
- Central Nervous System Depressants: Sedatives and tranquilizers, like benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax and Valium), can induce feelings of calm and sleepiness. Overdoses can cause memory problems, slowed breathing, and death.
- Stimulants: Prescription stimulants, including amphetamines like Adderall, produce effects similar to illicit substances like cocaine. They increase alertness and energy but can also cause increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and paranoia.
The grave dangers of polysubstance use
Combining different psychoactive substances, known as polysubstance use, is incredibly dangerous and often leads to more severe health consequences than using a single drug. This is because the interactions between substances are unpredictable and can amplify negative effects. For example, mixing depressants like alcohol and opioids can drastically increase the risk of respiratory failure, coma, and death.
How consumption method and purity affect the high
Not only do the chemical compounds involved matter, but how a substance is consumed also significantly affects the user's experience. Similarly, the purity and potency of a substance are critical factors in predicting its effects.
Comparison of consumption methods
| Method of Consumption | Onset of Effects | Peak Effects | Duration of Effects | Route of Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking/Vaping Cannabis | Within minutes | 10–30 minutes | 1–3 hours | Lungs to bloodstream to brain |
| Ingesting Edibles | 1–2 hours | 2–4 hours | 6–10+ hours | Stomach to liver to bloodstream to brain |
| Injecting Drugs (e.g., Opioids) | Almost instant | Varies | Varies | Directly into the bloodstream |
The impact of potency and impurities
In the case of unregulated substances, the potency can vary widely from batch to batch, and impurities are a major concern. For example, synthetic cannabinoids can be extremely potent and cause severe side effects. Likewise, illicit opioids contaminated with highly potent fentanyl have caused a sharp increase in overdose deaths. This highlights why regulated products often carry lower health risks compared to black market alternatives.
Side-by-side: THC and CBD
While both THC and cannabidiol (CBD) are cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, their effects are markedly different.
| Feature | Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) | Cannabidiol (CBD) |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoactive Effects | Yes, responsible for the “high” feeling. | No, does not cause euphoria or a high. |
| Mechanism of Action | Primarily binds to CB1 receptors in the brain. | Primarily interacts with other receptors, including serotonin receptors. |
| Therapeutic Potential | Pain relief, appetite stimulation, nausea reduction. | Anxiety reduction, seizure management, inflammation reduction. |
| Legality | Restricted and varies by state and country. | More widely legal, especially when hemp-derived with < 0.3% THC. |
| Side Effects | Impaired cognition, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis risk. | Fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, liver problems (less common). |
| Interaction with THC | Responsible for the “stoned” effects. | Can counteract some of the negative effects of THC, such as anxiety. |
Conclusion: Responsible use and risk awareness
Ultimately, what gets you stoned is the activation of specific receptors in the brain by psychoactive compounds, most notably THC. However, this is just one example of the many ways substances can alter your mental and physical state. The risks associated with such alterations are often multiplied by the substance's source, purity, potency, and the practice of polysubstance use. Whether considering legal cannabis or grappling with the misuse of prescription drugs, understanding the pharmacology is key to making informed decisions and being aware of the associated risks. For those struggling with substance use, seeking professional help is a crucial step toward recovery. You can explore options through national resources and local treatment programs to find support.
Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website for help.
