April 13, 2025

What Really Makes You High from Cannabis?

Cannabis is one of the most widely used substances in the world—both for its therapeutic potential and for its ability to make users feel “high.” But what does that really mean? How does cannabis alter your mental and physical state? Is it all about THC, or are other compounds involved? These are the questions more people are asking as legalization expands and access increases.

Q: Does cannabis make you high?
A: Yes, cannabis can make you feel high, primarily due to the effects of THC on the brain.

In this post, we’re digging deep into the mechanisms that cause the cannabis high, exploring how THC interacts with the body, and what factors influence the overall experience. We’ll also touch on why how you store your weed—whether in a cannabis humidor, weed stash box, or best stash box—plays a role in how potent that high might be.

What Does “High” Even Mean?

The feeling of being high is subjective, but it typically includes:

A sense of euphoria
Altered sensory perception (colors may seem brighter, sounds more vivid)
Relaxation or sedation
Heightened creativity or introspection
Increased appetite (a.k.a. the munchies)

Some users may also experience temporary anxiety, paranoia, or confusion, especially if they consume too much THC or are new to cannabis.

The high is a result of a complex interaction between cannabinoids—especially tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—and your body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate everything from mood to appetite to pain perception.

THC and the Brain: The Real Driver of the High

The key to the cannabis high is THC. This cannabinoid mimics the action of natural compounds in the brain known as endocannabinoids. Specifically, THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, particularly in areas responsible for memory, pleasure, thinking, coordination, and sensory perception.

This binding disrupts normal brain communication, leading to the altered experience we call a “high.” Depending on the dose, strain, and individual tolerance, this can range from a mild buzz to a strong psychedelic-like experience.

When you store your cannabis in a proper weed stash box or cannabis humidor such as LOKKBOXX, it helps maintain the THC’s potency. Exposure to light, heat, and air can degrade THC into CBN (cannabinol), which is far less psychoactive. That means if your weed isn’t stored right, you may not get the high you expect.

How Quickly Does the High Kick In?

That depends on how you consume your cannabis:

Smoking or Vaping: Effects begin within minutes and peak around 30 minutes to an hour.
Edibles: These take 30 minutes to two hours to kick in, but the effects are usually stronger and last longer.
Tinctures or Sublinguals: Somewhere between the two—effects usually start within 15 to 45 minutes.

If you’ve ever kept your flower in a poorly sealed plastic bag instead of a stash box weed setup, you might have noticed a weaker high or inconsistent results. That’s no coincidence—good storage means good chemistry.

The Role of Terpenes in the Cannabis High

Cannabis isn't just about THC. Terpenes—aromatic compounds found in the plant—also influence the high. For example:

Myrcene is known for its relaxing, sedating effect.
Limonene may promote a more uplifting, euphoric high.
Pinene can help counteract memory fog and anxiety.

When terpenes and THC work together, the resulting effect is often referred to as the entourage effect. This synergy may alter how you feel, how long the high lasts, and how your body reacts.

To preserve those terpenes, using the best weed stash box or a humidity-controlled weed storage box is essential. Poor storage not only dulls flavor and aroma but can also diminish the overall psychoactive effect.

Factors That Influence How High You Get

A variety of factors shape your cannabis experience:

THC potency – Higher THC = stronger high
Cannabinoid profile – CBD, CBN, and others affect how THC works
Tolerance – Regular users often need more THC to achieve the same effect
Strain genetics – Indica vs. Sativa vs. hybrid
Consumption method – As noted above
Storage quality – Yes, even your best stash box plays a role

Even small changes—like leaving your stash in direct sunlight or letting it dry out—can weaken the effect. A properly sealed cannabis humidor keeps your herb fresh, sticky, and potent.

Can You Get High from CBD?

No, CBD (cannabidiol) does not produce a high. It doesn't bind strongly to CB1 receptors and may actually dampen the effects of THC. That’s why high-CBD strains are often used for medical purposes without the psychoactive impact.

However, CBD may subtly influence your mood, reduce anxiety, and help with focus or sleep. It's often used in combination with THC to create a more balanced high, especially for newer users or those sensitive to strong psychoactive effects.

That said, storing both CBD and THC products in a weed storage box ensures you get what you paid for every time.

Why Your High Might Feel Different Over Time

Ever feel like your weed doesn’t hit like it used to? That’s likely tolerance. With regular use, your CB1 receptors become less responsive to THC. The same dose won’t have the same effect, and you may find yourself consuming more to chase the original high.

Some users combat this with tolerance breaks—a few days or weeks off to reset your body’s response. During these breaks, it’s wise to keep your stash properly sealed in the best stash box or weed stash box so it doesn’t dry out or degrade.

Fresh weed = full effect.

The Come-Down: What Happens After the High

After a few hours, the high starts to fade. You may feel:

Relaxed or sleepy
Hungry
Thoughtful or introspective
Slightly sluggish (commonly referred to as a “weed hangover”)

Staying hydrated, eating a balanced meal, and choosing the right strain can help make the comedown smoother. Once again, keeping your stash fresh in a cannabis humidor or best weed stash box ensures each session is as consistent as the last.

The Risks of Getting Too High

While cannabis is generally well-tolerated, it is possible to overdo it, especially with edibles. Signs of being too high include:

Panic or anxiety
Rapid heartbeat
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion

Fortunately, these effects are temporary and non-lethal. Staying calm, hydrated, and lying down in a safe space is usually enough to ride it out.

Tip: Know your dose and always measure properly, especially with home-stored edibles or concentrates. Keeping your goods in a labeled stash box weed setup helps keep your intake predictable.

Final Thoughts: Cannabis Does Make You High — Here’s Why It Matters

Yes, cannabis makes you high—if it’s stored right, dosed right, and consumed with intention. THC is the key to that experience, interacting with your brain in a way that temporarily changes your perception, mood, and sensations. It’s a fascinating, complex reaction that has been appreciated for thousands of years.

Whether you’re a longtime user or new to the scene, your experience can be heavily influenced by the quality of your weed and how it’s stored. The right weed stash box or cannabis humidor isn’t just about style—it’s about preserving the chemistry that makes the magic happen.

Know your strain, dose responsibly, and never underestimate the power of freshness. Your stash deserves the best stash box—and so do you.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, financial, or legal advice. The use of cannabis and its derivatives may have risks and potential side effects, and individuals should always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis or any other substances for medicinal purposes. This article does not endorse the use of cannabis or any other substances for recreational purposes. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from the use of the information presented herein. Readers are advised to do their own research and exercise caution when making decisions related to cannabis or any other substances.