The government’s official statement is that recreational cannabis will not be legalized. The National Police and Security Service website made this clear by stating that, “The Government has no plans to legalize cannabis.” For this reason, it is reasonable to assume that there will not be many major changes soon.
On the other hand, there are also signs pointing to an expansion of cannabis usage in Ireland. In 2023, for example, Northern Ireland’sfirst legal cannabis vaping lounge opened. However, this is entirely medical cannabis only, not recreational. As political changes take place, so too might changes in cannabis policy.
Although recreational cannabis is not legal in Ireland, some medical cannabis is, with more cases and opportunities being approved in recent years. Ultimately, there is very little to suggest that recreational cannabis will be made legal soon, but there is a promising change for medical cannabis.
Cannabis is an indulgence that has piqued the curiosity of millions of people worldwide, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that there are 147 million global consumers. However, Statista researchers pin the number of global weed consumers at 219 million! As legalization continues to paint the world map green, more people are introducing marijuana as a staple ingredient in their daily routines. This means that there are a lot of people out there looking high.
A cannabis “high” is the term used to describe the mind-altering journey that people venture on after indulging in psychotropic compounds, aka “cannabinoids.” One such example is tetrahydrocannabinol THC, which can be detected as a metabolite in the system for some time after getting high (i.e. THC-COOH). While it’s not necessary to slip into a state of bliss to reap the plant’s benefits, cannabis’s psychoactive element, THC, sure does present consumers with some therapeutic enjoyment.
Although many people seek the feeling of getting high when choosing a weed strain, looking high is not always ideal. Not to worry, because we’ve compiled a list of hacks on how to hide your high to help you maintain a fresh face ahead of a family gathering or social outing.
Once THC enters the bloodstream, passes the blood-brain barrier, and binds to CB1 receptors, the high kicks in. Remember that the rate at which a high kicks in depends on the method of consumption. Activation can emerge seconds after dabbing concentrates, minutes after inhaling smoke from a joint, or one hour or more after indulging in a cannabis-infused edible.
A typical weed consumer will be overcome by red eyes or “stoned eyes” and dry mouth (“cotton mouth”), so if you see someone with their lips stuck to their gums and a pair of bloodshot peepers, they may be experiencing the aftermath of a spliff session!
The American Dental Association claims that there is a link between using cannabis and oral dryness. The scientific basis for this is the fact that THC activates CB1 receptors on salivary glands, too, reducing saliva production and potentially causing complications associated with dry mouth (e.g. caries, periodontal disease, etc.) if not addressed properly.
It’s not just the physical signs that suggest someone might be under the influence of cannabis. Certain actions or behaviors can also indicate a cannabis high, such as feasting on more food than usual, falling into a fit of giggles, or, in some cases, forgetfulness. THC can also cause anxiety or tension. This can be especially intense when “greening out,” which is when you consume too much cannabis within a short time.
Want to hide your high? There are a handful of preventative measures that will aid you in your quest to look less stoned. For example, guzzling plenty of water within recommended limits will hydrate you, give you a burst of energy, boost overall health, and help form saliva to keep those cotton-mouth situations at bay!
For chronic dry mouth, use alcohol-free mouthwash products and toothpaste containing xylitol (a sugar substitute, present in Biotene mouthwash and zero-alcohol mouthwash), as well as sports drinks, acidic drinks, or candies (e.g., fruit juices, lemonade, sour hard candy) can also help stimulate salivary receptors directly. Just be sure not to overdo it on the ingestible.
Learning how to get rid of the smell of cannabis is also imperative for someone who doesn’t want to offend people in public, at work, while traveling, or be exposed to their weed pastimes. Instead of scurrying to find a solution post-smoke, make sure you’ve got your smell-eliminating supplies at the ready beforehand. You might also want to prepare a change of clothes and a safe spot to smoke or take a refreshing nap before a social gathering.
Furthermore, anecdotal evidence and research indicate that the pinene in pine nuts, limonene in lemon peel, and the caryophyllene in black peppercorns may help to sober up and reduce the effects of a cannabis high. A dose of cannabidiol (CBD) may also counteract the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is ideal if you’re trying to stop looking high.
How long does marijuana usually last? According to Healthline and the WHO, a cannabis high can linger for up to 24 hours, depending on how much you ingest, your chosen method of consumption, the THC percentage and terpene composition, your body weight and metabolism, and your tolerance. Your high may also be affected by how much food you’ve eaten that day.
To get “clear-headed,” or sober up from weed, try eating. The perfect way to satisfy a case of “the munchies” is to use food that can help to ease a cannabis high. This was suggested in an article published by the British Journal of Pharmacology, which reveals that certain terpenoids can act as an antidote for a cannabis high. However, you may want to avoid foods renowned for amplifying a cannabis high, such as mango, nuts, and broccoli.
If you want to look less high instantly, getting rid of stoned eyes will help, and to do so, you can opt for a cold shower. For centuries, humans have been practicing water therapy (otherwise known as hydrotherapy), which can enhance the immune system, increase blood circulation, and improve relaxation. Increased alertness is one of the main benefits of taking a shower with cold water, as well as increased energy levels and mental clarity.
Wondering how to get rid of stoned eyes fast? Slip on a pair of sunglasses! Not only will sunglasses provide you with UV protection on sunny days, but these fashion accessories can also be used to protect your eyes from dust and other allergens that could potentially transform the sclera (the white part of the eye) into a more obvious shade of red!
Lubricating eye drops are useful for replacing the eye’s natural moisture and relieving dryness and irritation or stoned eyes caused by a heavy smoke session. Some redness-relieving drops contain an antihistamine and imidazoline derivatives (e.g., tetrahydrozoline, naphazoline, etc.) that cause constriction of the blood vessels in the eyes.
How To Buy CannabisOnly time determines when the psychotropic compound THC exits the bloodstream, but a good nap could help the effects wear off much faster. The Sleep Foundation website notes that cannabis may improve sleep, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting some shut-eye while high.
The final tip on our list involves a swift outfit change. Fortunately for those who like to vape, the smell of weed or smoke won’t be a problem. However, for those who prefer a good old joint or bong, the plant’s pungent scent can become trapped in clothing fibers.
Opt for a change of clothes or wash your clothes with baking soda to eliminate the stench of smoke. If you’re wearing leather, rub it with some baby wipes or pet wipes and allow it to dry. If your dab or cannabis oil falls on your clothes, treat the spot with diluted alcohol or vinegar (1:1 dilution with water) and then air dry. Professional dry cleaning services may also be helpful, and probably best for high-end leather goods.
Now that you know how to look less high, you can make the most of your marijuana experiences without lying low. It’s important to consume cannabis wisely, especially if you’re a new consumer and want to avoid greening out.
Refrain from consuming the plant with alcohol, since this can intensify the high and increase the obviousness of intoxication. The same goes for consuming weed with sedating medications; studies show that certain medications and chemical compounds can magnify the drowsy effects of cannabis, so proceed with caution to avoid looking and feeling overly high.
Each cannabis consumer has a different tolerance level. For some, a puff of a joint could be enough for a giggly high. For others, it can take more consumption by smoking or with edibles. As such, many individuals who experience higher tolerances search for different and new ways to enhance their high and make it last longer.
A tolerance break is always an option. However, for many who use the plant for medical purposes, taking a tolerance break is not always an easy option for managing their overall well-being. Below, we’ve listed 13 tips and tricks to enhance your high for long-lasting effects.
The way you choose to store your cannabis matters. It can affect the product’s potency and, ultimately, the length of your high. When purchasing weed products, note the expiration date and make sure to store each type of cannabis product properly.
Try to avoid storing cannabis in plastic containers, as they have been known to destroy the trichomes of the plant. If you want to make your weed stay potent for longer, keep your buds in glass or steel jars and store them in dark and cool spaces.
A study was published in 2013 that examined THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) blood levels in 14 cannabis users after 35 minutes of exercise on a stationary bike. The results showed that “exercise enhances plasma THC levels in regular cannabis users.” The rise may be coming from releasing THC from fat stores, and is correlated with body fat. This is further supported by a 2014 preclinical study that also showed exercise and fasting can increase cannabinoid levels in blood plasma in THC-pretreated mice.
When dispensary shopping, you may notice the typical hype surrounding high THC strains. Did you know that these are not always the strains that will give you the most potent highs and could actually lead to adverse effects?
The entourage effect is a theory that explains the synergistic effects of combining phytonutrients, cannabinoids, terpenes, cannflavins, and hundreds of other plant compounds. Terpene profiles are a source of diversity among cannabis plants, creating many unique strains and products.
Recently, a 2023 study shows that over a dozen of our favorite cannabis terpenes can activate the CB1 receptor. In doing so, many common terpenes like linalool, limonene, and more can increase the high of THC. This is not to mention all the other potential additive benefits they share and contribute to.
These synergistic effects create a more optimal, therapeutic, and harmonized experience. The next time you shop for cannabis, consider finding strains or products that detail their cannabinoid and terpene profiles – rather than isolates just showing one high THC percentage.
A simple change of routine or scenery can be beneficial for maintaining a potent weed high. If the first thing you like to do in the morning is take a hit off a bong (no judgment here), getting chores done first or jumping straight into your day can prolong the first sesh of the day.
If you consistently like to smoke cannabis on our couch, try getting outside on a porch or taking a short walk before you head back inside to spark up. Camping or smoking on a hike (legally and safely) can help elevate the moment and keep things fresh.
