ZATIVO'S LIST OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO AFTER THE EFFECTS KICK IN

Whether you just finished a long week of work, awoke from a fitful sleep, or are looking to pass the minutes before the train arrives, there's no better time than the present to spark up an impromptu cannabis smoking session.

Regardless of which method you choose to partake - be it flower, dabs, or edibles - certain activities always seem to draw you in once the effects of the cannabinoids take hold. We break down the top activities for when you are high on cannabis - suggestions to help you improve your smoking experience.

CALL UP YOUR BEST STONER FRIEND

Your weed mother or father deserves a call. After finishing a joint for yourself, consider giving your best stoner friend a ring - not a text - to catch up and reminisce.

Although chatting with extended family or stone cold sober people can be a drag when you’re high, reconnecting with potheads from the past always brings up fond memories of stoned antics.

If you are able to video chat, grab another jay or pack a fresh bowl and encourage your buddy to do the same. You’ll be surprised just how many details you remember from high times gone by as you enjoy your virtual smoking date.

At the end of the day, there’s nothing that boosts the effects of cannabis quite like laughing along with a friend, soaking up love and support from miles away.

GO FOR A WALK, RUN OR HIKE

You don’t need to be a triathlete to be an active stoner. Whatever mode of transportation suits you, take a stroll, ride or run to get your blood pumping. While it may seem counterintuitive to exercise after smoking, weed can actually help motivate and keep you in the zone.

Research has also shown that the famed runner’s high has more to do with the human endocannabinoid system than originally anticipated. Additionally, THC levels in the bloodstream rise up to 15% after moderate exercise! Toking also helps to mediate pain before, during and after the workout.

If you feel like going a bit slower, take a hike! Really, get yourself out to a trail or park and enjoy the company of flora and fauna. Escaping from the hustle and bustle of everyday life into nature is a grounding occurrence that is easily enjoyed in the presence of THC.

Exploring the natural psychedelic flow of nature’s creativity is always inspiring and leaves you feeling emotionally cleansed.

LISTEN TO MUSIC

Not necessarily the most unique addition to this list, but vital all the same - listening to music after the effects of cannabis kick in is a joy like no other. The relationship between cannabis and music is inextricable for many stoners and demands a certain level of reverence.

If you want to switch up your normal toke-n-tunes regimen, try listening to a single album in its entirety to experience an artist’s vision fully.

Another fun and festive option is to watch trippy music videos or play music over classic psychedelic films like Bowie’s Labyrinth to stimulate multiple senses.

TAKE A WARM SHOWER OR A COOL SWIM

A good stoned session is not complete without being immersed in a cool body of water or pleasantly pelted with warmth from the shower. If you have access to a lake or beach of some sort, you’re one of the lucky ones.

There’s just no comparison between a chlorine pool and the refreshing sensation of unadulterated H2O.

If your closest public pool is miles away and there is no nearby body of water larger than a puddle, hop into the shower or take a bath for an equally thrilling affair.

When you’re high on cannabis, warm water feels especially wonderful on the skin and helps to relax your muscles and ease your mind into a state of deep relaxation. Once the high subsides into a heavier stoned feeling, a shower can wrap up the entire experience with a fuzzy feeling of comfort and bliss.

LOCATE A DOG OR CAT

One of the first impulses I have after the high kicks in is to pet some sort of animal. Not that we're picky, but dogs and cats always make for worthy recipients of my complete stoned attention.

Pets bring about feelings of unconditional love and safety for many of us since the relationship is based on shows of affection.

Other animals are fair game as well, but it’s less fun to stare at a fish than interacting directly. So grab your snake, ferret, bearded dragon, or whatever you have and let them feel the positive vibes.

CONTEMPLATE REALITY

Do you remember what it felt like when you first started getting high off cannabis? Your surroundings seemed to have a strange, exciting vibration to them.

Suddenly, everything you thought you knew about humanity and the universe at large was thrown out the existential window. Contemplating reality (especially when stargazing) is a rite of passage for the curious stoner.

Getting high elevates you to an altered state of mind and indeed, an alternate reality of sorts. No matter if you choose to query solo or with good friends, existential contemplation is a healthy way to expand your consciousness and bring about positive changes in your life.

DANCE AND SING

Admittedly, it’s hard not to get a little cheesy compiling the best activities to engage in after getting high. This is partly because cannabis can lower inhibitions and make even the most simple pleasures feel profound.

Such is the case when it comes to dancing and singing. Many of us aren’t quick to drop everything and dance with self-confidence, but add some THC to the mix and this changes immediately.

Dancing and singing without shame is a powerful form of expression that is only bolstered by the presence of cannabis. By the time you’ve finished grooving and wailing, your heart will feel full and your body, mildly exhausted.

Keep this feeling in mind next time your friends invite you to go clubbing. If it helps, toke up before getting your dance on!

ENJOY A COLD ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

Responsibly enjoying cannabis alongside a cold drink can cement a summer day in your memory forever. Due to the high concentration of terpenes like Pinene and Myrcene in cannabis, you can easily pair your favorite strain with a craft beer, bottle of wine or other alcoholic beverage.

There are numerous lists online which recommend the best drink pairing for each strain. Just remember when mixing weed and alcohol to take things slow, especially if you don’t usually indulge in both simultaneously.

For most people, one beer won’t throw the rest of your day off course, but eight will likely culminate in a less-than-desirable crossfade that will inspire you to crawl into bed.

SEX!

The last item on this list may be somewhat controversial. However, if you are one to regularly enjoy a smoke after sex, know that there is some good news related to smoking before sex... smoking weed that is.

Cannabis is said to increase desire and many users claim that they experience increased sensitivity. This means that sex can feel better, purely because you are more relaxed and in a state of euphoria. In addition, women in particular claim that orgasms are more intense after they have smoked the herb, whether they are engaging with partner, or flying solo!

But please, don't go overboard. If you consume too much marijuana, it will come as no surprise that you may get too tired for any physical activity whatsoever.

So if sexy time is on your to-do list, then do go easy on the green. In addition, cannabis can lower the sperm count, complicating fertilization. If you and your loved one are trying to get pregnant, enhancing the sexual experience by puffing on a blunt first would not be the best idea.

Another point you should consider is the fact that too much cannabis can lower testosterone levels; the best thing you can do if you want to use cannabis with your partner and enjoy the togetherness is to use it in moderation.