There’s a huge amount of terminology around consuming and growing cannabis. Considering it has its own dedicated subculture, this should come as no surprise.

“Stoned” and “high” are two words that are used a lot, and can be used interchangeably. Before we go any further, we must say that there is no right or wrong way to use these words to describe the cannabis experience, and we’re certainly not suggesting you go around correcting people’s ways of describing how they feel.

But in colloquial usage, there are some differences in how people tend to use stoned vs high—here’s what they are.

What Is It Like to Be Stoned?

So, being stoned—what’s it like? In general, we would hope that being stoned feels good. If it doesn’t, you might have overdone it. If it always feels bad, reconsider your cannabis habit.

With that out of the way, what are some of the general characteristics of being stoned? In short, the effects can be described as follows:

• Relaxing

• Peaceful

• Lethargic

• Sleepy

• Slow

If you’ve smoked weed, you probably recognise these effects. Being stoned falls at the heavy end of the spectrum—hence the name. When people are stoned, they are slow, with small, red eyes, and perhaps won’t make the best conversation; you know the image! One can also become couch-locked when stoned. As the name suggests, this is a state in which someone becomes practically unable to remove themselves from the couch.

From within, though, being stoned can be a wonderful feeling, so long as you don’t have much to do. Being stoned is tiring, which is part of its pleasure, so long as you time it right. However, it can be quite problematic if you find yourself with tasks to perform, or, God forbid, a serious conversation to have.

Generally, getting stoned is best reserved for evenings and very lazy days.

What Is It Like to Be High?

Being high falls at the lighter end of the spectrum. When people are high, in contrast to being stoned, they tend to retain more energy and have more ability to engage with the world and others. That’s not to say they might not be a little slow still, but they will at least be able to maintain a conversation. Here are some of the effects of being high:

• Talkative

• Giggly

• Energetic

• Joyful

• Fascinated by the world

Getting high makes it easier to get on with day-to-day life, though it’s still recommended only when you have nothing important to do. You’ll still be very much under the effects of drugs, and you’ll still look like you’ve smoked weed. You will not, however, be a couch-locked mess.

But why does some weed get you stoned, and other weed get you high?

Indica vs Sativa

Though the effects of cannabis depend on the individual, set and setting, and other variables, certain types of weed lend themselves to getting users high, and others to getting people stoned.

Indica

Indica is a family of cannabis that includes strains such as Kush and Cheese. These dank strains have deep smells and produce heavy, stoned effects courtesy of their unique terpene and cannabinoid profiles. As the plants are often easier and faster to grow, it’s likely you’ve come across a fair amount of indica or indica-dominant bud.

Sativa

Sativa, on the other hand, is associated with uplifting, energetic highs. This type of weed hits hard and fast, and feels much more like “being on drugs”. But just because it can be energetic, don’t assume it’s incapable of getting you incredibly blazed—sativas can be extremely strong. Why do sativas cause these effects? It’s unclear, but one theory posits that sativas contain more of the terpene myrcene (responsible for spicy, mango flavours), which may allow THC to cross the blood–brain barrier faster, leading to a difference in effects.

In reality, the differences between indica and sativa are myriad and complex.

What Is It Like to Be Baked?

Whether you’re getting high or stoned, it’s always possible to take it too far.

When you do, you could describe yourself as “baked”. Being baked is when you’ve overdone it and can’t really move or engage anymore—or at least you really don’t want to!

At its worst, you could even end up whiteying, which is when you spin out and throw up. Especially for beginner smokers, getting baked is almost inevitable. Though possible with all methods of consumption, trying out bongs for the first time is a sure-fire way to find yourself rapidly baked.

Stoned vs High: Find Out for Yourself

Getting high, stoned, and even baked all have their pros and cons. Ultimately, whichever you’re going for, it’s important to make sure you’re in a good place, with good people and as few pressures as possible.

If you can secure that, then go and find out for yourself what the differences are between getting high and getting stoned.