Written by Joshua Sosin

Cannabis can bring on all kinds of noticeable effects, from changes in mood to physical signs like red eyes and slowed reactions. Knowing what to expect can help you have a better experience with weed and support the people in your life as they try cannabis for the first time.

Here are some of the biggest indicators that weed is producing its psychoactive effects.

Table of Contents

• Physical Signs of Being High

• Behavioral Signs of Being High

• Cognitive and Speech Changes

• Social and Emotional Indicators

• Uncommon but Possible Signs

• How Long Do the Signs of Being High Last?

• Final Thoughts

Common Signs of Being High: Physical Symptoms

One of the easiest ways to tell if someone is high is through visible physical changes.

These effects can vary depending on the person, their tolerance, and how much cannabis they consumed:

• Red or Glossy Eyes – THC can cause blood vessels in the eyes to expand, leading to noticeable redness. Slightly bloodshot eyes are one of the most well-known signs of cannabis use.

• Slowed or Uncoordinated Movements – Cannabis can temporarily affect a person's motor skills, making movements slower while high.

• Enlarged Pupils – While not as dramatic as with other substances, some cannabis users experience mild pupil dilation.

• Dry Mouth (Cottonmouth) – THC can reduce saliva production, leading to frequent lip-licking, drinking lots of water, or chewing gum.

• Increased Appetite (Munchies) – If someone is suddenly eating an unusual amount of food, especially snacks or sweets, they might be high.

• Heaviness or Relaxed Posture – Cannabis can create a sensation of heaviness in the body, leading to slouched posture or slower-than-usual movement.

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Behavioral Signs of Being High

A person’s behavior often shifts when they’re under the influence of the cannabis plant. While some changes are subtle, others can be pretty obvious:

• Laughter or Giggling at Random Things – Cannabis can heighten humor, making even the most ordinary things seem hilarious.

• Zoning Out or Daydreaming – Someone who’s high might appear lost in thought or distracted.

• Difficulty Focusing on Tasks – Simple tasks may take longer than usual, and attention might wander frequently.

• Speaking More or Less Than Usual – Some people become talkative, while others get quiet and introspective.

• Slow Response Time – Conversations might involve long pauses before responses.

Cognitive and Speech Changes

Weed use affects cognition in multiple ways, leading to noticeable speech and thought patterns.

• Disorganized or Tangential Thinking – Someone high might jump between topics without clear connections.

• Forgetfulness – They might start a sentence and then forget what they were saying.

• Slurred or Drawn-Out Speech – Depending on the strain and dosage, a person’s speech might slow down.

• Enhanced Creativity – Many users report heightened imagination, leading to deep philosophical conversations or unusual insights.

Social and Emotional Indicators

Cannabis can alter mood and emotions, sometimes in unpredictable ways. While some people become more social, others might want to spend time alone.

• Euphoria or Unusual Cheerfulness – Many cannabis users experience an uplifted mood.

• Paranoia or Nervousness – Some individuals might seem unusually suspicious or nervous, especially in social settings.

• Increased Sensitivity to Sounds and Lights – Someone who is high might react strongly to loud music or bright lights.

• Overly Introspective or Thoughtful – They may appear deep in thought or hyper-aware of their emotions.

• Fluctuations in Social Interaction – Someone high might go from deeply engaged in conversation to completely spaced out.

Uncommon but Possible Signs

While these aren’t the most common indicators, some people may experience more unique effects.

• Heightened Sensory Perception – Some people report feeling textures more vividly or seeing colors more vibrantly.

• Twitching or Shivering – While rare, some cannabis users may experience slight muscle twitches.

• Time Distortion – They may feel like time is moving much slower or faster than it actually is.

• Unusual Body Language – Repetitive movements, like rubbing hands together or fidgeting, may increase.

How Long Do the Signs of Being High Last?

The duration of cannabis effects depends on several factors, including consumption method and THC potency.

• Smoking/Vaping: Effects usually last 2-4 hours but can linger longer at higher doses.

• Edibles: The high can last 4-8 hours and sometimes longer due to the way the body metabolizes THC.

• Tinctures/Oils: These can last anywhere from 4-6 hours, depending on potency and dosage.

• Concentrates: Highly potent products like wax or shatter can have effects lasting 4-6 hours or more.

Experience an Amazing High With Mood Cannabis

Telling if someone is high comes down to recognizing a combination of physical, behavioral, and cognitive signs. While red eyes and munchies are common giveaways, not everyone reacts to cannabis the same way. Some might become more outgoing and talkative, while others get quiet and introspective.

The best way to figure out how weed affects you is by ordering it from a safe, legal source and trying it for yourself. Head to the Mood Shop to explore our full selection and use the code "FIRST20" to get 20% off your initial order.