On Getting High

From Stigma to Empowerment, Misunderstanding to Mindfulness

An earlier version of this article appeared in Fat Nugs Magazine late 2024. If you’re not already reading and enjoying Fat Nugs, I recommend checking them out.

The phrase "getting high" carries with it a weight of historical stigma and cultural misunderstanding, yet it simultaneously holds a sense of joy and discovery for those who partake in cannabis.

For decades, society's perception of "getting high" was marred by misinformation, fear, and propaganda, which has distorted our cultural understanding of cannabis and its potential benefits. Today, as we work to lift cannabis to its rightful place as a valuable component of wellness, this article considers a choice:

Should we abandon the term "high" and create new language (as I often try to do here), or should we reclaim it, infusing it with the positivity and truth that our experiences and data now support?

In my experience with cannabis, I have often avoided using the term "high" in favor of attempting to foster a new conversation around cannabis - one that is grounded in purpose, wellness, and evidence-based understanding. My mission since entering the industry has always been to empower individuals to improve their lives through purposeful cannabis consumption, and to dispel the myths that have long plagued the cannabis plant​​​​. Myths I used to believe.

In my view, "getting high" is not a singular or static state. It is a spectrum of experiences, ranging from the subtle to the profound, from the euphoric to the introspective. It is an experience shaped by a myriad of factors, including the type of cannabis consumed, the environment, the individual's mindset, and their specific goals.

The beauty of cannabis is its ability to facilitate a "high" that is deeply personal and can vary widely from person to person​​​​.

The Spectrum of Being High

The "high" one experiences can be a gateway to achieving a state of flow or meditation, akin to the clarity and focus achieved through mindfulness practices​​​​. Cannabis can enhance music, food, art, nature, and even exercise, elevating these experiences to new heights. It can provide insight and introspection, allowing individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions in ways that might not be accessible otherwise​​​​​​.

Yet, a high can also be measured in terms of better living. I talk a lot about purposeful consumption - using cannabis with intention to support one's wellness goals, whether that's improving sleep, enhancing creativity, relieving pain, or simply unwinding​​​​.

Cannabis has the potential to make us feel more connected to the world around us, to the people in our lives, and to the present moment. It can help teach us that there is no past or future, only the continuous now. This understanding can be transformative, helping us appreciate life more fully and embrace the fleeting moments that make up our existence​​​​.

Purposeful Cannabis Consumption

For many, the notion of "getting high" is closely linked with recreation and leisure, often overshadowed by images of unproductive indulgence. However, purposeful consumption reframes this narrative. By defining our goals for consumption and understanding the factors that contribute to our experiences, we can achieve what I call (slightly tongue-in-cheek) being "Pie High" - a perfect 10/10 experience where every element is aligned with our desired outcomes​​​​.

The 15 factors that impact your cannabis experience, from your goals and product choices to your consumption methods and lifestyle factors, all play a crucial role in determining the quality of your high​​. By understanding these variables, consumers can craft an experience that is not only enjoyable but also meaningful and enriching​​​​.

Cultural Perspectives and Language

One way of escaping our cultural biases is to look to the languages of other cultures. While the Western perspective often limits the concept to recreational or escapist use, many Indigenous cultures view the experience as deeply spiritual, medicinal, and integrative.

Indigenous Perspectives and Terminology

In many Indigenous cultures, the use of psychoactive plants is intertwined with spirituality and healing. Here are some examples that illustrate these cultural views:

• Nahuatl (Aztec Language):

  • Teonanácatl: Translated as "Flesh of the gods," this term was used for psilocybin mushrooms, reflecting their sacred role in religious ceremonies. The Aztecs consumed these mushrooms to induce visions and connect with the divine, emphasizing the spiritual journey and transformation they facilitated​​​​.

  • Peyotl: Meaning "Cactus" or "Divine Messenger," peyotl describes the peyote cactus. Its use in spiritual rituals highlights the Aztecs' view of the plant as a divine gift, capable of opening pathways to spiritual realms​​.

• Quechua (Inca Language):

  • Ayahuasca: Known as the "Vine of the soul" or "Vine of the dead," ayahuasca is a powerful brew used for spiritual healing and communication with ancestors. The Quechua word underscores its importance in shamanic practices and spiritual enlightenment​​.

  • Huachuma (San Pedro): This "Sacred cactus" is used for its psychoactive properties in Andean rituals, symbolizing spiritual exploration and insight. The name "San Pedro" links the cactus to heavenly experiences and transformation​​​​.

• Ojibwe (Anishinaabe Language):

  • Asemaa Mishkiki: Meaning "Tobacco medicine," this term reflects the sacred role of tobacco in Ojibwe ceremonies, used to communicate with the spirit world. This terminology highlights balance, harmony, and healing rather than recreational use​​.

• Zulu (South African Language):

  • Ubhejani: Also known as "Dagga" (cannabis), this term is associated with the medicinal use of cannabis in Zulu culture. Traditional views emphasize its healing properties, focusing on health and well-being​​.

These translations and terms reveal a holistic view of psychoactive substances, where they are not merely for recreation but tools for spiritual growth, healing, and cultural integration. Here's what these perspectives teach us:

• Spiritual and Ceremonial Use: Many Indigenous cultures view getting high as a spiritual or ceremonial experience, with language conveying respect, reverence, and a connection to ancestors or the divine​​.

• Medicinal and Healing: The emphasis on healing and well-being highlights the role of cannabis and other plants in traditional medicine, showcasing their integration into practices that promote physical and mental health​​.

• Balance and Harmony: Languages that describe these experiences often reflect a quest for balance and harmony within oneself and with the environment. This understanding aligns with the use of substances as tools for achieving mental, physical, or spiritual equilibrium​​​​.

Conclusion

Whether we keep or discard the term “high,” perhaps it’s time we escaped the limitations of Western stereotypes and embrace a more nuanced understanding? This perspective invites us to reconsider the potential of cannabis and other mind-altering substances to enrich our lives, not just as recreational escapes but as pathways to wellness, insight, and connection​​.

A Note on Youth and Cannabis

Finally, while embracing cannabis as a tool for adult wellness, it's important to remember that evidence strongly suggests cannabis negatively impacts brain development in children. We must advocate for responsible use and ensure that purposeful cannabis consumption is reserved for the joys of adulthood. Children have their own joys, and must nurture their developing brains​​​​.