WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIPPING, HIGH AND STONED?
Tripping dramatically alters your consciousness and is often accompanied by hallucinations through the use of psychedelics such as LSD or magic mushrooms. Being high causes mental euphoria and creativity, usually through THC-rich cannabis. Being stoned, on the other hand, causes physical languor and relaxation, often through cannabis with more CBD. So the difference is in the type of drug and its effect on body and mind.
Tripping: What psychedelics do to your brain and consciousness
Tripping refers to a profound change in consciousness, usually caused by psychedelic drugs such as LSD, magic mushroom or mescaline. A trip often affects your senses, emotions and self-image in profound ways.
How do you recognise a psychedelic trip?
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Altered perception of time and space
- Intense emotional experiences
- Spiritual or philosophical insights
- Feeling of ego loss (dissolution)
Research shows that substances such as LSD interact with the 5-HT2A receptor in the serotonin system, leading to these changes in perception and consciousness.
Wittmann, M., et al. (2007)The effect of psilocybin on time perception in humans. Journal of Psychopharmacology. https://doi. org/10.1177/0269881107077712
Sources:
Wittmann, M., et al. (2007). The effect of psilocybin on time perception in humans. Journal of Psychopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881107077712
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Muthukumaraswamy, S., Roseman, L., Kaelen, M., Droog, W., Murphy, K., ... & Nutt, D. J. (2016). Neural correlates of the LSD experience revealed by multimodal neuroimaging. https://doi. org/10.1073/pnas.1518377113
Being high: Euphoria and mental stimulation by THC
Being high is an experience that typically occurs when using cannabis with a high THC content. The effect is often mentally stimulating, with feelings of euphoria, increased creativity and altered sensory perception.
What happens in your head when you are high?
- Bouts of laughter or euphoria
- Increased sensitivity to sound, light and taste
- Altered perception of time and maintenance of consciousness and cognition
THC activates the endocannabinoid system in the brain, especially in areas involved in reward, memory and motor skills. According toCDC, this temporarily affects your mood and perception.
Being stoned: The physical relaxation of cannabis
Being stoned is often associated with a heavier physical state. This effect usually occurs when using indica-dominant cannabis or cannabis with a higher CBD ratio. It causes deep relaxation and often fatigue.
This is what it feels like to be stoned - physical effects of cannabis
Being stoned is often described as a state of deep physical relaxation, which usually occurs after using indica-dominant cannabis strains or cannabis with a higher CBD content. Users often experience a languid or drowsy feeling, with both thinking and movement feeling slower. Coordination may be reduced, leading to slowed movements and the feeling of heavy limbs, as if the body is less easy to control. In addition, drowsiness is common, especially when cannabis strains with calming terpenes such as myrcene are used. Many people find that their motivation decreases, which can make it difficult to stay active or perform everyday tasks.
While these effects are seen as pleasant by some, they are not for everyone. In situations where alertness is important - such as driving, studying or working with machines - the use of cannabis is not recommended. The extent to which you experience these effects depends on your body weight, tolerance, environment and the type of cannabis you use.
Sources:
Shannon, S., et al. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal. NCBI
Vandrey, R., et al. (2017). Cannabis and Sleep: A Review of Clinical Studies. Current Psychiatry Reports. NCBI
High vs stoned: Mental vs physical effect explained
Although both states are caused by cannabis, the difference lies in the mental vs physical effects :
| Aspect | High | Stoned |
|---|---|---|
| Dominant substance | THC | THC + CBD |
| Effect on mind | Euphoria, stimulation | Sluggishness, drowsiness |
| Effect on body | Slightly relaxed | Deep relaxation |
| Ideal moment | Social, creative | Rest, relaxation |
Tripping versus high or stoned: The deeper impact of psychedelics
Tripping is clearly distinguished from being high or stoned by the intensity and nature of the experience. A trip fundamentally affects your consciousness, while being high and stoned cause more gradual changes in mood or physical sensation.
| Feature | High | Stoned | Tripping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | Cannabis (THC) | Cannabis (CBD) | Psychedelics |
| Duration | 2-4 hours | 2-4 hours | 6-12 hours |
| Effect on mind | Slightly euphoric | Lethargic, sluggish | Hallucinations, loss of ego |
| Effect on body | Slightly relaxed | Deeply relaxed | Variable |
| Risks | Paranoia | Impaired coordination | Bad trip, psychosis |
Source:
Freeman, D., et al. (2015)Cannabis and psychosis: what causes what? Current Psychiatry Reports. 
Safe tripping: Tips for a responsible experience
Especially when using psychedelics, or tripping, proper preparation is essential. The environment in which you are tripping plays a big role in this. Make sure you are in a safe and familiar setting, preferably at home or in a place where you feel completely at ease. Avoid combining psychedelics with other substances such as alcohol or stimulant drugs; this can cause unpredictable and sometimes dangerous interactions. Planning to trip for the first time? Then it is wise to have a sober and reliable 'trip sitter' present, someone who will stay with you, guide you and can help if the experience becomes overwhelming. It is also important to take mental vulnerability seriously: people with a history of anxiety disorders or psychosis are strongly advised against using psychedelics, as the chances of negative experiences or triggering symptoms are significantly higher.
Smart choice: Understand the differences and tailor your experience
Knowing the difference between tripping, being high and being stoned will help you make more conscious choices when using psychoactive substances. Whereas a high is brief and mentally stimulating, a trip offers a profound, sensory and emotional journey. Being stoned, on the other hand, brings mostly physical relaxation and languor. By understanding these nuances, you can reduce risks and better tailor your experience to your intention.
Written by Elke Folkersma, content developer at Elke Media.
As a professional blogger, Elke focuses on accessible and well-researched content about health, well-being, and responsible consumption. For specialized blogs, she collaborates with reliable sources and recognized professional literature.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological consultation. Use of psychoactive substances carries risks and is not suitable for everyone. Always consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or the use of these substances. Do not use illegal substances and at all times abide by the laws of the country in which you reside. 24High distances itself from irresponsible use and encourages safe, informed choices.
