Stages of Being High

The stages of being high usually follow a predictable arc, but the details can feel different depending on the person, the dose, and the consumption method. Whether you're sipping a THC-infused drink or trying another cannabis product for the first time, the experience rarely arrives all at once.

Below, we'll break down the stages of being high, from the first "Is it working?" moment all the way to when the high wears off, plus cover what to do if things get overwhelming.

Stage 1: Anticipation

Before any real effects show up, there's often a quiet in-between phase. This is the part where nothing feels different yet, but you're paying closer attention than usual.

You might start scanning your body for clues, wondering if that last thought felt...different somehow.

Common moments during this stage can include:

• Feeling extra aware of your surroundings

• Overthinking eye contact during conversation

• Noticing silence more than usual

• Checking your phone, then forgetting what you meant to do

• Questioning whether you feel normal, or just expecting not to

For first-timers, this stage can feel confusing. Anticipation alone can influence how sensations register, especially when you’re focused on noticing change.

Stage 2: Onset

Onset is the point where you move from anticipation to noticing real changes. For many people, it shows up as small shifts rather than a clear before-and-after moment.

How quickly this stage begins depends mostly on how THC enters the body.

If you smoke or vape

When you smoke or vape, THC enters through the lungs and reaches the bloodstream quickly. That’s why effects can begin within minutes for most people.

Early signs during this stage may include:

• A subtle lift in mood

• Music or sounds feel more noticeable

• A light change in focus or attention

• A sense of "something's starting," even if it's hard to describe

If you ingest (edible or drink)

With edibles and cannabis drinks, the onset is slower. THC has to move through the digestive system and be processed by the body before effects appear.

This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.

During this window:

• It's common to feel completely normal

• You might assume nothing is happening

• The urge to add more can kick in (this is where patience matters most)

Stage 3: Build

This is the stage where you usually start thinking, "Okay, something's definitely happening." Common experiences in this stage include:

• A drifting sense of focus

• Forgetting small details or words mid-thought

• Dry mouth appearing out of nowhere

• Changes in appetite or interest in food

• Movement feels a little less automatic than usual

• Technology can feel oddly complicated, even if it's something you use every day

This is a good moment to settle in rather than take on anything that requires precision or quick decisions.

Stage 4: Peak

The peak is when the full effects are most noticeable. At this stage, sensations tend to feel amplified. You might notice:

• A heavier feeling in your body

• Tingling in your hands or legs

• The urge to sit or stay put (often called couch lock)

• Changes in appetite or thirst

• Your heart rate being faster than usual

Social awareness can peak too. Eye contact may feel more intense, and conversation can feel deeply engaging, or hard to follow, depending on your mood and setting.

If you've paced yourself, this part often feels manageable, even interesting. But if you rushed earlier, it can feel more intense than expected.

If you start to feel anxious

Feeling anxious while high can happen, especially if the dose is way bigger than a microdose. In most cases, this stage is uncomfortable, but temporary.

A few steps can help steady the moment:

• Sit down and let your body rest

• Slow your breathing, focusing on longer exhales

• Sip water to stay hydrated

• Eat something light

• Lower stimulation by changing rooms, lighting, or music

• Ground yourself, as what you're feeling will pass

As the peak eases, most people find their sense of calm returns gradually, without any action beyond slowing down and giving it time.

Stage 5: Plateau

After the peak softens, many people move into a more even, comfortable phase. Your body feels more settled, and conversation becomes more natural again, without the hyper-awareness that can show up earlier.

Common signs of this stage include:

• Feeling relaxed but still alert

• An improved or balanced mood

• Better focus compared to the peak

• Enjoying music, conversation, or a favorite show without feeling overwhelmed

For most people, this is when the experience feels most enjoyable and manageable. You may feel more like yourself, just a bit lighter or slower than usual.

Stage 6: Comedown

Eventually, the effects begin to taper. This phase is usually gradual, not abrupt, and for many people it feels like a slow return to baseline rather than a sudden drop.

During the comedown, you might notice:

• Your energy dipping

• A growing urge to rest or sit back

• Appetite is returning more clearly

• Mental focus feels softer than earlier

This stage often blends naturally into rest, a meal, or sleep, especially if the experience happened later in the day.

The Next Day: Feeling Normal Again

By the next day, it’s common to feel mostly normal again, especially after sleep, food, and hydration.

That said, some people notice mild after-effects:

• A slower start to the morning

• Lower energy than usual

• Slightly foggy focus for a few hours

The important point is that these sensations usually pass on their own. If you feel fully sober, everyday tasks should feel normal again. If you don’t, that’s a sign to take it easy, avoid rushing, give yourself time, and let your body finish resetting.

Matching the Moment to the Vibe

Some moments call for calm, others call for connection. 1906 matches your choice to your plan:

• Boost (for everything): Solo, or stacked with other Drops to "turn up" the experience.

• Bliss (for happiness): For a social, bubbly mood.

• Chill (for relaxation): For winding down without losing function (aka not a knockout).

• Go (for energy): To replace your coffee, pre-workout, and energy drink.

• Genius (for brainpower): For clear head and steady focus.

• Love (for arousal): For sensuality and body connection.

• Sleep (for rest): For deeper and fuller sleep.

• Pain AM and Pain PM: Daytime and nighttime pain relief gummies.

If you already have a sense of what you’re looking for, each formulation is also grouped by intention. For example, experiences designed to help you unwind live under Chill Out, while more social, connection-forward options can be found in the Connection collection.

Conclusion

From that first quiet anticipation, through onset and peak, and finally to plateau and comedown, each phase gives you a cue about how your body and brain are adjusting.

You're not alone in how this feels, and most sensations pass with time and patience.

Want to try multiple options side by side? The Discovery Kit features all seven 1906 Experiences (Boost, Bliss, Chill, Go, Genius, Love, and Sleep) so you can discover what feels right for you.

FAQs

What’s the perfect time to try cannabis for the first time?

The perfect time depends on you. Most people find it works best when they’re relaxed, unhurried, and in a familiar setting, letting the experience unfold at its own pace.

Does being high affect motor skills?

Yes. During the build and peak, motor skills and reaction time can slow, even if you feel mentally fine. That’s why it’s best to avoid driving or tasks that require precision until you feel fully sober again.