Deep-seated, euphoric bliss is one of the cornerstones of cannabis. In fact, euphoria is one of the main effects of cannabis use, leading to a comfortable level of peace and calm or energy along with a happiness-amplifying sensation that has coined the term "high." For decades, cannabis use has been portrayed this way. Smoked by someone extremely happy, laid-back, and unbothered by the day-to-day drama that comes along with any ordinary life. By someone charismatic and charming or someone unapologetically themselves, with a happy-go-lucky attitude. All of these effects, emotions, and feelings stem from euphoria.
So, how exactly does cannabis boost euphoria? Is it addictive? Is there scientific evidence to support that one way or another? Here's everything you need to know about cannabis and euphoria, including some of our favorite products to help you feel it.
How does cannabis make you feel euphoric?
With any interaction you've had with cannabis, whether through personal experience or through media, cannabis is known for its ability to get you high and make you feel good. Euphoria and bliss are the biggest and best-known effects of cannabis, though the way it works is a little strange to newbie users.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that THC's effect on our Endocannabinoid System activates the reward system in the brain, which includes the regions that respond to things we like, like food, sex, and drugs. NIDA explains that THC stimulates the neurons in these reward systems to release more dopamine, which contributes to the euphoric, happy, and high feeling you experience when you consume cannabis.
However, cannabis isn't considered an addictive drug, even though it operates in a similar way. This is because, in numerous human studies, we've revealed that cannabis use only produces a small amount of dopamine, often 5 to 10 times less than often quoted. Evidence suggests that it doesn't flood the brain with dopamine the same way that many other drugs and amphetamines do, so scientists were perplexed by how cannabis creates such a unique mental effect.
After much study, science has ruled dopamine out of the euphoria equation and instead credits the bliss molecule known as anandamide for the euphoric, uplifted, happy feelings brought about by cannabis use. Anandamide is a naturally occurring chemical known as an endocannabinoid. Our bodies produce it to promote balance within the body, where research suggests it aids in memory, motivation, movement, pain, fertility, appetite, neurogenesis, and cancer cell proliferation. However, it breaks down in the body pretty quickly.
Anandamide and THC
The cool thing is that anandamide has a twin that exists in cannabis. THC mimics this vital endocannabinoid, and they both bind to the same receptors in our endocannabinoid system, promoting euphoric effects as well as assisting in the other crucial body processes in which anandamide plays a part. That said, THC may be a good choice for supplementing anandamide. Evidence suggests that THC may play a role in reducing anxiety and depression as well as reducing pain, increasing appetite, and helping the body to create more nerve cells.
Basically, THC is anandamide's twin. Anandamide is created within the body, THC is created in the cannabis plant, and our body processes them both the same—allowing you to feel blissful euphoria and other body effects without altering the chemical balance of dopamine within your brain.
Our favorite way to describe this effect was outlined by Terry Nesco, author of "Marijuana and Sex: A Classic Combination," who wrote:
"Just as our bodies contain pleasure systems which reward us for sex; our brains contain neurocellular circuitry which can only be activated by substances with THC's molecular structure. This makes the marijuana high a unique constellation of feelings, and there are only two sources for the substances that activate THC's very own neuroreceptor. Our brain is one source: it generates a neurochemical very similar to THC called anandamide…The only other source for this bliss-producing substance is the cannabis plant."
Best products for euphoric effects
Cannabis may be a powerful tool to help you regulate your internal body while maximizing your emotions and mentality. The euphoric, bliss-inducing effects of cannabis create the opportunity within us to lead a life free from pain while allowing us to release inhibitions and feel more comfortable within ourselves and our place in the world. The euphoric effects of cannabis allow for creative thought, focus, energy, calm, and drive to help us create inspiring effects within ourselves, our relationships, and our thoughts.
If you're exploring cannabis as a way to combat stress, depression, and sour moods to replace them with a whole-hearted sense of peace, bliss, happiness, and euphoria, we at Flower Ave hope you'll utilize our products to help you find this crucial element. We believe in the power of weed, which is why we bring it to the masses here in Washington, DC.
That being said, the best products for euphoria are THC— which is all we carry. Some of the most potent products we carry are our edibles and our concentrates, though we do offer flower and pre-rolls that are much easier to enjoy in big or small doses. Whatever you choose, just be sure to remember to start with a low dose and work your way up until you find the strain or product that helps you feel your best.
FAQs
Q: Is cannabis addictive, like most other euphoria-inducing drugs?
A: Evidence suggests that cannabis isn't addictive in the traditional sense. However, it is indeed habit-forming, which can seem a lot like an addiction without the chemical dependency.
Q: What causes euphoric feelings when you smoke cannabis?
A: THC is responsible for the euphoric effects of cannabis use. This cannabinoid is nearly identical to an endocannabinoid called anandamide, which our body produces naturally.
Q: Which strains are best for feeling euphoric?
A: Any strain or cannabis product that contains THC will help you feel euphoric.
Q: Which products are best for feeling euphoric?
A: Products with a high dose of THC are best for feeling euphoric, including edibles and concentrates. Most products that contain THC will make you feel euphoric.
Q: Are there other factors that can help cannabis make me feel more euphoric?
A: Yes! Cannabis affects us all differently, so be sure to experiment with different strains, products, dosages, activities, and environments to see what works best for you. Start with a small dose and work your way up until you find the perfect strain, product, and dose so you can find what feels best.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis's ability to evoke euphoria and bliss is a well-known aspect of its appeal. The science behind this phenomenon, rooted in the interaction between THC and the endocannabinoid system, sheds light on how cannabis enhances our emotional well-being without causing an addictive chemical dependency on dopamine.
This unique constellation of feelings allows for creative thought, focus, energy, calm, and drive, enabling us to experience life with greater ease and joy.
If you're seeking the euphoric effects of cannabis to combat stress and depression or simply to enhance your overall sense of well-being, Flower Ave is your go-to destination for weed delivery in Washington, DC. Our carefully curated selection of THC-rich products, including edibles, concentrates, flower, and pre-rolls, offers a pathway to finding that crucial element of euphoria.