How THC Gets You High: The Endocannabinoid System Explained

 

By Lucas Kleven, Shift Lead at Hashtag Everett

 

Have you ever wondered how cannabis makes you feel high? It’s one of those questions that might cross your mind when you’re stoned—right along with, “Wait, when did I smoke that bowl?” or “I’m starving.” Behind the high is a fascinating process involving THC and your brain’s endocannabinoid system. Let’s dive into the science behind the buzz and why that half-eaten bag of chips suddenly looks so tempting.

 

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system is like a highway that runs through your entire body. Your brain uses it to send cannabinoids—both the ones your body naturally creates and the ones you consume—to special spots called CB1 and CB2 receptors. But what are these receptors, and how do they play a role in getting you high?

Diagram showing the human endocannabinoid system. Color dots represent the human cannabinoid receptors CB1 CB2 TRVP1 TRVP2 GPR18 GPR55 GPR119
 

CB1 Receptors: The High Creators

CB1 receptors are the stars when it comes to feeling high. They’re responsible for many of the effects we associate with THC, including:

  • Increasing your appetite (hello, munchies!).

  • Affecting memory and thinking.

  • Changing motor activity (why walking feels... different).

CB1 receptors are mostly found in your brain but also pop up in your limbs, digestive system, reproductive system, and even your white blood cells. They also help with things like pain management and how your body responds to stress or injury

Photo showing a person wearing headphones and enjoying sitting on the ground in a forest on a sunny day.
 

CB2 Receptors: The Immune Helpers

CB2 receptors, on the other hand, aren’t about getting you high. These receptors focus on your immune system, helping to reduce inflammation and keep your body in balance. You’ll find them in places like your lymph nodes, spleen, and white blood cells. CB2 receptors tend to work better with CBD or CBG, which is why those cannabinoids are often used for wellness purposes.

 

How THC Works in Your Body

Now let’s follow THC on its journey. After you smoke, vape, or eat an edible, THC enters your bloodstream through your lungs or digestive system. From there, it travels to your brain, where it locks into CB1 receptors like a key fitting into a lock.

Why does THC fit so perfectly? It’s actually a coincidence! Your body makes its own natural endocannabinoids, like anandamide and 2-AG, which look a lot like THC. This similarity makes it easy for THC to connect with your receptors and deliver those feel-good effects.

Beyond your brain, CB1 receptors in other parts of your body help regulate metabolism, appetite, and pain. These effects combine to create the relaxation and euphoria that many people feel when they use cannabis.

 
Endocannabinoid icon showing THC connection to receptors
 

A Natural Connection

The relationship between THC and your endocannabinoid system is a lucky match. It’s a bond that started long before humans even knew what cannabis was. So, the next time you get high, you’ll know exactly what’s going on behind the scenes: THC and your brain are teaming up to create that one-of-a-kind experience.

Whether you’re here for the science or just the good vibes, one thing is clear—the human body and cannabis share some pretty amazing chemistry

 
A photo of a person standing proudly on a hill in the sunset with a gesture of accomplishment.
 

Works Cited

 
THCKeivan KTHC, Cannabis