How to Get Higher: 10 Ways to Make Your Weed Hit Harder

To make weed hit harder, start with a higher-THC strain, use a fast-acting method like smoking or vaping, dose deliberately and take regular tolerance breaks; set and setting do the rest. Weed is known for relaxing, euphoric effects that shift with the strain and how you consume it, and plenty of people want to dial those effects up or make them last longer. Whether you're a seasoned smoker after a stronger high or a beginner who wants to get the most out of the experience, here's what actually moves the needle.

1. Pick the right strain

The strain you choose can make a huge difference. Some are known for being more potent and hitting harder than others. Do a little homework on what's available and its cannabinoid profile to find the one that fits what you're after.

2. Go for higher THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. If you want a stronger high, look for varieties with higher THC levels. Just keep in mind that high-THC strains can also bring stronger side effects.

3. Use an efficient consumption method

How you consume weed affects how hard and how fast it hits. Smoking joints or vaping usually kicks in almost right away, while edibles can take a lot longer to come on.

4. Control your dose

Managing how much you take is the key to fine-tuning the effects. Start low, especially if you're new, and work your way up gradually if you need to. Not overdoing it is the easiest way to dodge the unpleasant side effects.

5. Try deeper inhales

A deep, steady inhale can help your lungs take in more THC, which may make the high stronger. Take your time, breathe in fully and hold for a few seconds before you exhale; research suggests most of the THC is absorbed quickly, so holding it much longer mainly gets you more tar.

6. Eat foods rich in myrcene

Myrcene is a terpene found in some cannabis strains, and the popular theory is that it helps THC reach the brain. Eating myrcene-rich foods like mango before you smoke might boost the effect, though the evidence is mostly anecdotal.

7. Watch your tolerance and take breaks

Using weed over and over builds tolerance, which means you need more to feel the same thing. To keep that in check, schedule regular breaks between sessions.

8. Mix in some CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is another compound in cannabis, and it's thought to balance out some of THC's effects. Strains with a balanced THC-to-CBD ratio can give you a smoother, more manageable experience.

9. Set the scene

Your surroundings shape your high. A comfortable spot, chill music and good vibes can amplify the feeling of relaxation and well-being.

10. Stay hydrated and keep healthy snacks around

Drinking water and having healthy snacks within reach helps keep cottonmouth and the munchies under control while you enjoy the ride.

Remember that weed affects everyone differently, and what works for one person may not work for the next. Always use cannabis responsibly and know the laws and regulations where you live.

Why am I not getting high from weed?

Not feeling much after smoking can come down to a handful of factors. Here are the most likely reasons weed isn't hitting you the way you expected:

1. Tolerance: If you smoke often, your body may have built up a tolerance to THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. That means you need more THC to feel what smaller doses used to give you.
2. Weed quality: Quality and potency vary by strain and source. If you're smoking low-potency flower or weed that's been stored badly, you might not feel much at all.
3. Consumption method: How you take it also changes how fast and how hard it hits. Smoking or vaping tends to work almost immediately, while edibles can take much longer to kick in.
4. Not enough of a dose: Sometimes people simply don't take enough to feel it. If you're a beginner, start low and go up gradually as needed.
5. Your metabolism: Everyone's metabolism is different, and that affects how fast you process weed and feel the effects. Some people just need more time for it to show up.
6. Expectations and setting: What you expect and where you are both shape the experience. Sky-high expectations or nerves before you smoke can change how it feels, and an uncomfortable or stressful setting can take the edge off the whole thing.
7. Interactions with medications: If you're taking other meds, they may interact with cannabis and change its effects. Talk to a healthcare professional if you're worried about interactions.
8. The wrong strain: Some strains have cannabinoid profiles that just don't match what you're looking for. If you want to unwind but you're smoking an energizing strain, you may not feel what you were hoping for.
9. Health conditions: Some medical conditions can affect how your body processes cannabis. Gastrointestinal issues, for example, can interfere with how well cannabinoids are absorbed.