Marijuana Is Classified as a Depressant. Why Then Is Using It Called “Getting High”?
Question by gintable: Marijuana is classified as a depressant. Why then is using it called “getting high”?
I would think it would be called “getting low”, if it were a depressant.
“Getting high” sounds more like a term to use for a stimulant, like cocaine.
Best answer:
Answer by WB
“Getting stoned” would be better.
Answer by Dock
The effects felt by the user vary depending on state of mind, expectations, and frequency of use. “Getting high” is a positive way to describe the euphoric effects commonly experienced by new users. As time goes on, those users may continue to describe the process in those terms, as the euphoric experience is the desired effect they are seeking – in a sense, it is wishful thinking, and in some cases, a self-fulfilling prophecy.
However, it is unlikely that continued use will produce the initial “high” that one experiences – physiologically, THC acts as a depressant on the nervous system, which slows breathing, heart rate, and reaction time. Additionally, “getting high” is by no means an accurate way to describe some of the common long term effects experienced by habitual users, such as reduced sex drive, lethargy, anxiety, depression, and psychological dependence.
Marijuana is widely used, and different circles of users adopt different terms to describe the experience. Getting stoned, baked, faded, smoked up, and smoked out are all equally acceptable terms used to describe the experience without the misleading positive connotation.
It is likely that people who continue to use the phrase “getting high” without finding other ways to describe the experience don’t truly understand the marijuana scene.
Some examples of these individuals might include:
12 year olds
8th grade health teachers
DARE instructors
your parents
40% of police officers (but 90% of police officers with mustaches)
politicians
people with a limited vocabulary
people who sell weed and use the phrase as a marketing slogan
delusionally optimistic people
people who enthusiastically share their feelings with everyone, whether under the influence or not
people who used to smoke regularly, then stopped, and are now clinically depressed
aging hippies
Add your own answer in the comments!
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