Ever noticed that your favourite song sounds like it's sprinkled with a bit of extra magic after you've taken a hit? Whether it's the smooth groove of jazz, the rhythmic flow of reggae, or the intricate layers of electronic beats, there's something about listening to music while high that can turn a good tune into a mind-blowing experience. 

But why is that? Here, we explore what's happening in our brains that makes music so much better when we're on cloud nine.

Your Brain on Music
Before we get into the high part, let's talk about what music does to our brains in general. When we listen to music, our brain releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical responsible for those goosebumps we get during our favourite parts of a song. It's the same chemical that makes us feel happy when we eat chocolate or fall in love. Music also activates the auditory cortex (where we process sounds), the motor cortex (which controls movement), and the limbic system (our emotional centre). So, even when you're sober, music is already a multi-sensory experience.

THC: The DJ of Your Brain
Now, let's add a little THC to the mix. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, and it's what gets us high. When we consume cannabis, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in our brain, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. This system plays a key role in regulating mood, memory, appetite, and—yep, you guessed it—our perception of music.

When THC enters the system, it boosts the release of dopamine, giving an extra dose of those feel-good vibes. It also affects how our brain processes time, making it seem like time is slowing down. This can make the individual elements of a song stand out more, like the bass line that you usually only notice in the background suddenly feels like it's pulsating through your entire body.

Heightened Senses
Cannabis is known for heightening the senses, including our sense of hearing. When we're high, the brain becomes more attuned to sounds, making us more sensitive to the nuances in music. We might pick up on details we've never noticed before, like how the singer's voice cracks slightly during a high note or the subtle sound of a guitar string being plucked. It's like our ears are wearing HD glasses.

This heightened perception can also make music feel more immersive. If we close our eyes, it might feel like the music is surrounding us, almost like we're inside the song. This is partly due to cannabis enhancing our spatial awareness, making it easier to lose ourselves in the layers of sound.

Emotional Amplifier
Music is already a powerful emotional trigger, but when you're high, those emotions can be amplified. THC can make you more introspective, which means you might connect with the lyrics on a deeper level or feel the emotions behind the music more intensely. A sad song might make you tear up, while an upbeat track could have you dancing around like nobody's watching (even if they are).

This emotional amplification is one reason some people find that music can take them on a journey when they're high. A single song can evoke various feelings, taking you from euphoria to nostalgia to pure bliss in just a few minutes.

The Perfect Playlist
Not all music sounds better when you're high, though. Some genres and songs just seem to vibe better with cannabis than others. Generally, music with rich texture, complex rhythms, and a steady beat is more enjoyable when high. That's why genres like reggae, jazz, and electronic music are popular. The steady rhythm helps anchor you, while the rich textures give your heightened senses something to latch onto.

On the other hand, music that's too fast, aggressive, or chaotic might be less enjoyable. When you're high, you're more sensitive to sensory input, so a song that's too intense can feel overwhelming or even induce anxiety. So, if you're planning a listening session, it's worth curating a playlist that complements your high rather than clashes with it.

The Magic of Music and Marijuana
So, why does music sound better when you're high? It's a mix of science and a little bit of magic. THC enhances your brain's natural response to music, heightening your senses, slowing down time, and amplifying your emotions. The result is a listening experience that's more immersive, more emotional, and just plain better.

Just remember to enjoy responsibly and let the music take you wherever it wants to go.