Placebo Effects: Marijuana and the "Contact High"

Posted by danielhorowitz in Culture, Psychology, Science on April 23rd, 2009 | View Comments

Many users, and friends of users of marijuana report experiencing a “contact high.” That is, they purport to experience some of the effects of marijuana simply by being in contact with or around those using marijuana. Virtually all users wrongly attribute this experience to the inhalation of second hand smoke. This is unlikely for a number of reasons. Since exhaled smoke is virtually devoid of psychoactive substances and is widely dispersed in the surrounding air, it is not possible for one to inhale even a small fraction of a working dose. Additionally, many, including noted pharmacologist and psychedelic researcher Alexander Shulgin, report similar experiences involving drugs that are not inhaled, indicating that these effects are due to different biological processes.

So, why do we experience a “contact high?” And, if placebos work even if you don’t believe in them, do those who have never used marijuana or don’t believe in a “contact high” still experience a “contact high”? The answer is surely a complicated mix of evolutionary and epigenetic factors that we don’t fully understand, but it is probably very closely related to the biological mechanisms that underlie placebo effects. Experienced users are probably experiencing effects related to conditioning and coupling. The similar environment, people, and smells will subconsciously evoke similar but relatively muted responses. Even those who have never used marijuana, may “feel” somewhat similar to those around them. If everyone is laughing, smiling, and feeling happy, then you will too. Ever hang around a depressed person? Yeah, it’s depressing. It is also possible that mirror neurons play a role in the subconscious mimicking of the behavior of those around us. So if you are worried about that upcoming drug test and your “contact high,” don’t be, it’s all in your head.

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  • AlysonAmber
    Actually your article here is very interesting as I know for sure that you can hypnotize people and "suggest" them taking drugs. You might see a weird change in teh behavior as they actually behave like taking a specific drug. The placebo effects is still uncharted teritory and it needs further research: psychological or medical.
    _________________________________________________
    Drug treatment program in San Jose
  • DoctorJekyl
    I agree with you that there is a placebo effect, but let's not forget the medical facts here:' marijuana is a psychodelic substance this specific feature is because of the THC that marijuana has in its composition. If marijuana wouldn't have THC, we wouldn't have this conversation now.
    _____________________________________
    Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center
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