Have you ever noticed that your favorite songs seem to sound completely different—and even better—when you’re high? Whether it’s the rich depth of the bass or the intricate layers of melodies, the experience of music while under the influence is often described as transformative. But why does this happen?
Why does music sound better high? The answer lies in science, psychology, and even the way cannabis interacts with your brain’s perception.
In this article, we’ll explore the scientific reasons behind why music sounds better when you’re high, examining how marijuana and other substances enhance your auditory experience.
To the beat: Does music make you high?
If you’ve ever been high and felt an overwhelming connection to music, you’re not alone. Cannabis has long been known to enhance sensory experiences, and music is no exception. While many may feel more attuned to the rhythm, others notice a shift in how the sounds of a song affect their emotions. This is no coincidence—marijuana works like a psycho-acoustic enhancer, boosting the brain’s ability to perceive music in unique ways.
Dopamine and Sound
One of the reasons why music sounds better when you’re high is because cannabis triggers the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitter. This chemical reaction can make listening to music feel euphoric, adding layers of joy and pleasure to the listening experience. Essentially, marijuana increases the pleasure associated with music, making it feel more enjoyable than when you’re sober.
Altered Perception
When you’re high, your perception of time and space can change. This altered state allows you to hear sound in a new way, focusing on details that might have been missed before. For example, you might notice subtleties in the background instrumentation or pick up on harmonies that previously went unnoticed. This enhanced attention to detail is part of what makes music sound so vivid and dynamic.
Dancing fever: Why Cannabis makes music sound so good
The effects of cannabis go beyond simply altering perception; it can also influence your emotions and physical reactions to music. This is especially true when it comes to the rhythm of a song. Cannabis can amplify the connection between your body and the beat, making it irresistible to move along with the music.
The Physical Connection
The sense of euphoria that comes with being high enhances your natural desire to dance or even just tap your foot to the beat. Cannabis can make the physical sensation of music feel more powerful, amplifying the pleasure derived from every beat and rhythm. So, the next time you’re at a concert or jamming to your playlist, you’ll likely feel more in sync with the music than ever before.
Perfect Harmony: Listening to music when you’re high
There’s a deeper connection between your brain and music when you’re high, and it’s not just about pleasure. Cannabis can enhance how you process sound, creating an almost otherworldly connection to the music you’re hearing. Let’s break down a few reasons why music sounds so much better when you’re high.
Synesthesia
One phenomenon that often occurs when you’re high is synesthesia, where you begin to perceive sound in new ways, like “seeing” the music in colors or textures. This phenomenon can heighten the experience of listening, making it feel like you’re immersed in a whole new dimension of sound.
Deep Relaxation
Cannabis induces deep relaxation, and this can make listening to music feel soothing and calming in a way that’s hard to replicate while sober. When your body and mind are relaxed, your ability to tune into music is enhanced, leading to a richer, more emotional experience.
Sleep/Dream Induction
Another effect of cannabis is its ability to influence sleep patterns. Some people report that they experience dream-like states while listening to music when high, enhancing the connection to the emotional and psychological layers of the sound.
Euphoria
The sensation of euphoria that often accompanies being high is key to why music sounds better when you’re high. When you’re in a euphoric state, music taps into your emotional centers, enhancing the pleasure you get from each note, beat, and rhythm.
Interpersonal Relationships
Interestingly, some research suggests that cannabis can also enhance feelings of connection with others, especially when sharing a music experience. When you’re high, you may feel a deeper bond with the people around you, and the music you’re all listening to. The collective experience can make the music feel even more powerful.
Why does music sound so damn good when you’re high on Cannabis?
As we dive deeper into the science, there are specific mechanisms at play that help explain why music sounds better when you’re high on cannabis. Here’s a closer look at the brain and how it processes sound under the influence.
Enhancement of Dopamine
As mentioned, cannabis triggers the release of dopamine, which is crucial for pleasure and motivation. This heightened dopamine release not only makes you feel good but also makes sensory experiences, like listening to music, more rewarding.
Altered Perception
One of the most significant effects of being high is an altered sense of perception, which extends to how you hear music. For instance, time might seem to slow down, or certain elements of the song might appear more prominent. This is why some people wonder, “Why does music sound better at high volume?” The answer is that you’re more attuned to the nuances of the song, and everything seems more immersive at that volume.
Marijuana Works Like a Psycho-Acoustic Enhancer
Marijuana has psychoactive properties that alter the way your brain processes sound. Research has shown that cannabis increases the sensitivity of the auditory cortex, making sounds seem fuller, richer, and more dynamic. This is why CBD makes food taste better might also be a question worth asking—CBD can enhance sensory experiences similarly.
Sense of Timing
One interesting effect of being high is how it influences your sense of timing. The precise timing of notes and rhythms may feel more pronounced when you’re high, allowing you to experience the music on a deeper level. You might even find yourself tapping into a rhythm more easily than when sober.
It Improves Attention
Cannabis can sharpen your focus on specific elements of a song, whether it’s the bassline or the lyrics. This increase in attention can make music feel more engaging, especially when you’re high.
The Connection to the Artist
Listening to music when you’re high often creates a sense of connection to the artist. You may feel like you understand their emotions or intentions behind the music better, making the listening experience more profound.
Visual Processing
In addition to auditory enhancements, cannabis also affects how you process visuals. If you’re watching a music video, the imagery may seem more vibrant or intense, adding to the overall experience.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve delved into the science behind why music sounds better when you’re high, it’s clear that cannabis has a profound effect on our auditory perception. From the release of dopamine to the enhanced focus on sound, being high alters the way we experience music on multiple levels.
Whether it’s the deep relaxation or the euphoric state cannabis induces, the connection between you and the music is undeniably stronger when you’re high. Have you ever experienced this heightened sense of music while under the influence? Why do you think music resonates with you more when you’re high? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
Why does music sound better when you’re high?
Cannabis affects your brain’s perception of sound, heightening the release of dopamine and altering your sensory processing, making music feel more intense and enjoyable.
Why does music sound better at high volume?
When you’re high, your focus and attention to sound are enhanced, making the nuances in music more pronounced, which is why higher volumes can make the experience feel more immersive.
Why does music sound better when buzzed?
Like being high, alcohol or other substances can alter your perception and amplify your emotional response to music, making it feel more enjoyable.
Is listening to music a natural high?
Listening to music can release dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter, which can create a sense of euphoria. This natural pleasure can be amplified when you’re high.
Does music help high?
Music can help enhance the feeling of being high, by further relaxing your mind and body and elevating your mood.
Does being high make you sing better?
Being high may relax your vocal cords and lower inhibitions, which could make you feel like you’re singing better. However, it may not necessarily improve your vocal abilities.
Why do things sound louder when I’m high?
Cannabis can heighten your sensitivity to sound, making even soft sounds seem more pronounced, and potentially making everything feel louder.
Can you feel high off music?
Yes! The euphoria induced by both music and cannabis can create a powerful emotional and physical high, enhancing the connection you feel to both the music and your environment.
Why does food taste better high?
Cannabis can also heighten your sense of taste, making food more flavorful. This is why many people report that food tastes better when high.
Why does music make me higher?
Music triggers the release of dopamine, the same chemical that makes you feel high. Combined with the effects of cannabis, music can amplify the sensation of euphoria and relaxation.