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What Reddit Teaches us about Cannabis use and corresponding “highness”
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/study-of-reddit-marijuana-posts-shows-how-
being-super-high-or-sober-affects-types-of-submissions-to-r-trees/
In the vast digital landscape of the internet, Reddit stands out as a go-to platform for individuals seeking information on virtually any topic. When it comes to cannabis, numerous communities thrive on this platform, but none quite as prominently as r/trees. This subreddit has become a virtual gathering place for cannabis enthusiasts, novices, and curious onlookers alike, all sharing experiences, advice, and insights about marijuana use.
Recently, a group of researchers took a deep dive into the treasure trove of data available on r/trees. They analyzed over 300,000 posts spanning from 2010 to 2018, focusing on a unique convention within the community where users self-report their level of “highness” on a scale of 0 to 10. This innovative approach allowed the researchers to explore the relationship between users’ subjective experiences of cannabis intoxication and various contextual factors.
The study, published in the journal PLOS One, revealed fascinating correlations between reported “highness” levels and factors such as social settings, consumption methods, and even the language used in posts. These findings offer a rare glimpse into the real-world experiences of cannabis users, providing valuable insights that laboratory studies often miss.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at this groundbreaking study, examining its methodology, key findings, and potential implications. By doing so, we aim to better understand how set and setting influence cannabis experiences and what this means for both recreational users and public health initiatives. Let’s dive in!
To fully appreciate the findings of this Reddit-based cannabis study, it’s crucial to understand the concept of “set and setting.” This term, first coined by Timothy Leary in the 1960s, has become a cornerstone in psychedelic and drug research, providing valuable insights into how various factors influence drug experiences.
“Set” refers to the mindset or psychological state of an individual prior to and during drug use. This includes their mood, expectations, intentions, and overall mental wellbeing. “Setting,” on the other hand, encompasses the physical and social environment in which the drug is consumed.
The importance of set and setting extends far beyond academic interest. For instance, if an individual’s “set” is characterized by anxiety or guilt, their experience with a psychoactive substance like cannabis may be markedly different from when they’re in a positive, optimistic state of mind. Similarly, the “setting” can significantly impact the drug experience. A comfortable, familiar environment with trusted friends might enhance the enjoyment of cannabis, while a stressful or unfamiliar setting could potentially lead to anxiety or paranoia.
This concept applies to social dynamics as well. The presence of certain individuals in the setting can dramatically alter the experience. Someone who is overly anxious or negative—colloquially known as a “buzz kill”—can potentially diminish the positive aspects of the cannabis experience for others present.
Understanding set and setting is key to interpreting the results of the r/trees study. The researchers used this framework to analyze how different contexts correlate with users’ reported levels of “highness.” By examining the language used in posts and the situations described, they were able to draw connections between various sets and settings and the intensity of cannabis effects as perceived by users.
This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of cannabis experiences in real-world contexts, moving beyond the controlled environments of laboratory studies. It provides valuable insights into how factors like social interactions, consumption methods, and even online versus offline settings can influence the subjective experience of cannabis intoxication.
The analysis of over 328,000 posts on r/trees yielded several intriguing insights into the relationship between users’ reported “highness” and various contextual factors. Here are some key findings from the study:
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Social Settings: One of the most striking discoveries was the correlation between social environments and perceived highness. The study authors noted, “Posters reported greater subjective highness when using language that referred to in-person social environments.” Conversely, they found “lower subjective highness when using language that referred to online social environments.”
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Consumption Methods: The researchers observed that certain cannabis products were associated with higher levels of reported intoxication. As they stated, “We found that mean subjective highness was significantly greater in posts mentioning high-THC dabbing, edible, and concentrate terms when compared to posts mentioning smoking terms.”
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Temporal Factors: Interestingly, the timing of posts seemed to correlate with reported highness levels. The study found that “the higher the rating, the more likely posters referred to the recent past.”
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Cognitive and Affective Processes: Lower highness ratings were more frequently associated with posts discussing cognitive and emotional states. The authors noted, “The lower the rating, the more likely posters referred to cognitive and affective processes.”
These findings clearly demonstrate the influence of set and setting on cannabis experiences. In-person social interactions appear to intensify the perceived effects of cannabis, possibly due to factors like peer influence or increased awareness of one’s state when interacting with others. As the researchers suggest, “people may also become more aware of how high they are when interacting with other people.”
The study also highlights potential public health implications. The authors propose that these findings could inform “messaging around situations where people may get ‘too high’ unexpectedly.” They also emphasize the importance of understanding “the role social environments have on self-titration to an optimal level of experience, while also minimizing harms to oneself or others.”
The Reddit-based study provides valuable insights into real-world cannabis use patterns and experiences. It underscores the complex interplay between social contexts, consumption methods, and subjective experiences of cannabis intoxication.
While the study has limitations, such as relying on self-reported data, it offers a unique window into cannabis use outside of controlled laboratory settings. These findings can inform both public health strategies and individual users’ understanding of how various factors might influence their cannabis experiences.
The study’s findings reveal an intriguing aspect of cannabis consumption: people tend to report feeling “higher” when they’re in the company of others, particularly in familiar, in-person social settings. While the researchers suggest that this could be due to increased consumption in social situations, there may be more to the story.
I believe we’re seeing evidence of a social “entourage effect” at play. When consuming cannabis alone, your perception of your own highness exists in a vacuum. You’re the sole point of reference for your experience. However, when you’re with friends, you have external benchmarks. Observing others who are high can create a feedback loop, prompting you to reflect more deeply on your own state of intoxication. This increased awareness and the shared experience may amplify your perception of your own highness.
This social amplification of cannabis effects is fascinating, but it also comes with responsibilities. If social environments indeed intensify the cannabis experience, it’s crucial to exercise additional caution when consuming in group settings. This is particularly important when it comes to activities like driving. The study’s authors rightfully point out the need for public health messaging around situations where people might unexpectedly get “too high.”
While this Reddit-based study provides valuable insights, it also underscores the need for more “real world” research into cannabis use. Traditional laboratory studies, while important, often fail to capture the nuances of how people actually use cannabis in their daily lives. The set and setting – including social dynamics – play a significant role in shaping the cannabis experience, and understanding these factors is crucial for both individual users and policymakers.
While hanging out with friends in a familiar place might enhance your cannabis experience, it’s important to be mindful of this effect. Enjoy responsibly, plan ahead, and always prioritize safety. As we continue to normalize and study cannabis use, research like this helps us build a more comprehensive understanding of what cannabis is all about in real-world contexts.