Anisha Riggs
Incense burning has been a cultural practice for thousands of years, with ancient civilisations like the Egyptians and Babylonians utilising incense for mystical and religious purposes. While the primary intention of burning incense is to release pleasant aromas, certain types of incense, particularly those with herbal ingredients, can induce subtle shifts in human consciousness. The effects of incense vary dramatically depending on the plants used, with some herbs merely providing pleasant aromas, while others, like rosemary and hops, contain terpenes that can produce relaxing effects when inhaled. In rare cases, incense sticks may be prepared with dried cannabis, theoretically filling the air with THC and other cannabinoids, thus getting the user high.
Can incense get you high?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Psychoactive effects | Incense contains plant materials with aromatic phytochemicals that can alter mood and consciousness. Frankincense, for example, has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression. |
| Health risks | Burning incense produces carcinogens and harmful substances like carbon monoxide, which have been linked to long-term health issues such as lung cancer and high blood pressure. |
| Similarities to marijuana | Some types of incense, like mojo or spice, can induce a marijuana-like high due to synthetic chemicals that mimic THC. |
| Legal status | While the DEA has listed specific combinations of synthetic chemicals in incense as controlled substances, manufacturers frequently change the chemicals used, making regulation challenging. |
| Cultural context | Incense has been used in various cultures and spiritual rituals for thousands of years, often associated with prayer, meditation, and religious ceremonies. |
| Personal experiences | Some individuals report feeling mildly stoned or euphoric from incense, comparing it to the effects of marijuana or its comedown. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense may act as a psychoactive drug
Incense is composed of aromatic plant material that gives off a particular scent, along with a combustible filler material that binds all the ingredients together and helps them retain their shape. The process of burning incense involves combustion, which creates carcinogenic compounds and other potentially harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide.
The use of incense dates back thousands of years and has been a part of various cultures and spiritual rituals worldwide. For example, the ancient Egyptians employed incense during mystical rituals and meditation, while the Babylonians burned aromatic plants during prayer.
While the primary purpose of incense is to release pleasant aromas, some people have reported experiencing mild psychoactive effects from burning and inhaling certain types of incense. These effects have been described as feeling slightly lightheaded, mildly stoned, or more euphoric, similar to the comedown from smoking weed. However, it is important to note that the psychoactive effects of incense are typically subtle and not as potent as those of substances like marijuana.
One specific component of incense that has been studied for its potential psychoactive properties is incensole acetate, found in frankincense, a resin derived from the Boswellia plant. In a scientific study, Raphael Mechoulam and colleagues injected mice with incensole acetate and observed reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to mice given a placebo. The chemical proved to be a mild anxiolytic, about 10 times less potent than Valium in its anxiety-reducing effects. During religious ceremonies, the officiants burning the incense are likely to inhale the most smoke and, therefore, may be the only ones who experience these subtle psychoactive effects.
Additionally, certain plants used in incense, such as rosemary and hops, contain high levels of the terpene myrcene, which can produce relaxing effects when inhaled. However, the effects of these terpenes are generally considered minor and not truly psychotropic.
In recent years, there has been growing concern over the sale of herbal incense products, often marketed as "mojo" or "spice," which are explicitly intended to provide a marijuana-like high. These products are often smoked rather than burned as traditional incense and may contain synthetic chemicals that mimic the effects of THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. While these products are sometimes referred to as "legal weed," they can still be dangerous and are illegal in many places due to their potential health risks.
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Incense can have a psychosomatic effect
Incense has been used for thousands of years in spiritual rituals and religious ceremonies. The act of lighting incense involves burning various plant materials to release their aromas into the air. While it is often burned to mask the smell of weed, some people use incense made from dried cannabis to get high. However, incense can also have a psychosomatic effect, which some people describe as feeling mildly stoned.
The word "incense" comes from the Latin word "incendere", which means "to burn". Incense sticks are composed of aromatic plant material and a combustible filler material that binds the ingredients together and helps them burn slowly. Some common herbs and plant-derived materials used in incense include rosemary, hops, citrus, sandalwood, rose, patchouli, and frankincense.
Frankincense, derived from the Boswellia tree, has been proven to have anxiolytic properties and can improve depression. In a study conducted by Raphael Mechoulam of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, mice injected with incensole acetate, a component of frankincense, exhibited reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms. Similarly, some people report feeling slightly lightheaded and more euphoric after burning incense, an effect that has been compared to the comedown from smoking weed.
The sense of smell is closely related to dopamine. When you smell something pleasant, your brain releases dopamine, which can improve your mood and make you feel good. This may be one of the reasons why burning incense can have a psychosomatic effect, as the pleasant aromas and the ritual of burning incense can stir emotions and alter your headspace.
While incense can have subtle effects on mood and emotions, it is important to note that it also produces carcinogenic compounds and potentially harmful substances such as carbon monoxide. Long-term exposure to incense burning has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to always burn incense near an open window to ensure proper ventilation.
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Incense is not designed for direct inhalation
Incense sticks are typically composed of aromatic plant material and a combustible filler material that binds the ingredients together and allows them to burn slowly. Common plant-derived materials used in incense include herbs, spices, tree gums, and natural resins such as frankincense. However, it is important to note that the burning process can create carcinogenic compounds and other harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide.
Research has linked long-term exposure to incense burning with an increased risk of lung cancer and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to always burn incense in a well-ventilated area and avoid direct inhalation of the smoke.
While the practice of burning incense has been associated with spiritual and religious rituals for thousands of years, it is not intended as a means of direct inhalation for recreational purposes. Some people may associate the aroma of incense with certain psychological or emotional effects, but this is more likely due to a psychosomatic or placebo response rather than a direct physiological effect of the incense smoke.
It is important to distinguish between traditional incense and synthetic herbal incense products that are sometimes marketed as "legal weed" or "spice." These synthetic products may contain chemicals that mimic the effects of THC, the active compound in marijuana, and are designed to be smoked for a marijuana-like high. However, these synthetic incense products are unregulated and can be harmful to one's health.
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Incense may elevate mood and reduce anxiety
Incense has been used for thousands of years in spiritual rituals and religious ceremonies. The act of lighting incense involves burning various plant materials to release their aromas into the air. While the smoke may enter your airways and bloodstream, the effects of incense are often more subtle than psychoactive.
Some incense users report feeling mildly stoned or euphoric, comparing it to the comedown from smoking weed. However, the effects of incense are typically milder and more relaxed. Certain types of incense, such as rosemary and hops, contain high levels of the terpene myrcene, which produces calming and relaxing effects when inhaled. Frankincense, derived from the Boswellia tree, has been proven to have anxiolytic properties and improve depression. In a scientific study, mice injected with incensole acetate, a component of frankincense, exhibited reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms. The chemical proved to be a mild anxiolytic, showing potential for new treatments for anxiety and depression if more potent forms can be synthesized.
Citrus-based incense, on the other hand, releases limonene, a terpene associated with focus and concentration. These effects are minor and far from psychotropic. While the aroma of incense can enhance your mood and create a sense of relaxation, the act of burning incense also produces carcinogenic compounds and potentially harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide. Long-term exposure to incense burning has been linked to increased risks of lung cancer and high blood pressure.
Additionally, it is important to distinguish between traditional incense and synthetic herbal incense. Synthetic herbal incense, often sold under names like "mojo" or "spice," contains synthetic chemicals that mimic the effects of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. These products are designed to get users high and are sometimes marketed as "legal weed." However, they can be dangerous due to the lack of regulation and the constantly changing chemical compositions used to evade detection.
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Incense made from dried cannabis may cause a high
Incense has been used in various cultures and spiritual rituals for thousands of years. The practice involves burning aromatic plant materials, which release pleasant aromas and potentially mood-altering compounds into the air. While incense is typically associated with its aromatic properties, some people have explored its potential to induce a high similar to that of marijuana.
In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of herbal incense, also known as "mojo" or "spice," as a way to get high. These products are often sold as incense in herb shops, but people are smoking them to achieve a marijuana-like high. This trend has caught the attention of law enforcement, and there are ongoing efforts to regulate and control these substances due to their potential for misuse.
While the majority of incense varieties are valued for their aromatic properties, it is theoretically possible to create incense from dried cannabis that could induce a high. The process involves grinding up dried cannabis and adding it to the incense mixture, ensuring proper drying to allow for even burning. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of such incense in producing a substantial high is questionable, as a low concentration of THC and other cannabinoids may not lead to significant effects.
The potential for incense to cause a high is not limited solely to the use of dried cannabis. Certain natural plant-based incenses, such as rosemary and hops, contain high levels of the terpene myrcene, which can produce relaxing effects when inhaled. Additionally, incense made from the Boswellia tree, also known as frankincense, has been found to have mild psychoactive properties. Research has shown that incensole acetate, a component of frankincense, can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms, suggesting potential therapeutic applications in the future.
It is important to approach the use of incense with caution. Burning incense can release harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide, and long-term exposure has been linked to increased risks of lung cancer and high blood pressure. Additionally, the practice of burning incense made from dried cannabis or other psychoactive substances may be illegal in certain jurisdictions, and it is essential to be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense involves releasing various plant materials into the air, some of which may have subtle effects on human consciousness. However, the effects of incense are typically minor and far from truly psychotropic. While certain types of incense, such as mojo or spice, have been marketed as "legal weed" and can produce a marijuana-like high, they are considered unsafe due to the presence of synthetic chemicals.
Yes, long-term exposure to incense burning has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and high blood pressure. Additionally, the smoke from incense can irritate the eyes and lungs, especially in small spaces. It is important to always burn incense in a well-ventilated area and avoid direct inhalation of the smoke.
Burning incense has been associated with enhanced meditation, improved focus and concentration, and elevated mood. Incense containing plants like rosemary and hops can also have relaxing effects when inhaled due to the presence of terpenes like myrcene.
Incense, particularly frankincense derived from the Boswellia tree, contains incensole acetate, a mild psychoactive chemical that can reduce anxiety and elevate mood. This may explain why it has been widely used in religious and spiritual ceremonies since ancient times.
