Lance Carson
Incense burning has been a cultural practice for thousands of years, with ancient Egyptians using incense during rituals and meditation, and the Babylonians burning aromatic plants during prayer. The practice involves burning plant materials to release their aromas, with certain types of incense containing herbal ingredients with phytochemicals that can cause subtle shifts in human consciousness. While the effects of incense are usually subtle, certain types of incense, such as mojo or spice, are being used to get high, mimicking the effects of marijuana. However, it is important to note that incense smoke contains products not fit for human consumption and can be detrimental to health with long-term use.
Can incense get you high?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Psychoactive effects | Incense contains incensole acetate, a Boswellia plant resin component, which acts as a mild psychoactive drug and can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. |
| Health risks | Long-term exposure to incense burning may increase the risk of lung cancer and high blood pressure. |
| Ambient use | Incense is meant to be used in well-ventilated spaces to fill the air with pleasant aromas and subtle mood-altering effects. Direct inhalation of incense smoke is not recommended due to the presence of contaminants. |
| Herbal ingredients | Incense sticks may contain herbal ingredients with phytochemicals and terpenes, which can induce subtle shifts in consciousness. Citrus-based incense, for example, contains high levels of limonene, a terpene associated with focus and concentration. |
| Marijuana-like high | Some varieties of herbal incense, such as mojo or spice, are specifically marketed and used to achieve a marijuana-like high. These products may contain synthetic chemicals that mimic the euphoric effects of THC. |
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What You'll Learn
- Incense contains herbal ingredients with phytochemicals that can subtly alter consciousness
- Incense smoke may enter your bloodstream and cause mild psychoactive effects
- Incense smoke contains plant compounds and contaminants not fit for human consumption
- Incense can have a psychosomatic effect, altering your headspace and stirring emotions
- Frankincense, a Boswellia tree resin, contains incensole acetate, a psychoactive molecule
Incense contains herbal ingredients with phytochemicals that can subtly alter consciousness
Incense has been used in religious and spiritual ceremonies for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used incense during mystical rituals and meditation, and the Babylonians burned aromatic plants while offering prayers. The word "incense" comes from the Latin "incendere", meaning "to burn".
Incense sticks contain a variety of herbal ingredients, many of which possess phytochemicals, including terpenes, that can produce subtle shifts in human consciousness. Plants contain an array of mood- and consciousness-altering compounds. For example, rosemary and hops contain high levels of the terpene myrcene, which has a relaxing effect when inhaled. Citrus-based incenses release limonene, a terpene associated with focus and concentration. However, these effects are minor and far from truly psychotropic.
Frankincense, derived from the Boswellia tree native to India, Africa, and the Middle East, has been prized in these regions for its sweet and woody scent when burned. Interestingly, the tree sap produces a set of molecules labelled by science as psychoactive. Researchers at John Hopkins University found that incensole acetate, a component of the Boswellia plant's resin, targets receptors in the brain associated with warmth and emotions. A study published in the FASEB journal in May 2020 found that incensole acetate reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms in mice.
It is important to note that incense smoke contains plant compounds as well as products not fit for human consumption, including traces of contaminants. The positive effects of incense should be weighed against the potential health risks, as long-term exposure to incense burning has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and high blood pressure.
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Incense smoke may enter your bloodstream and cause mild psychoactive effects
Incense is made by burning plant materials to release their aromas into the air. While incense is not meant to be directly inhaled, some of the smoke may enter your airways and eventually your bloodstream.
Plants contain various mood and consciousness-altering compounds, and incense sticks contain a variety of herbal ingredients with phytochemicals that can produce subtle shifts in human consciousness. For example, rosemary and hops contain high levels of the terpene myrcene, which has a relaxing effect when inhaled. Citrus-based incenses release limonene, a terpene associated with focus and concentration. However, these effects are minor and far from truly psychotropic.
In rare cases, incense sticks may be prepared using dried cannabis, which would theoretically release THC and other cannabinoids into the air. However, a low concentration is unlikely to cause a substantial effect.
Frankincense, derived from the Boswellia tree, produces a set of molecules labelled by science as psychoactive. Incensole acetate, a component of the Boswellia plant's resin, has been found to target receptors in the brain associated with warmth and emotions. A study in the FASEB journal suggested that this chemical commonly found in incense may elevate mood, reduce anxiety, and lessen depressive symptoms.
While the smoke from burning incense may enter your bloodstream and cause mild psychoactive effects, it is important to note that incense smoke also contains products not fit for human consumption and may contain traces of contaminants. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid directly inhaling the smoke and to always place ignited incense sticks in a designated holder to minimise fire hazards and potential irritation to the eyes and lungs.
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Incense smoke contains plant compounds and contaminants not fit for human consumption
Incense is typically made from natural materials such as fragrant woods, resins, herbs, and essential oils. The act of lighting incense involves burning these plant materials to release their aromas into the air. While incense has been used for thousands of years, and its use is still prevalent today, it is important to be aware that incense smoke contains plant compounds and contaminants that are not fit for human consumption.
Incense smoke contains toxic organic compounds, including carbonyls, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The gaseous phase of incense smoke consists of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter. These compounds can be easily inhaled and can have negative health outcomes. For example, the particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergies. Incense smoke has also been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer.
Furthermore, the fragrance materials in incense are largely plant compounds, and some plants possess phytochemicals, including terpenes, that can produce subtle shifts in human consciousness. While these effects are minor and far from truly psychotropic, preparing an incense stick using dried cannabis would theoretically release THC and other cannabinoids into the air. However, the low concentration is unlikely to cause a substantial effect.
It is worth noting that the effects of incense vary dramatically depending on the specific ingredients used, and many herbs used in incense do not produce psychotropic or intoxicating effects. Nevertheless, incense smoke has been shown to have adverse effects on human health and air quality, and it is important to be cautious and aware of the potential risks associated with its use.
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Incense can have a psychosomatic effect, altering your headspace and stirring emotions
Incense has been used in various cultures for thousands of years, often as part of religious or spiritual rituals. The act of lighting incense involves burning plant materials to release their aromas into the air, and while this practice is intended to create a pleasant fragrance, it can also have subtle effects on human consciousness.
The smoke from incense contains plant compounds, including terpenes, which are known to produce subtle shifts in mood and consciousness. For example, rosemary and hops contain high levels of the terpene myrcene, which has a relaxing effect when inhaled. Similarly, citrus-based incense releases limonene, a terpene associated with improved focus and concentration. However, it is important to note that the effects of terpenes are generally minor and not truly psychotropic.
While most incense sticks contain herbal ingredients that merely smell pleasant, some types of incense may have a more pronounced impact. In rare cases, incense sticks may be prepared using dried cannabis, which could theoretically release THC and other cannabinoids into the air. Additionally, certain types of incense, such as those derived from the Boswellia tree, contain incensole acetate, a molecule that has been labelled as psychoactive.
The psychosomatic impact of incense refers to the way it can alter your headspace and evoke emotions. The sensory experience of incense, combining its aromatic qualities with its visual presence, can create a sense of atmosphere and stir emotions, influencing your mental state. This effect may be heightened in ceremonial or ritualistic contexts, where incense has been intentionally chosen and presented to evoke specific responses.
It is important to remember that incense is not intended for direct inhalation and should be used in moderation due to potential health risks. Long-term exposure to incense burning has been linked to increased risks of lung cancer and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to always burn incense in a well-ventilated area and to avoid direct inhalation of the smoke.
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Frankincense, a Boswellia tree resin, contains incensole acetate, a psychoactive molecule
Frankincense, a resin derived from the Boswellia tree, has been used for centuries in various cultures and religions. The act of burning frankincense releases its sweet and woody scent, filling the air with molecules that are now labelled by science as psychoactive.
The Boswellia tree, native to dry and mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East, has been a prized possession in these regions since ancient times. The burning of its resin has been a part of religious and cultural ceremonies for millennia and is believed to contribute to the spiritual exaltation associated with such events.
Researchers have identified incensole acetate as the molecule responsible for the psychoactive effects of frankincense. Incensole acetate is a macrocyclic diterpenoid and the major bioactive constituent found in the resin of Boswellia trees. It has been shown to exhibit anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.
The psychoactive effects of incensole acetate are mediated through the activation of TRPV3 channels in the brain. These channels are implicated in the perception of warmth in the skin and have also been found in neurons throughout the brain, although their specific role in these neurons remains unknown. Researchers have found that incensole acetate causes antidepressive and anxiolytic-like behavioural effects in wild-type mice, with concomitant changes in c-Fos activation in the brain.
It is important to note that while incense has been used for its aromatic and mood-altering properties, it should be used in moderation due to potential health risks associated with long-term exposure.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense sticks are not meant to be directly inhaled and are instead designed for ambient aromas. However, some people have reported feeling mildly stoned or experiencing a high when using incense. This could be due to the various plant materials burned to release aromas, which may contain mood-altering compounds.
Long-term exposure to incense burning has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and high blood pressure. The smoke from incense can also irritate the eyes and lungs, especially in small spaces.
Incense has been used in religious and spiritual ceremonies for thousands of years and is believed to have mood-elevating and anxiety-reducing properties. It can also enhance meditation and help bring one into the present moment.
Rosemary, hops, and dried cannabis are some plants that can be used in incense preparation and are known to contain mood-altering compounds. Frankincense, derived from the Boswellia tree, is another plant that has been prized for its aromatic and potentially psychoactive properties.
While incense is typically legal, some jurisdictions have begun to outlaw specific varieties due to their potential for being used to induce a high. For example, "mojo" or "spice" incense products have been banned in some places due to the presence of synthetic chemicals that mimic the effects of THC.
