Seamus Hammond
Incense is created by burning plant materials to release their aromas into the air. While some incense varieties are designed to be enjoyed in this way, others are smoked, and some people believe that they can induce a high. The effects of incense vary dramatically due to the myriad plant substances used in their creation. Some incense sticks may contain herbal ingredients with phytochemicals that can produce subtle shifts in human consciousness, while others may have more pronounced effects. For example, rosemary and hops contain high levels of the terpene myrcene, which has a relaxing effect when inhaled, whereas citrus-based incense can promote focus and concentration. However, these effects are minor and far from truly psychotropic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense effects | Subtle shifts in human consciousness, mood elevation, relaxation, reduced anxiety, reduced stress, pain relief, lower blood pressure, better sleep |
| Incense smoke composition | Particulate matter, gas products, organic compounds, benzene, toluene, xylenes, aldehydes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide |
| Incense health risks | Respiratory system dysfunction, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lung cancer, high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea |
| Incense benefits | Aromatherapy, spiritual rituals, meditation, relaxation, anxiety relief, depression relief |
| Incense types | Mojo, spice, spice gold, cannabis incense sticks |
| Incense regulation | No regulations in New Orleans, outlawed in Kansas and some European countries, included in DEA's list of controlled substances |
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What You'll Learn
- Incense smoke contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds
- Incense smoke may be a factor in respiratory dysfunction and malignant disease
- Incense may act as a psychoactive drug and elevate mood
- Herbal incense is being used to get high, similar to marijuana
- Incense can have a psychosomatic effect, altering your headspace
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds
Incense has been used for thousands of years in spiritual rituals and religious ceremonies. In recent times, however, some people have been smoking incense to get high. While some incense can have a psychosomatic effect, certain types of incense, such as 'Mojo' or 'Spice', are being sold as 'legal weed'. These varieties of incense contain synthetic chemicals that give smokers a marijuana-like high.
The smoke emitted from burning incense contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds. The particulate matter in incense smoke is greater than 45 mg/g burned, compared to 10 mg/g burned for cigarettes. The gas products from burning incense include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and others. In addition, incense burning produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
The organic compounds in incense smoke are largely derived from the thermal degradation of lignin. Phenolic compounds contribute the most to emission factors, taking up 24.5% ± 6.5% of the total emission factor. Biomarkers like sugars (mainly levoglucosan), hopanes, and sterols are also extensively detected in incense combustion fumes.
The health risks associated with incense burning are due to the inhalation of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and poisonous gases. These pollutants can cause respiratory system dysfunction and adverse health effects, such as airway disease and health problems. Several epidemiological studies have suggested that incense smoke pollutants cause health problems, including an increased risk of lung cancer and high blood pressure.
The effects of incense on human consciousness vary dramatically depending on the specific plant substances used in the creation of the incense sticks. While some herbs produce only subtle effects or pleasant aromas, others can have more pronounced effects on mood and consciousness.
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Incense smoke may be a factor in respiratory dysfunction and malignant disease
Incense has been used for thousands of years in spiritual rituals and for meditation. The act of lighting incense involves burning plant materials to release their aromas into the air. While incense is not designed to be directly inhaled, some of the smoke will inevitably enter your airways and bloodstream.
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, including ultrafine particles, that can be inhaled and may have negative health outcomes. These particles can be comparable to or even more harmful than passive smoking. The combustion of incense is a major source of indoor air pollution, and incense smoke contains various irritants and carcinogens.
There is a growing body of evidence that links incense smoke exposure to an increased risk of respiratory problems, including asthma, coughing, and throat irritation. A study in Taiwan found that regular incense burning was the most critical risk factor among housing characteristics for health symptoms. Another study in China found that incense burning was associated with weekly symptoms of eye, throat, and skin irritation.
Furthermore, incense smoke has been associated with an increased risk of malignant diseases. A 1966 study by Sturton et al. reported a high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Hong Kong in male patients who burned incense compared to other malignant cases. They suggested that incense smoke may be a factor in the development of this malignant disease.
To reduce the potential health risks associated with incense smoke, it is recommended to limit exposure and ensure proper ventilation when burning incense.
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Incense may act as a psychoactive drug and elevate mood
Incense is made by burning plant materials to release their aromas into the air. The effects of incense vary depending on the plant substances used in its creation. While some herbs used in incense, such as rosemary and hops, produce relaxing effects when inhaled, they do not have psychotropic or intoxicating effects. For instance, rosemary and hops contain high levels of the terpene myrcene, which has a relaxing effect. Similarly, citrus-based incenses release limonene, a terpene associated with focus and concentration.
However, certain types of herbal incense have been associated with getting high. For example, some people add marijuana to their homemade incense or burn cannabis-infused incense sticks, which can induce a marijuana-like high. This practice has been observed in various cultures throughout history and continues today, especially in places like the French Quarter of New Orleans, where people have been observed smoking incense in public.
It is important to note that burning incense, especially cannabis-infused varieties, has been linked to potential health risks. For example, research from Singapore found an increased risk of lung cancer with long-term exposure to incense burning, and a study in China discovered a correlation with high blood pressure.
While the herbs and plants used in incense can provide subtle effects like relaxation, focus, or elevated mood, the absence of THC in incense sticks means that they do not produce the same psychoactive effects as marijuana. Therefore, while incense may act as a mild mood elevator, it is unlikely to induce a significant high on its own.
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Herbal incense is being used to get high, similar to marijuana
Herbal incense, also known as "mojo" or "spice", is being used as a legal alternative to marijuana, providing a similar high without the same legal repercussions. This is because it is often sold as an "incense that is not for human consumption", allowing manufacturers and distributors to bypass laws against marijuana.
In 2010, a news report from New Orleans, Louisiana, revealed that the use of herbal incense to get high was widespread in the metropolitan area, with some users claiming that it was "everywhere". The report also highlighted that the substance was easily accessible to minors, with no age restrictions in place at some shops. This prompted warnings from law enforcement to parents, as the substance did not show up on standard drug tests.
Spice is the generic name for a legal, synthetic form of marijuana, often produced by spraying or mixing synthetic cannabinoids onto plant material. These synthetic cannabinoids are designed to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and can produce adverse health effects such as an elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, and vomiting.
While some incense sticks are used for their aromatic and relaxing properties, the presence of certain herbs and chemicals in herbal incense can induce a marijuana-like high. The appeal of herbal incense lies in its legality, lower cost compared to marijuana, and the absence of detection on standard drug tests. However, it is important to note that the chemical compositions of these substances are constantly changing, making it challenging to enforce regulations and potentially leading to adverse health effects.
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Incense can have a psychosomatic effect, altering your headspace
Incense is made by burning plant materials to release their aromas into the air. While most herbs used in incense sticks do not produce psychotropic or intoxicating effects, certain types of incense can have a psychosomatic effect, altering your headspace.
For example, rosemary and hops contain high levels of the terpene myrcene, which produces relaxing effects when inhaled. Similarly, cannabis incense sticks, which are hand-dipped in high-quality cannabis oil, can promote relaxation and tranquility. However, it's important to note that these incense sticks do not contain THC, the psychoactive chemical that causes the "high" effects of marijuana.
In contrast, citrus-based incense releases limonene, a terpene associated with focus and concentration. The act of burning incense and observing the rising smoke can also be calming and help alter your headspace, even if the specific herbs used don't have a direct physiological effect.
While the aroma of incense can be soothing and influence your mental state, it's important to distinguish this from the "high" associated with marijuana. Smoking herbal incense to get high has become a trend, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks, including long-term health effects like an increased risk of lung cancer and high blood pressure.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense involves releasing various plant materials into the air, some of which may enter your airways and bloodstream. While many herbs used in incense do not produce psychotropic or intoxicating effects, certain plants contain high levels of terpenes, molecules that can produce relaxing effects when inhaled. For example, rosemary and hops contain high levels of the terpene myrcene. Citrus-based incenses release limonene, a terpene associated with focus and concentration. However, these effects are minor and far from truly psychotropic.
Herbal incense, also known as "spice" or "synthetic marijuana," can be smoked to achieve a marijuana-like high. These products often contain synthetic chemicals that are not meant for human consumption and can be dangerous, with side effects including paralysis and death.
Incense may act as a psychoactive drug, altering mood and consciousness. A component of frankincense, incensole acetate, has been shown to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in mice, suggesting potential new treatments for anxiety and depression.
