Studying While High: Does It Help? NOPE

Ever found yourself staring at your study notes, feeling overwhelmed and distracted, thinking, “Maybe a little weed could help me focus or calm down?” You’re not alone.

Many students have wondered if cannabis could be the secret to surviving a tough study session, especially when stress and anxiety start piling up.

Whether you’ve heard friends rave about how it sparks creativity or you’re just curious if it’ll help you get through that massive pile of readings, the idea of studying while high might seem tempting.

But does it actually work? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and everything in between to help you figure out if it’s a good idea—or something you’re better off avoiding.

What are the Pros and Cons of Using Weed for Studying?

Before jumping into the key points of this topic, let’s break down how studying while high might help—or hold you back.

Pros

Weed can boost creativity, which is great if you’re brainstorming or working on something that needs fresh ideas. It might help you think outside the box and come up with unique solutions.

For those feeling stressed or anxious about school, weed’s calming effects can make studying feel a little less overwhelming.

Some strains, especially ones with a balanced mix of THC and CBD, might even help you focus better. For a few people, it makes zoning in on their work a bit easier.

Cons

On the flip side, weed can mess with your short-term memory. That means it might be harder to remember what you just studied, especially facts, formulas, or definitions.

It can also kill your motivation—so instead of diving into your books, you might just want to chill instead. Another downside is how it messes with your sense of time.

You might think you’ve been super productive for hours, but really, you’ve barely scratched the surface—or completely lost track of time.

Plus, regular use can lead to dependency for some, which could start to interfere with your priorities, including schoolwork.

By knowing both the pros and cons, you can decide if studying while high is worth it for you and your study goals.

Does Smoking Weed Actually Help You Study?

Talking about the pros and cons of using weed when studying, you might think that the pros are enough to justify doing it. But really, they’re not. Using weed to boost your study performance simply doesn’t work.

Why? Well, aside from anecdotal claims, the research discussed below shows how marijuana use can negatively impact academic performance.

Why It Doesn’t Work

A 2015 study by Arria et al. revealed that frequent marijuana consumption among college students led to increased class absenteeism, resulting in lower GPAs and extended time to graduate.

Similarly, a 2013 study by the same researchers observed that students with cannabis use disorders were more prone to skipping classes, contributing to declining academic performance.

Additionally, Suerken et al. (2016) found that students who were decreasing or frequent marijuana users were more likely to drop out or delay graduation compared to non-users, with all marijuana user groups reporting lower GPAs on average.

These findings indicate that marijuana use is associated with negative academic outcomes, including lower GPAs, increased class absenteeism, and prolonged time to graduation.

Tips for Studying While High

Even though we’ve advised against it, we get that sometimes you might choose to get high, even when it’s time to study. So, here are some steps to help you make the most of your study session while high.

1. Pick Your Strain Wisely

Not all weed is created equal. Sativa strains can kick up your energy and help you focus, making them great for diving into a tough chapter or getting creative with a project.

Indicas, though? They’re more about chilling out, which might be too relaxing if you need to stay alert. And hybrids? They could give you a bit of both worlds.

Think about what you need to achieve before you light up.

BMWO Recommendations

Strains like Sour Diesel, God’s Green Crack, and Jack Herer are often recommended for activities that require concentration. However, it’s important to start with a low dose to gauge how a particular strain affects you.

2. Set Solid Goals

Before you even open a book, know what you want to get done. Set clear, achievable goals—like reading 20 pages or wrapping up a problem set. This way, you won’t just be floating through your study session without direction.

3. Make a No-Distraction Zone

Find a quiet spot where you won’t be bothered, and get your study area tidy and ready. Tell your roomies or family you need some peace, and maybe slap on some noise-canceling headphones to really isolate yourself from distractions.

4. Get Active with Your Learning

Don’t just passively scroll through your notes. Engage deeply with your material:

• Sum it up: Jot down quick summaries after every few paragraphs to cement the info in your brain.

• Play teacher: Try explaining tough concepts out loud, as if you’re teaching someone else. It’s a killer way to make sure you really get it.

• Tackle some problems: If you’re studying something like math or science, doing practice problems is like a workout for your brain.

5. Break It Up

Ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique? Study hard for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Rinse and repeat. It keeps your mind fresh and prevents burnout.

6. Keep Hydrated and Snack Smart

Weed can dry you out, so keep water or some herbal tea close by. Snacking on some almonds, fruit, or yogurt can also keep your energy levels steady without making you feel stuffed and sleepy.

7. Watch Your Intake

Starting with a low dose is key. See how it impacts your ability to stay focused and tweak as needed. Going overboard might just derail your study plans.

8. Reflect on the Experience

After you’re done, think about how well it went. Did being high help or hinder your study efforts? Keeping track can help you decide if it’s a good study aid for you or if it’s better left for relaxation time.

Additional Tips

Take a Short Nap or Relax

If you’re feeling unfocused or spaced out while studying high, a short nap or some quiet relaxation can help reset your brain. Even just closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths can make a big difference, helping you feel more alert and ready to dive back into your work.

Try Light Exercise

Cannabis can sometimes make you feel sluggish, which isn’t ideal when trying to study. A quick walk, some stretches, or light yoga can shake off that lethargy and get your blood flowing. This can improve oxygen delivery to your brain, helping you refocus on your study material.

Take a Shower

When you’re high, your mind might wander or feel foggy. A cool or lukewarm shower is a simple way to refresh and bring your senses back into focus. It’s a great trick if you’re struggling to concentrate or feeling groggy during your study session.

Use Caffeine Wisely

Studying high can sometimes leave you feeling too relaxed to focus. A small dose of caffeine, like a cup of coffee or green tea, can help counteract those effects and sharpen your mind. Just be mindful not to overdo it, as too much caffeine paired with cannabis might make you anxious or jittery.

Using these tips can help you manage the tricky balance of being high and hitting the books.

FAQs About Studying When High

We haven’t covered everything yet, so we’ve put together answers to some questions you might have. Here’s what you need to know, just in case.

What are some signs that studying while high isn’t working for me?

Indicators that studying while high might not be effective for you include:

• Difficulty staying focused on the material.

• Trouble retaining or recalling information later.

• Increased procrastination or distractions.

• Feeling too relaxed or lethargic to engage with the work.

If these signs occur consistently, it might be better to study sober and use cannabis afterward as a reward.

Can using CBD help with studying instead of THC?

CBD, unlike THC, does not produce psychoactive effects and is often used for its potential therapeutic benefits. Some users report that CBD helps reduce anxiety and improve focus without the high associated with THC. This could potentially make it a better option for study sessions, particularly for those who want the calming effects without cognitive impairment.

What should I do if I feel too high to study effectively?

If you find yourself too high to concentrate, it might be best to take a break from studying. Hydrate well, take a nap, or engage in a relaxing activity until you feel more alert. In the future, consider adjusting your dosage or choosing a strain with lower THC content to better manage the effects.

What are the best times to use cannabis for studying?

Timing can be crucial when studying with cannabis. It might be more effective to use it during brainstorming sessions or when working on creative projects rather than when you need to memorize or engage in detailed problem-solving. Additionally, using cannabis well before bedtime can help avoid any potential impact on your sleep quality.

Does cannabis affect how you study for creative versus technical subjects?

Cannabis may enhance creativity, making it helpful for subjects that involve art, design, or ideation. However, it might hinder performance in technical subjects like math, science, or engineering that require logical thinking, precision, and attention to detail.

How can I track my study productivity while high?

Keeping a study journal can help. Record your tasks, how you felt during the session, and how much you accomplished. Compare your productivity while high versus sober to determine if cannabis is truly aiding your study sessions or holding you back.

What should I do if studying while high starts to become a habit?

If you notice that you’re relying on cannabis every time you study, it’s a good idea to reflect on why. Is it stress, boredom, or something else? Consider alternative methods to manage those feelings, like mindfulness, exercise, or time management techniques, to ensure cannabis use doesn’t become a crutch.

Conclusion: Should You Study While High?

As we’ve discussed earlier, studying while high likely won’t help—and it might even do more harm than good. So no. We urge you to NOT study when you’re high.

When you’re high, your mind tends to wander, making it harder to focus on your studies. You’re more likely to forget key information, like definitions or theorems, and the munchies can be a major distraction, pulling your attention away from your work.

Check out our blog if you want to explore more informative topics from us here at BMWO. We’ve done deep dives on topics like “How to Get Rid of Weed Smell on Hands,” “Is Smoking Weed a Turn Off?” and so much more.

Of course, you’ll be looking for some high-quality weed once you’re done studying, right? If that’s the case, hop over to our Strains section, where we’ve got premium Indica and Sativa strains waiting just for you.

That said, if you really want to smoke weed, consider saving it as a reward for after you’re done studying. Use it as a way to relax and unwind after putting in the effort and having a productive study session.

We hope this guide has shed some light on the topic for you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Have a great day ahead!