Shisha, renowned for its popularity and as a modern innovation in smoking, provides a pleasant taste and aroma for users. As a recent smoking innovation, shisha still contains nicotine, which is naturally present in tobacco. Nicotine is an addictive substance that creates a craving or dependence in its users. However, does shisha get you high? Let’s thoroughly explore this myth in this article.
The Science Behind Shisha
Before becoming a shisha user, it’s important to understand the science behind it. This knowledge is also useful for anticipating the health impacts on each user. Here’s a look at the components and science behind shisha.
Chemical Composition of Shisha
Shisha, also known as hookah or waterpipe, contains several key chemical components that affect the smoking experience. Nicotine is one of the main addictive substances in hookah tobacco. Nicotine affects the central nervous system, providing a relaxing or mild euphoric effect, and can lead to dependence with repeated use. Additionally, carbon monoxide (CO) is produced from burning charcoal used to heat the tobacco. This toxic gas can reduce the oxygen levels in the blood, potentially causing dizziness, headaches, and long-term health issues such as cardiovascular problems.
Besides nicotine and carbon monoxide, hookah also contains various additional chemicals, including tar and flavoring agents. Tar can irritate the respiratory tract and increase the risk of respiratory diseases. These additional substances not only contribute to the smoking experience but also add health risks for hookah users. Understanding the chemical composition of hookah helps in recognizing its potential health impacts and making more informed decisions about its use.
Nicotine and Its Effects on Users
Nicotine in hookah plays a crucial role in the smoking experience by affecting the central nervous system. When nicotine is consumed, it increases dopamine levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and relaxation. This can create a mild sensation or euphoria that some people may experience as a form of “light intoxication.” This effect can enhance the appeal of hookah for users, but it also has the potential to lead to addiction.
As an addictive substance, nicotine can cause both physical and psychological dependence, making it difficult for individuals to quit smoking hookah In the short term, nicotine can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which may make someone feel more energetic or alert. However, the continuous use of nicotine has the potential to contribute to long-term health issues, including heart disease and respiratory disorders, and increases the risk of other chronic conditions.
Does Shisha Get You High Because It Contains THC?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes euphoria or a “high.” So, does hookah get you high because it contains THC? Traditional hookah generally does not contain THC, as it is made from tobacco mixed with molasses and flavorings, not cannabis. The shisha products available on the market typically contain only tobacco and flavoring additives without any cannabis components.
However, there are some less common shisha products that may contain THC or cannabis-derived additives, but this is not standard or widespread. In many countries, the sale and distribution of shisha with THC are strictly regulated, so it’s important to check the product labels and information to verify its composition and legality. Understanding this helps users to be more informed and cautious about shisha use and its health impacts.
Read Also: Shisha Pipe, What Are They and How Do They Function?
Does Shisha Make You High Like Cannabis?
The myth that shisha causes intoxication similar to cannabis is not true, as shisha and cannabis contain very different active components. Shisha, or hookah, involves heating tobacco with charcoal and inhaling it as smoke, while cannabis contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive compound that induces euphoria or a “high.” Nicotine in shisha can create a mild sensation of relaxation, but it does not have the same intoxicating effect as THC.
The main difference lies in the types of substances present in each. Cannabis causes significant changes in perception and mental state because THC affects the endocannabinoid system in the brain, whereas shisha contains only nicotine, which impacts the central nervous system but does not produce the same psychoactive effects. Therefore, while shisha may induce a feeling of relaxation, its effects are quite different from the intoxication experienced from consuming cannabis.
Effects of Hookah Addiction
The myth that shisha is safe because it doesn’t cause intoxication is misleading, as even though shisha does not induce euphoric effects like cannabis, smoking shisha still carries significant health risks. Hookah contains nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar, all of which can negatively impact health. Nicotine, being an addictive substance, can lead to dependence and various health issues such as heart disease and respiratory disorders. Carbon monoxide, produced from burning charcoal, displaces oxygen in the blood, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems and long-term health issues.
Additionally, tar and other chemicals in hookah can irritate the respiratory tract and potentially increase the risk of chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and lung cancer. Although hookah does not make a person “high” in a psychological sense, the health risks associated with exposure to its smoke are significant and should be taken seriously. Therefore, smoking hookah is not safe and still poses health dangers that need to be carefully considered.
Are Hookah and Regular Cigarettes the Same?
The myth that shisha is the same as smoking cigarettes is not entirely accurate, as there are significant differences in content and effects between the two. Shisha contains tobacco mixed with molasses and flavorings, and its smoke is filtered through water. In contrast, cigarettes generally consist of pure tobacco without added flavorings and are inhaled directly without filtration.
Although both hookah and cigarettes contain nicotine and tar, the smoking process for hookah often produces a larger volume of smoke and exposure to carbon monoxide from the charcoal, which can increase respiratory and cardiovascular health risks. While the health effects of both forms of tobacco can be similar in terms of risks for heart disease and lung cancer, the method of consumption and exposure to chemicals can differ significantly.
Read Also: What’s in Shisha Tobacco? A Deep Dive into Its Ingredients
Natural Coconut Charcoal for Smoking Shisha
Coconut charcoal is a key component in the shisha smoking process, providing the heat needed to produce smoke for users to enjoy. It is crucial to use natural coconut charcoal to avoid health risks associated with charcoal containing chemicals. Using coconut charcoal contaminated with chemicals can lead to long-term health risks.
Therefore, it’s important to choose pure coconut charcoal. You can obtain pure coconut charcoal from Little Briquette, which produces charcoal using Sumatran coconut from their own plantations and through a hygienic production process. Contact Little Briquette at this number for bulk purchases.