If you are a seasoned cannabis veteran, particularly if you’re a fan of stinky, hashy indicas, you are well familiar with the phenomenon of couch lock. It may even be on your list of the most desirable effects. However, if you are relatively new to the weed space, you have probably heard the term and wondered what it meant. It doesn’t directly require a couch, but couch lock is the term for when you feel incredibly calm and nearly rooted in place.
The Onset Of Couch Lock
Couch lock will happen differently for everyone, depending not only on the marijuana being consumed but also on the person experiencing the effects. It can happen fast or slow the result is the same, you feel like you’re just pleasantly stuck in place, and you may lose track of time to a small degree.
If you are a light smoker or trying a strain different than you may be used to, you can experience couch lock much quicker.
You could be in the middle of a round of dabs and get so stoned after your turn that you forget to pass it. Other times it may not sink in until you’ve been sitting there on the couch nearly motionless for at least several minutes.
For example, you may be in a session with your friends, and long after you’re all done, you realize that quite some time has passed and you’re all still stuck in place or locked to the couch.
That, my friend, is a couch lock. It can also easily happen when creating or playing video games, which will make it easier for couch lock to hit your body since you’re so focused.
Not Everybody Enjoys The Couch Lock Effect
Couch lock isn’t an effect or feeling that everyone enjoys. Many marijuana enthusiasts, from cannabis connoisseurs to new legal users, prefer to remain mobile for one reason or another, especially if you prefer more active activities while high such as hiking with weed.
Whether it’s consuming CBD oil or super-potent strains of high THC cannabis flower, everyone likes to feel in control of their own body at all times.
Those who don’t enjoy the couch lock experience find that it makes them feel like they cannot move their body. Some feel that the sensation makes them feel “helpless,” which can understandably be distressing, and everyone, including cannabis in their life, should find themselves in a better mood, not worse.
What Causes Couch Lock? Why Does Weed Make You Tired?
There is a lot of debate as to what specific processes cause couch-lock, and while there is no concrete answer, there is evidence that myrcene, which seems to have some effects on physical sedation, may be involved.
What is Myrcene?
Myrcene is a “terpene,” an aroma compound in many plants and insects. Myrcene is one of the most prevalent terpenes in nearly all cannabis strains, but it is also found commonly in thyme, lemongrass, mango, and cardamom.
Myrcene is also theorized to help get you more stoned. Read “how mango and weed work together to get you higher” for more information!
Myrcene has been found to be a contributing factor in the feelings of sedation and muscle relaxation that occurs, even extending the duration of restful sleep. It also has an acknowledged analgesic effect. These physical components undoubtedly contribute to or exacerbate the couch lock effect.
Is Myrcene in Indica Strains And Sativa Strains? Are There Cannabis Strains With Less Myrcene?
It is present in any indica dominant strain, sativa strains, and all cannabis plants, both male and female. So, in short, there is no way to avoid myrcene completely and still enjoy cannabis. The good news is that it seems that myrcene can create strong sedative properties and is found in much higher levels in super-potent marijuana strains.
Strains to avoid would be strains that have known sedative feelings as part of the psychoactive effects of the strain. Northern Lights is one such strain.
Not only does it have incredibly high concentrations of THC content, but it is known for being effective at treating insomnia, so you can guess how it will make you feel. Other strains of marijuana can reduce stress, help heal your body, and give you the same feeling of euphoria that you want, with the
Does Myrcene Cause Couch Lock?
Well, not exactly. There is evidence that it’s involved, but there just isn’t enough evidence to decide. With myrcene being present in large amounts in common culinary ingredients, more research is needed to understand how it contributes chemically to couch lock.
One theory is that myrcene and other terpenes are part of a larger equation. Terpenes have been shown to perform differently when in the presence of others, and along with the THC level and the other cannabinoids being consumed, may work together to produce a stronger effect.
How to Treat Couch Lock
Ideally, you will want to counteract the physical sedation brought on by the marijuana, and this can involve boosting energy levels naturally or artificially. Here are a few tips to try.
An Ounce Of Prevention
Sure, indica strains are most well-known for contributing to couch-lock, but sativas aren’t without blame. Couch lock will always be somewhat of a concern, so with that in mind, consume accordingly. Being able to avoid couch-lock before becoming couch-locked can be a crucial skill.
If you prefer sativas, you may start on a creative project or other activity after smoking; just be careful not to zone out into your work and lose track of time. If you have a penchant for those heavy-hitting indica dominant strains, but you also have stuff to do, make sure not to smoke yourself into unproductivity.
Be Consistent
Another technique to avoid couch-lock is to stick with certain strains so that you become accustomed to their effects, rather than constantly trying different strains. If you stick to one particular strain, you can get more familiar with its THC levels and terpene chemical profile and experience more consistent effects.
Hit The Boost Button
One of the quick-fix tips. If you find yourself starting to feel couch-locked, move quickly and grab some soft drinks or energy drinks like Red Bull. While you may love the euphoric high of marijuana, getting stoned only to consume caffeine will often lead to the THC being at odds with the potent chemical energy.
Another downside to this quick-fix is that drinking something with a significant effect on your insulin levels will often produce a crash after the boost wears off, which may give you a more substantial sedative effect than whatever strain you smoke.
Ride The Two-Shoe Express
Rather than chugging a soda or energy drink, grab a bottle of water and take a pleasant stroll or go hiking high. Keep it brief; 20-30 minutes is perfect so that it stays fun but still offers some substantial benefits. Getting your blood pumping will not only release pleasant-feeling endorphins, but it will wake you up, and the effects can continue for several hours.
Try CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, can counteract some of THC’s more undesirable side-effects, including couch lock. There are many ways to learn how to take CBD oil and its benefits go beyond alleviating couch lock. CBD can also relieve anxiety, pain, mood disorders and even help you sober up from weed!
Available in vape cartridges, edibles and flower form, there’s no excuse to not have some CBD on hand to help you get through your couch lock!
Couch Lock – An Uncomfortable But Transient Experience
Experiencing couch lock isn’t the first thing on anyone’s mind, but there are some tokers out there that enjoy the deeply sedative sensation. Each to their own; we’re not here to judge! While others relish in the sedative, coma-like comfort of couch lock, others can find the experience equally terrifying and anxiety-inducing. If the latter describes you, we hope that this write-up has provided you with some guidance.
While it can seem almost impossible to break free from the sedative clutches of couch lock, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Having some snacks, CBD or your gym shoes nearby can turn a bad situation into a positive one.
If all else fails, remember it’s just weed and that you’ll be fine sooner or later!
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