Does Smoking Lavender Get You High? Examining the Risks and Effects

Examining the Effects of Smoking Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb often used for its relaxing and calming effects. Some people claim smoking lavender produces psychoactive effects similar to marijuana. But what does the research say about lavender's effects and is smoking it safe or legal?

Bioactive Compounds in Lavender

Lavender contains a number of biologically active phytochemicals, including linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, and camphor. When inhaled, these compounds communicate with receptors in the brain, specifically the amygdala and emotional processing areas. This helps induce calming or sedative neurological effects.

Relaxation and Mood-Enhancement

Inhaling lavender essential oil has been shown in some studies to reduce anxiety, emotional stress, and improve mood. The soothing aroma triggers neurotransmitters like serotonin to promote relaxation. One study found lavender reduced excessive arousal levels comparable to Lorazepam, an anti-anxiety medication.

Pain Relief

Several preliminary studies suggest lavender essential oil may help reduce pain from migraines, postoperative pain, rheumatoid arthritis, injuries, and menstrual cramps when applied topically or inhaled. Researchers believe this is due to lavender's effect on calming overactive pain nerves.

Examining Claims That Smoking Lavender Gets You High

There are anecdotal reports that smoking dried lavender buds produces intoxicating psychoactive effects. Some compare the euphoric high to marijuana while assuming it is legal and safe.

No Scientific Evidence Supporting Legal High Claims

However, there are currently no scientific studies examining or supporting claims that lavender causes a high similar to recreational or medicinal cannabis use when smoked. Nor have any studies analyzed potential intoxicating, hallucinogenic, or addictive effects from smoking lavender.

The relaxation and pain relief effects of lavender are mild compared to potent psychoactive drugs. Reports of lavender producing profound mind-altering states should be scrutinized for accuracy.

Risks of Smoking Lavender

While lavender is generally recognized as safe by the FDA for food use, smoking any kind of plant material carries risks. When burned, plants release carcinogens and carbon monoxide that damages lungs when inhaled.

Additional risks of smoking dried lavender include:

• Lung irritation and damage
• Increased cancer risk
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat

Lack of Evidence on Safety

There have not been extensive studies on the long-term safety profile of smoking lavender. The lack of human clinical trials means the health risks and adverse effects are not fully characterized.

Without safety data, smoking any amount should be considered inherently risky. Claims that lavender offers a legal, recreational high need to be weighed critically against potential harmful outcomes.

Safer Ways to Use Lavender

Given the uncertainties about smoking lavender, there are safer administration methods that avoid the risks of combustion and lung damage.

Aromatherapy

Inhaling lavender essential oil aromatherapy provides therapeutic effects without negative impacts. Adding a few drops of oil to a diffuser, pillow, body lotion or bathwater simply allows you to enjoy the calming lavender fragrance.

Oral Consumption

The FDA has approved lavender as a food additive and flavoring agent. Consuming lavender through capsules, tinctures, extracts or tea allows absorption without respiratory risks.

However, oral lavender may interact with sedative medications and remains under-researched regarding side effects. Talk to your doctor before taking it internally.

Topical Application

Applying diluted lavender oil to skin shows promising effects against fungal infections, pain and skin issues in early research. Massaging muscles with lavender oil takes advantage of its analgesic properties as well.

Combining it with a carrier oil prevents risk of irritation. But be sure to test a small area of skin first before wider topical use.

Using Lavender Legally and Responsibly

Like any supplement or botanical remedy, using lavender safely requires avoiding unproven claims or applications. There is no scientific basis that smoking lavender induces any marijuana-like high, despite scattered anecdotal reports.

Avoid Unverified Smoking Methods

Smoking lavender introduces needless health risks including lung damage that outweighs unsubstantiated benefits. Relying on unverified information that lavender offers recreational psychoactive effects could also lead legal penalties.

Understand Laws in Your Region

Most places permit culinary, aromatherapy, topical or ornamental uses of lavender. However, some regions restrict possessing dried plant materials to licensed medical or recreational cannabis consumers.

Know your local laws before obtaining, drying or preparing unprocessed lavender flowers to stay compliant.

Use Responsible Sources

Only acquire lavender and instructions for use from transparent, science-based sources like reputable brands, licensed dispensaries and participating healthcare professionals.

Blindly buying dried lavender buds from underground vendors to smoke recreationally puts you at great risk with no credible benefit.

The Takeaway

While lavender has promising therapeutic potential from aromatherapy, extracts and topicals, smoking carries too many health uncertainties to recommend. For noticeable relaxation benefits without risky methods, enjoy lavender responsibly through inhalation, ingestion or application instead.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.