Does Hookah Get You High? Understanding the Effects of Hookah Smoking

Hookah smoking has surged in popularity, especially among young adults and in social settings. Whether it’s the fruity flavors, smooth clouds, or relaxed vibe, many people new to hookah wonder: does hookah get you high? This blog explores what actually happens to your body when you smoke hookah. From nicotine absorption to the myths surrounding “hookah highs,” we’ll walk through the science and sensations of this centuries-old tradition. If you’re looking for clarity on what hookah does to your mind and body, you’re in the right place.

What Is Hookah and What Does It Contain?

Hookah is a water pipe used to smoke specially prepared tobacco known as shisha. Shisha typically includes a mix of:

• Tobacco leaves
  
• Molasses or honey
  
• Glycerin
  
• Flavorings (e.g., fruit, mint, spice)
  

These ingredients are heated—usually with charcoal—producing smoke that is drawn through water and inhaled through a hose.

Key Components in Shisha Smoke

• Nicotine: A naturally occurring chemical in tobacco that affects the brain and body.
  
• Carbon Monoxide: A gas created by the burning charcoal that can cause dizziness and headaches.
  
• Tar and other toxins: Even though the smoke is filtered through water, it still contains harmful substances.
  

Does Hookah Get You High Like Marijuana?

The short answer: no, hookah does not get you high in the same way cannabis does.

What’s the Difference Between a Nicotine Buzz and a High?

• Nicotine Buzz: Smoking hookah can cause a temporary sensation often described as “heady” or “dizzy.” This is due to the rapid absorption of nicotine and potential carbon monoxide poisoning from the charcoal.
  
• Cannabis High: Cannabis contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive compound that directly alters brain function, producing euphoria, altered perception, and increased appetite—effects not associated with hookah tobacco.
  

Why Do Some People Think Hookah Gets Them High?

• Lightheadedness: Inhaling large amounts of smoke or smoking on an empty stomach can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
  
• Social Relaxation: The calm, social atmosphere may lead some to believe they’re feeling “high” when they’re simply relaxed.
  
• Misunderstanding Nicotine Effects: New smokers may not recognize the sensations of nicotine and mistake them for a more intense intoxication.
  

The Role of Nicotine in Hookah

Nicotine is a stimulant that also has relaxing effects, depending on dosage and user tolerance. Each hookah session can deliver more nicotine than a single cigarette, especially if sessions last 30–60 minutes.

What Nicotine Does in the Body:

• Short-Term Effects:
  
  • Mild euphoria
    
  • Increased heart rate
    
  • Alertness or stimulation
    
  • Nausea (in new users or if overconsumed)
    
• Long-Term Effects:
  
  • Addiction or dependence
    
  • Tolerance buildup
    
  • Withdrawal symptoms without regular use
    

It’s worth noting that unlike the more clear-cut psychoactive effect of THC in marijuana, nicotine’s effects are milder and often described as a “buzz” or a “kick” rather than a high.

Carbon Monoxide and the “Floaty Feeling”

Another reason some users feel lightheaded or euphoric during or after a hookah session is carbon monoxide (CO). Burning charcoal, which heats the shisha, emits this odorless gas.

How Carbon Monoxide Affects the Brain:

• Reduces oxygen in the blood
  
• Causes headaches, nausea, and dizziness
  
• May result in a false sense of euphoria
  

In poorly ventilated areas, this can become a serious health risk, especially during long sessions.

How Long Do Hookah Effects Last?

The sensations from hookah—whether a buzz or lightheadedness—tend to be short-lived, often lasting between 15 minutes to an hour. Several factors influence the duration:

• Nicotine tolerance
  
• How much you smoke
  
• How fast you inhale
  
• Session length
  
• Whether you’ve eaten recently
  

For most users, the “buzz” wears off quickly, especially if they’re habitual smokers.

Is There a Hookah “High” Without Nicotine?

Some shisha products are labeled nicotine-free or herbal, often using sugarcane or tea leaves instead of tobacco. While these may reduce nicotine exposure, they still produce smoke and may include other irritants.

Can You Still Feel Effects?

• Yes, but not a “high” in the traditional sense.
  
• You may still feel lightheaded due to carbon monoxide.
  
• The ritual and social setting might enhance feelings of relaxation or mild stimulation.
  

In short, nicotine-free hookah doesn’t produce a buzz unless carbon monoxide or psychological factors come into play.

Comparing Hookah Effects to Other Smoking Products

Health Risks of Hookah Smoking

Even if hookah doesn’t get you “high” like cannabis, it’s not harmless. In fact, a typical 1-hour session can expose you to more smoke than several cigarettes.

Potential Health Concerns:

• Nicotine addiction
  
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
  
• Lung and heart disease
  
• Secondhand smoke exposure
  
• Oral and respiratory infections (shared mouthpieces)
  

The flavored smoke may mask the harshness of tobacco, leading some users to underestimate how much they’re inhaling.

Why the Misconception Persists

Cultural Influences

Hookah has deep cultural roots, especially in Middle Eastern and South Asian communities. In many traditions, it’s not just about smoking—it’s about bonding, celebration, and ritual. For newcomers, this rich experience can feel like a “high” even if it’s not physiological.

Media and Social Portrayals

Movies, music videos, and social media often show hookah in glamorous, carefree scenes, adding to the idea that it’s a euphoric or intoxicating activity.

Responsible Hookah Use and Where to Buy

If you choose to smoke hookah, do so responsibly. Know what you’re inhaling, how it affects your body, and the potential risks involved.

Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned smoker looking to explore new shisha flavors and accessories, Cloud Dreamzzz Smoke Shop Tulsa offers a wide range of high-quality products and expert guidance to help you enjoy hookah safely and smartly.

Cloud Dreamzzz Serving the Audubon Community and Beyond in Tulsa

Cloud Dreamzzz is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of the local community of Tulsa, including individuals residing in neighborhoods like Audubon  With its convenient location near landmarks such as First Slavic Baptist Church of Tulsa  and major intersections like Memorial Dr & E 31st St (coordinates:36.117591348177555, -95.88962169999999), we offer Smoke shop Tulsa services.

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Does Hookah Get You High? The Final Verdict

Hookah does not get you high in the way cannabis or other psychoactive substances do. What you might feel—dizziness, a “buzz,” or relaxation—is typically the result of nicotine and carbon monoxide, not a mind-altering high.

While hookah is often enjoyed in social, calming environments, it’s important to recognize the health risks and addictive nature of nicotine. Understanding what’s in your hookah and how it affects your body is key to making informed decisions about its use.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you get high from smoking hookah?
No, hookah does not get you high like marijuana. Any buzz or dizziness you feel is usually from nicotine and carbon monoxide, not from a psychoactive effect.

2. Why do I feel lightheaded after smoking hookah?
Lightheadedness is commonly caused by nicotine and carbon monoxide exposure, especially during long sessions or in poorly ventilated spaces.

3. Is the hookah buzz the same as a cannabis high?
No. A hookah buzz is a short-term effect of nicotine and is not psychoactive. A cannabis high involves THC, which changes perception and mood in a more intense way.

4. Does nicotine-free hookah still give a buzz?
Nicotine-free hookah doesn’t cause a nicotine buzz, but you may still feel lightheaded due to carbon monoxide or the relaxing social setting.

5. How long does a hookah buzz last?
The buzz from smoking hookah typically lasts between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your tolerance, how much you smoke, and other factors.