If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for a hoodie mid-high or wondering why the room suddenly feels draftier than it did before you took that hit, you’re not alone. A lot of people report feeling chilly after using cannabis. So why does weed make you feel cold, even when the room hasn’t changed?
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Is it just the high-magination, or is something actually happening in the body? As it turns out, it could be a little bit of both.
THC and your internal thermostat
Your body regulates temperature through a process called thermoregulation, largely controlled by the hypothalamus, a small but powerful region of the brain. This system helps keep your core temperature within a narrow range, adjusting things like blood flow, sweating, and shivering as needed—and THC interacts directly with it.
When THC enters the body, it binds to CB1 cannabinoid receptors, which are highly concentrated in the brain, including in areas involved in temperature regulation. Research shows that activating these receptors can temporarily lower core body temperature, a phenomenon known as THC-induced hypothermia.
This effect has been consistently observed in animal studies and is also suggested in human physiological research, though the drop in temperature in people is usually mild.
Why being high can make you feel chilly
Importantly, this isn’t the same as being dangerously hypothermic. For most people, the temperature change is small, temporary, and harmless. What you’re more likely to experience is how THC affects perception and blood flow.
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THC can cause blood vessels near the skin to dilate, which may make your skin feel cooler even if your core temperature hasn’t changed much. Combine that with altered sensory perception, another well-documented effect of cannabis, and your brain may interpret normal sensations as colder than usual.
In other words, weed doesn’t have to dramatically change your body temperature to make you feel cold. It could partially be in your head.
Why some people feel it, and others don’t
Like most cannabis effects, this one varies widely.
Dose matters; higher THC levels are more likely to influence thermoregulation than lower doses. Method of consumption can also play a role, since inhaled THC reaches the brain more quickly than edibles.
Individual biology matters too. Differences in metabolism, tolerance, body composition, and even the environment you’re in can shape how noticeable the effect feels. Some people never get cold from weed, while others swear it happens every time.
Why setting and strain can change the experience
While THC is the main driver here, other compounds may subtly influence the experience.
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For example, terpenes associated with alertness or stimulation, like pinene or limonene, may feel different from heavier, sedating profiles. Being already tired, dehydrated, or in a cool room can also amplify the sensation.
And sometimes, it’s simply context. When you’re relaxed and still, you’re more likely to notice temperature shifts than when you’re moving around.
So, is that cold feeling real?
Yes: weed can make you feel cold, and in some cases may slightly lower core body temperature for a short period of time.
But it’s usually mild, temporary, and not something to worry about. If anything, it’s another reminder that cannabis doesn’t just affect mood or perception. It interacts with fundamental systems in the body, including the ones you don’t usually think about.
So if you suddenly want socks while you’re high, that’s not a placebo effect. It’s just part of biology.