Marijuana is classified as a depressant. Why then is using it called "getting high"?

The effects felt by the user vary depending on state of mind, expectations, and frequency of use. "Getting high" is a positive way to describe the euphoric effects commonly experienced by new users. As time goes on, those users may continue to describe the process in those terms, as the euphoric experience is the desired effect they are seeking - in a sense, it is wishful thinking, and in some cases, a self-fulfilling prophecy.

However, it is unlikely that continued use will produce the initial "high" that one experiences - physiologically, THC acts as a depressant on the nervous system, which slows breathing, heart rate, and reaction time. Additionally, "getting high" is by no means an accurate way to describe some of the common long term effects experienced by habitual users, such as reduced sex drive, lethargy, anxiety, depression, and psychological dependence.

Marijuana is widely used, and different circles of users adopt different terms to describe the experience. Getting stoned, baked, faded, smoked up, and smoked out are all equally acceptable terms used to describe the experience without the misleading positive connotation.

It is likely that people who continue to use the phrase "getting high" without finding other ways to describe the experience don't truly understand the marijuana scene.

Some examples of these individuals might include:

12 year olds

8th grade health teachers

DARE instructors

your parents

40% of police officers (but 90% of police officers with mustaches)

politicians

people with a limited vocabulary

people who sell weed and use the phrase as a marketing slogan

delusionally optimistic people

people who enthusiastically share their feelings with everyone, whether under the influence or not

people who used to smoke regularly, then stopped, and are now clinically depressed

aging hippies

The prior answer cannot be improved upon!!!!

"Getting stoned" would be better.