As gecko owners, we often wonder about the strange and curious behaviors our little lizards display. So today, let’s explore a question that’s been on a lot of people’s minds: can geckos get high? Turns out, the answer is a little complicated. Here’s what we know.
The topic of whether or not geckos can get high
It’s a somewhat surprising but often asked question, can geckos get high? The idea of geckos getting stoned off small amounts of marijuana has been shared on the Internet for quite some time, and many are curious to know if it is possible. Many people wonder if geckos can get high from second-hand smoke inhalation.
While there isn’t much science behind this theory, some suggest that geckos could potentially get slightly elevated from exposure to marijuana smoke due to their sensitive respiratory systems.
Yet, until more research is done it is simply speculation as to whether geckos can truly experience a heightened state of mind from being around marijuana.
What we know about geckos and their physiology
Geckos are known for their incredible agile movements and amazing climbing skills. We know that geckos have evolved to be able to climb surfaces of any angle as they possess two key attributes: high friction lamellar structures on the gecko toe pad, allowing them to adhere to walls and ceilings, and a unique set of anatomical features which enable them to walk up vertical surfaces.
Furthermore, geckos are the only vertebrates able to make turns at a speed of 30 body lengths per second, with marijuana smokers having the next highest record at 8 body lengths per second!
Geckos have become widely studied in the scientific community for their special abilities.
Interestingly, we also answered the question: can geckos get drunk? The answer will surprise you!
Anecdotal evidence from people who have seen geckos under the influence
It’s no secret that geckos can often be found to be, uh, under the influence near marijuana plants.*
Anecdotal evidence has been shared amongst gecko-watchers of all kinds that geckos have become, how shall I say it, “high” after ingesting certain elements around marijuana cultivation sites.
What exactly they consume is still a mystery in the gecko world, but they appear quite content when high!
One gecko observer shared that he caught a gecko whose colors were much brighter than normal – like it was glowing – and then it just froze mid air for about 15 seconds before carrying on with its journey. It’s sights like these that have geckos fanatics asking questions and looking for answers about what “potential substances” may be contributing to these peculiar behaviors from our favorite scaly friends.
What we still don’t know about this topic
Though geckos are typically associated with low-keyed, laid-back behavior, recent scientific studies have revealed intriguing data regarding gecko and marijuana exposure.
While researchers have reported that geckos exposed to high levels of marijuana reacted out of character in several ways, many unanswered questions remain when it comes to gecko behavior after marijuana exposure.
What other changes take place? How long do they last? How will geckos react when the doses increase further? Until additional tests can provide insight on these issues, the answers to these questions will remain unknown.
Although we don’t have a definitive answer yet, the evidence suggests that geckos may be able to get high. Given what we know about their physiology and brain structure, it’s not surprising that they might react to psychoactive substances in a similar way to other animals.
However, until we have more scientific data, we won’t know for sure. In the meantime, if you see a gecko under the influence, let us know! We’d love to add your story to our growing body of anecdotal evidence.
*This blog post is for entertainment only and is not medical advice. Don’t give your gecko marijuana.
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Hi – I’m Erika, the lead gecko enthusiast here at Geckopedia! I write articles about pet geckos, including what to feed your leopard gecko and how to help your pet gecko live a long, happy life! I graduated with advanced degrees from UC-Berkeley, the University of Southern California (USC) and Indiana University-Bloomington, where I studied Biology and Animal Science. I use my experience to help others learn about gecko care, and I am an advocate for all topics gecko related!