State, when carrying the can, uplifting reason (6)
I believe the answer is:
sanity
'reason' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'state when carrying the can uplifting' is the wordplay.
'state' becomes 'say' (to state something is to say it).
'when carrying' is an insertion indicator.
'the can' becomes 'tin' (both are metal containers).
'uplifting' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'tin' written backwards gives 'nit'.
'say' going around 'nit' is 'SANITY'.
(Other definitions for sanity that I've seen before include "Reason and coherence" , "Rational behaviour" , "Mental wellness" , "Soundness of mind" , "Condition of having a sound mind" .)