Exploring the Spectrum: The Different Kinds of High

How do you want to feel? It's a great question every budtender should ask. Weed is never one high fits all. No. There are different kinds of highs because… well, everyone is different — imagine that!

Different weed hits different people in different ways, which might be the coolest thing about weed.

The Science of High

Do you know why different cannabis strains make you feel different? If you guessed because they're Indica strains, Sativa strains, or Hybrid strains, we can help with that. Those words refer to a plant's origins, not its effects, and authentic landrace cannabis Sativa and cannabis Indica are nearly extinct. Almost every strain on the dispensary shelf is a cannabis hybrid.

Huh? 

True.

Hold on. Then why do weed strains like Jack Herer get you up and Grandaddy Purple chill you out?

Because those weed strains have different cannabinoid and terpene profiles. That's why different weed hits different people differently (we can't stress this enough).

Welcome to your crash course on the science of high.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that cannabis plants produce naturally.

Science has identified over 100 different cannabinoids. This makes cannabis the most plentiful and varied source of cannabinoids on the planet. 

THC and CBD are the most prominent and well-researched cannabinoids. CBN and CBG are examples of minor cannabinoids, but we're learning more about them every day.

What are Terpenes?

Like cannabinoids, these essential oils are compounds produced by the cannabis plant. Terpenes give cannabis that unmistakable scent that hits you like a brick when you open a freh 1/8th from your favorite dispensary. There are over 150 different terpenes in the cannabis plant. Prominent terpenes include limonene, caryophyllene, and myrcene.

What is The Endocannabinoid System?

We all have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps to maintain balance in bodily processes such as sleep, memory, and mood. Think of it like a signaling network made up of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids (cannabinoids that the body produces) that extend throughout the body.

Naturally produced endocannabinoids stimulate the receptors to maintain balanced health. But endocannabinoids aren't the only thing that stimulates these receptors. The cannabinoids in weed mimic endocannabinoids and bind with those receptors. This is how cannabis causes effects such as relaxation or creativity.

The human ECS is also like fingerprints. No two are the same.

What is The Entourage Effect?

The chemists Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shaba coined the term entourage effect in 1999 to describe their theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work in synergy. However, it was controversial because it clashed with the established belief that marijuana's effects were attributable to THC. 

The theory remains controversial today due to the lack of cannabis science, but there is mounting scientific and anecdotal evidence that the entourage effect is real. 

So, now that you know the science of how weed works, it's time to explore the different kinds of highs.

The Relaxed High

One of the most common reasons people use cannabis is to relieve stress and anxiety. With the relaxed high, the worry fades. For some, the calming effects can help ease worries and promote relaxation.

If you're looking for a relaxed high, Lava Cake - a cross of thin Mint GSC x Grape Pie, may help with deep relaxation that eases your mind and body. It's the perfect smoke for after work or a lazy day off.

The High Functioning High

Sometimes you want to get high and get things done. Maybe there's yard work, or it's time to finally organize that garage. Whatever the challenge, the weed that gives you couchlock is the last thing you need.

The right kind of weed can help you motivate and maintain the right frame of mind to power through that endless to-do list.  When it's working well, it can even make the most mundane tasks kind of fun. We love that about weed.

If you're looking for a boost to help get you moving, Green Crack may help get it done. This cross of Skunk #1 and an unknown Indica phenotype is known for its energizing effects.

The Creative High

Whether you're a writer, a musician, or just trying to figure out what color to paint your bathroom, everyone can use a little inspiration. In fact, some of the greatest artists of all time used cannabis to fuel their creativity.

• Picasso
• Salvatore Dali
• Oliver Stone
• Snoop Dog
• Santana
• Oscar Wilde

Blue Dream can be a great choice if you're looking for uplifting, cerebral effects that can help with creativity, motivation, and focus.

The Couch Lock High

Oh, glorious couch, how much do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 

In today's societal obsession with the grind, couch lock gets a bad rap. So here's a little truth bomb, rest is as important as recovery, and the couch is a great place to get some.

Purple Punch strain might be the perfect strain to plant you on the sofa for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. This cultivar has the candy-fruit aroma of Larry OG and the berry/cherry aroma of Granddaddy Purp. Hit it a few times, and it will hit your off switch.

The Funny High

If laughter is the best medicine, and weed can make you laugh, does that make weed the best medicine? Of course, it does, and here are some super fun facts about laughter that prove the point:

• Laughter relieves tension and stress
• Laughter boosts the immune system
• Laughter may help you live longer 
• Laughter is good for your heart
• Laughter triggers endorphins
• Laughter burns calories
• Laughter relieves anger

Yes, laughter may help you live longer. According to a Norwegian study, people with a strong sense of humor may outlive people who don't laugh as much (like that sweaty grinder with the watch).

Strawnana might be a good strain for you in the laugh department. It's a cross of Banana Kush and a strawberry phenotype of Bubble Gum.

At STIIIZY, we get that different weed hits different people in different ways. That's why our strain selection rolls deep. No matter how you want to feel, we always got you at STIIIZY.