Head Highs and Body Highs: Understanding Cannabis Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid Strains
The expansion of the cannabis industry has created a variety of products and options. Gone are the days of scoring a bag of weed and getting a surprise high. Now you can order your weed online, pick it up in a store, or have it delivered.
The legalization of cannabis has also created a market for various cannabis products. Upon entering your local dispensary, you will be met with an array of products, including bud, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, and vapes.
Sativa, indica, or hybrid strains of cannabis can produce all of these cannabis products. The different cannabis strains can produce different highs. For example, some can create a head high, while others induce a body high. Some cannabis strains can do both.
How Do Cannabinoids and Terpenes Create Different Types of High?
Cannabis plants contain sticky, crystal-like structures known as trichomes. These trichomes are responsible for producing cannabinoids and terpenes, the chemicals responsible for creating a high.
The human body contains two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, that react to cannabis cannabinoids and terpenes. The two receptors make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for keeping the body in balance by regulating sleep cycles, moods, memory, appetite, and fertility.
When you introduce cannabinoids into your system via smoking, vaping, or edibles, they will interact with your receptors to create different highs.
The two most famous cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These cannabinoids bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors and interact with the body in very different ways, leading to various side effects.
CBD alone is not known for creating an intoxicating high because it doesn’t bind to the CB receptors the way that THC does. Since CBD products cannot get you high, most people use them to help relieve conditions such as insomnia and pain.
THC cannabinoids are needed to create an intoxicating high because THC binds to the ECS receptors. As a result, head highs and body highs can both be overwhelming and intoxicating.
Research is still being done to determine precisely how cannabinoids interact with the ECS.
What is a Head High?
A head high is when you feel the effects of cannabis only in your head and not in your body. Sativa strains are known for creating good head highs. Possible cerebral effects of a good head high include feeling happy, creative, energetic, and uplifted.
Your aural and visual capacity can increase during a head-high state, making mundane activities more enjoyable. For example, during a head high, you might be inspired to create something or motivated to do physical activities.
Head highs are a result of the THC in the weed. Pure sativa strains have little to no CBD in them and shouldn’t result in much of a body high.
Is Sativa a Body High or Head High?
Sativa strains are primarily associated with a head high, not a body high. The energizing, cerebral effects that sativa is known for come from its THC-dominant profile and lower CBD content. That means you are more likely to feel uplifted, creative, and mentally stimulated than relaxed or sedated.
That said, some body sensation is possible with sativa. A light, tingly feeling or mild physical warmth can accompany the mental effects. But these are secondary to the head-focused experience. If full-body relaxation is what you are after, an indica-leaning or Grounded strain is a better fit.
At Quality Roots, we label our sativa-style options as Lifted: energizing strains suited for daytime use, creative projects, or staying active. Our team can help you dial in the right pick based on the experience you want.
What are the Head High Side Effects?
If you’ve ever felt like someone was watching you after smoking weed, that’s a side effect of a head high. Paranoia and anxiety are the most common side effects.
To prevent these side effects, you can try a sativa hybrid strain. Many hybrid strains are developed to try to prevent negative side effects, and your local patient care specialists should be able to help you select a good strain.
What is a Body High?
Indica-dominant strains are most commonly associated with body highs. A body high is the sensation your body feels after consuming weed. Many people enjoy the relaxed, sleepy feeling that comes from a body high.
The effects on the body are a result of the CBD content in the weed. Indica strains also contain THC, so you will likely feel a head high in addition to a body high. If you want to avoid the head high, seek out a strain low in THC. You can also inquire about CBD products that don’t contain THC.
What are the Body High Side Effects?
A common mistake newcomers to the cannabis community make is to consume too much cannabis product before they’ve built up a tolerance.
An overwhelming body high can result in a heavy, couch-lock feeling. An overwhelming high can also make you feel dizzy and lightheaded. Since indica strains also have THC, the body high can combine with a head high.
Overwhelming highs don’t last long, usually about an hour. Once you’ve built up your tolerance and learned your limitations, you won’t experience the negative side effects.
Another common side effect of a body high is the desire to raid the refrigerator. This is often referred to as having the “munchies.” If you are seeking a body high, plan to have some snacks handy and a pillow. You might find yourself devouring your snacks and passing out on the couch.
What is a Combination High?
Many people seek out a perfect balance of head and body high. Growers are producing hybrid cannabis strains with a mix of indica and sativa. Each strain is unique and can have different ratios of sativa and indica.
If you’re new to the cannabis community, you might want to start with a strain that has a 50-50 ratio of sativa and indica. The theory is that the negative side effects will cancel out with an equal ratio.
Depending on the high you’re looking to achieve, you might want to play with different ratios. A sativa-dominant strain is a great option if you want to get stuff done but also want a light, tingling body high.
An indica-dominant strain might be your preferred option if you want to relax and hang out with friends but not fall asleep.
How Can Quality Roots Help?
Quality Roots has a large variety of high-quality cannabis strains to choose from. Our professional patient care specialists can help you choose the best product to help you achieve the high you’re looking for.
For more information, visit one of our convenient.