Weed 101: Head High vs Body High

Weeding out the confusion about cannabis can be tricky, but with experience and the help of the internet, it becomes easier to understand the different types of highs and effects each strain can produce. By sampling a variety of strains, you will get a better understanding of how they work with your body and what effects they produce.

Many people are looking for an answer to the question of the difference between a head high and a body high, and our cannabis experts are asked this question frequently. Some people are using cannabis for medical purposes and want to know which type of high is best for them.

How We Get A Certain High

Before we get into the question of whether smoking weed produces a body high or head high, let’s discuss how cannabis interacts with the body and Brain to create the sensation of feeling high. When humans consume cannabis either through smoking, vaping, or edibles, cannabinoids are introduced into our system. These cannabinoids interact with our cannabinoid receptors, which are found in all mammals. When the cannabinoids from cannabis attach to our existing cannabinoid receptors, this causes an increase of cannabinoids within the brain. However, when we consume cannabis with THC dominance, THC produces the famous euphoric feeling of being high. CBD is the second most prominent compound found in cannabis and it does not have any psychoactive attributes. CBD does, however, have various other health benefits, some of which are listed below. When CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, there are countless amounts of good that can come from it. CBD has been shown to help deal with certain things, such as stress, anxiety, inflammation, and more. This is because the various cannabinoids CBD attaches to our receptors, adding and building to our natural cannabind receptors. Now that you’ve been given some information about how the two main cannabinoids found in cannabis can interact with the body and brain, it’s time to discuss which one is best for your needs.

What is a Body High?

Body highs are usually always associated with indica-dominant strains like Purple Kush or Hindu Kush. Indica strains tend to be harder to down, mainly due to the higher amount of CBD compared to sativa strains. CBD has been shown to provide a relaxing, sedative feeling that enhances the effects of the body high. A body high is essentially a feeling you get after consuming cannabis where your mind doesn’t feel very foggy but your body has fallen into a lethargic state of deep and heavy sedation. The feeling usually begins with a tingling sensation throughout the body, which is shortly followed by a strong depressing effect on the muscles and limbs, but don’t worry, these feelings are not overwhelming. Once your body is fully immersed, a great sense of relaxation and laziness sets in, making body highs perfect for resting and recharging your energy levels. Many who experience a strong physical high tend to feel almost bound to the seat they are sitting on, which is why the term couchlock comes into play when reading product descriptions of cannabis strains. This is mainly because both the body and mind are not interested in doing much other than resting, not necessarily that your body is going through some kind of paralysis. This can be especially the case when ingesting a heavily dosed edible, as most edibles produce a strong physical high due to their breakdown in the body, rather than the instant high you get from smoking. Edibles take between one and two hours to kick in as the body has more THC to absorb. When an edible enters the body, it immediately begins to break down, releasing an abundance of delta-9 THC compared to smoking, which releases only a small amount. When the edible reaches the liver, Delta 9 THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC which is more water soluble as the digestive system is programmed to convert one type of THC into another it is akin to getting high twice, when eating an edible, so why? The reaction to edibles is always much stronger than that to smoking.

Eating large amounts of food can be a sign of a strong body high, due to the effects of cannabis.

The science behind the body high is just as important as the psychoactive effects. THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system, slowing down receptors between cells and the nervous system. This results in an intense relaxation, with a wave of euphoria and a change in perceptions, such as time and space.

What is a Head High?

When you have a “head high” from smoking marijuana, it’s likely due to the effects of a particular strain, rather than the whole body feeling “high.” However, some strains, typically sativa strains, can produce a much stronger effect on the head and mind than on the body, known as a “sativa head high.” Sativa head highs usually come with more energy, which is due to the fact that more head highs come from sativa strains instead of the heavy sedative THC/CBD mixed indica strains. Head highs are best described as an uplifting euphoric feeling with not much in terms of drowsiness or laziness. Head highs are usually associated with sativa strains due to the energetic nature one gets after smoking sativa, with many choosing a sativa strain for daytime use in order to complete tasks and remain focused throughout their high. It is also used to as a creative boost to the imagination, with the brain being the primary focus of the high many find their thoughts and ideas to be sharper and more productive than if they were not high or consuming an indica. When experiencing a head high, many enjoy it when they are around friends or are active, it helps you feel relaxed while also opening up your stimulus to your surrounding area. Many prefer the head high of a sativa for socializing and going to parties.

While head high marijuana strains can have some negative side effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, and an elevated heart rate, they can also have positive effects, such as a heightened sense of awareness and stimulation. Excessive consumption of sativa strains can lead to an overstimulated brain, which can cause a panicked sense of state in surrounding situations.

Looking for a high that will leave you feeling refreshed and happy? Try our Trainwreck Sativa, a perfect beginner sativa that offers a pure and fun head high.

Head High VS Body High

What is the best way to meet my needs?

Now that you understand the difference between head high and body high strains, it all comes down to your personal preference. For those who struggle with anxiety or insomnia, choosing strains with a head high may be a better option. Meanwhile, those who are low on energy will enjoy strains with a body high. Trial and error is the best way to figure out what type of high you want. Ganja West, one of the best online dispensaries in Canada, offers detailed product descriptions and amazing weed deals that provide a sense of what you are going to be buying and the effects that will occur.

There are a variety of hybrid strains that offer a well-balanced high, with effects that vary depending on the percentage of indica and sativa in the mix. For example, an indica-dominant hybrid will provide the same effects as an indica strain, but with an added head high due to the non-dominant sativa content. Hybrids are a great option for those who want the best of both worlds, or who are undecided about their preferences.