5 Different Types of Weed Highs

What Is a Weed High?

THC is one of the primary chemical compounds found in marijuana. Whether you’re getting lost in a good book, catching up with your squad, or enjoying a slice of cake, a good THC buzz can really accentuate the experience. When we consume THC, it activates receptors in the brain to promote a psychoactive experience, or “weed high.” 

The term “high” is used rather loosely to describe the effect of marijuana. However, the high you experience isn’t necessarily going to be the same as the high someone else does. One person can get the giggles and want to watch a funny movie, while the other might feel inspired to put on some music and draw.

Wherever you land on that spectrum, a weed high promotes an altered state. When a person has a strain that enhances their desired effects, a weed high can be pleasurable. It could support a good mood, creativity, muscle comfort, and more.  

As we’ll discuss, there can also be situations where a weed high can promote a negative experience. That’s because different types of highs affect people differently. Sometimes, it doesn't matter the strain consumed. Let's take a look.

Why Do Weed Strains Promote Different Types of Highs?

While there are three main types of cannabis plants—Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis—there are countless weed strains currently available today.

The cannabis industry has grown exponentially since medical marijuana laws swept California in 1996. Especially since 2012, marijuana products have become far more tailored to meet an individual's unique needs. It's no longer as cut and dry as Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa plants.

With wide-spreading legalization, there have been huge advancements in technology and knowledge surrounding marijuana. Scientists and cultivators have discovered ways to breed cannabis strains so that they can optimize different ratios of cannabinoids within the plant's genetic makeup.

Many types of weed strains were developed by breeding various indica strains and sativa strains to develop everything from high potency strains that create intense body highs to ones with relaxing qualities to cannabis strains that incite morale-boosting euphoria.

What Causes Different Types of Weed Highs?

Today’s high-quality marijuana is not your grandparents’ grass anymore. There are over 700 unique strains of cannabis. That’s a lot of room for variety! Suffice it to say, different marijuana plants can produce different types of highs. 

Factors that play a role in how we experience a marijuana high include:

• Strain—What type of cannabis are you consuming? 
• Current stress/mental state—Are you already in a good or bad mood?
• Environment/atmosphere—Are you with friends, strangers, or alone?
• Tolerance—How often do you consume cannabis?
• Genetics—Does your family have a history of low tolerance to THC?
• THC percentage—How much THC, terpenes, and other cannabinoids are in the bud?
• Potency—Is this an extremely potent cannabis plant that's stored properly?
• Quantity—Did you have too much weed? 

What Are the Different Marijuana Highs?

We all have unique emotional and physical reactions to different foods, television shows, political views, and more. The same can be said for how our minds and bodies react to weed. In general, there are five different kinds of weed highs. 

Many marijuana enthusiasts will experience each of these different types of weed highs at various points in their lives. Some may have the exact same high each time. 

Either way, you’ve experienced at least one of these five different types of marijuana highs. Which have you experienced? 

Euphoric High 

THC interacts with receptors that regulate our internal communication network, known as the endocannabinoid system. When this happens, THC could enhance a person’s sensory perceptions. That’s why some people experience elevated joy when combining THC with eating, watching television, or listening to music, among other things. 

A euphoric high supports a positive mindset and an exuberant body high that could be beneficial for easing the mind prior to social interactions. 

In addition, euphoric highs could invoke a creative streak. We definitely recommend finding a cannabis product that supports euphoric highs when painting, scrapbooking, or writing a poem. Euphoric highs are typically caused by a sativa-dominant strain.  

Some of the best strains for a euphoric high include:

• Green Crack 
• Pineapple Express 
• Lemon Haze 
• Jack Herer 
• Durban Poison 

Energizing High

Energizing highs are excellent for when you need to get stuff done. They help you maintain focus on tasks, keep you engaged in whatever you’re doing, and support an overall good mood.

It’s the type of high that is excellent for aiding with alertness, productivity, and creativity. Consuming a strain that promotes an energetic high could be useful for studying, listening to an audiobook, or performing light exercise. 

Most strains that promote energizing highs tend to be sativas and sativa-dominant hybrid strains. These certain strains support a focused mind while also helping you to feel energized.

Pick a good strain to support energy levels from one of these five:

• Sour Diesel
• Super Lemon Haze
• Strawberry Cough
• Ghost Train Haze
• Viper City OG

Relaxing High 

Cannabis and relaxation go together like peanut butter and jelly. A relaxing high is just that—one that leaves feeling calm and mellow. 

Some would describe this type of high as “heavy-bodied. The mind may feel calmer, and tired muscles may feel more comfortable.

Most indicas support relaxation and mind clarity. For some, it may promote feelings of heaviness that is conducive to feeling sleepy. With just a little buzz, you could hear the couch calling your name. Just make sure to set the DVR in case you fall asleep!

Create a calming effect with a sedative high by consuming one of these popular strains:

• Hindu Kush
• Granddaddy Purple
• Northern Lights
• Bubba Kush
• Purple Urkle

Balanced High

One of the primary functions of the endocannabinoid system is to support homeostasis (or balance) throughout the body. A great way to support this process is by enjoying a strain that invokes a balanced high.
A balanced high is one that has a combination of a relaxing, euphoric and energized high. It’s like porridge that is neither too hot nor too cold for Goldilocks. This high is just right!

Those who experience a balanced high often report increased focus. They're engaged in whatever they're doing, but not in an all-encompassing way. Many report just going with the flow and loving every moment of it.

Most balanced highs are hybrid strains. They can lean towards sativa or indica dominant, based on what is “balanced” for you. 

Generally speaking, if you tend to be a bit wound up at times, an indica-dominant hybrid might be the best type of strain for you. On the contrary, if you feel low energy levels, perhaps a potent sativa-dominant hybrid strain would be a better alternative. 

Different strains that are known to promote balanced highs include:

• AC/DC
• Cherry Pie
• Headband
• Blue Dream
• OG Kush

Intense High

Last is not least. In fact, in this scenario, last is the most. An intense high is when you're on the ride, and you want to get off. 

It comes with intense psychoactive effects that can impair coordination, increase heart rate, alter perception, and more. Those who experience an intense high may start to experience fleeting bouts of worry. They might even show physical signs like temporarily sweating or performing anxious movements. 

In many cases, an intense high could be due to a person’s low tolerance to THC. This type of high is especially common for those who are new to cannabis and consume a strain that is too strong for them.

Conversely, consistent marijuana use can also build up a THC tolerance. As a result, users may use more marijuana to overcompensate. Increasing THC consumption could also trigger an unexpectedly intense high. 

Can Sativa Strains Cause Indica Effects?

Whether it be for the recreational or medical cannabis community, most strains that are cultivated in the cannabis industry today are done to support specific effects. However, people react to different types of weed in different ways.

One person's experience with Sour Diesel isn't the same experience as another's with this cannabis strain. This is especially true when you consider that person's environment and their tolerance to cannabis use.

Remember, Sour Diesel tends to be one of the best strains for an uplifting experience. However, this might turn into a relaxing body high if you partake in Sour Diesel before heading into a massage or cuddling on a couch.

Can Indica Strains Cause Sativa Effects?

Just like types of weed that are sativa-dominant can cause relaxing effects, indicas could also promote opposite effects than usual, depending on the specific strain, the person, and their environment.

When we're talking indica, we're talking sleepy strains. However, even popular strains of indica, like Purple Urkle and Bubba Kush, could cause an uplifting or euphoric experience.

For instance, if you consume an indicia in the presence of friends and have a laughing fest, you might feel energized and focused, like people tend to do when they consume the popular strain Pineapple Express.

Can Hybrid Strains Be Overly Uplifting or Help You Feel Relaxed?

It's best to look at the cannabis plant as a spectrum of indica vs. sativa. Some plants may have more indica in their genetics, while others might be sativa-dominant.

For instance, Blue Dream is a legendary hybrid with predominantly sativa qualities. While mostly balanced, this high may lean towards the uplifting side. However, if you smoke too much Blue Dream, you could find yourself sleepy within a few hours.

Let's take OG Kush, a hybrid strain known to be mellow. Yet, if you smoke too much OG Kush, you may invoke an intense high instead.

How Much Weed Should I Start With?

Whether you're looking for a calming high after a long day or an uplifting high for a burst of creativity, there's a strain out there to suit your needs. However, it's important to keep in mind that everyone's body chemistry is different. 

We recommend that you start with small servings of cannabis products and increase your intake slowly until you find what works best for you. With a little experimentation, you can discover the perfect cannabis high to help you relax, socialize, or achieve a creative breakthrough!

Where to Get Cannabis Plant Products

Remember to purchase your cannabis from reputable sources. Only purchase from companies that perform third-party laboratory testing for purity and cannabinoid content.

Verify label claims by looking at the lab reports. These reports will help you make educated decisions about which strain will be best to create the type of high you desire.

Different Types of Weed Highs for Different Types of People

The landscape of 'highs' is diverse but falls into five main categories, which are euphoric, energizing, relaxing, balanced, and intense. Remember, these are subjective effects and may differ by strain. What may cause a euphoric high for some might trigger an intense high for others or even a relaxing one for a different set of individuals. This fluidity underscores the importance of responsible usage and self-awareness. Remember, the key lies in understanding your own thresholds and preferences to ensure a safe experience.