There’s a cannabis strain for everyone and every mood. The fact that cannabinoids can modulate the activities of happy hormones and neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin shows their possible roles in improving our feelings.
It is common to come across several misconceptions that cannabis will make you lazy, cannabis will make you sleepy, cannabis does not increase creativity, and the list is endless. While this may sound true, it is pertinent to note that our cannabis experience differs. The endocannabinoid system tends to perform a unique activity in every individual.
The fact that cannabis makes you lazy does not mean it makes other people lazy too. Some people have attested to using cannabis as their daily driver since it gives them the necessary buzz and energy to face their challenges.
How does cannabis affect mood? Well, cannabis can affect your mood by offering two important highs; head high and body high. Does this sound familiar? Well, let’s dive into their world.
Types of Cannabis High
Cannabis will make you high. Being high is not limited to psychedelic experiences where you lose consciousness, green out, and hallucinate. It is often used to describe a state of being when your cannabis dose finally kicks in, and you feel its effect in your head (head high) or body (body high).
Note that all cannabinoids are psychoactive, but only THC and its sister molecules are psychotropic (mind-altering).
What is a Cannabis Head High?
As the name implies, a cannabis head high occurs when you feel the effect of the cannabis in your head. Feelings of focus, energy, creativity, and clarity often characterize it.
During a cannabis head high, users will most likely be happy and uplifted. It is also referred to as a cerebral high. It is a characteristic of sativa-dominant (high THC) strains like Durban Poison, Panama Red, and Acapulco.
This uplifting and energetic effect of sativa-dominant strains has been linked to the effect of THC on the CB1 receptors. These receptors are present in the central nervous system and peripheral organs.
A heightened sense and increased creativity accompany the feeling associated with a head high. Read our article on cannabis and creativity for more information. While experiencing a cannabis head high, you are likely to hear colors, see sounds, and better appreciate arts and culture.
What is a Cannabis Body High?
A cannabis body high refers to the relaxed and sedated feeling after taking cannabis. A cannabis body high is also described as a physical state of relaxation and sedation backed by peace, calmness, and tranquility.
Cannabis body high is often associated with Indica-strains or chemovars. This is why it is often described as an “Indica” high. Common strains that cause a body high include Afghan Kush, Hindu Kush, and Granddaddy purple.
Indica-dominant strains tend to have a higher CBD, thus supporting sedation and relaxation. CBD plays an important role in the sleep-wake cycle and promotes sleep coupled with a few therapeutic benefits.
How to Choose a Cannabis Strain that Matches your Mood
- Know the difference between Sativa, indica and hybrid strains
Knowing the difference between Sativa, indica, and hybrid strains will give you a general idea of what to expect after using a cannabis product. Note that while sativa strains produce a head high, indica strains produce a body high. Hybrid strains combine the best of indica and sativa strains. See this article for more information. - Pay attention to your desired effect:
Before matching any cannabis strain to your mood, you must identify how you want to feel after using the cannabis product. This will guide you to settle for Indica-dominant, sativa-dominant or hybrid strains. - Focus on your cannabis sweet spot
A cannabis sweet spot is a point/dosage at which an individual experiences the best cannabis effect. The sweet spot allows users to have maximum effect without any struggles. To determine your sweet spot, users are advised to experiment with dosages until they find one that meets their criteria. Understanding your sweet spot is very important as it keeps you focused on what you want and how to get it. It also allows you to achieve your aim quickly. Note that cannabinoids produce different effects at different dosages. This is known as the biphasic effect. - Use the right administration technique
The mode of administration, dosage, and presence of other compounds can determine your cannabis effect. While vaping may provide a quick effect on users, it usually wears off in less than 2 hours. However, sublingual oils, edibles, and tinctures tend to offer a prolonged effect on users. While vaping, it is also important to pay attention to the vaping temperature as it can determine how your cannabis effect kicks in.
How does cannabis make you feel
Using cannabis can make you experience the following feelings.
- Calm
Indica-dominant strains mostly trigger the feeling of calmness after using cannabis or a cannabis-based product. Unlike sativa strains, indica strains have a balanced concentration between CBD and THC. Some common strains to feel calm and relaxed include Gorilla Grips, Purple Widow, and Gupta Kush. - Energized
These comprise sativa dominant strains with a high THC-to-CBD ratio or a combination of both (hybrids). Energizing strains tend to help you fight fatigue and sleepiness. Some common examples of energizing strains include but are not limited to Ghost train haze, Durban Poison, and Jillybean. - Elevate/focused
High THC strains like Cannatonic and Grandaddy Purple work best for elevating mood and keeping you focused. They also help you to fight heavy moods like anxiety and depression and keep you focused. Some scientists have identified the role of THC in dealing with anxiety and depression at lower doses. - Sleep
Several scientists have reported the soothing role of cannabis. This is often attributed to the activities of indica dominant and hybrid strains. This activity can assist in dealing with insomnia, relaxation, and easing pain. Some common indica strains include but are not limited to Himalayan Blackberry, Spumoni, and Blue Ox. - Relief/soothe
It is generally recommended to try strains with a balanced THC-to-CBD ratio. While vaping may provide a quick effect, it may not be great for soothing pain as the effects wear off too quickly. Some important strains for pain relief include Blueberry Headband, ACDC, and Master Kush.
Other cannabis-induced moods include but are not limited to
- Creativity
- Anxiety
- Depression
Conclusion
Cannabis can be used for several things, including helping you maintain a certain mood. Note that your overall cannabis experience hangs on the type of cannabis strain (hybrid, indica, or sativa), your dosage, and your mode of administration. Feel free to tell us about your favorite cannabis strain and how it makes you feel. We would love to hear from you.