From the hundreds of strain options to the dozens of cannabinoids and even more terpenes, cannabis is a very unique plant that offers a variety of experiences. Depending on whether you choose an Indica, hybrid or Sativa strains or high THC versus high CBD, the experience will be quite different. This makes cannabis a particularly fun plant to experiment with and makes it easy to find the perfect personalized experience for you.
One of the ways cannabis is unique is that depending on the cannabinoid combination and strain attributes, the resulting effects are either mind or body high. For individuals that are new to cannabis, you just feel goooood all around.
So, how do you differentiate a mind vs. a body high?
Immediate Mood Altering Effects
Mind highs, also known as cerebral highs, produce mental effects that tend to influence mood quite quickly upon inhalation. Depending on the strain, cerebral effects can vary from feelings of euphoria and happiness to increased energy and creativity. These strains tend to provide very clear-headed effects that focus on your mental outlook. Therefore, they lift you up and give you all the feel-good hormones.
These effects are predominantly found in Sativa and Sativa-dominant strains, which are also referred to as “daytime strains” due to their low sedative qualities. Indica strains, on the other hand, produce predominantly physical effects including tingly skin, relaxed muscles and even immobility and “couchlock” and tend to be best left for evening use.
Increased Heart Rate
Increased heart rate is common when it comes to mind altering strains and highs as opposed to body highs. In fact, marijuana can increase your heart rate by up to two times the normal speed for up to 3 hours after smoking. The increased blood flow works to enhance the cerebral effects of cannabis strains and many of these strains have energizing qualities as well. However, some individuals may find themselves anxious or prone to panic due to this. This is why Sativa strains are not generally recommended for individuals who have pre-existing anxiety conditions.
Individuals with pre-existing anxiety or those who find that Sativa’s make them anxious will enjoy Indica strains as they are relaxing and tend to slow heart rate as they naturally calm the body. Some individuals may find they have a louder heartbeat, but Indica’s do not typically increase heart rate.
Physical Relief
Due to the heavy body effects found in Indica and Indica-dominant strains, these tend to be best for physical ailments. The physical relaxation and anti-inflammatory effects of Indica strains are ideal for reducing pain and work well for individuals suffering from chronic pain, muscle spasms, fibromyalgia and more. These strains also benefit individuals who suffer from anxiety, insomnia and migraines.
Patients that suffer from mood disorders will often benefit from Sativa strains as they lift mood while Indica strains can have a depressant affect due to the heavy sedation.
Altered Mental Perceptions vs. Physical Sensations
As we have established, mind highs tend to be associated with improved mental focus, energy and mood whereas body highs cause heavy physical relaxation and sometimes sedation.
Beyond the basics of this, mind highs result in an increased mental perception that often relates to enhanced creativity and can even help individuals view problems in new ways. Mind highs are excellent for practices such as meditation as they can help you to look inward.
Body highs on the other hand leave users lazy and can give them the sense of paralysis and heaviness. In some cases, a solid body high can also give users a tingly sensation and make them more attuned to touch, which bodes well for intimacy and physical awareness.
When determining the type of cannabis product you are looking for, it can help to know whether you are wanting physical or cerebral effects as well as what symptoms (if any) you are looking to relieve. While Indica and Sativa strains have their own place on either end of the spectrum, there are dozens of hybrid options in between that can blend these two highs into a powerful user experience. Determining what you are looking for and doing your homework on strains can help you make the best choice for you!
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