Due to its increase in popularity, people have started to investigate the effects of cannabis on the human body once consumed. If you need guidance on the differences between a head and body high or what high best suits your needs, then you have come to the right place. We are here to give you the lowdown on how to chase the dragon to get the best kind of high for you.
Before we do a deep dive into the different effects, we need to look at the cannabis plant first. Cannabis sativa and cannabis indica are two different species of cannabis. Each type causes different reactions. Sativa is a tall, thin plant that produces light green leaves, while indica is shorter and grows dark green leaves.
Sativa — Head High
Sativa is best for daytime use, as it will give you a head high. It is energizing and is said to induce a more creative state of mind. It might also allow you to focus better. So, if you have an artistic project that you need to get started on or find yourself stumped by a creative blockage, a few puffs of a sativa could be just what you need. It can also be helpful in social settings since it will lower inhibitions and allow you to talk easily with a group of people. If you have a busy day ahead but also want to squeeze in a joint, this is your best option. After using indica, it may be more difficult to have a productive day. Sativa strains have a higher concentration of CBD than THC.
Indica — Body High
Indica is recommended for night-time use because it produces a body high. If you have had a long day, indica strains will act as a sedative and induce a more hazy, chilled kind of high. If you are someone who feels particularly anxious or stressed out, this is also your best port of call as it has a more pronounced relaxation effect. Just have a nice supply of snacks ready to go, as this type is commonly associated with bringing on a big case of the munchies.
Hybrids
Hybrids occur naturally and have also been created by growers to encourage plants to grow faster and find a balance between the two species of cannabis. A hybrid dose will give you the best of both worlds.
Having said all that, a common myth that needs to be corrected is that the effects you experience from cannabis are entirely dependent on what strain you choose. The high you get will mostly depend on the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the joint. These are compounds found in the plant, and they can vary from plant to plant, even if they are the same strain. Cannabis users should be aware that it cannot be definitively said that certain cannabinoids and terpenes are found in one strain alone or that a strain will only produce certain effects.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Head High
Head highs are a side effect of the THC (different from CBD) found in cannabis. THC has psychoactive properties. This particular high most often occurs when ingesting sativa strains. THC tolerance will vary from person to person, but if you are new to the world of cannabis, it is best to start slow. Smoking too much sativa or inhaling large amounts too quickly can bring on bouts of paranoia. Thankfully, most people do not experience this unpleasant potential side effect.
Sativa produces mood-altering reactions almost straight away. Users report euphoric feelings and higher energy. When taken in small amounts, sativa can be an effective study aid. Sativa strains contain a higher amount of CBD. The CBD can have stimulating effects, which make users more alert and induce feelings of positivity.
Long-time cannabis users will be familiar with the red eyes that occur because of the plant’s psychoactive properties. Red eyes occur once the THC compound is absorbed into the bloodstream (if you wish to avoid this side effect, you can switch to a CBD alternative).
Using sativa is strongly associated with an altered mental state. You may notice yourself thinking more creatively and socializing easily with others even if you do not know them very well. As your mental processes speed up, you may notice that even everyday activities, such as household chores, seem less boring. A lot of sativa users report being high-functioning and increased productivity. Some cannabis users like to smoke a sativa strain before working out. This strain goes well with certain exercises, such as running and yoga.
One of the biggest perks of a head high is the energy. A body high is much more draining physically. Although very enjoyable, they leave you spent with lingering feelings of heaviness and exhaustion.
If you are naturally prone to anxiety or have higher energy levels than the average person, a head high may not be for you. Smoking sativa can cause an increase in heart rate. The higher blood flow will then compound any psychoactive effects occurring in the brain. Indica is a better option for a relaxing high and overall stress reduction.
What About a Body High?
Smoking a joint packed with indica is going to give you a relaxed, flat high. You are likely to notice your muscles relaxing, and any mild to moderate tension held in the body should melt away after a few puffs. Some users also report feeling less anxious after smoking indica.
A body high may bring about a buzzing sensation that vibrates throughout the body while smoking. It will leave you feeling invigorated, carefree, and ready for a good night’s sleep.
Other side effects include tingling, difficulty walking, and heightened sexual awareness.
To get a better picture of the science behind it all, we can look at the effect this particular type has on the nervous system. Indica has a slower release than sativa and gives you a nice, slow-burn high.
Conclusion
In conclusion on the Differences Between a Head High and a Body High, sativa is best enjoyed during the day. It can be used to increase focus and lower inhibitions in social settings. Indica is ideal if you would prefer a chilled-out afternoon in front of the TV or need to take the edge off after a long day.
Most cannabis products are a hybrid between sativa and indica.