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Do you need to feel alert to get your creative juices flowing? Or are you looking to bliss out at the end of a long day? You may consider either a head high or a body high. If you don’t know what the difference is, don’t worry – Planet 13 is here to provide you with the full guide on the two different types of highs. Whether you’re a complete newbie or an experienced cannabis cultivar, read on for more information on the differences between a head high and a body high.  

Sativa vs. Indica

Before we start on the two different highs, let’s talk about the two types of cannabis strains that affect them, sativa and indica.

Sativa is a long, tall plant with thin, light green fan-like leaves. You might consider a sativa if you require some creative inspiration. Sativa strains can induce a head high, which may empower you to think faster, act more quickly, and feel less inhibited at social gatherings. 

Indica is associated with more of a ‘bedtime buzz’, or what we call a body high, leaving you feeling relaxed, calm, and ready to catch up on some sleep. It is a shorter plant with darker, broader leaves, and could be the perfect strain for a relaxing night. Indica strains can cause the ‘couch-lock’ effect: that pleasant, dreamy feeling you have before melting into your sofa and dozing off.

While the sativa vs. indica debate continues, the truth is that very few strains are of an entirely pure variety. Indica or sativa-dominant hybrid strains contain a higher blend of each plant. If a strain is called a hybrid, it combines an equal mix of the two. As the largest cannabis dispensary in the world, we’re clear about what we offer and display strains as sativa, indica, or hybrid.

What Is A Body High?

A body high is commonly associated with indicas and describes a relaxed, chilled cannabis experience. You could feel your muscles relax, the tension draining from your body, and finally get a good night’s sleep. Science is yet to take a closer look into the reported differences between sativa vs. indica, but recent studies on CBD and anxiety published in The Permanente Journal reported that anxiety levels decreased over three months for those taking CBD.

But what actually happens to the body? The body high is actually caused by how cannabis interacts with your brain, effectively calming down the rapid communications between cells in your nervous system and triggering that feeling of intense relaxation and euphoria. That’s why despite it being called a body high your brain has the opportunity to relax.

What Is A Head High?

Our cannabis dispensary stocks sativa strains to help you achieve that head high. A head high relates to increased energy levels, motivation, and rush of creative thinking often associated with consuming a sativa. There has been research surrounding the stimulating effects of cannabis on the brain to delve deeper into this high.

Head high experiences can make you feel more physically alert, and you may find yourself making quicker mental connections. Whether you’re about to embark on some exercise, attend a large social gathering, or need to experience intense creativity, a head high can create that next-level cerebral experience to get you into the zone. 

When Are Head Highs And Body Highs Most Useful?

Cannabis plant

At Planet 13, we aim to be the best Vegas dispensary for cannabis resources and answer any questions you may have. Ask yourself the following questions before embarking on a head or body high journey.

  • What Time Of Day Is It?

If it’s early morning and you need to be alert, a body high will not be useful. Attributes of body highs include increased sleepiness and decreased motivation, so taking an indica in the evening should help you relax, while taking some in the morning may mean you doze through the day.

  • What Sort Of Person Are You?

If you’re naturally an anxious or highly energized person, head highs may be too active and anxiety-inducing. If you’re already able to feel alert, it might be better to consider an indica to relax more effectively in the evenings. 

  • Why Are You Taking This Strain?

Considering why you’re taking this particular strain will help you make the best of the benefits. For instance, an indica can induce the munchies, so if you’re taking cannabis to increase your appetite, a body high might be the one for you.

  • How Are You Consuming Cannabis?

The way you take the strain will also impact the intenseness of the high. Properly researching into edibles, vapes and all the different delights on our menu will help you create the best possible experience.

Do Any Other Factors Affect Your High?

Planet 13’s Las Vegas dispensary team researches new updates and thoughts on cannabis. One of the most exciting innovations of our time is the expectancy effect, which explores how if we expect to get a particular result, our brain often helps us to reach that outcome. So if someone raves to you about their head high from Product X, you might expect and have that experience yourself. It doesn’t take away from your high, as your brain is actually working with you to help achieve your desired outcome.

There’s also the entourage effect, which depends on different factors within that cannabis itself. There are hundreds of chemical compounds found naturally in the plant, known as cannabinoids and terpenes, and they all interact with your brain differently. It also depends on the levels of THC in the strain. Low THC creates a more mellow experience, while higher THC levels produce a more intense high. This entourage of effects can create vastly different highs for each person, offering a truly unique experience.

As the biggest dispensary Vegas has to offer, consider us your cannabis consultants. We’re also here to help you shop safely during COVID-19. Find out about how our Las Vegas strip dispensary is ensuring you can purchase today. We’re here to provide you with products as securely and efficiently as possible, from curbside pickup to delivery and safe store hours. Contact us for further advice about our services and how we can help you today.