How THC, CBD, Terpenes and Cannabis Consumption Methods Can Shape a More Uplifting, Relaxing or Balanced Experience For cannabis consumers, the question isn’t always simply how high do you want to get? Increasingly, do you want a mind or body high.  With some much going on – curated high’s are becoming a trend as it helps you glide into the state you desire.  Marijuana can lift you up, calm you down or hep with anxiety.  A key factor since 48% of people said they are more anxious than they were last year, an increase from 43%.

One person may want an energetic, creative buzz making music sound better and conversation more interesting. Another may be looking for a deeply relaxing experience helping them unwind at the end of the day. Someone else may want something in between—a gentle effectt which doesn’t interfere with dinner, a movie or getting together with friends.

Understanding the difference between a more cerebral experience and a more body-centered one can help consumers make more informed choices.

A mind high is generally associated with feelings such as euphoria, heightened sensory perception, creativity, mental stimulation or an altered sense of time. THC is the primary intoxicating compound responsible for the cannabis high, although the overall experience can vary substantially depending on dose, individual biology, tolerance and the product consumed. A body high, by comparison, is often described as physical relaxation, heaviness, warmth or a feeling of being more grounded. Some consumers associate these effects with certain cannabis cultivars, particularly those traditionally marketed as indica. But the old idea indica automatically means body high and sativa automatically means mind highis increasingly viewed as an oversimplification.

The terpenes—aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants—may provide another piece of the puzzle. Compounds such as limonene, myrcene, pinene and linalool contribute to a cannabis product’s aroma and flavor, and researchers continue to investigate how cannabinoids and terpenes may interact to influence the overall experience.

For consumers, however, there is no guaranteed terpene formula for a particular type of high.

Dose may be just as important as the strain name. A small amount of THC may feel manageable and uplifting for one person, while a larger dose can become intensely intoxicating or uncomfortable. People who are new to cannabis—or returning after a long break—may want to start with a low dose and give the product time to take effect before consuming more.

The method of consumption matters, too. Inhaled cannabis can produce effects relatively quickly, while edibles typically take longer to kick in and can last considerably longer. This makes edibles particularly important to approach cautiously; taking more because the effects haven’t arrived yet can lead to an unexpectedly intense experience. The best approach may ultimately be less about finding a magical “mind high strain” or “body high strain” and more about learning your own response.

Pay attention to THC concentration, dose, consumption method, product composition and your personal reaction. Keeping a simple record of what you consume and how you feel can help identify patterns over time.

Cannabis is remarkably individual. The product gives one person a focused, social experience may leave another person ready for the couch.

So before choosing your next cannabis product, ask a simple question: Are you looking for your mind to take the trip—or your body?

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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