Mind Over Matter

Know before you toke — mind vs. body high

Smoking can cause quite the conundrum. Do you want the lay on the couch, eat a bag of Sriracha-flavored potato chips and call your best friend sort of high? Or the wake up, crank some Quiet Riot and clean the garage sort of high?

There's a strain of weed for that. Marijuana is commonly classified via strains — names like Maui Waui and Pineapple Express — and broken into two subspecies, indica and sativa.

For most people, indica strains have a mellowing effect and sativa strains are uplifting. Avid smokers classify indica strains as a body high and sativa strains as a head high.

"With indica, you get more of a relaxed, 'let's take it easy' sort of high," says Justin Peterson. "With sativa, you get that 'let's get up and get things done' sort of attitude."

Peterson owns Cinder, a recreational dispensary chain in Spokane and Spokane Valley. He says most of his clientele prefers indica strains or hybrids — strains comprised of both — and fruity versus earthy smells.

Here's Peterson's breakdown on the best bud for your buck:

God's Gift: An indica-dominant hybrid comprised of OG Kush and Granddaddy Purple. "It's an amazing high," he says. "It's a really mellow, good smoke that's not completely overwhelming."

Cherry Kola: A recently released indica strain from Zoobees Doobees in Liberty Lake. "This is really popular right now," he says. "It smells like Cherry Coke and has an intense high."

Blue Dream: A sativa-dominant hybrid comprised of Blueberry and Haze from Buddy Boy Farm in Ford, northwest of Spokane. "This strain balances full-body relaxation with gentle cerebral invigoration," he says.

Banana Kush: A West Coast, indica-dominant hybrid comprised of OG Kush and Skunk Haze. "Banana Kush provides a mellow buzz and relaxed sense of euphoria," he says. ♦

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About The Author

Jordy Byrd

Jordy Byrd is The Inlander's listings editor. Since 2009, she has covered the local music and arts scenes, cruising with taxis and canoodling with hippies. She is also a lazy cyclist, a die-hard rugby player and the Inlander's managing cat editor....