Overview
The High Spectrum is a modern classification system developed by High IQ that groups cannabis strains into six distinct families based on their actual terpene profiles, cannabinoid ratios, and observed effects. Instead of relying on the outdated indica/sativa/hybrid labels — which genetic research has shown to be poor predictors of effects — the High Spectrum classifies strains by what they actually do. Each family represents a cluster of effects and experiences that tend to appear together, driven by specific terpene and cannabinoid combinations. When you know your preferred High Family, you can confidently choose new strains that match your desired experience.Name Mapping: The High Families use consumer-friendly names in the app and on the website. The underlying classification code and the original German chemovar study use different names for the same clusters:
| Consumer Name | Code/Study Name |
|---|---|
| Relaxing High | Relaxing Body |
| Uplifting High | Uplifting Citrus |
| Energetic High | Rare Energizer |
| Relieving High | Therapeutic Spice |
| Balancing High | Gentle Balance |
| Entourage High | Full Spectrum |
The 6 High Families
Relaxing High
Sedating, anti-inflammatory, body relaxation. High myrcene with elevated CBD. Classic sedating indica profile for deep body relaxation and anti-inflammatory effects. Best suited for evening use.Dominant terpenes: Myrcene (5.43 mg/g), Caryophyllene (1.78 mg/g)Typical effects: Sedating, anti-inflammatory, body relaxation, sleep supportRarity: Common
Uplifting High
Bright, mood-elevating, anxiety relief. Limonene-dominant with notable linalool. Bright, mood-elevating profile ideal for anxiety relief and daytime use. Best suited for morning use.Dominant terpenes: Limonene (4.99 mg/g), Linalool (2.50 mg/g), Myrcene (2.76 mg/g)Typical effects: Mood elevation, anxiety relief, uplifting, stress reductionRarity: Common
Energetic High
Energizing, uplifting, mental clarity. Rare terpinolene/ocimene-dominant profile. Energizing and antioxidant-rich, found in less than 5% of cultivars. Best suited for morning use.Dominant terpenes: Terpinolene (4.13 mg/g), Ocimene (4.05 mg/g)Typical effects: Energizing, antioxidant, uplifting, mental clarityRarity: Rare
Relieving High
Pain relief, CB2 activation, anti-inflammatory. Caryophyllene/humulene-dominant. The only terpene that binds CB2 receptors, providing targeted pain relief and anti-inflammatory action. Suitable for anytime use.Dominant terpenes: Caryophyllene (3.63 mg/g), Humulene (1.45 mg/g), Myrcene (1.98 mg/g)Typical effects: Pain relief, CB2 activation, anti-inflammatory, appetite modulationRarity: Uncommon
Balancing High
Mild, beginner-friendly, gentle relaxation. Low overall terpene content with moderate CBD. Mild, well-balanced profile ideal for beginners and those sensitive to strong effects. Suitable for anytime use.Dominant terpenes: Myrcene (2.33 mg/g), Limonene (1.57 mg/g), Caryophyllene (1.25 mg/g)Typical effects: Mild effects, beginner-friendly, balanced, gentle relaxationRarity: Common
Entourage High
Complex, potent, full-body experience. Balanced myrcene/limonene/caryophyllene profile with highest total terpenes. Maximum entourage effect for complex, potent experiences. Best suited for evening use.Dominant terpenes: Myrcene (4.10 mg/g), Limonene (3.04 mg/g), Caryophyllene (2.65 mg/g)Typical effects: Complex effects, potent, entourage effect, full-body experienceRarity: Uncommon
How Classification Works
The High Spectrum classification is not based on subjective labels or marketing. It uses a data-driven process based on Euclidean distance to cluster centroids:Terpene Profile Analysis
Each strain’s terpene concentrations are analyzed. The dominant and secondary terpenes are identified, along with their ratios relative to the total terpene content.
Centroid Comparison
The strain’s terpene profile is compared against the centroid (average terpene ratios) of each of the 6 High Families using Euclidean distance. Each centroid represents the “center” of a family’s terpene cluster, derived from the German chemovar study data.
Distance Scoring
The Euclidean distance to each family’s centroid is calculated. A lower distance means the strain’s terpene profile is more similar to that family’s characteristic profile.
Family Assignment
The strain is assigned to the family whose centroid it is closest to, provided the distance falls below a confidence threshold. Lower distance = higher confidence in the classification. Strains that do not fall within any family’s threshold remain unclassified until more data is available.
High Families vs. Traditional Classification
| Aspect | Indica / Sativa / Hybrid | High Spectrum Families |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Plant morphology (leaf shape, height) | Terpene profiles + cannabinoid ratios |
| Predictive of effects | Poorly (debunked by 2025 research) | Strongly correlated with user experience |
| Number of categories | 3 (plus sub-types) | 6 distinct families |
| Accounts for terpenes | No | Yes, primary driver |
| Accounts for cannabinoids | Only THC% usually | Full cannabinoid panel |
| Granularity | Low | High (strains can show affinity scores) |
The 0.5% myrcene rule — the idea that strains with more than 0.5% myrcene are “indica” — was debunked by 2025 cannabis research. Terpene profiles as a whole are far more predictive than any single-compound threshold.
Which Family Is Right for You?
Choosing a High Family depends on what you want from your experience:| I want to… | Try this family |
|---|---|
| Unwind and relax deeply, sleep well | Relaxing High |
| Boost mood and relieve anxiety | Uplifting High |
| Stay energized and mentally clear | Energetic High |
| Manage pain and inflammation | Relieving High |
| Start gently as a beginner | Balancing High |
| Experience the full entourage effect | Entourage High |
Exploring High Families on the Platform
- Website: Visit the Discover page to browse strains grouped by High Family
- Mobile app: Use the strain explorer to filter by High Family and see how each strain scores
- Label Scanner: Scan a dispensary label and High IQ will automatically classify the strain into a High Family based on the terpene data extracted from the label