Overview
The High Families are 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 Instead of relying on the outdated indica/sativa/hybrid labels — which genetic research has shown to be poor predictors of effects — the High Families classify strains by what they actually do.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 (5.43 mg/g) with highest CBD of all families (2.84%). Classic sedating profile for deep body relaxation. 24 of 140 strains in the original study (17.1%). Best for evening use.Dominant terpenes: Myrcene (5.43 mg/g), Caryophyllene (2.04 mg/g)Total terpenes: 14.07 mg/g | Avg THC: 18.33% | Avg CBD: 2.84%
Uplifting High
Bright, mood-elevating, anxiety relief. Limonene-dominant (4.99 mg/g) with notable linalool (2.50 mg/g) and caryophyllene (2.54 mg/g). Highest THC of all families (25.52%). 23 of 140 strains (16.4%). Best for morning use.Dominant terpenes: Limonene (4.99 mg/g), Caryophyllene (2.54 mg/g), Linalool (2.50 mg/g)Total terpenes: 18.39 mg/g | Avg THC: 25.52% | Avg CBD: 0.05%
Energetic High
Energizing, uplifting, mental clarity. Rare terpinolene (4.13 mg/g) and ocimene (4.05 mg/g) profile. Also high in myrcene (4.98 mg/g). Found in only 4.3% of cultivars. 6 of 140 strains. Best for morning use.Dominant terpenes: Terpinolene (4.13 mg/g), Ocimene (4.05 mg/g), Myrcene (4.98 mg/g)Total terpenes: 18.43 mg/g | Avg THC: 21.63% | Avg CBD: 0.03%
Relieving High
Pain relief, CB2 activation, anti-inflammatory. Caryophyllene-dominant (3.63 mg/g) with humulene (1.45 mg/g). Caryophyllene is the only terpene that directly binds CB2 receptors. Most common family: 35 of 140 strains (25.0%). Suitable for anytime use.Dominant terpenes: Caryophyllene (3.63 mg/g), Humulene (1.45 mg/g), Limonene (2.38 mg/g)Total terpenes: 14.23 mg/g | Avg THC: 22.98% | Avg CBD: 0.03%
Balancing High
Mild, beginner-friendly, gentle relaxation. Lowest total terpenes of all families (7.61 mg/g) and lowest THC (19.63%). Caryophyllene is the top terpene (2.64 mg/g) but ALL terpenes are at reduced concentrations. Moderate CBD (1.06%). 25 of 140 strains (17.9%). Suitable for anytime use.Dominant terpenes: Caryophyllene (2.64 mg/g), Humulene (1.00 mg/g), Myrcene (0.74 mg/g)Total terpenes: 7.61 mg/g | Avg THC: 19.63% | Avg CBD: 1.06%
Entourage High
Complex, potent, full-body experience. Multiple terpenes at high levels: myrcene (4.77 mg/g), limonene (3.87 mg/g), caryophyllene (3.56 mg/g). High total terpenes (18.15 mg/g) for maximum entourage effect. 27 of 140 strains (19.3%). Best for evening use.Dominant terpenes: Myrcene (4.77 mg/g), Limonene (3.87 mg/g), Caryophyllene (3.56 mg/g)Total terpenes: 18.15 mg/g | Avg THC: 24.41% | Avg CBD: 0.03%
How Classification Works
The High Families classification uses a data-driven, 4-tier fallback algorithm based on the 2025 German chemovar study (Herwig et al., DOI: 10.1089/can.2024.0127). The study analyzed 140 medicinal cannabis strains and identified 6 distinct clusters using k-means clustering on 9 key terpenes that explain 86% of all terpene variation.Tier 1: Full Terpene Profile (60-100% confidence)
When lab-quality terpene percentages are available, the strain’s 9-terpene profile is compared against each family’s centroid (average terpene concentrations from the study) using Euclidean distance. The closest centroid wins. This is the most accurate method — it matches the original study’s k-means methodology.
Tier 2: Dominant Terpene + Context (50-70% confidence)
When only the dominant terpene is known (from research data), it maps directly to a family. For example, myrcene-dominant strains map to Relaxing High, limonene-dominant to Uplifting High. Two science-driven overrides improve accuracy: strains with 10+ terpene names and all three full-spectrum signature terpenes route to Entourage High, while caryophyllene-dominant strains with low terpene diversity route to Balancing High (matching the study’s low-concentration cluster).
Tier 3: Type + Effects (35-50% confidence)
When only strain type and reported effects are available, effect keywords map to families. For example, hybrid strains with “calm” or “happy” effects route to Balancing High, while “euphoric” or “creative” route to Entourage High.
The same classification function (
classifyStrainHighFamily) is used everywhere: strain detail pages, family listing pages, search results, and home page cards. This ensures a strain always shows the same High Family badge regardless of where you see it.High Families vs. Traditional Classification
| Aspect | Indica / Sativa / Hybrid | High 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