Overview
The High Spectrum is High IQ’s classification system that groups cannabis strains into 6 families based on their terpene profiles and expected effects. It moves beyond the outdated and scientifically questionable “indica vs. sativa” distinction to provide a more meaningful way to predict how a strain will make you feel. The High Spectrum is grounded in the 2025 German Cannabis Chemovar Study (DOI: 10.1089/can.2024.0127), which analyzed terpene profiles across hundreds of cannabis cultivars and identified distinct chemical clusters. High IQ maps these clusters to consumer-friendly categories that help you navigate the thousands of strains in our database.Why Not Indica vs. Sativa?
The indica/sativa classification was originally a botanical distinction describing plant morphology (broad leaves vs. narrow leaves), not effects. Modern research has shown:- Genetic drift — Decades of cross-breeding have made most commercially available strains genetic hybrids regardless of how they are labeled
- No consistent effect correlation — Studies show no reliable relationship between indica/sativa classification and the actual chemical profile or effects of a strain
- Terpenes drive effects — The terpene profile of a strain is a far better predictor of its effects than its indica/sativa label
High IQ still displays indica/sativa/hybrid labels on strain profiles because they are familiar to consumers and used by dispensaries. However, the High Spectrum classification provides a more accurate and useful categorization for predicting effects.
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
Each High Family is defined by a dominant terpene profile, a set of associated effects, and a character description. Every strain in the High IQ database is assigned to its best-matching family based on its chemical data.Uplifting High
Uplifting High
Mood Elevation & Social Energy
- Dominant terpene: Limonene (4.99 mg/g average) with linalool support
- Based on: Uplifting Citrus chemovar cluster
- Associated strain types: Sativa, Hybrid
- Key effects: Happy, uplifted, euphoric, energetic, sociable, talkative
- Aroma profile: Citrus, lemon, sweet
- Best for: Social situations, mood enhancement, daytime activities
Energetic High
Energetic High
Rare Energizing Focus
- Dominant terpenes: Terpinolene (4.13 mg/g) and ocimene (4.05 mg/g)
- Based on: Rare Energizer chemovar cluster
- Associated strain types: Sativa
- Key effects: Focused, creative, energetic, uplifted, motivated
- Aroma profile: Pine, sweet, herbal
- Best for: Creative work, physical activity, daytime productivity
Relaxing High
Relaxing High
Deep Body Relaxation
- Dominant terpene: Myrcene (5.43 mg/g average) with CBD tendency
- Based on: Relaxing Body chemovar cluster
- Associated strain types: Indica
- Key effects: Relaxed, sleepy, calm, body high, sedative
- Aroma profile: Earthy, sweet, herbal
- Best for: Evening use, sleep support, physical tension relief
Balancing High
Balancing High
Gentle & Beginner-Friendly
- Terpene profile: Low overall terpene content (7.61 mg/g total) with balanced CBD
- Based on: Gentle Balance chemovar cluster
- Associated strain types: Hybrid
- Key effects: Relaxed, calm, happy, uplifted
- Aroma profile: Earthy, sweet
- Best for: New consumers, low-tolerance users, daytime relaxation without sedation
Relieving High
Relieving High
Therapeutic Pain Relief
- Dominant terpene: Caryophyllene (3.63 mg/g) with humulene (1.45 mg/g)
- Based on: Therapeutic Spice chemovar cluster
- Associated strain types: Indica, Hybrid
- Key effects: Relaxed, pain relief, body high, calm
- Aroma profile: Spicy, earthy, woody
- Best for: Pain management, inflammation, therapeutic use
Entourage High
Entourage High
Full Entourage Effect
- Terpene profile: High total terpene content combining myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene
- Based on: Full Spectrum chemovar cluster
- Associated strain types: Hybrid
- Key effects: Euphoric, relaxed, happy, creative
- Aroma profile: Citrus, earthy, sweet, spicy
- Best for: Experienced consumers seeking complex, full-bodied experiences
How Classification Works
When a strain enters the High IQ database, it is classified using Euclidean distance to cluster centroids derived from the German chemovar study:Terpene Profile Analysis
The strain’s terpene concentrations are analyzed and normalized into a terpene ratio profile. The dominant and secondary terpenes are identified along with their relative proportions.
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.
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.
Label Scanner Classification
When you scan a dispensary label with the AI Label Scanner, the extracted terpene data is run through the same classification algorithm in real time. This means you can scan a product at the dispensary and immediately see which High Family it belongs to — even if the strain is not yet in our database.Family Distribution
Not all families are equally represented in the cannabis market:| Family | Approximate Frequency | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxing High | Most common | Myrcene is the most prevalent terpene in cannabis |
| Uplifting High | Common | Limonene is the second most common terpene |
| Relieving High | Common | Caryophyllene is widely present across strains |
| Entourage High | Moderate | Requires high total terpene content, less common |
| Balancing High | Moderate | Low-terpene strains are common but often under-documented |
| Energetic High | Rare (~5%) | Terpinolene dominance occurs in very few cultivars |
Using the High Spectrum
Strain Discovery
Filter strains by High Family on the discovery page to browse all strains matching a specific effect profile.
Similar Strains
When viewing a strain, the “Similar Strains” section prioritizes strains in the same High Family.
Label Scanner
Scan any dispensary product to see its High Family classification in real time.
Reports
AI-generated reports reference High Family patterns in your consumption history.
Learn More
- High Families Guide — Deeper dive into the science behind each family
- Terpene Guide — Individual terpene profiles and their effects
- Strain Scoring — How High Family classification factors into strain rankings