High Families
Classification
Discover cannabis strains by the experience you're seeking
Experience-Based Categories
Find Your Perfect High
Each family represents a unique experience profile, mapped by terpene science to help you find strains that match your mood.
The Science
Understanding the High Families
A modern approach to cannabis classification based on peer-reviewed chemistry research.
Beyond Sativa vs Indica
Traditional labels like "Sativa" and "Indica" describe plant structure, not effects. The 2025 German Chemovar Study proved these labels have no statistical correlation with terpene profiles (p > 0.05). The High Families focus on what actually matters: the terpenes.
Research identified 9 terpenes that explain 86% of profile variation: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool, Humulene, Pinene, Terpinolene, Fenchol, and Ocimene.
Each High Family groups strains by their dominant terpenes, helping you find consistent experiences across different strains.
The 2025 German Chemovar Study
Peer-Reviewed Research
"Classification of Cannabis Strains Based on their Chemical Fingerprint"
Herwig N, Utgenannt S, Nickl F, Möbius P, Nowak L, Schulz O, Fischer M. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 2025;10(3):409-419.
The study used K-means clustering to identify 6 statistically-distinct chemovar profiles from 140 medicinal cannabis strains. These clusters are defined by their unique terpene compositions, each creating different therapeutic and experiential effects. The High Families are directly inspired by these scientific findings.
How We Mapped the Science
Each High Family corresponds to one of the 6 chemovar clusters identified in the study. We've translated the scientific data into user-friendly categories that help you find strains based on the experience you're seeking.
| High Family | Chemovar Cluster | Key Terpenes | Effect Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍋 Uplifting High | Uplifting Citrus | Limonene (4.99 mg/g), Linalool | Mood elevation, social energy |
| ⚡ Energetic High | Rare Energizer | Terpinolene (4.13), Ocimene (4.05) | Creative focus, antioxidant |
| 😌 Relaxing High | Relaxing Body | Myrcene (5.43 mg/g), high CBD | Deep relaxation, sleep |
| ☯️ Balancing High | Gentle Balance | Low overall (7.61 total) | Mild, beginner-friendly |
| 🌶️ Relieving High | Therapeutic Spice | Caryophyllene (3.63), Humulene | Pain relief, CB2 activation |
| 🌈 Entourage High | Full Spectrum | Balanced (14.00 mg/g total) | Complex, potent entourage |
Why This Matters
When you choose a strain from the Relaxing High family, you're selecting based on actual myrcene content—not a marketing label. This means strains in the same family will deliver more consistent effects, regardless of whether they're labeled "Indica" or "Sativa."
Want the Full Story?
Dive deeper into how the German study analyzed 140 strains, identified the 9 key terpenes, and why we built High Families on this foundation.
Read: The Science Behind High FamiliesQuick Jump to a Family
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Scan Your LabelHigh Families FAQs
What are High Families?
High Families are 6 science-based categories inspired by the 2025 German Chemovar Study (Herwig et al.). They classify cannabis strains by their terpene profiles and expected effects rather than outdated Sativa/Indica labels. The 6 families are: Uplift, Energy, Relax, Balance, Relief, and Entourage.
How are the High Families different from Sativa vs Indica?
The 2025 German study proved Sativa/Indica labels have NO statistical correlation with terpene profiles (p > 0.05). The High Families focus on chemistry, specifically the 9 terpenes that explain 86% of profile variation. This science groups strains by the experience they actually deliver.
Which High Family is right for me?
Choose based on your desired experience: Uplift for mood and social energy (limonene-dominant), Energy for focus and creativity (rare terpinolene profile), Relax for body relaxation and sleep (myrcene-dominant), Balance for mild, beginner-friendly effects, Relief for therapeutic pain management (caryophyllene CB2 activation), and Entourage for complex, potent full-spectrum effects.
What scientific research backs the High Families?
The High Families are inspired by Herwig et al. (2025) "Classification of Cannabis Strains Based on their Chemical Fingerprint" published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. The study analyzed 140 medicinal cannabis strains via GC-MS, using K-means clustering to identify 6 distinct chemovar profiles. DOI: 10.1089/can.2024.0127
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