Level Up Your Day

Ranking Your Vibe with Terpenes and Cannabinoids

By Meagan Chris

Ever feel like your cannabis could do more than just get you high? You’re not wrong! The amazing world of terpenes and cannabinoids offers a spectrum of effects that can be fine-tuned to match exactly what your day demands. Forget confusingly browsing the dispensary, we’re ranking your day and pairing it with the perfect plant power!

Level 1: Couch Lock & Chill –

Ah, the siren song of the sofa. You’ve got zero agenda except maybe reaching for the remote and conquering a new binge series. For this glorious state of nirvana, you need cannabis that whispers “stay put.”

- Desired Effects: Deep relaxation, heavy body high, blissful sedation, potential for serious munchies.
- Top Cannabinoids: High THC is your go-to here. Look for strains with THC percentages in the high 20s and 30s, CBN (cannabinol), a cannabinoid that forms as THC ages, is also reliable for promoting sleepiness and relaxation.

Terpene Focus:

- Myrcene: This is the king of couch-lock. Often described as earthy and musky, myrcene is known for its sedative and muscle-relaxant properties. Think of it as the weighted blanket of terpenes.
- Linalool: With its floral and lavender notes, linalool contributes to calming and anti-anxiety effects, perfect for melting away any lingering stress.
- Beta-Caryophyllene: While also found in black pepper and cloves, this terpene interacts with your endocannabinoid system in a way that can reduce pain and inflammation, adding to the overall comfort.

Product Picks: Indica-dominant strains, edibles with a good dose of THC and potentially some CBN, full-spectrum tinctures taken in larger doses.

Level 2: Gamer & Grub –

The mission: dominate digital worlds while strategically snacking. You need focus, a touch of euphoria, and a serious appetite enhancer.

- Desired Effects: Relaxed but not sleepy, enhanced focus (for a little while anyway!), increased appetite, mild euphoria.
- Top Cannabinoids: THC still takes center stage, but a balanced THC/CBD ratio might be interesting to explore for some users to temper any potential anxiety.

Terpene Focus:

- Limonene: This citrusy terpene is known for its mood-elevating and energizing effects, which can keep you engaged in your game. Plus, its bright aroma can complement those delicious snacks.
- Pinene: As the name suggests, this terpene has a piney aroma and is associated with alertness and focus. It can help you stay sharp during those crucial gaming moments (or at least feel like you are!).
- Beta-Caryophyllene: Again, this versatile terpene can help manage any minor aches from leaning into your screen for hours.

Product Picks: Indica or Indica-leaning hybrid strains, vapes for quick hits, edibles that offer a sustained experience.

Level 3: Creative Flow & Focused Fun –

You’ve got some tasks on the agenda, but you want to enjoy the process. This level calls for a blend of mental clarity and a touch of inspiration.

- Desired Effects: Enhanced creativity, mild euphoria, increased focus (without being racy), a sense of well-being.
- Top Cannabinoids: A balanced THC/CBD ratio is often ideal here. CBD can help mitigate any potential anxiety or paranoia from THC, allowing for clearer thinking.

Terpene Focus:

- Pinene: Excellent for boosting focus and memory retention, helping you stay on track with your creative endeavors.
- Limonene: Its mood-boosting properties can fuel your inspiration and make tasks feel less like a chore.
- Terpinolene: Often found in sativa-dominant strains, terpinolene has a complex aroma (floral, piney, citrusy) and is associated with uplifting and energizing effects.

Product Picks: Sativa or balanced hybrid strains, low-dose edibles, tinctures for controlled effects.

Level 4: Social Spark & Let’s Hang Out –

Time to connect! You want to be engaged, chatty, and enjoy the company of others without feeling overwhelmed or sleepy.

- Desired Effects: Uplifting euphoria, increased sociability, enhanced sensory perception, mild energy boost.
- Top Cannabinoids: Moderate THC levels are key. Too much can lead to “being in your head”, while the right amount can loosen inhibitions and enhance conversation.

Terpene Focus:

- Limonene: Its bright and cheerful aroma translates to an uplifting and social high.
- Pinene: Can contribute to alertness and clear communication.
- Humulene: Found in hops and cannabis, humulene has an earthy and woody aroma and is associated with anti-inflammatory and appetite-suppressant effects (perfect if you don’t want the munchies to be the focus of the gathering).

Product Picks: Sativa-dominant hybrids, vapes for easy sharing with fellow patient card holders (where legal!), social-dose edibles.

Level 5: Peak Performance & The “Conquer the World” High –

You’re hitting the trails, crushing a workout, or tackling an intense project. You need focus, energy, and potentially some pain relief without any sedation.

- Desired Effects: Enhanced focus and concentration, increased energy and motivation, potential pain and inflammation relief, clear-headedness.
- Top Cannabinoids: Lower THC levels or even THC-dominant strains with a significant CBD content might be beneficial. CBD can help with inflammation and pain without the psychoactive intensity. THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), a minor cannabinoid, is also being researched for its potential appetite-suppressing and energizing effects.

Terpene Focus:

Pinene: Crucial for focus and mental clarity during demanding activities.
Beta-Caryophyllene: Its anti-inflammatory properties can be a game-changer for physical activity.
Terpinolene: Provides an uplifting and energetic boost without the jitters some sativas can induce.

Product Picks: Sativa-dominant strains with lower THC or balanced THC/CBD ratios, topicals for targeted pain relief, low-dose vapes for controlled energy.

Important Note: Cannabis affects everyone differently! This ranking is a general guide, and the best way to find your perfect match is through experimentation and careful observation. Pay attention to how different cannabinoids and terpenes make you feel. Start low and go slow!

Meagan Chris
Co-Owner of CannaChris Consulting,

Meagan Chris is a passionate advocate for elevating the cannabis industry. With over 6 years of experience, including leadership roles and diverse consulting projects, Meagan specializes in cannabis education & training, business consulting, product development, and patient advocacy. She’s dedicated to improving patient outcomes and driving business success within the cannabis sector.