Science-Based Cannabis Classification

High Spectrum
Families

Discover cannabis strains by the experience you're seeking

6 Families
5,000+ Strains
🧬 Peer-Reviewed Science

The Science

Understanding the High Spectrum

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). High Spectrum focuses on what actually matters: the terpenes.

πŸ”¬ 9 Key Terpenes

Research identified 9 terpenes that explain 86% of profile variation: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool, Humulene, Pinene, Terpinolene, Fenchol, and Ocimene.

🎯 Effect Mapping

Each High Spectrum family groups strains by their dominant terpenes, helping you find consistent experiences across different strains.

πŸ“š

The 2025 German Chemovar Study

Peer-Reviewed Research

"Classification of Cannabis Strains Based on their Chemical Fingerprint"

Herwig N, Utgenannt S, Nickl F, MΓΆbius P, Nowak L, Schulz O, Fischer M. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 2025;10(3):409-419.

140
Cannabis Strains Analyzed
GC-MS
Lab Analysis Method
6
Distinct Clusters Found

The study used K-means clustering with silhouette analysis to identify 6 statistically-distinct chemovar profiles. These clusters are defined by their unique terpene compositions, each creating different therapeutic and experiential effects. High Spectrum families are directly inspired by these scientific findings.

πŸ”—

How We Mapped the Science

Each High Spectrum 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 FamilyChemovar ClusterKey TerpenesEffect Profile
πŸ‹ Uplifting HighUplifting CitrusLimonene (4.99 mg/g), LinaloolMood elevation, social energy
⚑ Energetic HighRare EnergizerTerpinolene (4.13), Ocimene (4.05)Creative focus, antioxidant
😌 Relaxing HighRelaxing BodyMyrcene (5.43 mg/g), high CBDDeep relaxation, sleep
☯️ Balancing HighGentle BalanceLow overall (7.61 total)Mild, beginner-friendly
🌢️ Relieving HighTherapeutic SpiceCaryophyllene (3.63), HumulenePain relief, CB2 activation
🌈 Entourage HighFull SpectrumBalanced (14.00 mg/g total)Complex, potent entourage
πŸ’‘

Why This Matters

When you choose a strain from the Relaxing High family, you're selecting based on actual myrcene contentβ€”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."

πŸ“–

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 Families

Quick Jump to a Family

Click any family to explore its strains

πŸ“Έ

Have a Product Label?

Scan your cannabis label to discover its High Family instantly using AI vision.

Scan Your Label
High IQ - Cannabis Intelligence App
Get High. Get Smarter. Get High IQ.

Ready to Elevate YourCannabis Experience?

Join thousands who stopped guessing and started knowing. Download High IQ β€” and finally have one.

Secure & Private β€’ Cancel Anytime β€’ iOS App