Energizing/embodiment strain

[scabbard]

I'm looking for a strain of cannabis that doesn't make me tired and in fact does the opposite and gives me a bit more energy, but also connects me more to my body. I'd like to use it for somatic release practices and nervous system work. Does such a strain exist? I think of cannabis stereotypically as something that induces relaxation, but I know that sativa dominant strains can be more energizing, although from the little I've heard, it seems that sativas are more mentally activating, and I'm looking for something that connects me more to feeling in my body, except without the couch-lock effects.

 

[Jibult]

There are a bunch!

I'm not sure how easily sourced some of these older strains are, or how their genetics and names have changed over time. Seems like every time I turn around there's a new funky name for a familiar strain out of the weed stores.

Off the top of my head and in no particular order:

Durban Poison
Jack Herer
Super Lemon Haze
Green Crack
Cinderella 99

I want to throw Girl Scout Cookies in there too, but I honestly don't think it fits the group. There's a chance it'll hit you with a HEAVY case of couch-lock. GSC hybrids might be worth looking into-- any strain with GSC in it's lineage, preferably crossed with a sativa-dominant strain. I'd have to go to Google to figure out specific examples of that one though.

Things have progressed a bit further from just "indica or sativa," however. I've learned that seeking the effects I want to find is made a bit more easy for me when I learn to check terpene profiles. There are a few that I watch for after having a few strains that just blew my socks off.

I also pay attention to CBD/CBG/CBV ratios. I don't really know what CBG stands for specifically, but when it's present over 2.5% in my product then I'm pretty much gonna grab it regardless of the other numbers. CBG been doin' me RIGHT and it's a damn shame I don't know exactly what it is.

 

[foodcrisis]

i can't smoke a lemon sativa from my dispensary before bed or i won't sleep for hours... lemon strains are generally uplifting or at least not too much of a downer... one of the strain of lemon i get is actually really potent though. it can still get couch lock effects even though it's sativa. i just get so stoned i can't really do anything.... don't know if that's what you are looking for. idk if you'd get a lemon like that though, some are more mild... super lemon haze is a great strain like the above poster posted... i get some super silver glue from the same company as the strong lemon and it's not really as strong as the straight lemon but still around the same thc.

 

[Jeebis2]

Look for strains higher in cbg, cbc, and thcv. Stay away from cbd and cbn. Limonene, pinene, and terpinolene will be your friend for terpenes.

Jibult mentioned a few solid strains that are in TONS of modern genetics. Stick to anything Thai (novarine, caprichosa, etc), African (Durban, Congolese red, etc), and north American (Acapulco, Oaxaca, etc)

Weirdly enough, I like south American landrace for more hybrid-esque experiences

 

[Psychlone Jack]

There are a bunch!

I'm not sure how easily sourced some of these older strains are, or how their genetics and names have changed over time. Seems like every time I turn around there's a new funky name for a familiar strain out of the weed stores.

Off the top of my head and in no particular order:

Durban Poison
Jack Herer
Super Lemon Haze
Green Crack
Cinderella 99

I want to throw Girl Scout Cookies in there too, but I honestly don't think it fits the group. There's a chance it'll hit you with a HEAVY case of couch-lock. GSC hybrids might be worth looking into-- any strain with GSC in it's lineage, preferably crossed with a sativa-dominant strain. I'd have to go to Google to figure out specific examples of that one though.

Things have progressed a bit further from just "indica or sativa," however. I've learned that seeking the effects I want to find is made a bit more easy for me when I learn to check terpene profiles. There are a few that I watch for after having a few strains that just blew my socks off.

I also pay attention to CBD/CBG/CBV ratios. I don't really know what CBG stands for specifically, but when it's present over 2.5% in my product then I'm pretty much gonna grab it regardless of the other numbers. CBG been doin' me RIGHT and it's a damn shame I don't know exactly what it is.

I can second the Durban and Jack for sure, two of my very favorite sativas for that very reason. I'm sitting on some grade a Durban right now that I use for those tough mornings where it's hard to get started lol.

And CBG = cannabigerol (sp of)

 

[nepalnt21]

I'm looking for a strain of cannabis that doesn't make me tired and in fact does the opposite and gives me a bit more energy, but also connects me more to my body. I'd like to use it for somatic release practices and nervous system work. Does such a strain exist? I think of cannabis stereotypically as something that induces relaxation, but I know that sativa dominant strains can be more energizing, although from the little I've heard, it seems that sativas are more mentally activating, and I'm looking for something that connects me more to feeling in my body, except without the couch-lock effects.

are u growing your own?

ace seeds has a bunch of sativas that would fit the bill, and are growable for the average or beginner grower, indoor or outdoor.

congo comes to mind, as well as bangi haze. and nepal jam, many more... and oldtimer's haze for advanced growers or growers that have a greenhouse or live in a tropical area.

connecting to your body does sound like sativa... i find the 'body' fx of indicas and hybrids are not always the best for the type of connection/ work you seem to be talking about... too inebriating.

an indica 'body high' doesn't necessarily mean connection to the body like yoga style.

yet some sativas can induce muscle tension... this sounds like a personal quest type thing.

modern hybrids at the dispensary may not fit the bill, even when they call it a
'sativa", it's prolly not.

 

[scabbard]

Thanks for all the detailed info. And to answer your question @nepalnt21 no I'm not growing my own. But I live in CA so there's dispensaries abound. I looked at the one nearest my house and they have green crack and durban, so I might check that out. I always thought of sativas as a mental experience but I guess that's not the case - good to know. It seems like Indica/hybrid is more common but I'm not too well-versed in the cannabis industry.

 

[paranoid android]

Red Congo, Durban poison, Malawi, Acapulco gold and maui wowie are all energizing strains

 

[nepalnt21]

Thanks for all the detailed info. And to answer your question @nepalnt21 no I'm not growing my own. But I live in CA so there's dispensaries abound. I looked at the one nearest my house and they have green crack and durban, so I might check that out. I always thought of sativas as a mental experience but I guess that's not the case - good to know. It seems like Indica/hybrid is more common but I'm not too well-versed in the cannabis industry.

durban is definitely on the sativa side, there are full sativa durban poison strains and hybrids, since you're getting it commercially i expect there is a touch of indica. very rare to find true full tropical sativas in weed commerce.

and the experiences may vary... you might find that it is fully cerebral with no body fx, you might find muscle tension... there are even sativas that have a mellowing effect, panama red comes to mind. body relaxing, chill... yet cerebral. sour diesel is another one that comes to mind. there are a few different sour diesels floating around (east coast sour diesel, aj sour diesel, weasel diesel, etc. etc.) but in my experience they tend to have a very cerebral effect without either producing lethargy or muscle tension... kind of right down the middle, but very heady and even hypnotic... perhaps a good choice if you're looking for a meditative experience to go into your mind.

but again, i dunno exactly what you're going for, to me getting a mind-body connection going takes a cerebral high but not a stimulating and anxiety inducing high that might cause muscle tension, and one that doesn't produce lethargy.

sorry for being so wordy.

durban is prolly a good choice, i remember getting into something as simple as cleaning the dishes, but i don't remember it being anxiety inducing or muscle tension inducing.

 

[ageingpartyfiend]

Jack Herer / Durban Poison immediately sprang to mind after reading the op, and looks like other's thought similarly

 

[Allylbenzene]

I'm looking for a strain of cannabis that doesn't make me tired and in fact does the opposite and gives me a bit more energy, but also connects me more to my body. I'd like to use it for somatic release practices and nervous system work. Does such a strain exist? I think of cannabis stereotypically as something that induces relaxation, but I know that sativa dominant strains can be more energizing, although from the little I've heard, it seems that sativas are more mentally activating, and I'm looking for something that connects me more to feeling in my body, except without the couch-lock effects.

Have you considered the cannabis terpenes that contribute to a strains specific effects?

Strains with energising/uplifting effects will tend to contain terpenes like pinene, limonene, ocimene, cineole/eucalyptol, carene, terpinolene, phellandrene, valencene (possibly with a low % of linalool, guaiol or myrcene).
Strains with sedating/relaxing effects will tend to contain terpenes like linalool, myrcene, bisabolol/bisabolene, caryophyllene, nerolidol and humulene.

You can use that as way to gauge the effects of a strain, assuming the terpene profile is listed on the menu.

Since these are all common plant terpenes you can find them in many plant essential oils. Conveniently, aromatherapy describes the effects of most oils usually with words like calming, uplifting, energising, grounding etc. That makes it v easy to find relevant oils which can be diluted and used topically. Combining them with cannabis will work too, especially oils like Sandalwood that contain unique terpenes.

Also imo very high THC levels can be counterproductive to what you're looking for. Strains with moderate THC levels (eg 15-25%) and high terpene levels would be ideal. You can even add CBG dominant hemp flowers (or CBG isolate) which will further colour the experiene. Actually you could say that CBG is a more meditative version of THC in some ways.

ace seeds has a bunch of sativas that would fit the bill, and are growable for the average or beginner grower, indoor or outdoor.

ACE seeds are great. They have loads of classic landrace-type strains and usually include a terpene profile analysis. This is their ultimate sativa strain https://www.icmag.com/threads/zenith-feminized-limited-edition.18125776/

This complex super-sativa is the zenith in our refinement of sativa hybrids. Its legendary lineage perfectly sums up our 20 years of fine breeding work with some of the best tropical sativas on the planet: Malawi and Zamal from the African continent, Panama from Central America, and Thai from South East Asia, combining in this complex sativa variety in an exquisitely balanced and perfectly symphonic way.

THC: 18.49 %
CBD: 0.03-0.04 %
CBG: 1.47-2.55 %

Terpene profile: Rich and complex terpene profile. Mainly contains the following monoterpenes: high terpinolene content, followed by moderate amounts of alpha and beta pinene, beta myrcene, trans-ocimene, limonene and linalool, with traces of delta 3 carene and alpha terpinene. Sesquiterpenes: moderate content in beta caryophyllene and humulene, and alpha bisabolol, guaiol and trans nerolidol in small amounts.

EFFECT: The first phenotype provides at least 3 hours of guaranteed long-lasting energy and motivation, with a clean finish and hardly any degradation. Strong initial energetic and motivating effect of premium quality, with a very cerebral and clean, expansive head high that clears and intensifies perception and senses. Really powerful: it's hard to finish the joint, and after half an hour you're almost climbing the walls, with intense whirlwinds of thoughts and strong physical agitation. An hour later it starts to calm down and becomes psychologically friendlier, warmer and more playful, but still with a lot of drive. Very suitable for daytime use, for work and activities. In contrast, the psychoactivity of the second phenotype is extremely balanced, elegant, pleasant. Clean, centred and focused, warm and positive, creative and motivating as well as relaxing. It provides mental clarity, a sense of well-being and physical lightness (like levitating on cotton wool), expanding and intensifying the senses, with a distinctive healing effect that runs through body, mind and soul.

 

[scabbard]

Have you considered the cannabis terpenes that contribute to a strains specific effects?

Strains with energising/uplifting effects will tend to contain terpenes like pinene, limonene, ocimene, cineole/eucalyptol, carene, terpinolene, phellandrene, valencene (possibly with a low % of linalool, guaiol or myrcene).
Strains with sedating/relaxing effects will tend to contain terpenes like linalool, myrcene, bisabolol/bisabolene, caryophyllene, nerolidol and humulene.

You can use that as way to gauge the effects of a strain, assuming the terpene profile is listed on the menu.

Since these are all common plant terpenes you can find them in many plant essential oils. Conveniently, aromatherapy describes the effects of most oils usually with words like calming, uplifting, energising, grounding etc. That makes it v easy to find relevant oils which can be diluted and used topically. Combining them with cannabis will work too, especially oils like Sandalwood that contain unique terpenes.

Also imo very high THC levels can be counterproductive to what you're looking for. Strains with moderate THC levels (eg 15-25%) and high terpene levels would be ideal. You can even add CBG dominant hemp flowers (or CBG isolate) which will further colour the experiene. Actually you could say that CBG is a more meditative version of THC in some ways.



ACE seeds are great. They have loads of classic landrace-type strains and usually include a terpene profile analysis. This is their ultimate sativa strain https://www.icmag.com/threads/zenith-feminized-limited-edition.18125776/

You mean trying a particular terpene or terpenes by themselves to see what effect that it has on me, and then using that to gauge which strain of cannabis to buy?

 

[Allylbenzene]

Sure. Now that you have an idea what effects those terpenes have, it could help to choose suitable strains.

energising/uplifting = pinene, limonene, ocimene, cineole, carene, terpinolene, phellandrene, valencene

sedating/relaxing = linalool, myrcene, bisabolol/bisabolene, caryophyllene, nerolidol, humulene

What I wrote about stimulating & relaxing terpenes was literal. Well...many terpenes have both stimulating & relaxing qualities but I was writing about the dominant effect.

Terpinolene strains would be a good fit for your needs. Along with citral it's the only terpene I know that interacts with 5-HT2A which is the receptor associated with psychedelics (LSD, magic mushrooms, DMT etc).

You could try terpene isolates sure, it's a good way to see what they're like. You could also use essential oils ("pre-mixed terpenes") that are described as having the effect you're after. In the sense that people know the effects of a strain, people know the effects of essential oils.

It sounds like you're looking for uplifting, mental calm + focus with subtle body relaxation effects. I'd go for a mix of lemon (uplifting, focus), lavander (calm, body relaxation), sandalwood ("zen"), optional: lemon myrtle (introspective)

Lemon oil for the limonene & smaller % of pinene. Lavander oil for the linalool. Sandalwood oil is a unique one you won't find any dispensary strains for. Lemon myrtle oil is mostly citral.

Diluted in some coconut/olive oil and applied to inner wrists/arms I found works well.

Keeping it simple, the best oil for somatic release is Sandalwood so combined with cannabis = excellent.

 

[scabbard]

Sure. Now that you have an idea what effects those terpenes have, it could help to choose suitable strains.



What I wrote about stimulating & relaxing terpenes was literal. Well...many terpenes have both stimulating & relaxing qualities but I was writing about the dominant effect.

Terpinolene strains would be a good fit for your needs. Along with citral it's the only terpene I know that interacts with 5-HT2A which is the receptor associated with psychedelics (LSD, magic mushrooms, DMT etc).

You could try terpene isolates sure, it's a good way to see what they're like. You could also use essential oils ("pre-mixed terpenes") that are described as having the effect you're after. In the sense that people know the effects of a strain, people know the effects of essential oils.

It sounds like you're looking for uplifting, mental calm + focus with subtle body relaxation effects. I'd go for a mix of lemon (uplifting, focus), lavander (calm, body relaxation), sandalwood ("zen"), optional: lemon myrtle (introspective)

Lemon oil for the limonene & smaller % of pinene. Lavander oil for the linalool. Sandalwood oil is a unique one you won't find any dispensary strains for. Lemon myrtle oil is mostly citral.

Diluted in some coconut/olive oil and applied to inner wrists/arms I found works well.

Keeping it simple, the best oil for somatic release is Sandalwood so combined with cannabis = excellent.

I'm interested in your thoughts on this. So I think of something like cannabis or psychedelics as having a very direct chemical/biological/physiological effect on the brain and body that produces changes in the way one feels. But something like essential oils, I love the way they smell, but if you apply something like sandalwood oil topically, or you breathe it in mildly through a diffuser, does it really have a biological effect, or is it more of a gimmick/one of things where someone says, "Oh this will make you calm or this will make you focused" and then as a result of the placebo effect you kind of feel that way?

 

[Allylbenzene]

So I think of something like cannabis or psychedelics as having a very direct chemical/biological/physiological effect on the brain and body that produces changes in the way one feels. But something like essential oils, I love the way they smell, but if you apply something like sandalwood oil topically, or you breathe it in mildly through a diffuser, does it really have a biological effect...

Let me put it this way.
Essential oils are made up of teprenes (amongst other things).

The same terpene oils in cannabis are present in other botanicals (eg lemon peel: limonene, lemon haze: limonene). When people smoke/eat cannabis they're smoking/ingesting botanical essential oils.

The terpene oils in a cannabis strain dictates the overall effect of that strain. The terpene profile literally makes a strain what it is. Strains labelled as sativa (uplifting/stimulating effects) contain the same terpenes as uplifting/stimulating essential oils (pine oil and lemon oil are good examples).

I should add that many essential oils contain terpenes that you won't find in cannabis strains (as far as we know!)
For example sandalwood, myrrh, frankincense.

Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, THCV, CBG) and psychedelics influence receptors in the body = biological effects. Botanical terpenes also influence receptors in the body = biological effects.

 

[Allylbenzene]

Visual info is probably better...
BTW there are many studies that look at terpenes' biological effects, here's 2 pictures from a study on pinene and linalool.

 

[scabbard]

Thanks for sharing. Lots of information there. However, with regard to the stimulating/sedative effects, there seems to be a consistent consensus between the different charts regarding linalool's effects, but the upper chart shows that pinene is sedative, and the lower chart shows it's an energy booster, and middle chart says that it promotes increased focus and elevated mood (seemingly somewhere in the middle on the energetic spectrum).

Makes me skeptical about the science behind these conclusions. What really matters of course is whether or not I notice an effect for myself, which I'll only know by trying, but I do often find it frustrating that huge industries are created around products and claims that aren't necessarily true.

 

[Kurt Cobain]

Just smoke any lemonine heavy strain or a piney strain

 

[Allylbenzene]

However, with regard to the stimulating/sedative effects, there seems to be a consistent consensus between the different charts regarding linalool's effects, but the upper chart shows that pinene is sedative, and the lower chart shows it's an energy booster, and middle chart says that it promotes increased focus and elevated mood (seemingly somewhere in the middle on the energetic spectrum).

I did talk about this, all 3 charts are technically right.

Well...many terpenes have both stimulating & relaxing qualities but I was writing about the dominant effect.

Overall linalool is sedating & mentally relaxing via it's actions at GABA + adenosine (which are both inhibitory aka calming) and reducing the effects of glutamate.
The pinenes (theres 2 different versions) have a combination of uplifting/stimulating effects (via D1 + 5-HT1A receptors, increased dopamine, increased acetylcholine, BDNF) and calming effects (via GABA, opioid).

The overall results indicate that α-pinene exerts its antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects through 5-HT1A, β-Adrenergic, and D1 receptors while also enhancing BDNF and dopamine synthesis, both of which are critical factors in the pathogenesis of depression and anxiety.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667242123022984

I don't recommend trying this in such high doses but here's an example of what theraputic-grade lemon oil can do.
Lemon oil contains ~60% limonene, ~20% beta-pinene.

Nature's Herb Forum-Lemon Oil is Definitely Psychedelic!

So far I've done 3 high dose experiments with lemon essential oil, and I've experienced psychedelic effects all 3 times. 1st experiment (30 drops lemo

www.tapatalk.com

So it's all about the dose really. 5 drops of lemon oil might be calm + uplfting but 20+ drops things get more energising and euphoric.
In a sense, THC will tend to amplify the terpene effects in it's own unique way.

Also if something reduces cortisol (stress) then that will have an uplifting effect and greatly facilitate any healing practices.
Since you're looking to support somatic release and nervous system work, I'd prioritise anti-stress, good mood (uplifting), focus and calm. From experience i'd say Sandalwood does this quite well, but terpene wise - lemon (limonene, pinene), lavander (linalool) + cannabinoids works too. Or both cannabis + Sandalwood for synergy.

 

[scabbard]

Can high CBG strains be purchased at a regular dispensary? It seems that there are regular cannabis strains that have the "high CBG" suffix appended to the end (e.g. jack frost vs jack frost high CBG) - I'm assuming I can buy regular jack frost at a dispensary, but leafly shows it to have only 1% CBG, in comparison to 18% for the high CBG variety. I take it that 1% is not a high CBG amount, but the 18% in the "high CBG" variety is.