If you are a patient with a medical card, you may already have a few strains that you prefer to buy. After using medical cannabis for a period of time, you start to learn what strains work best for your needs.
But have you ever tried a strain of medical cannabis that was more cerebral than you hoped? A combination of high creativity, energy, and some pretty trippy visuals? It may surprise you to learn that there are some psychedelic strains in the cannabis family.
On the other hand, some people enjoy the ‘head high’ and altered visuals that psychedelic weed provides. If you have been curious about hallucinogenic marijuana, this article is a great place to start.
What Are Psychedelic Drugs?
All controlled substances will make you feel impaired. However, drugs that are classified as psychedelic can cause effects that go far beyond impairment. Into the realm of hallucinogenic, where reality becomes a very altered perception.
There are many controlled substances that can cause psychedelic effects. Some of the most common psychedelic drugs that are illegally used for recreational purposes include the following:
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
- Psilocybin (magic mushrooms).
- Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) or Ayahuasca.
- Mescaline or Peyote.
- Ketamine (regulated and legalized for off-label prescription use).
- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
- Salvia divinorum (Mexican Mint)
- Ololiuqui (Morning Glory Seeds)
Some psychedelic drugs are also legalized in a small number of states. In fact, you’ve probably seen companies advertising psychedelic therapy using ketamine. Some studies suggest that ketamine treatments can help reduce symptoms of mental health disorders like moderate to severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other conditions.
Only ketamine is federally legalized for off-label therapeutic use. And you can only get ketamine by prescription from a doctor. Contrary to belief, most psychedelic weed strains do not cause the same level of psychoactivity. But when you compare trippy weed strains to regular cannabis and the effects, there can be a big difference.
What Does Psychedelic Cannabis Mean?
While marijuana can create effects that closely imitate psychedelic drugs, cannabis is not classified as psychedelic. By definition, a compound is psychedelic only if the drug engages the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors in the brain.
To make matters more confusing, both ketamine and MDMA also do not bind with the 5-HT2A receptors; they are classified as psychedelic drugs nonetheless. But the second definition of a psychedelic drug can include cannabis.
If a drug alters your perception of reality and stimulates hallucinations, it can be called psychedelic. By that second definition, the most psychedelic weed strains definitely fall within that category.
Can Any Strain of Cannabis Have Psychedelic Effects?
The effects of cannabis strains can be so subjective it is hard to predict the exact psychoactive effects they will have once consumed. Some people have low THC tolerance and may experience symptoms differently than another individual who has been using cannabis for several years.
Remember, human studies of cannabis have just opened up to researchers in the United States within the past five years. And more research is needed before we understand all of marijuana’s mysteries. And what suppresses or amplifies certain physical and cognitive effects of cannabis.
Like any information about cannabis strains, we have user feedback and reviews to go by. There is no exact number of psychedelic cannabis strains, but there are about twenty known strains that are more likely to cause hallucinations and other effects.
How Does a Psychedelic Cannabis High Feel?
People who have experienced psychedelic strains share that the sensations can include auditory hallucinations. That is, hearing sounds or voices that are not there. Visual hallucinations may also be possible. This may be an image moving, for example.
Some people experience a cannabis psychedelic trip that may also include altered taste, touch, and smell. For example, you may smell something delicious cooking in the kitchen, but it could just be the cannabis munchies playing tricks on you.
Other psychedelic effects can include visual hallucinations. They can be as simple as light sensitivity (bright light!) or freaky-looking shadows in the corner of the room. One review we read had someone using a psychedelic strain and photographing clouds, which appeared to be sheep to him.
Again, it is hard to predict how someone will react to a cannabis strain and whether their marijuana high will detour into a mild psychedelic trip. But for most people, strain reviews are a fairly accurate prediction of the psychoactive effects you could experience.
If that doesn’t feel comfortable for you, steer clear of psychedelic marijuana strains. Your best resource (aside from your marijuana-specialized doctor) is a dispensary. Budtenders at medical cannabis dispensaries can help you identify the best strains for your needs.
Psychedelic Effects or Too Much Cannabis? When to Get Medical Help
Symptoms of paranoia are not considered to be a psychedelic effect. Furthermore, hallucinations with other symptoms such as paranoia, nausea, dizziness, panic, and delusions can indicate acute cannabis toxicity. If you have taken too much THC, these symptoms can occur and are not pleasant.
If you feel that you have consumed too much THC and you are starting to experience alarming symptoms, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Often hospitals will administer IV therapy to help dilute and flush THC out of your body. It is not entirely effective, but it can help reduce uncomfortable symptoms as the THC level drops.
Who Should Not Choose Psychedelic Strains?
Individuals with a personal or close family history of psychosis, bipolar disorder(s), or schizophrenia should not use cannabis. There are many clinical studies that suggest the symptoms of certain mental health conditions can be made worse by cannabis, even at a lower THC potency or after consuming small quantities.
Patients with a diagnosis of the aforementioned mental health disorders will not be approved for a medical card by any licensed physician. Patients can be at a higher risk of injury or self-harm using any controlled substance.
Psychedelic Cannabis Strains
There are many different types of cannabis strains that are believed to provide psychedelic effects. And a great deal of information about these strains online if you want to learn more about them.
Here are seven (7) of the most commonly searched psychedelic cannabis strains and some interesting facts about each of them:
1. Durban Poison (25% THC)
Some people enjoy the uplifting psychoactive effects of Durban Poison. The Sativa strain is known for heightening sensory perception, and some people have shared that it can cause mild psychedelic effects.
What might you experience when taking Durban Poison? High energy and creativity. This is definitely not a “sit around and relax” kind of strain. Feelings of euphoria and motivation are common, as are deep thoughts.
Durban Poison is appreciated as a medical cannabis strain because it can help with pain relief without the sedation or grogginess associated with other types of cannabis. Patients who suffer from low mood, depression, and fatigue often favor this strain.
2. Thai Stick (15% to 18% THC)
Guess which country this strain of cannabis came from? If you guessed Thailand, you would be correct! Thai Stick is actually an original landrace strain that many hybrid strains have been created from.
Some experience a burst of creativity after consuming Thai Stick. Psychedelic effects you may experience include enhanced colors and changes in cognition, perception, and thought processing. The energetic psychoactive effects may help individuals with depression and anxiety.
Originating from Thailand, Thai Stick is a landrace strain that has been traditionally prepared by wrapping cannabis buds around a bamboo stick. It can provide potent psychedelic effects, often accompanied by feelings of euphoria and creativity.
3. Amnesia Haze (15% to 25% THC)
Ever notice how the names of some cannabis strains can give you a preview of what you might experience after consuming it? Artists love Amnesia Haze because of the wave of positive energy and cerebral mental boost this strain can provide.
If you don’t want to talk or get social or wax poetic about some deep intellectual stuff, this is probably not the best choice of cannabis strains for you. And when we say talk? We mean talk a lot because this strain is one of the chattiest ones around.
4. Panama Red (16% to 22% THC)
This one may be the most legendary of psychedelic week strains. Panama Red is notoriously hard to find (so don’t be surprised if you have to search on Weedmaps or Leafly to find a dispensary that carries it.
Panama Red became popular back in the 1960s, and it has bright red colored pistils on the bud (hence the name). It is Sativa dominant, which means high energy and a positive, uplifted mood are probable. And the cerebral high can be an adventure for your sensory system in terms of visual and auditory sensitivities.
5. Ayahuasca Purple (15% to 25% THC)
Ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic that has been used for centuries by indigenous people in Peru, Brazil, Columbia, and Ecuador. In the Amazon, Shamans used the combination of the Banisteriopsis Caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub for healing and ceremonial “spirit walking.”
The cannabis strain Ayahuasca Purple is not nearly as potent as Ayahuasca, but it does have a reputation for stimulating some psychedelic effects. This strain can create both a cerebral and a body high, which may help numb pain. But it is also a highly sedative strain for many people, with calming effects that may also help with stress and anxiety.
6. Malawi Gold (9% to 13% THC)
This Sativa landrace strain comes from Malawi, Africa. What is interesting about Malawi Gold is that in terms of potency, it doesn’t have a lot of THC content in comparison to other psychedelic strains. But it has a lot of resin, which may explain some of the effects.
Malwai Gold typically provides a cerebral high that can be accompanied by visual distortions. Focus and creativity are two other psychoactive properties that patients experience when using Malawi Gold as a medical marijuana strain.
7. Cosmic Bomb (16% to 20% THC)
This Indica dominant hybrid strain has an average cannabidiol (CBD) content of 2% to 3%, combined with a moderate level of THC. That means for people who have chronic pain or inflammation, it can be a helpful strain to try.
As far as trippy psychedelic strains go, Cosmic Bomb may hold a few surprises. It was developed from a parent strain called LSD if that gives you any indication of its potential. The high is described as energizing and cerebral.
Are There Any Advantages to Using Psychedelic Strains?
The popularity of ketamine as a treatment for mental health conditions may have you considering psychedelic strains, particularly if you suffer from low mood, fatigue, and problems with major depression.
Taking a break from the symptoms of depression can allow you to get caught up on much-needed sleep and give you the energy to socialize, which also has a positive impact on mood. Talk to your doctor about trying psychedelic cannabis strains.
Aaron Bloom, an experienced healthcare attorney, serves as the CEO of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers, where he has overseen the organizations’ mission and growth since 2016. In addition to his leadership roles, Aaron serves on the Board of Directors for Waterfall Bank, bringing his expertise in healthcare, compliance, and strategic growth to the financial services sector.
Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives stems from more than 20 years of owning, operating, and representing traditional healthcare organizations. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to finding better ways to relieve suffering and expand access to innovative, patient-centered care. As CEO, Aaron works each day to help patients achieve better health and wellness through the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis and other evidence-based alternative medicines.