A Music Festival Lovers Guide to Cannabis Strains

For music festival lovers, the return of festival season is one of the most anticipated parts of summer. Camping with friends, venue activities, the sound of live music in the air, and hanging out around a campfire when the day is done simply can’t be beat. 

Although just being at a festival is already great, there is one element that can truly elevate your experience: the right cannabis strain. 

Cannabis and festivals have a long history of pairing well together, but the right strain can make or break how perfect that pairing is.  Of course, that “perfect strain” might be a bit different depending on what part of the festival day you’re in and your planned schedule. 

To help you determine the best strain for your upcoming fest, we’ve compiled a guide using cannabis to heighten your mood no matter what part of the festival you’re in! 

During the Day

Whether it’s day one or day four, you’re going to want your daytime cannabis strain to energize you and get you pumped for both campsite activities and what’s to come later when the sun sets. 

If it’s later in the festival weekend, you might also be dragging a bit and desperately need a little pick me up — and possibly a bit of hangover relief too. 

Many festivals have a wide range of activities as well, so you’ll want to be ready to enjoy those. The last thing you want is a strain that’s going to give you that “couch-locked” feeling.

As such, Sativa strains are going to be your new best friend. 

If you’re ready to take things to another level, the strain Durban Poison is considered the “espresso” of cannabis. It’s a clearheaded high that’s extremely stimulating. 

Sour Diesel is also a great option, which is likely to be easy to find at most dispensaries. This non-couch-locking cerebral high makes a great enhancement for any activity you decide to participate in that day. 

The ever-popular Jack Herer is another Sativa favorite that offers a clean high and is known for being ideal for creative pursuits. It fights fatigue and gives you a nice burst of energy. 

When it’s time to get social, Girl Scout Cookies have your back. Known for giving you feelings of self-assurance and giddiness, you’ll be ready to have a great day with friends.  

The Concert

When it’s time to head into the venue and listen to music, certain strains lend themselves to an even better concert experience.

Sativa strains are, once again, going to be your best bet to keep the energy going so you can enjoy every song and dance the night away — with a few exceptions we’ll mention below. 

A few of the strains mentioned above are also great for listening to live music. Girl Scout Cookies, Sour Diesel, and Jack Herer are perfect for live music listening experiences and keeping your energy level up. 

A slightly different option is Blue Dream. Although it’s technically a hybrid, it provides a euphoric experience that lends itself well to rock or country music festivals due to its 24% THC and 2% CBD blend. 

A first-place prize winner numerous years in a row, Lemon Haze is a limonene terpene heavy strain that fights stress and fatigue. It also makes users feel social, so it’s great when you’re shoulder to shoulder with friends (and strangers) while getting pumped for your favorite band. 

The legendary OG Kush, while a more Indica-heavy hybrid, is worth mentioning because it has a history of being interwoven with the hip-hop music world on the West Coast. It was practically made for being enjoyed while listening to music, but it might be one you take closer to the end of the day (such as close to the end of the headliner’s set) since it is a bit more Indica dominant. 

After Hours Chill Mode

It’s been a long day of campsite fun, festival activities, and live music, but now it’s time to chill around the campfire, chat with fellow campers about how incredible that last band was, and start thinking about getting some rest so you’re ready to do it all again the next day. 

This is the perfect time to break out those Indica strains — such as that OG Kush you might have brought along.

Northern Lights, a popular Indica strain, is known for its sedative and relaxing effects, which makes it perfect for unwinding from all the hype and activity of the day. 

Also in the Kush family is Bubba Kush, which boasts sedative and relaxing effects. This strain has a high level of THC and is perfect for when you’re ready to relax, head to bed (or when you’re not ready to head to bed but know you should), and get a good night’s sleep. 

If you have a go-to Indica you take before bed, any strain will do once it’s time to unwind post-concert!

Pro Tips for Having the Best Possible Music Festival Experience with Cannabis

If you’re also thinking about bringing some of your personal favorite strains, there are a few things to consider. 

First is the THC content.  If a strain you’re considering has very high levels of THC, this could cause overstimulation. If the THC level is too low, you might not get much enjoyment you want out of it. 

Find a strain with a nice middle ground of THC. Alternatively, try consuming a smaller amount of cannabis intermittently to accurately gauge your buzz level slowly and keep it going from there. 

Choosing a strain that contains cannabidiol (CBD) might also be helpful for a more enjoyable music festival experience. This is because CBD reduces anxiety and stress and allows for better focus without side effects like external stimuli getting you overwhelmed as too much THC can.

Flew a little higher than you expected? Drink some fresh squeezed lemonade. Those lemon shake-up stands found at most festivals are a great place to take the edge off your high. Lemons have terpene limonene in them, which may help reduce the effect THC has on your brain. 

Ibuprofen is also a THC suppressor, so it could help with some of the negative cognitive side effects of THC. Keeping a few in your pocket is never a bad idea!

Finally, be sure to drink lots of water! Chances are it’s hot out anyway, and you’ll be sweating. It’s crucial to have a refillable water bottle with you at all times to combat dreaded cottonmouth and dehydration.

Final Thoughts

Festival season is in full swing for a while longer, and pairing the right cannabis strain with your experience can make an already fantastic time even more memorable. From energizing Sativas that keep you pumped throughout the day to relaxing Indicas that help you unwind around the campfire, there’s a strain for every moment.

By being mindful of THC levels, incorporating CBD, and staying hydrated, you can elevate your festival experience to new heights. So pack your essentials, plan your strains, and get ready to enjoy every beat, laugh, and memory this festival season has to offer.