In a wine store, you wouldn't grab any bottle of wine assuming it was the same. A wine that has the taste notes you want, outcomes you desire, and sweetness to your liking is what you're after.
You don't want to just stroll into a dispensary and take the first flower you see, just like that. Those flowers may all seem the same at first glance, yet each strain's effects might vary greatly. When it comes to marijuana, what precisely is a "strain?" If you're just getting started, here's a brief preview.
What is a cannabis strain?
The genetic variety of the cannabis plant is what gives the buds their fragrance, effects, and look. A good parallel would be your garden's tomato plants, which you can grow to produce tomatoes in various shades of red, yellow, orange, and even purple. Some tomatoes may be as little as cherries, while others will grow as large as a grapefruit. Although all tomato plants produce tomatoes, the fruits they produce and even the plants themselves may be distinctive. The plant's genetics, or strain, is to blame for these discrepancies. Strains of cannabis have different cannabinoid profiles, appearances, and effects.
Botanists have cross-bred, genetically developed and even specifically grown cannabis for particular purposes, much like other plants. Because each final product is distinct in terms of genetics, cannabinoid profile, and terpene profile, it is given a new moniker like "Sour Diesel," "Blueberry Kush," or "God's Gift.
A Closer Look at Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains of Marijuana
There are three fundamental kinds of cannabis strains:
- indica,
- sativa,
- and hybrid.
Because most strains come from multiple genetic backgrounds, it might be difficult to locate an entirely Sativa or Indica strain. As a result, the majority of cannabis strains are either Indica or Sativa dominant, meaning they exhibit a higher proportion of one or the other type's features.
Indica and Sativa strains are both present in a Hybrid strain, which is the most common. Crossing indica and sativa-dominant strains is the most common method of creating hybrids.
Indica and Sativa have been used for many years to characterize the effects of a strain, although this is no longer the case. Those generalizations may be valid to some degree. As a result, the list below includes some of the most often reported side effects associated with each of the strains mentioned above. Despite this, nothing about the experiences we've had thus far is final.
Sativa and Indica are used to describe the plant's physical characteristics in scientific terms.
Using an Indica-dominant strain may cause some individuals to be unable to get out of bed, while others may report that the same strain provided them a burst of more energy. This is in part due to the fact that each person processes cannabinoids in the plant in a unique way. In addition, the genetics of the strain might have an impact on the whole experience.
As an example, a grower's strain of Strawberry Cough may be somewhat different from another grower's strain of Strawberry Cough. Despite the best efforts of the business to keep things consistent, there will always be some differences.
A look at the effects of some of the most popular indica and sativa-dominant varieties as well as some of the most popular hybrids is in order.
Indica-Dominant Strains
- Death Star
- High Chew
- Salmon River OG
- Snowball #1
- Scout Breath
- Blue Dream
- Girl Scout Cookies
Primary Effects: Calming, Relaxing, Soothing
Sativa-Dominant Strains
- Lemon Brulee
- Lemon OG Haze
- Stardawg
- MTF
- Agent Orange
- Sour Diesel
- Purple Haze
Primary Effects: Energizing, Uplifting, Creative
Hybrid Strains
- Red Dragon
- Grape Diamonds
- Apex
- NF1
- Grease Monkey
- Original Glue
- Wedding Cake
Primary Effects: Balancing, Calm but Focused, or Relaxed and Alert
Choosing the Right Strains for You: Tips to Remember
The strain you choose is determined by the desired effect. As previously said, cannabis has a variety of medicinal applications, but certain strains are better for particular diseases than others.
It's also recommended to check the strain's possible side effects. Many of the more prevalent strains, listed below, indicate dry mouth, dry eyes, and dizziness as potential side effects. Marijuana may potentially mix with drugs you are already taking. When consuming marijuana, do not operate any equipment.
Now that you know what a cannabis strain is and why it's vital to choose the appropriate one, how do you go about finding the ideal one for you? Ultimately, it's a matter of personal taste. In order to get the best deals on marijuana, keep these suggestions in mind.
- Due to terpenes, each strain might have distinct taste and scent qualities.
- As far as impacts go, there are a few strains that are more upbeat and a few that are more mellow.
- Not all strains with the same name will have the same effects when used in the same way.
- The Leafly website provides a good overview of numerous strains, and a budtender is always available to answer your questions.
- Consider the strain's cannabinoid content while making a decision.
Common Curiosities About Strains
Gold Acapulco
Acapulco Gold is a well-known and highly regarded cannabis strain that originated in Acapulco, Mexico. It is known for providing euphoria and energetic effects. It is supposed to alleviate tiredness, stress, discomfort, and nausea.
The Blue Dream
Blue Dream is calming and comforting, but not completely sedative. This makes it ideal for relieving pain, cramps, or inflammation when you can't afford to sleep. It's also supposed to improve your mood and give you a sense of exhilaration.
Kush Purple
Purple Kush is excellent for producing a sense of pleasure, leaving you calm, cheerful, and drowsy. It is often used to treat pain and muscular spasms. Because of its sedative
What is the best cannabis strain?
With cannabis strains, "best" might always be a matter of opinion. Some individuals like to be comfortably slumbering on the sofa, while others need stimulation and alertness. Choosing the perfect strain may be a personal adventure that has more to do with you and what you want to experience than the strain itself.
To get the most out of your marijuana habit, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with a few strains that have synergistic benefits. The following are some examples:
- Agent Orange, Harlequin, Lilac Diesel, Jack Herer, and Harlequin are all strains for pain
- Mandarin Zkittlez, Sugar Plum Sunset, 9 Pound Hammer, and Apex are all excellent sleep inducing strains.
- Northern Lights, Green Crack, Red, Dragon, and Mandarin Cookies are some of the energy-boosting strains.
What is the strongest strain of weed?
Be a result of their potent effects, certain marijuana strains are referred to as "strengthy." In general, a high THC concentration is a sign that a strain is considered powerful. The potency of a strain isn't exclusively determined by its THC level.
In the case of strains like Cannatonic or Sour Widow, the high levels of THC are offset by the high levels of CBD, which reduces the psychoactive effects. CBD concentrations are greater in indica-dominant or hybrid strains. For those aiming for the maximum THC concentration, a few options might be:
- Fire OG
- Bubba Kush
- Lemon Banana Sherbet
- Gorilla Glue
- Stardawg
- Scout Breath