Real weed smokers know that not all buds are made equal. They differ in taste, potency, and overall experience. Strains organize this wealth of options into categories for easy exploration. Keep reading to learn the fundamentals of strain classification and how to find the perfect bud for you.
What Is a Cannabis Strain?
When most people think of the cannabis plant, they picture a green, leafy herb with pungent buds. However, there is much more to the plant than meets the eye. Within this single species of plant, Cannabis sativa L., there are countless variations of chemical makeup, appearance, and effects. These variations are known as strains.
A cannabis strain is a specific genetic variation of the plant that has been bred and cultivated to produce distinct characteristics. This includes differences in appearance, such as color and shape of buds, as well as chemical composition and effects on the user.
Cannabis, Classified
Cannabis strains are generally classified into three main categories: Indica, sativa, and hybrid. We explain each one in more detail below.
Indica Strains
Indica strains have a higher level of CBD (cannabidiol) and lower levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), so they typically produce a more relaxing and sedative effect on the user. Indica strains are often used for treating medical conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
Fun but useless fact you can share next time you smoke with friends: Indica's name originates from that of the country of India, which is where the first European botanist to classify it, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, received his samples from.
Sativa Strains
With a higher concentration of THC - the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces a "high" -Sativa strains are known for their energizing and uplifting effects. The plants themselves look different with tall and thin leaves. Sativa strains are commonly used during the day for increased creativity, focus, and productivity.
Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains are kind of like hybrid cars - a mix of practicality and fun in one package. They're essentially what happens when two of the aforementioned types of strains get together and have a baby. Each parent passes along their unique traits to create a new and exciting strain with the best of both worlds.
Why You Shouldn't Buy Weed Based On Classification Alone
The classification system we just explained will come in handy next time you stop by the dispensary. But it's important to recognize that these titles aren't 100% definitive. Indica and sativa are botanical names that refer to a plant’s structure. While structure and effect can be correlated, it’s not always the case. The terpene profile of a strain can also play a big role in its effects. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in plants and can have different effects on our bodies.
What's In a Name?
Strains are often named after their appearance, smell, or place of origin. But there are also some pretty creative names out there, which we can only assume were conceived after a couple of good hits.
Well-known examples include:
- Acapulco Gold
- Blue Dream
- Purple Kush
- LA Confidential
- Sour Diesel
- Bubba Kush
- Granddaddy Purple
- Maui Wowie
- Golden Goat
- Northern Lights
- Afghan Kush
- White Widow
How to Know Which Strain Is Right for You
The 'try it and see' strategy is neither safe nor smart. With psychoactive properties, side effects, and different levels of potency at play, your time and money will be best spent with pre-research. Delve deeper into options of interest to assess how they fit with your lifestyle, needs, and desires. Websites like Leafly or AllBud have extensive databases of information on strains, their effects, and reviews from other users.
Certain strains have specific contraindications - or no-nos - to know about before lighting up. Medication interactions for those who require them must be considered, as well as conditions like glaucoma which can have varying effects depending on the strain.
As for side effects, most popular varieties of weed today are associated with dry mouth, dry eyes, and dizziness. These are your trademark reactions. Then there are some rarer ones like anxiety, paranoia, or increased heart rate. Keeping track of the ones that affect you can be useful for future selection and dosage.
The Best Strains for Different Occasions and Moods
Don't be turned off by the side effects disclaimer - for the majority of users, weed does more good than harm. It wouldn't be such a blossoming market if it didn't. In fact, people purchase marijuana for a variety of reasons, ranging from medical to recreational. And there are strains that cater to these different purposes and emotions.
For a relaxing evening at home, try Indica-dominant strains like Granddaddy Purple or Bubba Kush. These strains are known for their calming effects and can help with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Green Crack or Sour Diesel will be your best friend when you need an energy boost and some creative inspiration. CBD-rich strains like ACDC and Charlotte's Web have been shown to help with pain, inflammation, and even seizures.
Whether you've tried one or puffed them all, there's always something new to discover in the world of weed strains. The sky's the limit to your high. Again, it's simply a matter of doing your research and asking the right questions. Recommendations from friends and budtenders can also help guide you in the right direction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How are strains categorized?
Strains are categorized based on their genetic makeup, which is determined by the ratio of sativa to indica genetics. Sativa strains tend to produce more energizing and uplifting effects, while indica strains have a more sedating and calming effect. There are also hybrid strains, which combine both sativa and indica genetics to produce a balanced range of effects.
What is the difference between medical and recreational strains?
Medical strains have been specifically bred and selected for their therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief or anxiety reduction. Recreational strains are often bred for their psychoactive effects and may have higher levels of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Can strains affect individuals differently?
Yes, strains can have varying effects on different individuals. Factors such as body chemistry, tolerance, and set and setting can all play a role in how a strain affects someone.
