Knowledgebase

knowledgebase Category: Marijuana Strains

When you walk into a dispensary for the first time, you’ll notice quickly that there are many different varieties of cannabis. We refer to these different varieties as “strains.” You can think of strains in the same way that you think of different types of wine and beer or different breeds of dog. Even though cannabis strains might belong to the same plant family and species, they will have different properties and effects depending on their genetic makeup. Click the links below to see which products are available in the three different types of strains. 

The Three Major Types of Cannabis Strains

With 779 strains to choose from, how do first-time users narrow down their options so that they can find the strain that’s best for them?

First, they should consider the three major types of strains. They are as follows:

Sativa Strains

Sativa strains are recommended for daytime use because, when users consume them, they typically experience an invigorating, energizing, “head-based” effect.

Indica Strains

While sativas tend to be energizing and uplifting, the indica effect is “body-based,” sedative and relaxing. These strains are commonly recommended for nighttime use.

Hybrids

Hybrid strains are a cross between sativa strains and indica strains. They’re ideal for people who want both the head-based and body-based effects of sativas and indicas, respectively.

What Makes a Strain Unique?

The following factors determine how an individual strain will affect you:

The Percentage of THC

Some strains are bred to contain high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC belongs to a class of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids.

THC is also psychoactive, which means you’ll feel intoxicated when you consume it.

The more THC found in a strain, the more powerful its effect will be.

The Presence of Other Cannabinoids

THC is just one of over 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis.

Other cannabinoids, like cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN) can play a major role in the effect cannabis has on you.

CBD, in particular, is growing in popularity because of its medical benefits (pain relief, anxiety relief, anti-inflammation, anti-seizure). Plus, it’s non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you feel intoxicated.

The Presence of Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that determine the smell and flavor of a strain. They also have medicinal properties and can alter or intensify the psychoactive effects of THC.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Strains

Some people say they don’t like cannabis because they don’t like the way it makes them feel (too anxious, too paranoid, too sleepy, etc.).

But imagine if someone said they don’t drink alcohol because they don’t like the way whiskey tastes.

That person would be missing out on drinks like beer and wine, which don’t taste anything like whiskey. Not to mention other types of liquor such as vodka.

Cannabis is similar in this regard. By educating yourself on the different types of strains available, you can make better, more informed choices about the products you purchase.

Most importantly, you can find products that are the best fit for you.