With so many different types of cannabis on dispensary shelves, shopping for cannabis can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are many different marijuana strains out there, each with their own effects and flavors. How do you know which one is right for you? Here’s what you need to know about cannabis strain definition, different types of strains, and finding a strain that is just right for you!
Strain Definition: Cannabis Strains and the Sativa, Indica, Hybrid Classification System
Before we get into the specifics of marijuana strains, let’s take a moment to think about strain definition. The term ‘cannabis strain’ refers to the specific genetic variety of cannabis plant that cannabis flower buds or other cannabis products come from.
Over the years, strains have been crossbred many times over, creating new types of cannabis and genetic varietals for consumers to enjoy. While some strains are very similar due to their shared genetic lineage, most strains feature a unique blend of effects, flavors, and aromas that are determined by their exact genetic makeup and their cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
To make things easier, cannabis strains have been arranged into 3 general groups, each with similar effects: sativas, indicas, and hybrids.
Sativa Strains
Sativa marijuana strains are known for their euphoric and uplifting cerebral effects. These strains can be stimulating and energizing and tend to not cause too much sleepiness or drowsiness, making them perfect for daytime use and for social occasions. Additionally, they have also been known to increase creativity and improve focus. Thanks to their uplifting effects, sativa strains are sometimes used to alleviate depression and as a medical cannabis alternative to sleep-inducing indica strains.
Some common sativa strains include:
Indica Strains
Indica marijuana strains are known for their soothing and relaxing properties. While sativa strains are typically associated with cerebral effects, indica strains are best known for the strong physical euphoria they produce. In addition, while sativas tend to be energizing and stimulating, indicas are sedating and sleep-inducing. Because of this, indica strains are best left for unwinding at the end of the day or capping off the night. Many people also find that these effects are especially useful for helping alleviate pain and anxiety.
Some common indica strains include:
Hybrid Strains
As their name implies, hybrid cannabis strains produce a blend of sativa and indica effects. Sativa-dominant hybrids will produce more sativa-type effects, while indica-dominant hybrids will produce more indica-type effects. These marijuana strains are a great choice for anyone looking for an in-between strain that produces a robust blend of both physical and cerebral effects.
Some common hybrid strains include:
Finding The Right Strain For You
Finding the right strain really depends on what kind of effects you’re looking to experience, and what you’ve got planned for the day. Ultimately, it will be up to you to experiment with different strains of cannabis in order to find the ones you like best.
Keeping a log of your sessions in a cannabis journal can be a great way to keep track of different types of bud and how each affected you. If you’re uncomfortable with using a pen and paper journaling method, you can also check out the app store and try one of several different note taking apps that are available exactly for this purpose.
