As more and more people explore the world of weed and all the different weed strains that exist, the choices can be overwhelming. With so many options and high quality brand names, asking yourself the right questions can be the place to start.
Here’s a helpful guide of common terms and questions to help you determine which weed strain may best serve your needs.
3 Major Weed Strain Types: Sativa, Indica, & Hybrid
You may already be familiar with the words sativa and indica, which are the two most popular categories that weed strains are divided into. While each has its own characteristics, there are also hybrids that have characteristics of both indicas and sativas.
What Is a Sativa?
The word sativa comes from the scientific name Cannabis sativa, in which Cannabis is the name of the genus, and the species name is sativa, which means “cultivated” in Latin. Sativas are generally longer and less dense plants due to their long growing seasons.
Sativas can vary from strain to strain, but they are appreciated for their light and energizing effects when consumed. This light feeling is usually referred to as more of a mental or head high. This effect is because sativas usually have a higher THC to CBD ratio than their indica siblings.
What Is an Indica?
Cannabis indica is the scientific name of the species of weed strains popularly called indicas, which means “from India.” Nowadays, indicas are grown across the globe and are known for being short and dense plants due to their short growing cycles.
As indicas are usually higher in CBD than THC, their effect is more of an intense body or physical high that can vary from strain to strain. Not all strains will result in you melting into the couch, but the amount and method of consuming can impact this effect.
What About Hybrids?
Hybrids are more balanced in their THC to CBD ratio, so hybrid weed strains can feature more of a light mental and physical high that can be a great all around effect.
Hybrids tend to have qualities of both sativa and indica, but they tend to lean towards one or the other.
For instance, a hybrid may be energizing (like a sativa), but the strongest sensation will be a full-body high (like an indica). It’s also important to note that hybrids affect everyone differently based on your genetics, state of mind, body chemistry, and experience with cannabis.
You may find success experimenting with different strands to see which leans more towards the energetic highs of a sativa or which is more of that full body bliss brought on by an indica. How you experience hybrids will be unique based on your unique mental and body characteristics.
With experience, you’ll be able to tell more directly what you prefer and can make better-informed decisions based on those previous experiences.
Strains for Pain
Both chronic and short term pain can be a massive drain on day-to-day energy, mentally and physically. For pain relief, weed strains that are high in THC can help you get some mental relief, while a strain higher in CBD can help to relax your body.
Depending on the relief you are seeking out, an indica may be great for a release of physical pain while a sativa can make the pain not seem as intense. Trying a hybrid weed strain is a great choice if you’re on the fence between options.
Strains for Stress & Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are increasingly common, but a sativa weed strain high in THC can help release mental tension caused by daily life. You may also consider experimenting with a hybrid strain for some physical relief of tension.
Strains for Insomnia
One study found that consuming weed strains high in THC before bed helped to get people to sleep and have more deep sleep.
If you’re having trouble drifting off at the end of the night or just want to catch more restful zzz’s, searching out an indica or hybrid that has a higher THC content would be a great start.
Strains for Enriching Experiences
Enriching experiences: This is when many people say the sativa can be the key to the castle of creativity and enjoyment. If you are looking to widen your perceptions and experience life on a new plane, look for a sativa weed strain with higher THC content.
High THC content can be ideal for those who want to push the limits of, or even distort, their senses. Historically, cannabis has links to spiritual experiences and journeys through self-realization that have been found in cultures around the world.
Experimenting to find your personal relationship with each strain can help you to find that new mental level that you’re seeking.
Experimenting With Taste & Smell
For those who may not know what they need or who are looking to experiment, that’s great! Every person will experience their own unique perception when consuming different weed strains.
Maybe your friend talked for hours about the amazing effects of one strain, but it felt flat for you. That’s more common than you might think. Your unique body’s chemistry affects your personal tastes for how things called terpenes, parts of the plant that add to taste and smell, are experienced.
Take notes when you’re trying a new weed strain. What effect did you like? Was the feeling heavy or maybe it was too light? Listen when your body is telling you what it likes, and go from there.
In your journey to find the high quality product that will fit your preferences, let the rich experience and knowledge base of our caring staff help guide you. Finding your ideal weed strain is a personal choice, so come down to the shop and check out what we have available to meet your unique needs.