What Is the Best Weed Strain?
With the proliferation of cannabis strains, it can be difficult to choose the best strain for your needs. Different strains offer different levels of potency and effects. It is important to understand the different varieties of weed and their effects, in order to select the strain that is right for you.
In this article, we will discuss the different aspects of cannabis that should be considered when selecting a strain:
Definition of Weed Strain
In general terms, a weed strain is a specific type of cannabis plant that is grown for its unique characteristics and desired effects. Selecting the right strain is essential to maximize the desired effect of the cannabis you are using. It is also important to note that each strain has its own set of properties, including smell, taste and psychoactive effects. Different strains produce different levels of THC and CBD, which can be helpful when deciding which one might be best for your needs. Many strains are hybrids, meaning they have been bred together to create a new type of plant with specific characteristics.
Understanding weed strains can help you determine what best suits your needs or problem area. For example, patients seeking relief from chronic pain often find that indica strains are more effective because they typically offer stronger sedation than most sativa varieties. Others looking for more energetic effects may opt for sativa dominated hybrids as these tend to provide uplifting mental effects accompanied by physical stimulation. Those looking for something in between may find that hybrid strains offer the perfect balance of physical relaxation with equally balanced mental clarity and alertness.
No matter what type of experience you’re after, it’s important to understand the differences between weed strains before making any purchase decisions.
Different Types of Weed Strains
Choosing the right type of weed for your needs can be overwhelming given the vast array of available strains. While there is no single “best” strain, there are different types of weed strains that offer various benefits and effects. Each type is unique in its own way, so it is important to investigate each one before making a decision.
- Sativa: Often characterized by a tall, thin plant structure and light green leaves with thin fingers, Sativa strains typically provide an uplifting and energetic experience for the user. The effects start off promptly upon consumption and can last for several hours making it a popular choice among social users. The smell produced by these plants tend to be sweet and fruity as well as pungent.
- Indica: These types of weed strains are shorter and bushier in stature than Sativa varieties with darker green leaves that feature wide hands. Indica generally produces more sedating effects that have been characterized as relaxing both physically and mentally. They tend to affect the user much more quickly than Sativas but last shorter than them too, meaning you get most of the effects almost immediately but they wear off quicker as well.
- Hybrid: Hybrids are exactly what they sound like – a combination between two or more different weed strains that creates something entirely new in terms of potential effects, potency and aroma. Usually hybrid combinations involve one Indica and one Sativa but there are also hybrid blends involving all three classifications (Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant or balanced). With hybrids you can get both positive mental stimulation from the Sativas along with soothing physical effect from an Indica or vice versa!
Popular Weed Strains
When it comes to weed strains, there are a wide variety of choices available that can suit any need. From long-lasting effects to low potency, each strain can provide a unique experience.
In this article, we will be exploring some of the most popular weed strains, their effects, and potential medicinal benefits.
Sativa Strains
Sativa strains are known for their uplifting, energizing and creative effects. Sativas are typically associated with furthering productivity and creativity, making them an excellent choice when you need an extra boost of motivation to finish a project or be social.
Sativa strains tend to be more popular during the day because of their energizing and stimulating effects. Common sativa varieties are Amnesia Haze, Jack Herer, Super Silver Haze, Durban Poison and Strawberry Cough. If you’re looking for a more physical effect alongside your mental boost, have a look at sativa-dominant hybrid strains like Zero Gravity or Sugar Berry Diesel.
The next time you’re searching for cannabis at a dispensary or retailer, pay attention to the Sativa strain names that the budtender suggests – it may just surprise you!
Indica Strains
Indica strains are a good option for those looking for relaxation and relief, as they typically contain higher levels of CBD (cannabidiol). They can help reduce anxiety and stress, ease pain, relax muscles, and even improve sleep. Indicas come in many varieties boasting an array of flavors from fruity to earthy to spicy.
Popular indica strain choices include Northern Lights, Bubblegum Kush, Blue Cheese, OG Kush and Purple Urkel. These strains usually produce a deep body relaxation with a heavy feeling in the limbs. Indica is excellent for medical patients looking for strong pain relief or who need help sleeping because of insomnia or chronic pain.
Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains of cannabis are created when two or more varieties of cannabis plants are crossed to combine the desired characteristics of each. These strains possess properties from both the Indica and Sativa species, such as increased potency, enhanced flavors and aromas, increased yield, and various effects ranging from stimulating to sedating.
Common effects associated with Hybrid Strains include an elevated mood, relaxation, relief of stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration levels, uplifting cerebral energy, creativity stimulation, improved energy levels and motivation.
Popular hybrid strains include:
- Gelato
- Purple Punchsicle
- Wedding Cake
- Strawberry Banana Sorbet
Other popular hybrid varieties include:
- Blue Dream
- Forbidden Fruit
- White Widow
- Gorilla Glue #4
- Sour Diesel
- Pineapple Express
Each strain will have its own unique combination of flavors and aromas that makes it stand out from the others in this group. Some popular aromas associated with Hybrid Strains are sweet skunkiness, blueberry ashiness, orange-nectar earthiness and fuel-like diesel fumes. Popular flavors noted from these hybrid buds can range from sweet types like mango or citrus to herbal or even cheese-like tastes.
Benefits of Different Weed Strains
Different weed strains offer a variety of benefits for medicinal and recreational use. Each strain comes with different levels of THC and CBD, meaning that each strain has the potential to offer different types of effects. While some strains may be best for treating certain medical conditions, other strains may be better suited for recreational users.
Let's explore the benefits of different weed strains:
Sativa Strains
Sativa strains are known for their energizing and uplifting effects, making them ideal for daytime use to increase creativity and productivity. They contain higher concentrations of THC, the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Sativas tend to be larger in size and have a longer flowering period than their Indica counterparts, with thinner leaves that are a lighter shade of green.
The benefits of Sativa strains include:
- Increased euphoria and energy
- Heightened creativity and focus
- Help with alleviating depression, stress and anxiety
- Treatment for chronic pain relief
- Reduced inflammation or cramping
- Ability to reduce seizures associated with epilepsy
- Sexual stimulation due to an increase in dopamine production
Popular Sativa strains include Jack Herer, Super Silver Haze, Green Crack, Durban Poison, Sour Diesel and Strawberry Cough.
Indica Strains
Indica strains are the darker green, bushier version of cannabis. These plants tend to be shorter and wider than Sativa varieties, and they have been bred to have a higher amount of THC-A than other varieties. These cannabis strains provide powerful body effects that are great for pain relief or getting a better night’s sleep.
Common Indica Strains include:
- Afghani
- Northern Lights
- Granddaddy Purple
- Mazar I Sharif
- Bubba Kush
Indica strains usually contain higher amounts of CBD and lower levels of THC compared to Sativa varieties, making them helpful for calming physical symptoms like pain without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. Examples where Indicas are useful include spasms and muscle tension caused by fibromyalgia or arthritis. They can also be used to help reduce nausea related with chemotherapy or other treatments.
Hybrid Strains
Hybrid Strains are created by crossing different Indica and Sativa species. By mixing the two subspecies, the resulting hybrid strain typically carries a mixture of both Indica and Sativa effects and can be tailored to suit a myriad of medical needs.
Many Hybrid Strains possess profound therapeutic qualities due to their high levels of CBD, and lower levels of THC. When blended together properly in the correct ratio, Hybrid Strains can be beneficial for those suffering from an array of ailments including muscle spasms, pain relief, PTSD and stress management – inducing relaxation without sacrificing potency or alertness.
Many of today's most popular strains are Hybrids – such as Gorilla Glue #4, Blue Dream, Girl Scout Cookies and Strawberry Cough. Best consumed during the day or towards evening time depending on your particular preferences.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Weed Strain
With so many different weed strains out there, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. It is important to consider a few factors before settling on one strain. Aspects such as potency, flavor, and type of high should be taken into account.
Let's look at some of the key factors to consider when choosing a weed strain:
THC and CBD Content
When choosing a weed strain, it is important to consider the presence and ratio of THC and CBD (the two main active compounds in cannabis). THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, while CBD does not produce a “high” but has potential therapeutic benefits. Knowing the levels of both cannabinoids in a particular strain can help you make an educated decision when selecting a product.
Depending on your needs, you may be looking for either a low-THC and high-CBD strain for therapeutic uses, or conversely a high-THC strain that offers more of an intense mental experience. Hybrid strains are available as well and often offer the best of both worlds—higher levels of both cannabinoids than their pure Indica or Sativa parents. Whatever your preference may be, it’s important to become educated on the levels of both cannabinoids present in each weed strain so that you can better tailor your experience.
Flavor and Aroma
The flavor and aroma of your cannabis is also a factor to consider when selecting the perfect strain. While flavors can vary from sweet to earthy and lemony, aromas are normally categorized as fruity, skunky, floral, spicy or herbal. Buds from different plants in the same strain may have subtle differences in flavor. For example, an Afghani-Dominant CBD strain such as ACDC may have notes of pine and pepper while another plant within that same strain may have more of a sweet citrus aroma on top of its earthy undertone. Likewise, there will be different levels of intensity between strains across the same category when it comes to both flavor and aroma.
When you shop online for cannabis buds, you can find strain-specific reviews along with detailed descriptions to help you make an informed purchase.
Effects
When choosing the right strain of weed, it is important to consider the effects that the sativa, indica or hybrid strains can offer. Knowing the difference between these cannabis species and their effects plays a major role when choosing a strain.
- Sativa strains are known for providing an uplifting and clear headed feeling which not only boosts creativity but also helps you stay alert and energized. It can raise your energy levels and often used to fight fatigue as well as acting as a natural antidepressant.
- Indica is known for providing relaxation while still giving you a sense of euphoria which makes it ideal for stress relief and pain management. It can also have sleep inducing properties, helping those with insomnia get a good night's rest.
- Hybrid strains are the cross between Sativa and Indica strains so many varieties have been created over time to try to optimize certain characteristics from both sides of the spectrum like pain relief as well as cerebral stimulation.
Knowing what types of effects each strain offers will help you determine which will be best for your needs when selecting weed.
Conclusion
The type of marijuana strain you choose will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you want a strain that’s more relaxing, one that helps with medical issues, or one with a combination of both, there are countless choices available. No matter which type of strain you opt for, remember to always look for organic options and buy from reputable sellers.
If you’re still unsure where to begin, check out online reviews and visit local dispensaries in your state. When it comes to choosing the right strain for you, there’s no substitute for personal experience. Try out different strains until find one that works best for you and your needs!