Ain’t no shame if you’re a newbie to cannabis culture. But if you want to start on the right foot, you first need to know about cannabis strains, their potency levels and desired effects.
Knowledge is power, or in this case, knowledge is the difference between procuring quality marijuana products or duds.
Let’s get the legalities out of the way before we get started and dig deep. According to the Pew Research Center, about 71% of Americans live in a legal marijuana state.
However, cannabis remains illegal under federal law. Because of this, interpreting the law can be somewhat sketchy. California currently holds the record for the most marijuana dispensaries, totaling more than 3,600.
Washington and Colorado were the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use. Since then, a further 22 states have followed suit. Fourteen other states allow cannabis for medical use only.
Now that we’ve dealt with the legal aspects, we can move on to the good goods.
There are three main weed strains: sativa, indica, and hybrid.
Exploring Strains
WebMD explains that each strain has unique characteristics and affects the body differently. For a beginner, it is important to dig deep when choosing a strain for oneself.
Marijuana’s main components are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes psychoactive effects, and cannabidiol (CBD), which provides a calming sensation. The ratio of these components decides the end result of the product.
It’s also important to note that cannabis research is ongoing and the proposed effects of various strains have not been conclusively proven. In other words, you could experience a different “high” than your pal sitting across the room.
Sativa
Characterized by its tall height and thin leaves, Sativa weed strains are often described as energizing. But don’t bet all your money on it because not all sativa strains have this effect.
Cannabis connoisseurs claim that sativa is ideal for daytime use to help you stay focused and engaged. Choosing the right sativa strain can make a difference in your overall experience.
Many hybrids have sativa as the dominant strain. Then there are product specific variations. For example, Spritz flower is grown especially for smokers who value flavor and aroma and want to feel motivated throughout the day.
A few of the most common types of sativa are:
Blue Dream
According to GreenState Blue Dream was created in the 2000s when northern California cultivators combined DJ Short’s Blueberry and Haze. The result was 40% indica, 18% THC and little to no CBD.
A favorite among smokers, Blue Dream elicits ethereal and euphoric effects. This variant is recommended for stress reduction and relaxation.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is the best strain recommended for ADHD. With an average THC content of 25%, the strain is famed for its wake-and-bake appeal.
It’s also known to increase concentration and creativity. The classic cannabis appearance with slightly pinkish pistils makes it the most recognizable around the globe.
Ghost Train Haze
Ghost Train Haze, a cross of Ghost OG and Nevil’s Wreck delivers a potent euphoric buzz and a heady aroma. It contains 22% THC and less than 1% CBD.
Indica
Indica strains typically have higher CBD levels than Sativa, often with a 1:1 ratio. Also known as hemp, people describe the smell as “skunky.”
Many medical cannabis strains are indica hybrids known to treat joint pain, arthritis, insomnia, and fatigue.
Because the CBD content is high, users experience a relaxing, soothing feeling. Experts say the higher levels of terpene myrcene could be the reason for the sleepy sensation.
Cannabis indica strains are often cultivated in Afghanistan for hashish production. You might be familiar with some names: Afghan Kush, Purple Sunset and Northern Lights.
Hybrid
Most cannabis strains are hybrids, combining subspecies like indica, sativa, and ruderalis.
Ice Cream Cake for example has a sweet floral scent. The Indica-dominant hybrid delivers a potent punch: 20%-25% THC, and about 1% CBD. Ice Cream Cake is reportedly known to relieve stress, anxiety and pain.
Blue Cheese on the other hand combines 80% indica and 20% sativa. The strain also contains cannabigerol (CBG), the third most abundant cannabinoid after THC and CBD.
Not to be confused with Ice Cream Cake, Wedding Cake is a popular hybrid with its origins in L.A. The sweet cookie scent and frosted appearance of the flower buds gained it the name.
A cross between Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush, Durban Poison and Cherry Pie, Wedding Cake has 60% indica and 40% sativa.
How to Choose the Right Strain
It all depends on your personal preference and how “high” you want to get. As a general rule of thumb, consider the following:
Indica is for relaxation; sativa is more energizing and hybrids vary based on their THC and CBD content. Also, keep in mind that strong strains are high in THC with lower concentrations of CBD.
With that being said, you achieve a euphoric high, but other side effects can accompany it as well. Paranoia, anxiety and nausea have been known to numb the “high” and lessen the experience.
When smoked, THC enters the bloodstream within minutes. The effects usually peak in 30 minutes but it can take one to three hours to wear off. When consumed as an edible or drink, recovery may take several hours.
Many people mistakenly take more than what is needed and find themselves suffering from unintentional effects.
The Bottom Line
Cannabis can mean different things to everyone. For some, it’s a ritual only practiced during special occasions. Others use it to treat pain symptoms or to take a load off after a tough day.
Whatever your reason, cannabis is meant to be taken in moderation and with care. Respect the herb and the herb will respect you. Depending on your state, be mindful of the laws and regulations governing recreational marijuana use.
Although you might be new to the culture and excited about your journey, remember that cannabis is a drug and meant to be taken with caution. Have a sober buddy close by in case your high turns into a low.