A Guide to Types of Weed Strains
Weed strains are various types of cannabis, a flowering plant, commonly referred to as marijuana. There are over 700 various weed strains, categorized into three main groups. Each weed strain is distinct, so think of them as breeds.
Different weed strains will impact the body in varying ways based on their levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD). THC and CBD are the principal cannabinoids found in marijuana. THC is more likely to have psychoactive, or mind-altering, effects than CBD. It's what causes the high, or intoxicated, sensation you feel when you use weed.
Sativa Weed Strains
Cannabis sativa is the botanical name for cannabis. Sativa is a weed strain that grows tall and has narrow leaves. Sativa weed strains are usually characterized as energizing, but not all sativa weed strains are energizing. Every strain is made up of different chemicals and hypothesized effects. These are some of the best weed strain types.
Blue Dream
This sativa-dominant strain has approximately 40% indica, 18% THC, and negligible or no CBD. Most weed smokers enjoy its peppery and sweet taste. Some claim Blue Dream is energizing and uplifting, allowing them to cope with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and PTSD. However, studies on these effects are uncertain. Researchers are also examining its efficacy in relieving pain, including migraines.
Jack Herer
It is named after Jack Herer, a marijuana rights activist who passed away in 2010. It is used to treat headache and migraine pain, although studies on its efficacy continue. Jack Herer consists of about 55% sativa and 45% indica. It is more THC-rich (15%-24%) and has very little CBD (1% or lower).
Sour Diesel
It is a 90% sativa weed that has approximately 18%-26% THC. Certain individuals have utilized this strain to relieve headaches. Its clinical benefits are still being researched by scientists.
Ghost Train Haze
Ghost Train Haze is 22% THC and under 1% CBD. It is also rich in terpinolene, a plant chemical with a pine, wood, herb, and citrus scent. Some users claim it suppresses anxiety and depression, as well as inflammation, but there's not enough data yet to validate those assertions.
Indica Weed Strains
Growers will label strains as "indica" if they contain medium amounts of both THC and CBD. A more even ratio of THC to CBD might have a sedating, calming effect. Not all strains of indica do this, however.
Indica strains can have a heritage based in Afghanistan and often have an earthy smell. Below are a couple of Indica weed strains.
Afghan Kush
This is an all-indica weed strain with no sativa. You will notice its earthy, pine aroma and flavors. It possibly originated in the Hindu Kush mountain range close to Afghanistan's border with Pakistan. It contains high THC levels (averaging at 20%) and 0.1%-1% CBD.
Due to its high THC levels, be careful if you are not familiar with this strain. This strain has reportedly been used to decrease stress and anxiety, chronic pain, loss of appetite, and insomnia, but science hasn't validated such uses.
Northern Lights
This strain consists of approximately 95% Indica and 5% Sativa. Its THC level typically falls between 16% and 21%. It will contain roughly 0.1% CBD. Some users say this strain can help them deal with insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety, but researchers are still investigating its impact.
For some individuals, the Northern Lights have a "couch lock" effect (draining their energy). Be prepared to smell and taste pine and earth.
Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is a sweeter, grape-tasting indica marijuana strain. It is 70% indica and 30% sativa. Its THC content is 17% to 23%, and its CBD content is 0.1% to 1%. It is reported by some users that it can relieve anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite due to medication or treatment.
Hybrid Weed Strains
Most weed strains are hybrids, consisting of various subspecies of cannabis. Hybrids can contain indica, sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis, a less frequent and low-THC variety.
Some hybrid weed strains to look into are listed below.
Ice Cream Cake
This is a powerful strain with 20%- 25% THC and approximately 1% CBD. It is bred by crossing Wedding Cake and Gelato #33 strains to give it a creamy, sweet taste. According to some individuals, ice cream cake strain reduces stress, anxiety, and pain, but research has not yet established these effects.
Purple Gelato
This strain has a 50% indica to 50% sativa ratio. It has an average of 20% THC and roughly 1%- 2% CBD. A cross between Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies strains, it is best known for its berry flavor. Some report that this strain aids them in coping with chronic pain, stress, and depression.
Wedding Cake (Triangle Mints)
This strain contains roughly 60% indica and 40% sativa. It is a cross between the Animal Mints and Triangle Kush strains. This strain is high in THCa (averaging 25%) and contains CBD from 0.1% to 0.25%. Some users say that this strain helps with chronic pain relief, insomnia, and loss of appetite. This strain is sweet and peppery in flavor with vanilla, lemon, and earth notes.
Blue Cheese
Blue Cheese is an indica-dominant hybrid weed strain with 80% indica and 20% sativa. It also contains 2% cannabigerol (CBG), the third most prevalent cannabinoid in weed after THC and CBD. Studies indicate that CBG can be useful in treating neurological diseases like Parkinson's and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its THC level is between 18% and 20%.
Many weed users have reported using this weed strain for relaxation and to treat anxiety and depression, symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorder, but these have not been scientifically proven.
In Conclusion
Selecting the ideal strain can be challenging. The general categories, indica, sativa, and hybrid, mean different things to different growers and dispensaries. In general, though, indica strains are more calming, and sativa strains are more stimulating. Hybrids depend on their concentration of THC and CBD. The best category and strain for you will depend on your tolerance for THC and what effects you desire, for example, pain relief or the alleviation of anxiety.