Weed Strains 101: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Cannabis
Have you ever wondered about different types of weed strains and their effects? Are you confused that out of 700 named varieties of cannabis, how will you find the one that suits you best? Fear not, as you are not alone.
So, if you are among those whose minds are filled with questions like what weed strains are and how they differ, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will answer all your questions and will ultimately help you find the best weed strain.
What are Weed Strains?
Weed strains are different types of cannabis plants, and each has a different composition, flavor, aroma, and effects.
Weed strains differ based on their genetic makeup. In turn, the genetic makeup is decided based on their respective parent plants, their cannabinoid and terpene content, and the conditions in which they are grown.
Cannabis Classification: Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid
Cannabis strains are primarily categorized into three different classes:
Indica
Sativa
Hybrid
We will cover the difference between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains in a future post. However, for now, we want you to know that due to a diverse genetic background, getting fully indica or sativa strains might be difficult today.
Instead, you will find either Indica-dominant or Sativa-dominant strains, depending on the percentage of Indica and Sativa in their composition.
Hybrids are the most prevalent type of cannabis strain, which are formed by the cross of different strains. Often, such a cross is between an Indica-dominant and a Sativa-dominant strain.
While the Indica-dominant hybrids are known to be more relaxing, the Sativa-dominant hybrids are characterized by their more energizing effects. Thus, cultivators can cross between different parent strains to develop specific experiences, such as a strain that provides full-body relaxation while keeping the mind alert.
Some of the major distinguishing features between the three are:
Classification | Origin | Plant Traits | Common Effects | May Help Relieve |
Indica | Central Asia | Short, bushy, broad leaves | Relaxing, sedating, good for sleep | Anxiety, pain relief, and insomnia |
Sativa | Equatorial regions | Tall, thin, narrow leaves | Uplifting, energizing, suitable for daytime | Depression, fatigue, creativity |
Hybrid | Crossbred from Indica and Sativa | Varies depending on parent strains | Balanced effects | Versatile, tailored to specific needs |
Cannabinoids and Terpenes
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids account for THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol).
THC Level
THC is the psychoactive compound that is responsible for the high that you get when consuming weed. The higher the THC level, the harder-hitting the high.
CBD Level
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that provides calming and relaxing effects and offers many health benefits.
Terpenes
Terpenes are the compounds mainly responsible for the aroma of cannabis. At times, certain terpenes are also associated with some medical benefits.
Some of the most common terpenes include:
Terpene | Aroma | Potential Effects |
Myrcene | Earthy, musky | Sedative, Anti-inflammatory |
Limonene | Citrus | Mood elevation, Stress relief |
Pinene | Pine | Alertness, Memory retention |
Linalool | Floral, lavender | Calming, Anti-anxiety |
Caryophyllene | Spicy, peppery | Anti-inflammatory, Pain relief |
Popular Cannabis Strains and Their Effects
Here are some of the best weed strains known for their recreational and medical uses.
Indica Dominant Strains
Indica-dominant strains are characterized by their "body high."
Strain Name | THC Level | Indica/Sativa Ratio | Dominant Terpenes | Effects |
Purple Kush | 22% | 100% Indica | Myrcene, Pinene | Deep relaxation, euphoric, excellent for pain and stress. |
Northern Lights | 16% - 21% | 100% Indica | Myrcene, Limonene | Sedative, relaxing, pain-relieving, excellent for sleep. |
Afghan Kush | 21% | 100% Indica | Myrcene, Caryophyllene | Relaxing, sedative, pain relief, sleep aid. |
LA Confidential | 26% - 30% | 95% Indica / 5% Sativa | Caryophyllene, Limonene | Relaxing and calming, helps with insomnia and pain relief. |
Bubba Kush | 15% - 22% | 80% Indica / 20% Sativa | Caryophyllene, Myrcene | Relaxation, sleep-inducing, body high, stress relief. |
Death Star | 18% - 27% | 75% Indica / 25% Sativa | Caryophyllene, Myrcene | Deep relaxation, calming, euphoric, and possible sedation. |
Salmon River OG | 20% - 29% | 75% Indica / 25% Sativa | Caryophyllene, Limonene | Uplifting, relaxing, pain relief, sleep aid. |
Granddaddy Purple | 20% - 27% | 70% Indica / 30% Sativa | Myrcene, Pinene | Calming, sleepy, mood enhancement, perfect for insomnia. |
Animal Cookies | 20% - 27% | 75% Indica / 25% Sativa | Caryophyllene, Limonene | Deep relaxation is euphoric and sleep-inducing; it may help with stress and insomnia. |
Sativa Dominant Strains
Sativa dominant strains are known for their "head high."
Strain Name | THC Level | Indica/Sativa Ratio | Dominant Terpenes | Effects |
Durban Poison | 15% - 24% | 100% Sativa | Terpinolene, Myrcene | Energetic, uplifting, focus-enhancing; may cause paranoia in high doses. |
Sour Diesel | 19% - 25% | 90% Sativa / 10% Indica | Myrcene, Limonene | Energizing, uplifting, stress-relieving; may lead to paranoia in sensitive users. |
Super Silver Haze | 18% - 23% | 80% Sativa / 20% Indica | Caryophyllene, Limonene | Euphoric, creative, energetic; may cause dry mouth and eyes. |
Strawberry Cough | 22% - 26% | 80% Sativa / 20% Indica | Myrcene, Limonene | Uplifting, social, anxiety-reducing |
Trainwreck | 18% - 25% | 80% Sativa / 20% Indica | Limonene, Pinene | Energetic, euphoric, creative; may cause dry mouth and eyes. |
Jack Herer | 15% - 24% | 80% Sativa / 20% Indica | Terpinolene, Caryophyllene | Creative, euphoric, focus-enhancing; may cause dry mouth. |
Super Lemon Haze | 25% | 80% Sativa / 20% Indica | Limonene, Terpinolene | Energetic, lively, uplifting; may help with fatigue and depression. |
Memory Loss | 26% - 31% | 70% Sativa / 30% Indica | Terpinolene, Caryophyllene | Uplifting, euphoric, creative; may cause disorientation and increased appetite. |
Hulkberry | 27% | 65% Sativa / 35% Indica | Myrcene, Terpinolene | Uplifting, giggly, energetic; may cause dizziness. |
Green Crack | 15% - 25% | 65% Sativa / 35% Indica | Limonene, Terpinolene | Energizing, focus-enhancing, mood-lifting; may lead to dry mouth. |
Hybrid Strains
Strain Name | THC Level | Indica/Sativa Ratio | Dominant Terpenes | Effects |
Runtz | 19% - 29% | 50% Indica / 50% Sativa | Limonene, Caryophyllene | Balanced high, uplifting, relaxing; may cause dry mouth and eyes. |
Sundae Driver | 14% - 16% | 50% Indica / 50% Sativa | Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene | Relaxing, happy, euphoric; may aid with sleep and stress relief. |
Gelato | 20% - 25% | 55% Indica / 45% Sativa | Limonene, Caryophyllene | Euphoric, relaxing, creative; may cause dry mouth and eyes. |
Gorilla Glue #4 | 32% | 60% Indica / 40% Sativa | Caryophyllene, Limonene | Potent, euphoric, relaxing; may cause couch-lock and increased appetite. |
Bruce Banner | 24% - 29% | 60% Sativa / 40% Indica | Limonene, Caryophyllene | Euphoric, creative, energizing; may induce dry mouth and eyes. |
Girl Scout Cookies | 19% - 28% | 60% Indica / 40% Sativa | Caryophyllene, Limonene | Happy, euphoric, stress-relieving, with potential for couch-lock. |
Pineapple Express | 20% - 25% | 60% Sativa / 40% Indica | Limonene, Caryophyllene | Energizing, uplifting, creative; may help with depression and fatigue. |
Wedding Cake | 25% - 27% | 60% Indica / 40% Sativa | Limonene, Caryophyllene | Calming, euphoric, relaxing; may help with pain relief and insomnia. |
Blue Dream | 17% - 24% | 40% Indica / 60% Sativa | Myrcene, Pinene | Balanced, euphoric, cerebral high, full-body relaxation, stress relief. |
How to Choose the Right Weed Strain?
If you are new to weed strains, choosing the right strain for you can feel like picking a needle from a haystack. But here are a few questions you can ask yourself to narrow your choices.
Why do you want to use it? For recreational use or medical use?
What are you looking for? Is it relaxation or pain relief?
When are you planning on using it? In daytime or nighttime?
Do you want to feel the energizing high? Or are you just looking for a more calming experience?
How do you want to consume it? Do you want to go for smoking, vaping, or consuming edibles?
Now, if you are looking for relaxation and want to use weed at night time, you can go for Indica-dominant strains like Granddaddy Purple or Northern Lights. They will provide full body relaxation, and you will be ready to hit the pillow.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more energizing high, you can opt for Sativa-dominant strains such as Sour Diesel. They will provide cerebral euphoria, and you will feel all your stress melt away.
For balanced effects, where first the cannabis strain will hit you in the head and give you a cerebral buzz, and then it will creep into your limbs and provide you with complete body relaxation, you can choose hybrid strains like Blue Dream or Girl Scout Cookies.
Moreover, if you want a strain to help alleviate pain, you can choose Lilac Diesel, Harlequin, or Jack Herer.
Category | Best For | Popular Examples |
Relaxation | Stress, anxiety, insomnia | Granddaddy Purple, Bubba Kush |
Creativity | Writing, music, art | Jack Herer, Blue Dream |
Energy | Socializing, workouts | Sour Diesel, Green Crack |
Pain Relief | Arthritis, migraines | Lilac Diesel, Harlequin |
Focus | Studying, tasks | Durban Poison, Cinex |
All in all, you should know whether a particular cannabis strain is uplifting or sedating. Different strains of weed offer different flavor profiles and aromas. Consider the cannabinoid levels, and see if you want to opt for a high THC one or a CBD one. Thus, you should do your research on different weed strains before choosing the one that is right for you.
It is worth mentioning that you should always start with a small dosage of cannabis, and with time, you can increase it depending on your tolerance.
Common Ways to Use Cannabis Strains
The following are some of the common ways to use cannabis strains:
Consumption Method | Description |
Smoking | Traditional, fast-acting way to consume cannabis through joints, blunts, pipes, or bongs. |
Vaping | Vaping helps you to enjoy a smoother experience of cannabis without the combustion through vape cartridges. |
Edibles | Consuming edibles infused with cannabis, such as brownies, gummies, or beverages. |
Tinctures | Alcohol-based cannabis extracts are taken sublingually for quick absorption. |
Topicals | Cannabis is infused with products like ointment, cream, lotion, or body butter, which can be applied topically for pain relief. |
Conclusion
Thus, it is best to have a basic understanding of the weed strains before purchasing one and trying it out.
With about 700 named cannabis varieties and ongoing scientific research, the cannabis world offers a world of possibilities for recreation, wellness, and medicine.
Moreover, always remember that choosing the weed strain for yourself is a highly personal experience. What worked for someone else doesn't guarantee it will work for you, too. Therefore, always start low and go slow.
Explore a Wide Range of Weed Strains Available at Violet Bay Area
Thanks to the legalization of cannabis in California and the easy access to lab-tested and safe weed strains, it has become easier to get your hands on cannabis without even leaving the comfort of your home.
To get the best online weed delivery service in California, we urge you to browse the vast range of high-quality cannabis products offered by Violet Bay Area. With just a few clicks, you can have the product of your choice delivered right to your doorstep without any hassle.