Cannabis Strain Types — Which One Is Best For You?

It is said that there are over 700 cannabis strain types in existence. For beginner cannabis users, deciding on which strain is best for your particular need can seem pretty overwhelming due to the many potential choices to choose from.

Dispensaries usually have in stock a wide variety of strains and cannabis-infused products that they offer their patrons, each with its specific and unique medicinal effects. Also, it seems like most dispensaries section cannabis strain types into three distinct groups: sativa, indica, and hybrid (combination of both the sativa and indica plant) to help the consumer to make an informed decision in selecting the right cannabis strain.

• Indica strains usually have more full body relaxing and calming effects. Also, they are physically sedating, perfect for relaxing with a movie.
• Sativa strains provide invigorating, focused, and uplifting cerebral effects. That as a result stimulate physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects.
• Hybrid strains that are a combination of indicas and sativa, therefore, offer a balance of indica and sativa effects.

How to Choose a Strain

Cannabis offers varieties of medical uses and some strains work better for certain conditions than others. If you’re looking for help to treat a particular medical condition or presently taking any medications, it is important to seek the counsel of your doctor first.

There are at least 133 different chemical compounds known as cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant. Researchers haven’t been able to understand the function of all of the cannabinoids, but they have been able to identify two main ones — tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) — including several less common compounds.

These include:

• THC. THC is the main psychoactive compound that gets you high and establishes the state of euphoria associated with cannabis use.
• CBD. CBD is not considered psychoactive but it offers several physical benefits like reducing pain and nausea, preventing seizures, and easing a migraine.
• CBN. Cannabinol (CBN) is used to treat neurological conditions such as epilepsy, seizures, and severe muscle spasms.
• THCA. Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) is similar to THC, but its also non-psychoactive. Also, it offers benefits that include reducing inflammation from arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• CBG. Cannabigerol (CBG) is useful in the treatment of anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression.

Terpenes are another naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant. They are mostly responsible for the plant’s smell and may also influence the effects produced by specific strains. Some common terpenes include:

• Bisabolol
• Caryophyllene
• Linalool
• Myrcene
• Ocimene
• Pinene
• Terpinolene
• Limonene
• Humulene
• Eucalyptol

Types of Strains

Now that you have an idea of what the constituents of a typical cannabis strain are, you should be able to narrow down your choices and make the best pick. Finally, below are a few of the most popular cannabis strains available. Bear in mind, however, that one person’s reaction to cannabis can be different from the other.

• Acapulco Gold
• Blue Dream
• Purple Kush
• Sour Diesel
• Bubba Kush
• Granddaddy Purple
• Afghan Kush
• LA Confidential
• Maui Wowie
• Golden Goat
• Northern Lights
• White Widow
• Super Silver Haze
• Pineapple Express
• Fruity Pebbles