How To Select The Right Cannabis Strain
For smokers looking for their ideal strain, the variety of cannabis strains might be daunting. There are strains that are very cerebrally active, while others are primarily responsible for physiological effects, and then there are strains that fall somewhere in between. It's difficult to keep track of all the different flavors, affects, scents, and terpenes that cause them.
Cannabis strains come and go. There are marijuana strains that become popular overnight, only to lose appeal the next time around. Their time in the spotlight is simple but fleeting. However, there are some marijuana strains that are vastly underappreciated. Despite their attractive features, many of these plants are underappreciated and undiscovered.
With so many different strains to choose from, how can you find the cannabis strain that is best for you?
What are strains?
First, a bit of cannabis history. Cannabis is thought to have originated in central Asia but over time, the plant traveled around the world, where it was planted and cultivated. Over time, these plants acclimated to their new environment, resulting in changes to their physical and chemical characteristics. These plants became known as landrace strains.
Types of Cannabis Strains
Cannabis comes in a wide range of varieties. If you've ever visited a dispensary, you're probably familiar with the vast array of strains available, each with its own set of affects and active ingredients. Cannabis strains will contain different active compounds depending on how they were bred.
Indica or Sativa? Or Hybrid
Most people think that indica, sativa, and hybrid are used to describe a particular strain's effects, that sativas produce an uplifting, cerebral high; indicas leave users more relaxed, mellow, and sleepy; and hybrids produce some combination of the two.
In reality, a strain's classification as indica, sativa, or hybrid has little to do with its effects. It's all about the plant's physical traits and structure, which can be very useful for producers but not so much for customers.
THC vs. CBD
THC and CBD are two active compounds in cannabis that can produce a variety of effects. THC is more euphoric and cerebral, but CBD has greater physiological effects and is thought to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. CBD and THC, for example, share many of the same medical benefits. They can help with a variety of ailments, including sleeplessness, depression, chronic pain, and more.
CBD, on the other hand, does not provide the euphoric, mind-altering effects that THC does. Because of the lack of this negative effect, some people may prefer to utilize CBD. When hunting for your next strain at the dispensary, be cautious of what you're looking for psychoactively.
Terpene
Terpenes are chemical substances that occur naturally in plants and animals. Aromas, smells, and even colors associated with diverse species of plants are all due to them. Terpenes are the compounds in cannabis that give specific strains their distinct aromas and flavors, as well as influencing the strain's effects.
The importance of lab testing
There are a lot of different characteristics that make up individual strains. In order to effectively decide whether you want to try a strain, you need to know what those characteristics are and that's where lab testing comes in.
Any cannabis you buy in a legal dispensary is required to go through rigorous lab testing to determine both the cannabinoid and terpene profile of each particular strain. It also tests to make sure the plant doesn't contain harmful levels of pesticides, fungicides, or other chemicals, which can lead to health issues.
Lab testing not only tells you what's in your strain, which can help you pick which ones to try, but it also ensures that the cannabis you're consuming is safe, regardless of whatever strain you choose.
Choose strains that are right for you
As you can see, there is a wide range of cannabis strains available. These strains come in a wide variety of flavors, effects, colors, and fragrances to try out.
When searching for your next favorite strain, think about the benefits you desire, the ailments you want to cure, and the flavors and scents you appreciate the most.
The strains that other people love might fall flat for you (and vice versa). But now that you know the defining characteristics of each strain and how to evaluate them, you have the information you need to explore what's on the market and choose the strains that are right for you.
