Your Beginner Guide to Marijuana Strains

Your Beginner Guide to Marijuana Strains

 

As someone new to marijuana, it can be incredibly intimidating to try to make sense of all the various strains that are available. When you factor in the low-production strains only grown by specific dispensaries or seed houses, there are easily hundreds, if not thousands, of strains. Luckily, there is no need to get to know all of these strains, since you will never have a chance to try or even see most of them. 

 

Instead, beginners should make it a point to gather general information about marijuana strains and then familiarize themselves with some of the most popular ones. 

 

What Are Marijuana Strains?

 

The first thing anyone should know about marijuana strains is what this term refers to. Strains are essentially groups of phenotypes that have specific characteristics. A marijuana strain will have specific combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids, a specific growth pattern, appearance, aroma, flavor, effects, and other features. Because of these differences, each strain will appeal to a different type of cannabis user, and you should be able to find one that meets your unique needs. 

 

The Main Classifications – Sativa Vs. Indica Vs. Hybrid 

 

When it comes to marijuana, the main strain classifications are sativa, indica, and hybrid. There are also ruderalis cannabis strains, but these are not smoked or used in other marijuana-related products. That is because they are not potent. You may, however, find a hybrid cannabis strain that features ruderalis to get some of its benefits, such as hardiness and fast growth. 

 

Guide to Indica Cannabis Strains

 

Indica cannabis comes from the Indian Hindu Kush Mountains and is also native to the regions of Pakistan, Turkey, and Afghanistan. These plants are known for growing in turbulent, dry, and harsh weather in these mountain regions. 

 

You will notice that indica strains are short and stockier, featuring wide, broad leaves and bushy greenery. Compared to sativa, indica grows more quickly, and you will get more buds from every plant. 

 

Guide to Sativa Cannabis Strains

 

Sativa cannabis is native to areas like Western and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central America, where the climate is dry and hot, featuring long stretches of sunlight. 

 

You can recognize sativa plants by their tall height and leaves that are finger-like. Sativa plants tend to take longer to reach maturity than other cannabis plants. 

 

Guide to Hybrid Cannabis Strains 

 

As the name implies, hybrid cannabis strains are hybrids that combine features of sativa and indica. They may also feature some ruderalis parentage, but this is less likely. Ruderalis strains are typically only incorporated in more limited quantities due to their lack of potency. They can, however, decrease the time it takes for cannabis to grow and increase its hardiness, which is why they are sometimes incorporated. 

 

With a hybrid, every aspect of it, from appearance to potency to the length of the growth cycle, will depend on its parentage, including its balance between indica and sativa. 

 

Comparing the Effects of the Strains

 

Many people believe that indica cannabis strains are more relaxing, while sativa strains are more energizing. In fact, this is so widely accepted as truth in many circles that you can even find this generalization on some seeming authority sites online. 

 

In reality, more recent research shows that this is not always the case. Much of the evidence showing that sativa is energizing and indica is relaxing is anecdotal in nature. Scientific research shows that it depends more on the unique features of the strain than whether it is sativa or indica. 

 

As such, you should not just assume that the indica you grab will help you sleep at night, or the sativa strain will give you energy. Instead, you have to learn about the particular strain to see what effects most users notice. 

 

One thing to note, however, is that generally, sativa strains will have a higher THC dose, while indica strains have a higher CBD dose. This is not always true, but it is frequently the case. 

 

What Affects How You React to Marijuana Strains?

 

If whether it is sativa or indica does not influence the effects associated with a strain, what does? 

 

Cannabinoids

 

One of the biggest factors that influences the typical reaction to marijuana strains is the cannabinoid content. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The most common ones found in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, and cannabidiol, CBD. 

 

THC is the major psychoactive component in cannabis. Over the years, growers have bred cannabis strains with higher THC levels. The higher the THC level, the more potent the psychoactive effects of the strain will be. 

 

CBD is not psychoactive, and many believe that it is responsible for a majority of the effects related to consuming cannabis, such as relaxation. CBD is also typically prominent in arguments in favor of medical marijuana. 

 

CBN, or cannabinol, is another common cannabinoid, as is CBG, or cannabigerol. Both of these cannabinoids have their own associated effects of supplementing those of the others previously mentioned. THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinol acid, is incredibly similar to THC but without psychoactive effects. 

 

Terpenes

 

The other significant factor that impacts the effects that you notice from marijuana strains is its terpenes. These are naturally occurring compounds responsible for the smell and taste of cannabis and other plants. Each is associated with its own aroma, taste, and potential effects on the consumer. Most of the evidence related to the potential benefits is anecdotal or hypothetical, and more research is still necessary to confirm these abilities as with cannabinoids. 

 

As an example, the most common terpene in cannabis is myrcene, which is herbal and earthy. Another common one is pinene, which has a strong pine aroma. It may help reduce some negative symptoms of THC, including coordination issues and nausea, so when you smoke marijuana, you may notice those negatives in lesser quantities in strains with pinene. 

 

How to Choose a Marijuana Strain

 

Now that you know a bit more about cannabis strains, you can use that information to your advantage to help you choose which one to smoke or use in another way. 

 

Essentially, you should think about your preferences for a strain and then try to find one that fits your needs. Consider:

 

Effects

 

Ask yourself why you want to use marijuana. Do you want recreational marijuana or medicinal marijuana? 

 

THC and CBD Content

 

Consider the content of the cannabinoids present in the strain, as well. Ask yourself how high you would like to get. Remember that whether you previously used marijuana should also be a factor. Beginners should stick to strains with medium or low THC content so that they are not overwhelmed by the effects. 

 

Terpenes

 

Think about your preference for terpenes in the strain, which will be mostly guided by the aroma and taste you prefer. Your terpene preference will also come down to the effects you want. 

 

Appearance (Optional)

 

The appearance of the strain should be your last concern as it does not affect the results when you are using it. Some people, however, prefer to smoke strains that are pretty. Ask yourself if you would prefer a purple bud or if any appearance is acceptable. 

 

Ask the Dispensary 

 

If you are not sure what strain to choose, you can usually get some good advice at your local dispensary. The dispensary may even have the strains organized based on effects or flavors. Alternatively, you can determine which terpenes will work best for your needs based on aroma and effects. From there, you can look for a strain that has those terpenes. 

 

Those who are beginners in using marijuana should typically start with strains with low to medium amounts of THC. 

 

Exploring Common Strains

 

Instead of starting from scratch when looking for a marijuana strain to try, familiarize yourself with some of the most popular ones that are you are more likely to come across. 

 

Acapulco Gold

 

This strain comes from Acapulco, Mexico, and induces euphoria while providing energy. This is a sativa strain that typically has 0.1 percent CBD and 15-23 percent THC. 

 

Afghan Kush

 

Afghan Kush is a very relaxing strain that helps users fall asleep and comes from the Hindu Kush Mountains. This is an indica with 6 percent CBD and 16-21 percent THC. 

 

Blue Dream

 

This is a soothing, yet not fully sedative, cannabis strain. It delivers a euphoric feeling that lifts the mood. This hybrid strain usually has less than 1 percent CBD and about 30 percent THC. 

 

Bubba Kush

 

This strain encourages sleep and is highly relaxing. It is particularly popular among those who have difficulty sleeping at night. This indica strain has less than 1 percent CBD with 14-25 percent THC. 

 

Fruity Pebbles

 

Fruit Pebbles is linked to relaxation and euphoria, helping relieve stress. Users also report an increase in appetite and feeling giggly. 

 

Golden Goat

 

This strain leads to creativity and euphoria. While it lifts the mood, it can also help with stress and fatigue. It is a hybrid with 1 percent CBD and 23 percent THC. 

 

Granddaddy Purple

 

This strain is also known for its relaxing effect, which many people use to fight stress and lack of sleep. It can also help those with appetite problems, as it tends to stimulate hunger. As a bonus, this strain encourages feelings of euphoria. This is an indica with less than 0.1 percent CBD and 17-23 percent THC. 

 

LA Confidential

 

This strain encourages sleep and relaxation. It is also popular for medical marijuana users. This is an indica strain with 0.3 percent CBD and 16-20 percent THC. 

 

Maui Wowie

 

Users of this strain tend to feel very relaxed but with creativity and energy. It can also help reduce fatigue, encouraging productivity. This sativa strain has 0.55 percent CBD and 13-19 percent THC. 

 

Northern Lights

 

This strain boosts the user’s mood and causes relaxation, helping you fall asleep. This indica has 0.1 percent CBD and 16 percent THC. 

 

Pineapple Express

 

Pineapple Express has a scent reminiscent of pineapples. It somehow provides users with an energetic buzz while also boosting the mood and providing relaxation. It can also help with productivity. This is a hybrid strain with 0.1 percent CBD and 23 percent THC. 

 

Purple Kush

 

Purple Kush is popular for its ability to create a relaxing, blissful, and sleepy state. This indica strain typically has less than 1 percent CBD and 17-22 percent THC. 

 

Sour Diesel

 

Sour Diesel is known for both its effects and strong diesel aroma. It is a mood-lifting strain that also provides energy, including productive energy. This is a sativa with less than 1 percent CBD and 20-22 percent THC. 

 

Supernatural

 

This strain is associated with boosting the user’s mood. It is a sativa strain with less than 1 percent CBD and 22 percent THC. 

 

Super Silver Haze

 

This strain is very energizing. It may also help relieve stress by boosting the mood. This is a sativa strain with 0.1 percent CBD and 16 percent THC. 

 

White Widow

 

White Widow is popular for its ability to relax the user while boosting the mood and providing energy. It may help someone who is sleepy feel alert and energized. This hybrid has less than 1 percent CBD and 12-20 percent THC. 

 

Those are just a small handful of the strains that you are most likely to see. Remember that in addition to the strains that are commonly found across the country (and the world), there are also regional or localized strains only produced by a certain grower or dispensary. Between all of these, the options abound. 

 

Remember that Everyone Is Different

 

Beginners should keep in mind that everyone is slightly different, so you may not have the exact same reaction to a strain as most people. While most people will have similar reactions, there are always outliers. Because of this, it is always wise to try a new strain on a day when you do not have any commitments, as this lets you ensure you react to it the way you want.  

 

Conclusion

 

Marijuana strains have their own effects, smells, appearances, and growth patterns. The plethora of strains may seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand that various differences, they become easier to understand. You can choose your ideal strain to use by asking yourself a few simple questions, or by asking your local dispensary for advice.