Your Guide to The Strains of Cannabis

Marijuana is now easier than ever to buy for adults all over Canada. However, beginner buyers might be taken aback by the sheer amount of variety available when it comes to marijuana strains. Marijuana refers to the product harvested from the flowers of cannabis plants. Each of these plants differs not only in their appearance and growing behavior but also in the effects they induce when consumed.

You’ll notice three different categories of strains when you buy marijuana- indica strains, sativa strains, and hybrid strains. These refer to the type of plant each strain was grown from. However, even among these categories, each strain differs in terms of aroma, taste, cannabinoid content, and effects. For instance, one indica strain can taste and feel significantly different from another indica strain.

There are many attributes to consider when buying marijuana strains. As well as deciding whether you’d prefer an indica, sativa or hybrid strain, you might also want to consider how much THC a strain contains or its terpenoid profile. All of these things can impact your smoking experience. Fortunately, when you buy marijuana online, you can read detailed product descriptions and reviews for each strain.

If you want to know more about the different types of weed available, here’s your beginner guide to marijuana strains.

What Are Indica Cannabis Strains?

When you buy marijuana strains, you’ll notice they’re generally split into three categories- indica, sativa, and hybrid. Indica and sativa strains are the two main types of marijuana plants, whereas hybrid plants contain a mix of indica and sativa genetics. Of these three types, indica marijuana strains are the most common.

Indica cannabis plants are short and bushy with wide leaves. Not only are these plants much smaller than sativa plants, but they’re also generally much quicker and easier to grow. They have an average flowering time of around 8 weeks and, due to their smaller size, can easily be grown indoors where it’s easier to control growing conditions.

As for the effects of indica strains, they’re usually much more relaxing and body-focused. You can expect a soothing and calming high that builds throughout your entire body, helping to relieve pain, inflammation, and physical tension. They can also help calm the mind to relieve stress and anxiety. These relieving effects are also helpful for improving sleep.

Indica strains are usually the best choice when you want a strain that’ll help you relax and unwind in the evening. Many of these strains can leave you feeling lazy and mentally unfocused, so they’re best avoided during the daytime when you need to be productive. However, when you just want to kick back, watch TV, and drift into a night of restful sleep, indica strains are a perfect choice. Popular indica strains include Black Diamond, Tuna Kush, and Nuken.

What Are Sativa Cannabis Strains?

Sativa marijuana strains are strains harvested from cannabis sativa plants. These strains are usually much more stimulating and energizing than indica strains. Pure sativa strains are harder to find, especially as sativa plants take longer to grow and are better for outdoor growing. With that said, you can still find many popular sativa strains.

Compared to indica cannabis plants, sativa cannabis plants are taller, thinner, and have narrower leaves. While indica plants are usually 3-6 feet in height, sativa plants can grow as tall as 20 feet, making them harder to grow indoors for those who have limited space. They take particularly well to warm weather and can be grown outdoors without much effort, although they can take up to 16 weeks to be ready for harvesting.

Sativa strains generally produce much more head-focused effects. You’ll usually experience a sharp cerebral burst with an increase in your creativity and mental focus. They can also be fantastic for improving your mood and are considered the best strains for relieving mental issues such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.

These strains can be helpful for daytime use when you want a burst of energy and motivation. They’re also often used as “wake-and-bake” strains to boost your mood first thing in the morning. Many users use sativa strains to induce creativity or help them with mental tasks. They’re best avoided at nighttime if you’re planning to relax and sleep. Popular sativa strains include Maui Wowie, Grapefruit Haze, and J-27. 

What Are Hybrid Cannabis Strains?

Hybrid marijuana strains are strains that contain both indica and sativa genetics. They’re made by cross-breeding an indica plant with a sativa plant, resulting in a cannabis plant that contains qualities of both indica and sativa plants. As such, you can end up with a plant with the tall structure of sativa plants but the shorter growing times of indica plants or vice versa.

These strains can be indica-dominant or sativa-dominant depending on the balance of genetics. For instance, a strain that’s 70% indica to 30% sativa will likely be more physically relaxing yet also give you some mentally-stimulating effects. An 80:20 sativa-dominant strain will be more uplifting yet still have physically soothing qualities.

You can also find balanced hybrid strains that contain an even balance of both indica and sativa genetics. These are ideal for users who want a balanced mix of indica and sativa effects along with the medical benefits of both. Balanced hybrid strains can often be used throughout the day without being too sedating or stimulating.

Hybrid strains are becoming increasingly common- many strains nowadays contain both indica and sativa genetics to different extents. Popular examples include God’s Green Crack, Fruity Pebbles, and Pineapple Cookies.

Why Are THC Levels Important?

Although the division of indica, sativa, and hybrid strains is somewhat helpful, these strains can still differ massively. Some sativa strains have relaxing effects that are usually associated with indica strains whereas many indica strains still have cerebrally-stimulating qualities. Another one of the important things to note when buying marijuana strains is their THC levels.

THC is the sole psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana. In other words, this is the substance that delivers the euphoric effects of marijuana and gets you high. When you smoke, vape or consume marijuana in other ways, THC is absorbed into your system where it causes various reactions in the body. For instance, THC activates brain reward circuits.

Since it’s such a powerful chemical, the THC levels of marijuana strains can make a significant difference. Strains with higher levels of THC will give you more psychoactive and mentally stimulating effects. Sativa strains generally have higher THC counts, although there are still many high-THC indica strains.

It’s best to use high-THC strains if you want a more euphoric, psychoactive high. On the other hand, low-THC strains are helpful for beginner users or those who want to avoid overwhelming psychoactive effects. However, other compounds also have an impact on the effects of marijuana strains.

Why Are CBD Levels Important?

Marijuana plants contain a wide variety of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. While THC is the only cannabinoid that produces psychoactive effects, other cannabinoids also contribute to the mental and physical impacts of each strain. For instance, CBD is another cannabinoid that can have a significant impact on the effects of marijuana strains.

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid but is often considered just as important as THC when it comes to the profiles of different strains. Research suggests that CBD can have a significant impact on the medical benefits of cannabis, especially when it comes to issues such as pain/inflammation, anxiety, and depression.

Indica strains generally have higher CBD profiles than sativa strains, which may explain why they’re commonly associated with relaxing and soothing effects. However, there are also many high-CBD sativa strains. CBD may help reduce the potential side effects of THC. For instance, one study found that high-CBD strains were better for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. 

While most marijuana strains contain much higher THC levels than CBD levels, some strains are bred for high CBD to THC ratios. For instance, Harlequin has a 5:2 CBD to THC ratio, making it ideal for reducing pain, anxiety, and stress without overpowering psychoactive effects. Some high-CBD strains might not even make you feel high at all yet still provide calming and soothing effects.

How Do Terpenes Affect Strains?

Another factor that makes each marijuana strain different is its terpenoid profile. Each strain contains a wide variety of terpenes. These are essential oils that can be found in all plants, including cannabis strains. Terpenes contribute to the unique smell and taste of each marijuana strain. They also have an impact on the effects of each strain.

There are around 100 known terpenes in cannabis plants, although some are more common than others. For instance, limonene is a terpene known for its citrus-like smell that can be found in many lemony marijuana strains. Myrcene is an earthy and musky terpene that can also be found in various marijuana strains.

Terpenes work alongside cannabinoids to provide various entourage effects. For instance, limonene is said to help elevate mood and help with anxiety and depression. Myrcene can contribute to the sedative qualities of many strains as well as boosting euphoric effects. Limonene is particularly common in sativa strains whereas myrcene is common in indica strains.

Other common terpenes found in cannabis strains are pinene, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and terpinolene. Each strain contains a variety of these terpenes to different extents, which contributes to the unique taste, smell, and effects of each marijuana strain.

Which Type Of Strain Is Best For You?

When you’re trying to pick the right marijuana strain for you, many factors come into consideration. You may prefer indica strains to sativa strains or vice versa. Some users will benefit from higher THC levels whereas others will prefer high-CBD strains. The smell and taste of each strain can also impact your smoking experience.

Users looking for relaxing effects are usually best-served by indica marijuana strains. These strains are generally known for helping with stress, pain, and insomnia. Indica strains are often high in dank, earthy terpenes, hence why they often have a musky aroma and taste.

Sativa strains are generally better for uplifting and mentally-stimulating effects. Users looking for an energizing high will enjoy sativa strains, as will users looking to counteract issues such as anxiety, and depression. Many sativa strains are fruity and often have citrusy or tropical tastes, making them even more enjoyable for many users.

Hybrid strains are often the prime choice for users who want a mix of both indica and sativa genetics. High-THC hybrid strains will generally produce a more psychoactive high, although they can also be heavily relaxing. Hybrid strains vary widely when it comes to indica:sativa ratios and terpenes.

Although these categories can help somewhat in choosing marijuana strains, every strain is different and the best approach is to personally try a range of strains. Fortunately, when you buy weed online, you can browse product descriptions and reviews for every product, helping you make the best choice.

Where To Buy Cannabis Strains

Adults in Canada can now buy marijuana in cannabis stores across the country. However, buying marijuana online is often a better option. You can generally find a wider range of products online, as well as having the ease and convenience of home delivery as well as the ability to read in-depth product descriptions and reviews.

Ganja Express offers a wide range of marijuana strains available for delivery all over Canada. Whether you’re looking for an indica strain, sativa strain, high-CBD strain or something else, there are many suitable strains for every purpose.

You’re not limited to marijuana strains, either. You can also check out a range of other cannabis products, including Marijuana Concentrates, Edibles, and even CBD products for users who want to avoid the effects of THC.

Conclusion

Marijuana strains differ in various ways. While strains are usually divided into indica, sativa, and hybrid, each strain also has different levels of cannabinoids and terpenes which can impact the smell, taste, and effects you’ll experience when you smoke them. No matter what kind of marijuana strain you prefer, you can find a massive selection available online at Ganja Express.