Weed comes in various strains, each with different effects on the people consuming them. To choose the right cannabis, you need to understand the basics of weed strains and the high they produce.
Which strain relaxes the body? Which strain is best for a fun boost in energy? Is there a strain specifically for managing pain?
By the end of this guide, you’ll know everything you need to know to choose the best cannabis strain to suit your needs so that you can enjoy better highs.
When people use the term “weed,” they’re usually referring to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis plant.
These parts of the plant can be consumed in many different ways, such as smoking, vaporizing, or using them in forms like edibles or tinctures. The way you consume weed can result in a variety of effects, including altered perception, relaxation, and euphoria.
Different strains of marijuana contain varying levels of chemical compounds. This diversity in chemical composition results in unique and distinct experiences associated with each strain. While one strain might make you lethargic, another could boost your energy and clarity.
Included in the chemical composition of cannabis are compounds called cannabinoids. There are over a hundred cannabinoids in cannabis, but THC and CBD are the two that significantly influence strain effects.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most recognizable cannabinoid in cannabis, and the one most people seek when buying weed. It’s the psychoactive ingredient in weed and is responsible for your high.
Next is CBD (Cannabidiol), a phytocannabinoid also popular today. CBD doesn’t contain the psychoactive compound, so consumers don’t feel high but experience many of the other benefits of cannabis.
CBD has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits. While it’s not a miracle cure, there is a growing body of evidence of potential benefits that include pain relief, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving sleep.
In addition to THC and CBD, marijuana also contains terpenes, natural aromatic compounds found in the cannabis plant. Recent research suggests that terpenes can influence the effects of different marijuana strains.
Terpenes are responsible for the unique smells and flavors of different cannabis strains. They also play a significant role in the “entourage effect,” where different compounds in the cannabis plant work together to produce a more potent and varied effect than when used in isolation.
Terpenes influence the effects of marijuana strains in several ways. For example, each terpene has a specific effect and can work in synergy with cannabinoids to create an overall experience.
Different terpene profiles can help target specific health concerns, such as pain and anxiety management or focus and mood disorders. Finally, terpenes are also influential in personal preferences.
Some individuals may prefer the taste and aroma of one terpene profile over another, leading to a more enjoyable and satisfying experience.
“Strains of weed” refer to the different varieties or subspecies of the cannabis plant. These strains have unique combinations of characteristics, including their appearance, aroma, flavor, and chemical composition. The term “strain” is often used in marijuana to describe the specific genetic lineage or breed of cannabis plants.
Strains are typically categorized into four main types: indica, sativa, ruderalis, and hybrid. By learning what to expect from cannabis strains, you can find the perfect weed strain for your needs.
Indica is a robust cannabis strain that first grew in the Kush mountains. The region, which is near Afghanistan, is known for its intense weather patterns. Indica also flourished in other harsh climates in Pakistan, India, and Turkey.
The mountains are often cold and dry, and the harsh weather affects how the indica weed strain grows. Indica is shorter and stockier than other weed strains. It grows bushy trees with short, dark, and broad leaves. It’s known for growing relatively fast, with quick production turnaround.
Indica also grows more flower bundles, which are harvested from cannabis plants to make weed. The bigger flower clumps and wider leaves make the indica plant quite round and dense-looking.
Indica often has higher levels of CBD than THC – however, the ratio is very close to 1:1. It’s considered a potent strain of cannabis and causes an intense, full-body high. It’s also a soothing strain of weed. It induces feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.
Indica is known for its sedating effects. It’s perfect for people looking to enjoy a relaxing high at home, where they chill in bed or on the couch. It’s also a good option for people who struggle with anxiety and insomnia. It’s best taken at night.
In many ways, sativa is the opposite of indica. It grows in warmer climates with long sunny days – for example, Southeast Asia, Central America, and Africa.
However, even though it thrives in sunny conditions, it requires 10 hours of darkness a day on average. To grow sativa, growers must recreate particular light and humidity conditions.
Again, opposite to indica, sativa grows very tall and thin. Some plants grow up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are longer and lighter green, and the flowers grow in longer bundles. Sativa also takes longer to grow than other weed strains.
Sativa is known for producing a head high. It contains more THC than CBD (but again, the ratio is very close), meaning it has more cerebral effects. While it still makes a powerful high, it tends not to be as intense as indica strains.
Sativa’s head high produces feelings of energy, creativity, and focus. It’s also popular for its mood-boosting capabilities.
Sativa is the creatives’ marijuana. People often take sativa for a creativity boost. It’s also popular among people with ADHD as it helps them focus. The mood-boosting and increase in energy make sativa a great get-together marijuana.
As the name suggests, hybrid strains combine indica and sativa strains. Just about every strain you’ll find in the shop or on farms is a hybrid.
Hybrid strains combine sativa and indica to create new strains with specific THC and CBD combinations that affect the body differently. They will be either indica or sativa dominant, so while they promote the effects of both strains, one will provide the dominant effect.
For example, if you’re using a hybrid strain that is indica dominant, you’ll mostly feel the relaxing effects of the indica strain but still experience a slight boost in creativity and focus that is typical of sativa strains.
Balanced hybrid strains have equal amounts of indica and sativa present.
The strain effects depend on the plant compositions. Hybrids are often used to increase the THC content of marijuana for more intense highs. Growers also use hybrids to create specific effects – for example, pain management.
Indica is great for dealing with pain, while sativa is an inflammation buster. Combining the two is excellent for people undergoing chemotherapy or struggling with chronic pain. This is just one example of how hybrid strains can be cultivated for maximum effect.
Because hybrid strains are so customizable, you can use them for almost anything. Dispensaries like Embarc will list whether the strain is a hybrid strain, how much THC it contains, and the effects it produces.
Finally, there is ruderalis. The ruderalis strain grows in central Europe and Russia. It’s a small, fast-growing plant robust enough to withstand very cold and harsh climates.
Even if you’ve been around stoners for a while, you likely haven’t heard of ruderalis. It’s a weed strain, just like indica and sativa, and is part of the cannabis family. That being said, it’s not used often.
The ruderalis effects are negligible. Ruderalis is CBD-dominant and contains very little THC. CBD can have relaxing effects, but ruderalis contains too little CBD to make any impact on the body.
Ruderalis is a CBD-dominant strain with very little THC. While it contains CBD, it doesn’t have enough to produce a pronounced effect.
Ruderalis is a weak marijuana strain and can be used any time of the day. It doesn’t produce much of an effect. Still, it could be useful for very sensitive people who want to take advantage of the benefits of CBD and low-grade THC.
Finding the right option for you can be challenging with so many different strains. Luckily, we’re here to guide you through the best options for beginners and veterans and options for medicinal purposes.
But first, consider your tolerance. Are you new to weed, or have you smoked a few times before? If you’re new to weed, always start with a lower-potency option. This will prevent overconsumption side effects like nausea and ease you into the good stuff.
It’s also important to consider what you want to achieve with weed. Are you an artist looking for extra creative juices? Are you aiming for a fun night with friends? Or do you need marijuana to help with insomnia or pain?
Knowing what you want narrows your choices and makes choosing much more straightforward.
Finally, a word of advice. THC percentage isn’t all you should care about when shopping for weed. Remember the effects of the strains we mentioned above and read up on the terpenes. Your dispensary should tell you what to expect.
For example, Embarc lists the strain type and how much THC is present. We also label the products with their effects. Keywords like “calm,” “relaxed,” “energetic,” etc, will tell you a lot about what to expect from the strain.
These are the best strains for beginners:
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain with a loyal following. It combines marijuana champions Blueberry and Super Silver Haze.
Blue Dream is so loved and a great option for beginners because of its balance. It contains 18% THC and very little CBD. It’s a pure marijuana ride that stimulates the brain while promoting full-body relaxation.
Blue Dream is also pleasant on the palette. It tastes sweet and goes down smoothly.
Northern Lights is an indica strain with Afghan and Thai parentage. It’s a potent strain with high THC and is popular among newcomers and long-term stoners.
While it’s high in THC, it’s an excellent option for beginners looking for a sedative strain. Northern Lights produces a heavy, sleepy high that’ll put you down for a while. It also tastes good and goes down smoothly.
Sour Diesel is another popular hybrid strain perfect for beginners. It’s sativa dominant, so expect energy and creativity. The strain formula’s milder but still potent indica provides a good balance and a relaxing but productive high.
Jack Herer is a sativa strain from fan favorites Northern Lights, Haze, and Skunk. It’s a potent mix but an excellent option for people unfamiliar with sativa highs. It can be intense if you’re unfamiliar with its energizing effects. It’s also got a distinct flavor, a combination of fruits and pepper.
Another stoner staple is Grandaddy Purple, an indica strain first created in 2003. Its lineage includes famous indica strains Mendo Purps, Skunk, and Afghanistan. It’s also known for its purple buds and berry scent – hence the name Grandaddy Purple.
It delivers both a mind and body high, leaving users euphoric and sleepy simultaneously.
If you’re an experienced smoker, these intense strains will help you feel how you felt the first time you picked up marijuana:
Durban Poison is a pure sativa strain from South Africa and is known for providing a powerful kick. It’s the perfect sativa strain for experienced users looking for something fresh.
The cannabis strain induces head rushes and cognitive highs. It’s also known for being a powerful energy booster, making it the perfect strain for a night out.
Kosher Kush is the way to go if you’re looking for an indica strain that’ll relax you into a different dimension. This distinct weed strain is potent and delicious.
Godfather OG is an indica-dominant hybrid strain with an earthy taste. It’s often named one of the most potent weed strains in the world, and it’s sure to get your blood roaring, no matter how experienced you are.
Users experience a head and full body high that can last almost 10 hours! If you do decide to try Godfather OG, make sure to clear your schedule first.
For the Hulk Smash of the weed world, you need to try Bruce Banner. It’s a sativa-dominant strain that packs a massive punch. Bruce Banner will help you feel comfortable and energized and is a great option for creatives who need a creative boost.
Super Silver Haze is an oldie but a goodie. It’s sativa dominant and has a citrus flavor that’s both refreshing and deep.
As for the high, Super Silver Haze is perfect for chill sessions with a group of friends. It provides enough energy for a good conversation while still being relaxing. Be sure to gather some snacks. Haze and munchies go hand in hand.
For more, consider these 28 must-try exotic strains of cannabis.
There is no denying that weed is a ton of fun. It’s also a powerful medicinal tool that has helped many people manage conditions that traditional medicines fail to.
Here are the best marijuana strains for medical purposes and who they’re perfect for:
LA Confidential is an indica strain perfect for people who struggle with chronic pain, inflammation, and stress.
Again, Blue Dream proves its worth. Blue Dream is popular among people with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, and nausea.
Budda Kush is a popular indica strain. It offers excellent relaxation benefits that help with insomnia, PTSD, and anxiety. It’s also great for increasing appetite and pain management.
Maui Waui, a sativa strain, improves low moods and may help lift depression. It’s also a powerful energy booster for those who struggle with acute or chronic fatigue.
Supernatural is a sativa strain with the supernatural ability to help with various head problems. It’s proven effective at treating headaches, migraines, pain, and low moods.
Super Silver Haze makes it on the list again, this time for its remarkable medicinal properties. Like Supernatural, it’s a sativa strain. It helps combat headaches, low mood, migraines, stress, and brain fog. It’s also an excellent option for people who need an energy boost.
This indica strain is popular among people who struggle with insomnia and anxiety. It’s the perfect strain before you wind down for the night.
The world of weed is large. But all cannabis comes from three species, two of which we use. Indica and sativa influence the body differently, and they are often combined to create hybrid strains with different potencies and effects.
While there are dozens of strains worldwide, knowing the basics will help you figure out the best variation for your needs.
Choose your perfect strain and visit your nearest Embarc location today. Embarc offers high-quality cannabis, culture, and community to all.
