Shopping for weed can be a little overwhelming sometimes. You know you want some pre-rolls or joints or maybe a vape pen, but now what? Which cannabis strain should you select? The dispensary shelves are filled with effect-based monikers like “sleep” or “energize,” and then there are infusions and flavors and THC ratios.
How can you cut through the marketing and find what works for you? Read on to learn more about how to select the right cannabis strain for any occasion.
Cannabis Strain Classification
You’ve probably heard about the different types of cannabis as being sativa, indica, and hybrid. Sometimes confused with strain names, these classifications are the species of cannabis. Then, within these species are various cannabis strains.
These species names are actually best used to describe how a plant grows, but they also help us identify some common effects. Once you become familiar with some of their key characteristics, this is a great place to start when choosing the right strains for you.
Sativa
Sativa cannabis strains are most commonly sought after as a “daytime” weed. They tend to be uplifting and energizing, providing mental stimulation that increases productivity and enhances creativity. Reach for sativas anytime you want to head out on an adventure, hone in on a project, or stimulate your creative side.
Most sativas contain more THC than CBD. Some people enjoy the stimulating buzz, while others may feel anxious with some types of sativa. If you are looking to chill out and feel deeply relaxed, a sativa cannabis strain probably isn’t the best choice.
Indica
When you’re ready to relax and feel the sedating effects of cannabis, reach for an indica. Also dubbed “nighttime” weed, indicas are better known for a blissful body high that consumes you before sending you off into dreamland.
Indicas are a saving grace for people living with insomnia but also shine for other medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Choose an indica-dominant cannabis strain to relieve pain and inflammation, increase appetite, and alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression.
Hybrid
As you may have guessed, hybrid cannabis strains are a little bit of both sativa and indica. Through breeding, hybrids adopt the best of both worlds to offer an evenly balanced high. Enjoy the head high from sativas but want the tension relief from an indica? Hybrid strains are your best bet.
Hybrids are an ideal first step into the cannabis world for newcomers because you can experience the effects of weed without a strong influence of either polarity. Mellow vibes and relief from worries are what you can expect from hybrids.
Different Ways to Shop
Now that you know a bit more about the characteristics of sativas, indicas, and hybrids, let’s drill into the details. There are still more ways to shop for weed strains to get your desired result.
Effects
Many brands market their weed as effect-based. This is definitely helpful for anyone who wants to know what to expect and isn’t necessarily looking for specific therapeutic benefits. You’ll see effect-based marketing on the packaging. It’s usually broken down into categories like Sleep, Energy, Calm, Relax, Relief, or any other obvious naming conventions.
There’s nothing wrong with shopping for cannabis strains this way, but let’s say you try a Calm strain, and love the effects, but now you can’t find it anywhere else. So how do you know what made it so calming? That’s where cannabinoids and terpenes come in.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis, like THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, and others. These cannabinoids are unique to cannabis and work with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system to produce their effects. We know THC gets us high, and CBD is often used for pain and stress relief. However, together these two have their own thing going on.
Actually, when looking at combinations of cannabinoids, we know that they work better together and exist in various ratios in the plant. A popular ratio is 1:1, meaning equal percentages of THC and CBD. Some people enjoy the fact that CBD reduces the psychoactive effects of THC for a balanced, chill high.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the taste and smell of weed. They are sweet, floral, herbal, piney, skunky, and many other aromatic profiles. Just like cannabinoids, there are plenty to be found in each weed strain, and they harmonize in unique combinations. Yes, they make weed taste amazing, but they also have their own distinct properties.
We are learning more and more about cannabis terpenes, but we know they have their own effects. What is even more impressive is that they amplify the effects of cannabinoids to create an entourage effect. This is when all of the plant’s natural compounds work together to produce a full spectrum, synergistic high.
Choose the Right Strain for You
Finding the right cannabis strain for you takes a bit of guesswork and using the information above. Selecting sativas, indicas, and hybrids is a great place to start. Then, take note of the strains you try and check the test results. After some experimentation, you might find that particular cannabinoid and terpene ratios feel the best for you.
Get started with the large variety of sativa, indica, and hybrid offerings from Lime. We have whole Flower and plenty of Pre-Rolls in multiple varieties. Then, check out our Blunts, Vapes, and Concentrates for more in-depth flavor and effect profiles. The best things in life come with a Lime on the side. Fill a cart with a few goodies and order Lime delivery for the ultimate convenience!