The United States marijuana industry is worth billions, and as more states legalize it recreationally, it’s only going to continue growing.
If you’re new to learning about the different strains, though, it can be challenging. Standing in line at the dispensary and looking at all the different options can be overwhelming enough by itself, but how can you go about learning about marijuana strains?
Luckily, we’re here to help. Read on to learn everything you need to know.
What Are Marijuana Strains?
If you’re brand new to marijuana products, you might be scratching your head trying to understand what marijuana strains are, but it’s a fairly simple thing to understand.
Like different plants have variations among their species, so does marijuana. Different strains are bred for different things like:
- Aroma
- Flavor
- Terpene profiles
- Different effects on the mind and body
Different strains are going to have different names, and eventually, you’ll be able to tell what they all mean by someone simply saying it. For example, strains with the word “diesel” typically refer to a diesel-like aroma, while the name Afghan Kush is nodding to the strain’s origins.
THC vs. CBD
If you’re looking for high-CBD, low-THC products online, then you’ll need to know the difference between the two strains and the effects they can have on your body.
THC and CBD are the two most popular cannabinoids on the market, but they come with a major difference. THC is the cannabidiol that gets you high, but CBD doesn’t. Both are psychoactive, but CBD actually has the ability to counteract that intoxication, which is what makes it so popular for its medicinal benefits.
What About Indica and Sativa?
Typically, these are the two strains that you’re most likely to know about — even as a beginner. Identifying strains in this way, however, isn’t done very much anymore.
With so many new strains being introduced to the market, finding a pure version of either is next to impossible. Now, they’re more often classified as Type I, Type II, and Type III.
Type I is considered THC-dominant, meaning you’re likely to feel more of a high. Type II is a balance between THC and CBD, so you’re less likely to feel intoxicated. Type III is CBD-dominant, meaning there’s little risk of intoxication from any THC that’s present.
What Different Strains Can Do
Depending on the type of strain you’re purchasing, you’re going to end up with different effects. Some users may describe the effects as a “body high” versus a strain that provides more visual effects.
Each strain comes with unique properties, and you’re likely to experience something new each time. It’s important to remember, however, that each user’s experience is going to be different.
What to Consider When Choosing
The biggest thing to consider when you’re choosing a strain is whether or not you want to feel intoxicated. If you’re going for something to help you relax and maybe take some pain away, then a CBD-heavy strain is going to be your best bet.
If you want to feel the effects of THC, however, then a lot of the strains we’re about to talk about are going to be great for you.
Again, consider that your individual experience might not match these descriptions perfectly, but they are still smart to consider when you’re making a decision.
Here are a few options available on the market:
Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze has been described as a strain associated with increased levels of happiness and energy, making it a great choice for social events or even physical activities like hiking.
It contains terpene geraniol, and it comes with citrusy, earthy flavors when you inhale it.
Girl Scout Cookies
This strain is a cross between Durban Poison and OG Kush. It’s a popular strain, best known for its relaxing and euphoric body high.
It’s best for relaxing situations, or when you know you’re not leaving the house for the night. Whether it’s watching TV, playing video games, or hanging out with friends, Girl Scout Cookies is a great choice for when you want to chill with people or by yourself.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a sweeter-smelling strain, and it comes with a berry taste.
It delivers a relaxing effect while simultaneously helping you focus, and it’s great for activities like yoga, or even hanging out with friends when you know there’s going to be food involved. Anecdotally, this strain has longer-lasting effects than others, but it’s also more balanced.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a great strain if you’re searching for euphoric effects. It has the potential to leave your body feeling slightly numb (in the best way), so it’s definitely a good strain to have around during movie night.
This strain also offers a sweet and earthy taste and is great to enjoy if you want to have munchies at any point during your high.
Sour Diesel
Like we talked about earlier, Sour Diesel gives off a slightly gasoline-like aroma, but it comes with energizing and mood-lifting effects. It’s great if you need a productivity boost, or just some help relaxing throughout the day.
It’s a great strain for chill cleaning days at home, or when you’re doing other low-impact activities that don’t require an entirely clear mind to accomplish.
Ready to Start Smoking?
Now that we’ve gone over a few of the different marijuana strains and the effects they can have on your body, it’s time to choose the one that works best for you. Whether you’re a first-time smoker or you’re just trying to decide on a new strain, there’s something out there for you.
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