Weed Strains: What Are They?
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a flowering plant that comes in a range of strains. The more than 700 unique cannabis strains are classified into three basic categories. Strains can be thought of as breeds, with each possessing unique characteristics.
The concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) in a cannabis strain may have varying effects on the body. The two main cannabinoids contained in marijuana are THC and CBD. When compared to CBD, THC has stronger psychoactive, or mind-altering, effects. It is what causes you to feel “high,” or inebriated, when you smoke marijuana.
It’s important to remember that cannabis research is still ongoing, and none of the effects of the various strains have been officially established. Anecdotal, or based on user accounts rather than scientific investigation, information accounts for a huge amount of what we presently know.
Examples of Sativa Weed Strains
Cannabis is known by the species name Cannabis sativa. Sativa is a cannabis cultivar known for its tall stature and slender foliage. Although some sativa strains are described as energizing, this is not always the true. The chemical composition and probable implications of each strain differ. These are some of the most common varieties.
Blue Dream
This sativa-dominant strain contains little or no CBD, about 40% indica, and 18% THC. Many cannabis users enjoy the peppery and sweet flavors. Some consumers describe Blue Dream as uplifting and exhilarating, helping them manage PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, and despair. However, research on these impacts remains unclear. Researchers are also investigating how effectively it works to relieve pain, particularly migraines.
Jack Herer
This strain’s name honors Jack Herer, a cannabis rights advocate who died in 2010. Although studies on its usefulness are still ongoing, it is commonly used to relieve headache and migraine pain. Jack Herer contains approximately 45% indica and 55% sativa. It contains very little CBD (1% or less) and much more THC (15-24%).
Sour Diesel
This 90% sativa strain of cannabis contains between 18%-26% THC. Some people have utilized this strain to treat their headaches. Researchers are still looking into its possible medical uses.
Ghost Train Haze
Ghost Train Haze has less than 1% CBD and 22% THC. Terpinolene, a plant compound with citrus, wood, pine, and herb fragrances, is also present in large quantities. According to some users, it decreases inflammation, anxiety, and depression, although there is currently inadequate research to support these claims.
Examples of Indica Weed Strains
Growers may refer to strains with medium concentrations of THC and CBD as “indica”. A more balanced THC to CBD ratio can produce a calming, relaxing effect. However, not all indica strains exhibit this balance.
It is possible that the indica strains originated in Afghanistan. They frequently have an earthy fragrance. Here are various strains of indica cannabis.
Afghan Kush
This strain of cannabis is 100% indica; it contains no sativa. You may detect its flavors and earthy, piney fragrance. It could have started in the Hindu Kush mountains, which are near Afghanistan’s Pakistan border. It includes 0.1% to 1% CBD and a high concentration of THC (on average 20%). Because of the high THC content, if you have never used this strain before, proceed with caution. Although scientific research has not supported these claims, some people claim to use this strain to relieve chronic pain, worry and stress, appetite loss, and insomnia.
Northern Lights
About 95% of this strain is indica, with the remaining 5% sativa. Typically, it contains 16% to 21% THC. It typically includes 0.1% CBD. Scientists are presently looking into the benefits of this strain, although some users claim it can assist with anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. The “couch lock” effect of the Northern Lights can deplete an individual’s energies. You can expect to taste and smell earthiness and pine.
Grandaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is a sweeter indica strain that tastes like grapes. It consists of 30% sativa and 70% indica. It contains between 17% and 23% THC and 0.1% to 1% CBD. According to some users, it relieves anxiety, sleepiness, and appetite loss caused by medications or therapies.
Hybrid Weed Strains
The bulk of cannabis strains are hybrids, which are made up of different cannabis subspecies. Hybrids can contain indica, sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis—a less common, low-THC strain. Here are a few hybrid cannabis strains to consider.
Ice Cream Cake
This potent strain contains approximately 1% CBD and 20%-25% THC. It combines Wedding Cake and Gelato #33 strains to give a sweet, creamy flavor. Although some people believe that the ice cream cake stretch relieves pain, stress, and anxiety, research has yet to verify this.
Purple Gelato (also known as Gelato #33)
This strain is made up of 50% sativa and 50% indica. On average, it has 20% THC and 1%-2% CBD. The berry flavor derives from a cross between the Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies strains. Some people believe that this strain helps them manage their depression, stress, and chronic pain.
Wedding Cake (also known as Triangle Mints)
Approximately 40% of this strain is sativa and 60% is indica. It combines the strains Triangle Kush and Animal Mints. With an average THC level of 25%, it contains a high CBD concentration of 0.1% to 0.25%. According to some reports, this strain can aid with insomnia, chronic pain management, and appetite loss reduction. This strain smells earthy, citrus, and vanilla, with a sweet, peppery flavor.
Blue Cheese
Blue Cheese is a cannabis hybrid containing 20% sativa and 80% indica. Additionally, 2% of it contains cannabigerol (CBG), the third most common cannabinoid in cannabis after THC and CBD. According to study, CBG may be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s. The THC level ranges from 18% to 20%. Although these benefits have not been proved, some people believe that this strain can be used to treat bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression.
The most potent weed strains
Strong cannabis strains usually have lower quantities of CBD and higher levels of THC. High THC strains are more likely to produce psychedelic effects. In addition to creating a high, these effects might cause anxiety or paranoia. Cannabis sativa cultivars frequently have more THC. A THC level of 21 or above is regarded as strong.
Remember that cannabis products have been becoming more potent for decades, potentially leading to health risks such as changed brain chemistry. Certain items available at dispensaries, like as cannabis concentrates (often known as “dabs”), may contain more than 40% THC.
Top Cannabis Strains For Pain
More research and clinical studies are needed to evaluate whether cannabis can reduce pain. The limits imposed by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration make it more difficult for researchers to study marijuana.
Cannabis may affect our experience of pain, making it less severe while also improving mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Indica, known for its calming properties, may be beneficial to persons suffering from acute or chronic pain. According to one study, users preferred indica cannabis strains to alleviate joint pain, neuropathy, and headaches.
According to research, cannabis can help some patients reduce their use of prescription and over-the-counter pain drugs while also managing chronic non-cancer pain. Some argue that cannabis is more effective than opiates and other pharmaceutical pain relievers. Cannabis has also been shown to aid with neuropathic pain, a cancer symptom caused by chronic nerve damage. Weed may help reduce the agonizing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammatory levels.
Two THC-containing drugs have received FDA approval for medical use in the United States, and they are used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. A third THC-CBD medicine is being developed in the United States and has already been approved for use in Canada and Europe to treat multiple sclerosis and cancer-related pain.
Terpenes, the compounds that give plants their distinct smells and scents, may help reduce pain. Four of the 150 terpenes included in cannabis have been shown in animal studies to reduce pain.
How to Choose the Correct Product Type and Strain
Selecting the appropriate strain might be difficult. For diverse farmers and dispensaries, more broad designations such as indica, sativa, and hybrid can mean different things. However, in general, sativa strains are more active, whilst indica strains are more soothing. The levels of THC and CBD in hybrids may differ. Your THC tolerance and desired effects, such as pain or anxiety relief, may influence which category and strain are right for you.
types of items
There are many different types of cannabis products available, including medicinal weed tablets, beverages, and nasal sprays, as well as dried leaves and buds. The time and speed with which effects appear may vary between products. These are a few different types of cannabis products.
Edibles. Edible cannabis products include gummies, baked goods, and beverages.
Liquids. A dropper is used to administer cannabis liquids, sometimes known as tinctures, beneath the tongue.
Capsules and tablets. You can take cannabis capsules and tablets just like you would an aspirin or vitamin.
Lozenges. Weed-containing films and lozenges dissolve in the mouth or under the tongue.
Pre-rolls. Inhalable cannabis includes pre-rolls made of dried cannabis flowers wrapped in paper.
Smoking instruments. To smoke dried flowers and concentrates, use bongs or pipes. Cannabis concentrates can also be inhaled using smoking devices. Vapes can also be used to smoke dried cannabis flowers or oil cartridges.
Topical weed. Topicals are cannabis-based products that are applied topically, such as lotions and balms. There are also cannabis suppositories and patches available.
Key Takeaways
Cannabis is a flowering plant with numerous strains that can have varying effects on the body. The three main types of cannabis are sativa, indica, and hybrids. Though research suggests that there may not be much of a difference between sativa and indica strains, these classifications are frequently based on THC and CBD content. These three groupings comprise hundreds of different cannabis strains. The effects you seek—such as a strong high, pain relief, or anxiety relief—will determine which cannabis strain is ideal for you.
