What are the different Strains of Cannabis?
Sativa
Sativa plants are tall and thin and can grow to be taller than 12 feet. Sativa has lower doses of CBD and higher doses of THC. It’s uplifting and known for its “Mind High” or cerebral high. It will often lead to laughing, in-depth conversations, and creative thinking. Generally, it is best used during the daytime because of its energizing effect.
Indica
Indica plants are smaller, bushier plants. They grow between 3 to 6 feet tall. The CBD dose of Indica is often higher than Sativa, but this does not necessarily mean lower doses of THC. It’s often used to reduce stress, pain, and nausea. It limits anxiety and can result in an increased appetite. Due to its intensely relaxing effect, it is typically best used at night.
Hybrid
Hybrid plants are a combination of the different types created for specific effects. They are usually grown to increase THC. Over half of all strains are hybrid with more being added each year. They can be cultivated to create relaxing body effects, for a balance of mind & body, to limit anxiety, or even to reduce the symptoms of chemotherapy and radiation. Because each strain is different, day or night use can vary.
What makes each strain different?
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds contained in plants. Each plant contains dozens of cannabinoids. Some of the main ones are:
- THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis plants. It’s responsible for the “high”, or state of euphoria, associated with cannabis use.
- CBD – Cannabidiol is non-impairing or non-euphoric. It doesn’t cause a “high.” However, it may produce many physical benefits, such as reducing pain and nausea, preventing seizures, and easing migraine.
- CBN – Cannabinol is used to ease symptoms and side effects of neurological conditions, including epilepsy, seizures, and uncontrollable muscle stiffness.
- THCA – Tetrahydrocannabinol acid is similar to THC, but it doesn’t cause any psychoactive effects. Its potential benefits include reducing inflammation caused by arthritis and autoimmune diseases. It may also help reduce symptoms of neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and ALS.
- CBG – Cannabigerol is thought to help reduce anxiety and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression.
Terpenes
- Bisabolol – With notes of chamomile and tea tree oil, the terpene bisabolol is thought to help reduce inflammation and irritation. It may also have microbial and pain-reducing effects.
- Caryophyllene – The peppery, spicy molecule may help reduce anxiety, ease symptoms of depression, and improve ulcers.
- Linalool – Linalool is said to help improve relaxation and boost mood with its floral notes.
- Myrcene – The most common terpene, this earthy, herbal molecule may help reduce anxiety and insomnia so you can sleep better.
- Ocimene – This terpene produces notes of basil, mango, and parsley. Its primary effects may include easing congestion and warding off viruses and bacteria.
- Pinene – As the name suggests, this terpene produces an intense pine aroma. It may help boost memory, reduce pain, and ease some of the not-so-pleasant symptoms of THC, such as nausea and coordination problems.
- Terpinolene – Cannabis with this compound may smell like apples, cumin, and conifers. It may have sedative, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
- Limonene – Bright, zippy citrus notes come from this terpene. It’s said to improve mood and reduce stress.
- Humulene – This terpene is deeply earthy and woody, like hops or cloves. Cannabis strains with this molecule may help reduce inflammation.
- Eucalyptol – With notes of eucalyptus and tea tree oil, this molecule is refreshing and invigorating. It may also help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.
What are the different product types?
Recreational and medical marijuana products come in many forms for different uses. Scroll over each product below to learn more about it.
Vapes
Vaping is the process of heating THC liquid, oil, or dried marijuana, and then inhaling the cannabis vapor that is produced.
Edibles
Marijuana edibles are created using butter or oil extracted from the leaves of the cannabis plant that can be added to food baking or processing.
Flower
The flower is the part of the female cannabis plant where the cannabinoids are found.
Extracts
Marijuana extracts are cannabis concentrates that have been created with a type of solvent that can be consumed by dabbing, making edibles, smoking, or vaping.
Pre-rolls
A pre-roll is exactly what it sounds like, a pre-rolled marijuana joint or blunt. Marijuana pre-rolls are ready for recreational cannabis consumption.
Topicals
Topicals usually have some form of THC, CBD, or even THCA which can be applied topically as a cream or ointment.
Tinctures
A type of cannabis extract that is created by infusing cannabis in alcohol. Marijuana tinctures allow for smokeless consumption.
