Types of Cannabis Strains

Cannabis strains are divided into types based on their effect profiles; whether you want a relaxing or invigorating experience, there is bound to be one suitable.

However, indica and sativa are botanical terms that refer to a plant’s physical structure and not its effects. Furthermore, every person’s body chemistry differs and may affect strains differently.

Indica

One of the simplest ways to describe different strains is by labelling them either indica or sativa, though this method still has some utility for certain uses. Instead, weed nerds have begun shifting away from this simplistic distinction in favor of studying each strain’s blend of cannabinoids and terpenes for greater insight into its effects.

Indica strains tend to reduce energy levels and induce relaxation, making them ideal for evening and nighttime use. They may help stimulate appetite while relieving pain, muscle tension and stress.

Pineapple Express and Zkittlez are among the milder indica strains, making them easier for first-time users to tolerate its effects. Gorilla Glue #4 stands out as being more potent but both promote relaxation, sleepiness, appetite stimulation, pain relief, and deep sense of calm; other popular varieties such as Tangerine Dream, White Widow, Acapulco Gold have higher THC contents but these effects can be offset through CBD content.

Sativa

People often associate sativa strains with mind highs. These varieties typically cause feelings of euphoria, alertness and creativity while providing energy boosts that make them perfect daytime or early afternoon strains.

Cannabis sativa thrives in warm environments like Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia, featuring long, thin leaves with larger than average stems than indica plants. It boasts an increased THC:CBD ratio with greater cannabinoid chemicals such as terpinolene and linalool present in its flowers compared with those produced from indica strains. Cannabis sativa hybrids often cross with ruderalis to form autoflowering hybrids not dependent on photoperiod for flowering.

Due to cross-breeding, it has become more difficult to differentiate indica from sativa strains than ever before. When selecting a hybrid strain it is important that consumers keep this in mind when making their selection as it will impact cannabinoid content and terpene profiles of each product purchased.

Hybrid

Hybrid Cannabis strains fall between indica and sativa categories due to being composed of two different parent strains that combine their distinct chemical profiles – with cannabinoids and terpene levels that influence its effects. One such hybrid, known as OG Kush, contains high concentrations of Caryophyllene and Limonene terpenes which cause feelings of euphoria and relaxation when consumed, for instance. Other popular hybrid strains with fruity notes that won Leafly in 2020 were Zkittlez with fruity notes while Pineapple Express features citrusy sweet flavors with pineapple undertones.

Many people choose hybrid strains due to their versatility. Although not as cerebral or psychedelic as sativa strains, hybrids offer moderate relaxation without inducing sleepiness, making them perfect for daytime activities or relaxing after work. Furthermore, hybrids also provide numerous medical benefits like pain relief and anxiety reduction.

Medical

Now there are thousands of cannabis strains, each one with unique effects that are described by its name – such as XJ-13 giving users giggles or Harlequin relieving inflammation, or Schrom causing couchlock. The names may not always match up perfectly but most strains do have specific qualities they describe through their names – for example XJ-13 could provide giggles while Harlequin soothes inflammation or Schrom may induce couchlock.

Sativa strains are thought to produce stimulating and productive effects due to their higher THC content, making them perfect for daytime use in order to increase productivity and creativity.

CBD dominant strains contain more CBD than THC, making them ideal for relieving pain, anxiety and depression without producing psychoactive effects. They make an ideal introduction to the benefits of CBD without experiencing its psychoactive properties first-hand. These strains make a good starting point for newcomers who wish to test out all it has to offer without getting high!

Hybrid strains combine the stimulating and relaxing properties of Sativa with those of Indica to deliver customized results to meet your medical needs and preferences. These strains are especially popular among medical users seeking relief for pain, insomnia, appetite stimulation or nausea as well as anxiety or depression.