Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your journey with cannabis, understanding the different types of weed and strains can greatly enhance your experience. Needless to say, each strain offers unique effects, flavors, and therapeutic properties.
Without further ado, let’s delve into the fascinating world of cannabis and explore its various types and strains.
Indica
Known for its relaxing and sedating effects, Indica strains are popular among those seeking relief from stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Indica plants typically have broader leaves and a shorter stature. These strains are often characterized by their earthy and musky flavors, with notes of pine and skunk.
Some popular Indica strains include Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, and Afghan Kush.
Sativa
Sativa strains are revered for their uplifting and energizing effects, making them ideal for daytime use. Sativa plants tend to have narrower leaves and a taller, more slender appearance. They are known for their fruity, citrusy flavors and floral aromas.
Sativa strains are often associated with creativity, focus, and a cerebral high. Examples of popular Sativa strains include Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, and Durban Poison.
Hybrids
Hybrid strains are a crossbreed of Indica and Sativa plants, combining the best of both worlds. By blending the characteristics of both parent strains, hybrids offer a wide range of effects and flavors.
Hybrids can be either Indica-dominant, Sativa-dominant, or balanced, depending on the genetic makeup. These strains are highly versatile and cater to a variety of preferences and needs. Some well-known hybrid strains include Blue Dream, Girl Scout Cookies, and OG Kush.
CBD-Rich Strains
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, known for its therapeutic properties. CBD-rich strains contain higher levels of CBD and minimal amounts of THC, making them ideal for medicinal use without the intoxicating effects.
These strains are sought after for their potential benefits in relieving pain, inflammation, seizures, and anxiety. Popular CBD-rich strains include Charlotte’s Web, ACDC, and Harlequin.
High-THC Strains
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the euphoric “high” associated with marijuana. High-THC strains contain elevated levels of THC, producing potent psychoactive effects. These strains are favored by recreational users seeking intense euphoria and relaxation.
However, they may also offer therapeutic benefits such as pain relief, appetite stimulation, and mood elevation.
Examples of high-THC strains include Gorilla Glue #4, Bruce Banner, and Skywalker OG.
Landrace Strains
Landrace strains are indigenous cannabis varieties that have adapted to their native environments over centuries. These strains are purebred and have not been crossed with other strains, preserving their unique genetics and characteristics.
Landrace strains are named after their regions of origin, such as Afghani, Thai, and Jamaican. They offer a glimpse into the origins of cannabis cultivation and provide enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience authentic and traditional varieties.
Now that we’ve known the different strains of cannabis that you can find in the market, let’s now cover the different varieties that cannabis normally comes in. They’re as follows:
Flower/Bud
The most recognizable form of cannabis, flower or bud refers to the dried and cured blooms of the cannabis plant. Available in a variety of strains, flower is typically consumed by smoking in joints, pipes, or bongs. It offers a quick onset of effects and allows users to control their dosage easily.
Moreover, flower is valued for its diverse flavors, aromas, and cannabinoid profiles as it offers a rich and nuanced experience for enthusiasts.
Concentrates
Concentrates are potent extracts derived from cannabis flowers, offering higher concentrations of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Common types of concentrates include shatter, wax, oil, and rosin, each produced through different extraction methods. Concentrates can be vaporized, dabbed, or added to joints for enhanced potency and flavor.
They are prized for their purity, fast-acting effects, and discretion which make them a popular choice among experienced users.
Edibles
Edibles are cannabis-infused food and beverage products that offer an alternative to smoking or vaping. Available in various forms such as gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages, edibles provide a convenient and discreet way to consume cannabis. Effects typically take longer to onset compared to smoking, but they can be longer-lasting and more intense.
Edibles are favored for their precise dosing and ability to mask the taste of cannabis. Due to this, they appeal to a wide range of users.
Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts made by steeping cannabis flowers or concentrates in alcohol or glycerin. Tinctures offer a versatile and customizable consumption method, allowing users to administer precise doses sublingually or add them to food and beverages. They provide a discreet and convenient option for micro-dosing and offer rapid onset of effects compared to edibles.
Tinctures are valued for their potency, ease of use, and ability to provide targeted relief for specific ailments.
Topicals
Cannabis topicals are products infused with cannabinoids that are applied directly to the skin. Common forms include lotions, creams, balms, and patches, which are absorbed transdermally to provide localized relief from pain, inflammation, and skin conditions.
Unlike other forms of cannabis, topicals do not produce psychoactive effects, making them suitable for non-intoxicating therapeutic use. They are favored for their targeted relief and minimal systemic absorption which allow users to experience the benefits of cannabis without impairment.
Capsules and Pills
Lastly, we have cannabis capsules and pills that contain measured doses of cannabis oil or powdered flower in convenient oral dosage forms. They offer a discreet and familiar consumption method, similar to traditional pharmaceuticals, and provide precise dosing for consistent effects.
Capsules and pills are preferred by medical cannabis patients seeking long-lasting relief from chronic conditions such as pain, nausea, and insomnia. They offer a convenient and reliable option for controlled dosing and consistent therapy.
Conclusion
The world of cannabis is rich and diverse, with a wide array of strains and types to explore. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, inspiration, or relief, there’s a cannabis strain suited to your preferences and needs.
Just remember to consume responsibly and in accordance with your local laws and regulations.