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Derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, marijuana strains are known to offer recreational and medical benefits to a range of cannabis users. Strains are available in a variety of tastes, aromas, and potencies. Each of the strains has unique properties, benefits, and uses.
But what exactly is a cannabis strain? What are the types of strains? Online Medical Card has answered all your queries here. Keep reading the blog to know the meaning, types, and uses of different types of marijuana strains.
Also referred to as a chemovar or chemotype, a marijuana strain is a category that defines the chemical composition, physical properties, and potential medical effects of the cannabis plant. In other words, strains are defined as the different breeds of cannabis, each having different effects on the user.
You will be surprised to know that at present there are more than 700 different types of weed strains available. That’s a huge figure, right? And chances are that there are hundreds of undiscovered strains out there too.
Cannabis strains are classified into three main categories: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid. Let’s explore each strain in detail.
Sativa strains generally contain low levels of CBD and high levels of THC. To people’s knowledge, THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive and intoxicating compound that can make you feel high and stoned. CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound known to help people dealing with several health conditions.
Sativa is generally associated with making consumers energized. This strain of cannabis has a fruity, floral, or spicy aroma. The flavors will vary from one Sativa strain to another based on the terpenes present.
Some of the popular Sativa strains are Sour Diesel, Green Crack, and Strawberry Cough.
As mentioned above, Sativa is best known for providing uplifting and energizing effects, known as a “head high.”
Sativa strains are useful in helping patients struggling with depression. However, if taken in excess, they can result in irregular heart rate and panic attacks.
Indica is another popular type of marijuana strain that has high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. Some of the well-known Indica strains are Kush, Northern Lights, Grandaddy Purple, and Afghani.
The Indica strain causes strong sedating effects, known as a “body high.” It is very effective in helping patients with pain and sleep disorders find comfort and calm. However, a higher dose can result in depression and reduced motivation.
Due to their somewhat opposing effects, Cannabis Sativa strains and Cannabis Indica strains are used for different purposes.
Also Read: L.A. Kush “Red Box” Indica Strain Review
The majority of cannabis strains are a combination of Sativa and Indica which are known as “Hybrids”. Since hybrids contain both Sativa and Indica, they can contain higher levels of CBD or THC, depending on their composition. Individually, Sativa and Indica strains may produce more reliable effects. However, the hybrid strains produce variable effects.
Some of the most common hybrids are White Widow, GSC, and Chemdog.
Please note that the majority of marijuana strains marked as “Indica” or “Sativa” are hybrids. However, the effects vary from strain to strain.
The best way to determine the effects of the strain is by knowing its cannabinoid and terpene content.
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With each passing year, different types of weed strains are being discovered for recreational and medical purposes. However, there are tested and tried strains that you can find in almost every dispensary. Some of the most well-known weed strains available in the market are-
Purple Kush: Purple kush is a type of Indica strain that can make people feel relaxed, happy, and sleepy. It may also help patients dealing with physical discomfort and lack of quality sleep.
Acapulco Gold: One of the highly praised cannabis strains, Acapulco gold is known for its euphoria-inducing and energizing effects. It can help alleviate general stress, aches, and nausea.
Blue Dream: Known for its relaxing and soothing effects, Blue dream can help patients deal with physical discomfort, and body cramps and promote an overall sense of relaxation.
Sour Diesel: It is known as an energy-boosting and mood-lifting strain. When used in the right amounts, Sour diesel may help manage any mental stress by calming the thoughts and relieving any aches.
Bubba Kush: It is popular as a relaxing and sleep-inducing strain. Suitable for people suffering from sleep disorders, it can make you feel relaxed and stress-free.
Apart from the above, some other popular and best-selling marijuana strains are LA Confidential, Afghan Kush, and Granddaddy Purple that people consume to avail of medical and recreational benefits.
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Well, there is no exact answer to this. The choice of cannabis strain depends on your health goals and medical conditions. Some people consume marijuana to reap recreational benefits like relaxing and soothing effects, while some may consume it to overcome mental health issues.
Marijuana is available in a range of flavors and aromas. The ideal way to know which strain is best for you is to experiment with all types of weed strains: Sativa, Indica, and hybrids with different THC ratios and terpenes.
The strain that works best for you will be the most ideal one to choose.
Before buying cannabis, you should be well versed with the effects and uses of different strains. This will help you choose just the right strain for your medical requirement. You can also consult your medical practitioner about the type of strain that is best suited for your health condition. For instance, if you require a strain that makes you more active, your doctor might recommend investing in a Sativa flower. On the other hand, if you need a sedative effect to improve your sleep cycle, an Indica strain might suit you better. For a more cumulative effect, a hybrid strain might be the right choice.
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