Finding the best marijuana strains is one of the most challenging steps in starting your cannabis journey. According to experts, there are around 700 cannabis strains, continuously increasing as growers breed more to achieve specific effects.
Most users may take years to find the perfect strain for their mind and body, especially for those using cannabis for wellness purposes. Picking what’s popular may give you a great experience but can also be unpredictable. Here’s why choosing the right marijuana strains matters.
- Specific Effects And Benefits
Being picky on cannabis strains matters since each has specific effects and health benefits. However, it can be trickier for beginners. You may check out Stiiizy’s exotic weed strains list to give you a head start and specify the effects and benefits you want to experience, such as the following:
- Mood-Uplifting: The mood-uplifting effect is helpful for those struggling with depression and lack of motivation. You may start with Sativa and Sativa-dominant hybrid strains to experience this benefit. Some examples are Acapulco Gold, Pineapple Express, and Sour Diesel.
- Deep Relaxation: Almost every strain offers a relaxing effect. However, some strains are more focused on deep relaxation than others. If you’re aiming for this, you may try Afghan Kush, Blue Dream, Northern Lights, Apple Fritter, and Black Truffle.
- Sleep Inducing: Most users report that consuming potent cannabis, no matter how energizing they are, still leads to sleep. However, some strains are natural sleep inducers, which is helpful for those struggling with insomnia and anxiety. You may try Bubba Kush, Granddaddy Purple, Biscotti, and Indica-dominant strains.
- Energizing: The energizing effect is present on pure Sativa and Sativa-dominant strains. It increases your serotonin levels, making you feel more energetic. Some examples are Super Silver Haze, Pineapple Express, and Acapulco Gold.
- Mind-Stimulating: Some users take cannabis to help them focus on a task or get creative. You may try Sour Diesel, Maui Wowie, Golden Goat, and White Widow to experience this benefit. These strains are also perfect for ‘wake and bake’ to start your day in a good mood.
- Pain Relief: Pain management is one of the most popular health benefits of cannabis. Most hybrids can help relieve pain, especially the Indica-leaning strains and those with high levels of CBD.
Setting your goals for consuming cannabis helps narrow your options and leads you to the right strain.
- Different Potency Levels
Choosing the right cannabis strain is crucial since they differ in potency levels. The most dominant compounds in marijuana are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Experienced users determine the potency of a strain by THC levels, varying from 15% to 35%. Higher potency means more intense psychoactive effects. If you’re looking for a strain to take you to a new high, here are some options:
- Godfather OG: This strain is the strongest, with up to 35% THC levels. It’s an Indica-dominant hybrid, giving a relaxing and sedative effect.
- Pink Kush: This potent strain has around 25% THC levels and is 80% Indica and 20% Sativa. It can give euphoric sensations, followed by deep relaxation.
- Master Kush: This strain also has around 25% THC levels. It’s a highly potent Indica strain that offers unmatched relaxing effects.
- Gorilla Glue: This strain offers the perfect balance of Indica and Sativa, with up to 26% THC levels. It’s a helpful stress reliever due to its long-lasting high and relaxation.
- Afghan Kush: This strain can reach up to 22% THC levels. It can help induce sleep and boost appetite.
- Blue Dream: This relaxing strain has THC levels ranging from 21% to 24%. Since it’s a Sativa-dominant strain, it balances relaxation and mood-lifting effects.
One good tip for beginners and even long-term users is to start with low loads when consuming THC-potent strains.
- Distinct Flavor Profiles
two female tourists shopping for marijuana at legal cannabis shop in pattaya thailand
Consuming cannabis is all about sensations, which include smell and taste. Each strain has a distinct flavor profile depending on its terpenes, the compound responsible for plants’ aroma. Here are some terpenes found in marijuana that you may prefer as you look for the right strain:
- Limonene: This compound is present in citrus fruits like lemon. It gives cannabis a unique citrusy taste and aroma.
- Beta-caryophyllene: It’s a peppery terpene commonly found in exotic strains.
- Linalool: This sedative terpene is common in Indica strains and lavender.
- Pinene: This terpene gives marijuana a pine-like, woody, earthy flavor and aroma.
- Ocimene: This is the least common terpene in cannabis, present in specific strains with a fruity taste.
Consuming cannabis strains with your preferred terpene profile offers a more pleasant experience.
- Varying Reactions
The right marijuana strain matters due to its varying effects on the mind and body. Individuals may have different reactions to each strain. What’s relaxing and mood-lifting to others can be sleep-inducing to you, which can hinder your function during the daytime.
When trying a new strain, be sensitive to your body’s reaction. Doing so helps determine the maximum potency level you can take safely. Experts suggest starting low and slow to minimize or eliminate potential side effects like paranoia.
Conclusion
Determining the best marijuana strain for your wellness is crucial to elevating your experience. In this journey, take your time to try various strains to find your perfect match.