“Indicas VS. Sativas VS. Hybrids what else could make your happier? A great way to categorize cannabis is by the experience it produces.”
Thousands of strains of weed are enjoyed by marijuana lovers across the world, making it easy for anyone to discover their favorite strain. While you are sure to enjoy yourself sampling strains along the way, it’s worth investigating which strain delivers the most impact.
Cannabis is often categorized into three basic groups. While every strain of marijuana is unique, grouping strains together by their shared characteristics makes it easier for you to make decisions at the dispensary. Cannabis is typically grouped as Indicas, Sativas, or Hybrids.
*Indica Strains – Indica strains produce a marijuana experience that can make you doze off, or experience a relaxing, or dream-like state.
*Sativa Strains – Sativas are popular among people who like to be more active after enjoying cannabis. They produce a euphoric experience and can be great during social events, and other creative endeavors.
*Hybrid Strains – This category incorporates strains that can’t necessarily be considered either an Indica or a Sativa. While hybrids can be dominated by Indica or Sativa characteristics, or they can be very balanced.
INDICA STRAINS
Indica cannabis strains generally are harvested from short, bushy plants. Indica strains often grow in slightly cooler climates than other types of cannabis. Fans of this strain include people who like to enjoy cannabis at night. Indica can serve as a nightcap for anyone who is looking to relax. Consuming Indicas generally produce a “body high.” A perfect experience for anyone looking to enjoy a movie, read a book, or some other nighttime ritual.
SATIVA STRAINS
Sativas typically grow on taller, thinner plants. These strains seem to grow most naturally in warm or tropical climates. Keep in mind that any type of cannabis can be grown just about anywhere now, thanks to indoor growing facilities. Sativa strains are a popular choice for consumers who wish to indulge in marijuana during daytime hours, or who plan on being active after consumption.
HYBRID STRAINS
While Indicas can be great to consume if your plans include snacking and chilling, and Sativa are for being active and alert, most people argue that Hybrids are best enjoyed when your plans are somewhere in between. That said, the most prominent similarities between strains relate to their physical appearance and growth profiles. Meaning Indicas typically grow like other Indicas, and Sativas grow like other Sativas. An experienced budtender will be able to help you discover the strain that will produce the experience that you want. If you want to feel calm and sleepy, tell them that. If you want to feel inspired and euphoric, tell them that. If you’re just sampling different strains to discover a new favorite, let them know that too.
CALMING CANNABIS VS. UPLIFTING CANNABIS
A great way to categorize cannabis is by the experience it produces. Think relaxing versus invigorating as a better take. Different strains of cannabis can lead to different experiences. Marijuana enthusiasts usually like to use the following descriptors to identify the experience they are after.
*Head High
*Body High
*Alert
*Relaxed
*Clear-headed
*Hazy
*Hungry
*Sleepy
*Happy
*Giggly
*Soothed
*Energetic
*Creative
To better ascertain what strain will produce the desired effects, it’s best to learn more about a strain’s cannabinoid and terpene footprint. Body chemistry, mood, metabolism, and various other things can affect how we experience cannabis, but terpenes are the primary things that set strains apart.
Understanding Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants that most people experience via aromatherapy or essential oils. These can be found in lavender, lemons, hops, pepper, pine needles, and cannabis. There are hundreds of terpenes found in cannabis. Terpenes are responsible for the distinct smells and flavors of different cannabis strains. Different terpenes have different aromas and flavor profiles like fruity, sweet, sour, earthy, herbal, and spicy. Experienced cannabis consumers with trained palates often can easily determine which terpenes are in a strain just by smelling it or tasting it.
The terpene footprint of a particular strain can have a serious influence on its effects. Think about how peppermint essential oil may be useful while you work and lavender essential oil can help you to relax, the terpenes in cannabis have similar characteristics and produce similar results. Also, the terpenes present in cannabis strain can influence how the body interacts with it. This is often referred to as the entourage effect.
The entourage effect means that cannabinoids will often perform differently according to the terpenes they’re associated with. Terpenes are thought to be energetic or relaxing. Common terpenes found in marijuana include –
*Linalool: Which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects.
*Myrcene: Thought to have relaxing effects, and is good for people suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia, pain, and bodily discomfort, acting as a powerful muscle relaxer.
*Caryophyllene: Believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, and can be helpful to people suffering from anxiety and pain, reduce cholesterol, prevent Osteoporosis, and treat seizures.
*Limonene: Thought to produce an energizing and exhilarating buzz. Limonene contributes to a mood-lifting experience.
*Terpinolene: Believed to induce drowsiness and have relaxing effects. This is useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, and producing calm.
*Pinene: Can often have a strong blueberry scent. It is associated with producing a gentle euphoria, creative inspiration, and full-body relaxation.
