A quick guide to buying cannabis

June 19, 2023

Selecting the appropriate marijuana strain can be challenging, but it's important to consider the desired effects you seek. This is crucial because different strains vary in terms of scent, effects, and appearance.

Begin by identifying your goals, as they will greatly influence the type of marijuana strain you should choose.

First: strain type

Marijuana comes in distinct varieties. They are:

Sativa strains: these strains are most suitable for enhancing energy levels. They are known to boost energy and stimulate creative thinking.

These strains are often favored for social gatherings or parties as they can promote engaging conversations. However, it's important to note that higher doses of these strains, particularly those with THC levels exceeding 18%, may potentially induce feelings of paranoia or anxiety in some individuals.

Among the most popular sativa strains are Sour Diesel, Casey Jones, Golden Goat, and Lemon Skunk.

Indica strains: those particular marijuana strains are highly recommended for promoting relaxation and sleep. It possesses many cannabinoids and terpenes that contribute to the soporific effects of marijuana.

These strains are beneficial in treating sleep apnea and insomnia. Many of them contain relatively high level of cannabinol CBN, which aids in relaxation and facilitating sleep. CBN is a byproduct that can be obtained through the degradation of cannabis, and you can naturally produce it by allowing your strain to dry out in the sunlight for a period of time.

Among the most popular indica strains are Bubba Kush, BC God Bud, White Rhino, and Granddaddy Purple.

Hybrid strains: This particular marijuana strain offers a combination of both indica and sativa effects. It provides a balanced experience between relaxation and euphoria. It can vary in dominance, being either indica-dominant or sativa-dominant. There are numerous options available for you to choose from, including Pineapple Express, Blue Dream, and Trainwreck.

Second: the most popular marijuana components

Marijuana has 400+ compounds and having a look at them help you understand their effects. Therefore, depending on what you want, you will choose a strain that provides the same effects. The components are:

CBD vs. THC: These two compounds are of utmost importance in marijuana. THC serves as the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant and offers a wide range of medicinal benefits, including pain relief, anti-nausea properties, euphoria, and appetite stimulation.

In contrast, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant that provides medicinal effects such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-anxiety benefits. When selecting a strain, you have the option to choose CBD-dominant, THC-dominant, or find a strain that offers a balanced combination of both components.

Apart from the primary compounds (THC and CBD), other vital marijuana compounds that you may consider while choosing your strain includes:

THCA – it is tetrahydrocannabinol acid that is comparable to THC. However, it does not produce any psychoactive effects. It helps in suppressing inflammation as a result of autoimmune and arthritis diseases. Also, it can help suppress signs of neurological issues such as ALS and Parkinson’s disease.
CBN – the compound helps you ease symptoms and adverse effects of neurological problems, including seizures, irrepressible muscle tautness, and epilepsy.
CBG –the component might help suppress anxiety and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
CBDA – it is constituent that provides antioxidant, cancer preventive, and antibacterial effects.

Third: the different main terpenes

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in marijuana plants and fruits. They play a significant role in determining the flavor and scent of a strain, as well as contributing to the overall effects of cannabis. Terpenes are crucial factors in determining whether a marijuana strain provides uplifting, sedating, or a combination of effects.

Below are some of terpenes compounds with their medicinal effects:

Ocimene – it is a terpene that produces notes of parsley, mango, and basil. Its main effects can include preventing bacteria and viruses and easing congestion.
Limonene – it provides bright, fast citrus notes. It might help boost mood and suppress stress.
Pinene – just like its name hints, this terpene produces an overpowering pine smell. It can enhance memory, suppress pain, and lessen some of the unpleasant signs of THC, like coordination issues and nausea.
Myrcene – it the most common type of terpene. It might fight anxiety and sleeplessness for you to sleep better.
Bisabolol – it produces tea tree oil and chamomile notes. It might reduce irritation and inflammation. Also, it may provide pain-relieving and microbial effects.
Linalool – it produces floral notes and may help enhance mood and improve relaxation.
Caryophyllene – it is a peppery, spicy fragment that may reduce anxiety, improve ulcers, and lessen signs of depression.

Related article: What Are Terpenoids And What Do They Do?

Conclusion

Although marijuana strains offer numerous medicinal benefits, it is important to exercise caution, particularly if you are new to consuming cannabis.

It is essential to be aware that strains can potentially cause side effects, such as anxiety or sleepiness. Therefore, it is crucial to understand both the potential side effects and the benefits of each strain to make an informed choice.

By being knowledgeable about the possible side effects and considering the intended benefits, you can select a strain that aligns with your needs and preferences. It is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional or a cannabis expert to ensure responsible and safe use of marijuana strains, especially if you have specific health conditions or concerns.

Stay toasty my friends.