Five Great Cannabis Strains For Gamers
Gamers, we come from different walks of life, with diverse backgrounds and interests. However, what sets some gamers apart is their appreciation for the herb known as Mary Jane. In today's society, where an array of cannabis strains is available, finding the right strain to enhance your gaming experience has become almost as important as having a top-notch gaming mouse or a quality headset.
In the following article, we will delve into a few of my favorite marijuana strains that I personally enjoy while gaming. It's important to keep in mind that these are simply suggestions, and everyone's experience may vary.
Related article: How to choose marijuana strains - The Complete Guide
3 Reasons Gamers May Smoke And Game
I've also included some talking points regarding the connection between gaming and smoking weed. They are outlined below:
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Improved thinking and motor function: Research has shown that marijuana can slow down thinking processes, which can be advantageous in multiplayer online first-person shooter (MMOFPS) games like Fortnite, Call of Duty (COD), and Overwatch.
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Enhanced overall happiness: Marijuana can stimulate the production and release of chemicals in the body that contribute to feelings of happiness. Being a contented gamer can greatly enhance the enjoyment of the entire gaming experience.
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Heightened focus: Personally, I find that when I'm indulging in some Darksiders or Doom, both games with plenty of hidden elements to uncover, I am more focused and perform better. Reduced distractions can lead to improved gameplay.
Having been an avid gamer who smokes since the early days of Unreal Tournament (back when Epic Games wasn't widely recognized), I've learned over the years that there are strains of marijuana that complement gaming exceptionally well, while others may not be as suitable. Let's explore a few of my favorite strains.
Five Strains Great For Gamers
Different strains can differ in characteristics depending on the grower. The THC levels mentioned here are approximate averages based on information from Leafly.com. It's important to note that the strains I mention are my personal favorites, and each individual may have a unique reaction to them.
Additionally, it's crucial to understand that there is no such thing as a universally perfect strain. The suitability of a strain depends on the specific purpose for which you are consuming it.
1. GG#4 (Gorilla Glue #4)
- THC: ~18-22% average
- Strain Type: Hybrid Indica dominant
Also known as Gorilla Glue, the original strain is known for its relaxing effects. Personally, it's a strain I frequently turn to, although I wouldn't recommend it for FPS (first-person shooter) players as it can significantly impair your performance. Instead, this strain is better suited for RPG games or platformers that don't demand intense hand-eye coordination. It's a potent strain, so it's not ideal for those who are light smokers.
Even a small amount can have a significant impact, causing your focus to become slightly blurred. However, with practice, you can channel that state into achieving impressive kill streaks (KS) in Overwatch.
Learn more about this strain here.
Related article: THC and CBD, and the Entourage Effect!
2. Fruity Pebbles
- THC: ~21%
- Strain Type: Hybrid Indica dominant
This particular strain possesses properties that are known to alleviate anxiety, among other benefits. The aroma of this bud is somewhat sweet, and it induces a sense of bodily relaxation while keeping your mind lightly uplifted, without causing extreme sedation.
It's certainly a suitable strain to use between intense Fortnite or Call of Duty (COD) matches. For the average smoker, this strain won't weigh heavily on your body, although you may experience some drowsiness as the effects wear off.
Learn more about this strain here.
3. OG Kush
- THC: ~16-21%
- Strain Type: Hybrid Indica dominant
When it comes to strains, you can never go wrong with a Kush. It's my personal favorite when I want to embrace the nostalgia of old-school gaming. Picture yourself immersing in the 90s, sitting comfortably on the couch with the original SNES, complete with controllers and the coax cable connected to the old TV. This strain is perfect for that kind of experience.
Whether you're playing Killer Instinct, Mario Kart, or even Smash T.V., it complements the vibe perfectly. I highly recommend it for those times when you want to relax, unwind, and fully enjoy your gaming session.
Learn more about this strain here.
4. GSC (Girl Scout Cookies)
- THC: ~17-21%
- Strain Type: Hybrid Sativa dominant
I've come across a strain with an intriguing name that I've found available in both Sativa and Indica variations. However, I've noticed that its effects can differ depending on the specific grower. Some strains have provided a more cerebral high, which has enhanced my gaming experience. This particular strain also has several variants, so if you search for "Girl Scout Cookies" on Leafly, you'll discover a wide range of options.
Personally, I enjoy playing games like Hollow Knight, Shovel Knight, and Knights of Pen and Paper with this strain. Additionally, I have a great time immersing myself in real-time strategy (RTS) games such as Starcraft and Command and Conquer.
Learn more about this strain here.
5. Purple Urkle
- THC: ~14-19%
- Strain Type: Indica
I can confidently say that around 85% of my Play of the Games (POTGs) in Overwatch can be attributed to Purple Urkle. As an Indica-dominant strain, it has the potential to become your ultimate ally. It seems to have a calming effect on the body, clears the mind, and aids in laser-focused attention on the task at hand.
While enjoying this strain, I have effortlessly achieved over 20 kill streaks (KS) in Overwatch. From the reviews I've seen on Leafly, it appears to be highly recommended for individuals dealing with anxiety, including myself. However, it's important to note that this recommendation is based solely on personal experience, so individual experiences may vary.
Learn more about this strain here.
Related article: 7 Key Tips to Break the 'Irresponsible Stoner' Stereotype
Remember, it’s also about your surroundings
We all have our own rituals when it comes to gaming. Whether it's designating a specific room or area of the house as "the cave" or "the gamer area," we create a space that suits our gaming needs. Personally, I have set up a fantastic gaming setup that works perfectly for me. Here are a few ideas to help you set up your gaming space, including some tips I currently use:
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Prepare all your essentials in advance. It's a real buzzkill when you're too high to drive and suddenly realize you need to figure out food. Make sure you have everything you need nearby beforehand.
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Take a couple of tokes to set your baseline. As a stoned gamer, you want to be pleasantly high but not overly impaired. I like to start with a couple of test matches in Overwatch to gauge my level.
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Take regular breaks. It's important to give yourself short breaks, like 10 minutes every couple of hours, to keep your blood flowing and maintain focus.
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Invest in quality equipment. Having the right gaming equipment is crucial. Personally, I have a dual-screen setup and a surround sound system to enhance my gaming experience. Even if you're not into voice chat, Razr headsets are known for their top-notch quality.
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Set the right mindset for your game of choice. I have curated a couple of Spotify playlists that I like to listen to before hopping into Overwatch. It helps me get in the zone and fully immerse myself in the game.
Remember, these are just suggestions based on my own experiences. Feel free to adapt and personalize your gaming setup to create the best environment for your gaming sessions.
