Introduction
The legalization of cannabis has given growers access to many more strains. As a result, when you walk into any dispensary today, you can buy marijuana seeds and buds of numerous exotic strains from all over the world.
Some of these strains, like Malawi Gold, Hindu Kush, and Panama Red have been the stuff of legends until now.
While this is a dream come true for cannabis connoisseurs, it also makes it more difficult than ever to find the right strain.
How do you zero down from the vast array of options to choose one? That’s exactly what we’ll teach you in this post.
Basic Weed Classifications You Must Know
Humans have used the cannabis plant for thousands of years for various purposes. Weed is generally classified as either Sativa, Indica, Ruderalis, or hybrid.
This classification was created in the 18th century by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus and French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and was largely based on the appearance of different varieties of the plant.
In recent years, experts are increasingly pushing for a new categorization system based on the THC and CBD content of the plant.
The new classification system divides weed plants into Type I (high THC), Type II (balanced THC and CBD level), Type III (high THC).
Since this new classification has not been widely adopted, you’re more likely to find cannabis plants identified as either Sativa or Indica.
Sativa plants usually grow very tall (up to 12ft in some unique cases). They have thin, elongated leaves and often have light green leaves. Sativa plants have a high level of THC and a relatively low level of CBD.
Thanks to their unique cannabinoid and terpene profile, Sativa plants usually have a euphoric and mentally uplifting effect.
They’re recommended for times when you want to stay focused, stress-free, and capable of concentrating.
Indica plants are usually short and bushy. They grow to around 3ft to 5ft and have deep green leaves. Indica plants have high THC and low CBD levels. Although Indica plants contain low levels of CBD, their CBD content is usually more than Sativa strains.
Some Sativa strains have a CBD and THC ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. Due to their cannabinoid and terpene profile, Indica plants are recommended for use when you want to lay back and relax. They have a relaxing and sedating effect, and could easily put you to sleep.
Ruderalis plants are usually shorter, thicker, and denser than both Sativa and Indica strains. For many years, Ruderalis plants were generally ignored because they have a high level of CBD and a low level of THC.
Ruderalis plants are usually crossed with Sativa and Indica strains to create new strains that have higher levels of CBD. In recent years, with the rising demand for medicinal marijuana, this practice has increased. You’re unlikely to find any pure Ruderalis strains on the market.
Hybrids, as the name implies, are usually a cross between either Sativa, Indica, and/or Ruderalis cannabis plants. They usually embody the features of both their parents.
Hybrid strains can either be Indica-dominant, Sativa-dominant, or have a balanced Indica-Sativa ratio. The effect of hybrid strains varies based on the unique cannabinoid and terpene profile of their parent strains.
What is a Weed Strain and Which Strain is Best for Me?
The cannabis plant evolved naturally thousands of years ago. Plants, even with the same genetics, may develop unique characteristics in response to their environment over time, and this is true of the cannabis plant.
Depending on the genetics of a cannabis plant and the environment where it is grown, it may develop differently and have a distinct terpene and cannabinoid profile.
The term strain is used to denote a cannabis plant with a special genetic makeup that results in its special flavor, appearance, and effect.
There are over 700 strains available today and breeders are actively working to create new ones to meet the increasing demand for cannabis plants with particular features.
There is no single best strain for you. We encourage you to experiment with different strains as much as possible – this is part of the beauty of smoking weed.
The best way to pick a strain that works for you every time is to think of what type of experience you want. Read more for a more in-depth guide on how to pick the best strain each time.
We recommend that you research extensively about different strains to determine which ones are critically acclaimed and are worth trying.
How to Pick Weed: A Few Timeless Strains Worth Trying
When a lot of people rave about a particular strain, chances are that it is actually worth the hype. A few strains stand out for their unique appearance, flavor, and effect.
Some of these are rare, exotic strains, and others are relatively easier to find. Nonetheless, they’re all worth trying.
Here are some of the must-try strains that you must sample at least once in your life if you’re a cannabis connoisseur.
- Sour Diesel
- Purple Haze
- Blue Dream
- Jamaican Lion
- Black Beauty
- Pinkman Goo
- White Cookies
- Snowcap
- Bubba Kush
- Frisian Duck
- Lemon Skunk
- Gelato
- Forbidden Fruit
- Malawi Haze
- Green Crack
- Hindu Kush
- Kush Mint
- Granddaddy Purple
- Bubba Kush
- Purple Kush
- Purple Urkle
- Purple Punch
- G13
- Afghani Kush
- OG Kush
- LA Confidential
- Ice Cream Cake
- Master Kush
- Gorilla Cookies
- OGKB
- Banana Punch
- Pineapple Express
- Durban Poison
- Acapulco Gold
- Super Lemon Haze
- Tropicana Cookies
- White Widow
- Wide Fire OG
- Island Sweet Skunk
- Runtz
- AK-47
- AC/DC
- Candyland
- Cherry Pie
- Zkittlez
- Bubble Gum
- Harlequin
- Red Congolese
- Papaya
- Zookies
- Guava
- Lemonade
- SFV OG
- Pine Kush
- Skunk 1
- Headband
- Haze
- Vanilla Frosting
- Bruce Banner
- Tangie
- Mimosa
- Mango
- Key Lime Pie
- Strawberry Cough
- Dutch Treat
- Orange Creamsicle
- MAC
- Stardawg
- Wedding Cake
- Trainwreck
- Alien OG
- Chemdawg
- Northern Lights
- Original Glue
- Jack Here
- Blueberry
Apart from these, there are many other remarkable must-try strains that are also highly recommended.
A Few New Weed Strains Worth Trying Out
As indicated above, breeders are always working to develop new, exciting strains. As a result, there are several new strains available each time.
Not all new strains manage to catch on among cannabis users, but the few that do are worth knowing about.
So, here are some relatively new cannabis strains that you should know about.
- Glueberry
- Mandarin Cookies
- Tyson’s Ranch’s The Toad
- Tina
- White Tahoe Cookies
- Blue Widow
- I-95 Hybrid
- Mimosa
- Wonder Woman
- GMO Cookies
- Sour Girl
- Aurora
- Purple Punch
- Motormouth
- Orangeade
- Gorilla OG
- Strawberry Cookies
- Grapefruit Durban
- Wedding Crasher
- Sour Berry Blueberry
- Palm Tree CBD
- Tropicana Cookies
- Soar
- Eternal Sunshine
- Lemon Zest
- Ice Cream Bean
- Cake Face
- Dirty Taxi
- Secret Formula
- Cream Soda
- Tang Breath
- Frozen Lemons
- Douglato
- Melon Fizz
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Sour Juice
- BT7
- Strawberry Fields
There are many other noteworthy new strains apart from the ones listed above.
Finding the Right Strain for You
There’s no ideal strain for everyone. Your mood, and how you feel at the time you want to use cannabis all contribute to determining the strain you should choose.
For example, if you come home at the end of the day on a Friday and just want to watch TV and fall asleep without any worry about tomorrow.
The type of strain you’ll choose may be different from what you’ll use on a weekday when you want to wake up in a few hours to read or what you’ll use during the day when you want to remain productive.
With that said, here’s a guide to ensure you pick the right strain each time.
There are many other noteworthy new strains apart from the ones listed above.
1. What Effect do You Want to Experience
People use cannabis for different purposes, and what you want goes a long way to determine what strain you should choose.
As you must have deduced by now, the cannabinoid and terpene profile of a cannabis strain determines the effect it has. Each cannabis strain has a unique cannabis and terpene profile so they have different effects. Dispensaries usually indicate the effect to expect from each strain.
So, if you want a strain that will help you focus, there are many options. Just as there are options for when you want to attend a social event or find relief from chronic pain.
Researching weed strains go beyond learning the effects of Sativa and Indica. Not all Sativa strains make you feel active and not all Indica strains will make you feel sedated. Each strain is unique.
The state of your health, THC/CBD tolerance, and general well-being can also play a role in determining the intensity of the effects when you use a particular cannabis strain.
2. Do Your Research
Yes, dispensaries usually have information about the cannabis strains they have available for sale. But the info is often short and doesn’t go in-depth to tell you everything you need to know about the strain.
That’s why it is important to read about the marijuana strains you find at dispensaries. Gaining knowledge of the different cannabis strains available creates a more intimate connection with the plant and allows you to develop a deeper appreciation for the plant.
Taking the time to do your research can cut down the time it takes to decide what strain to choose when you visit a dispensary.
It also allows you to choose the best strains that work best to provide the type of effect you want to experience.
3. Consult an Expert
One of the best ways to choose a strain that will work best for you is to consult an expert.
Usually, you’ll find people who have first-hand knowledge of the effects and perks of each strain, and they can guide you to pick a strain that would work best for your needs.
If you’re looking to use cannabis for medical reasons, you can consult a naturopath who would explain the differences between each strain, their cannabinoid and terpene profile, and how they may benefit you.
Consulting an expert is highly recommended when you’re on any medication because cannabis may potentially react with the medication.
4. Flavor
Some people choose weed strains based on their flavor. Cannabis strains have been bred to have different unique flavors. Some of them smell and taste sweet, sour, fruity, and dessert-like to name a few.
If you want to give your senses a treat, choosing strains based on their flavor is a good idea. Some strains have attained legendary status because of their flavor.
Terpenes are responsible for the unique flavor of a cannabis strain. The terpene profile of a plant determines the type of flavor it will have. Terpenes don’t just smell good but have health benefits too.
They play a key role in accentuating the effects and therapeutic benefits of cannabis strains. Terpenes can promote relaxation and relief from pain.
They also have antioxidant, anticonvulsive, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticancer, antitumor, anti-allergic, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties among other things.
5. THC Level
If you’re looking to get stoned or you have a high tolerance for THC, you can pick weed strains based on their THC level.
Some weed strains have extremely high levels of THC and will get more high than you can imagine. Although strains with high THC levels may seem appealing, there are some dangers associated with using extremely high levels of THC.
Some people experience paranoia, sleep disruption, sexual dysfunction, loss of appetite, depression, and other symptoms when they use cannabis strains with high levels of THC.
So, we recommend that you experiment with such strains in small amounts. Don’t binge on them.
Strain Selector101: Other Things to Consider
1. What Do Others Say?
One foolproof way to ensure you’re getting a good strain is to check out what others have to say about a particular strain.
If a lot of people rave about how amazing a cannabis strain is, the chances are that it is very good.
In the same way, if a lot of people have nothing but bad things to say about a strain, you should stay away from it.
2. Experiment Freely
It is important to experiment with different strains to find what works best for you. Some strains may surprise you with their flavor and effect.
If you read about a strain and it feels like something you’d like, take the chance and experiment with it.
Not only does this build your knowledge of different strains, but it also allows you to sample a wide range of cannabis plants.
3. Where You Buy From
As we indicated above, the way a strain is grown can affect its flavor and the experience you get when you use it. So, how a cannabis plant is grown is important.
ome growers use synthetic fertilizers and growth boosters in a bid to increase their yield and make their plants grow quickly. This results in sub-par and potentially dangerous buds.
This is why we recommend buying strains from leading dispensaries that are known to source their buds from organic farms.
If there is no information about the way a bud was cultivated, make it a point to ask the attendants at your dispensary to be sure you’re getting only the best buds.
Conclusion
If you keep these tips in mind, you’re guaranteed to be completely satisfied each time you buy marijuana seeds and buds.
When you continue experimenting with different strains for a while, you’ll eventually have a list of your go-to strains that have been tested and never fail to deliver the experience you desire.
