Exploring Different Cannabis Strains and Their Effects 

For new and experienced Cannabis consumers finding the perfect high for a given scenario is always the goal. But how can we determine what strains are right for you to achieve this high? In this article we are going to dive through the knowledge behind what creates specific highs in different Cannabis strains. We’ll go through both the types of Cannabis strains and the influence that terpenes can have on any given strain! 

The Types of Cannabis Strains 

Most consumers are familiar with the 3 main types of Cannabis strains, those being Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids. In case you are not familiar, let’s go through a quick refresher and identify when each strain is primarily used, along with the pros and cons of each! 

Indica Cannabis strains generally promote a more relaxing high. These strains promote a heavy body sedation, and are often used to aid with muscle aches and pains. Indica strains also are used to help with sleep, as the body sedation they promote can help ease the mind into sleep. This heavy sedative effect found in indica strains comes from the higher percentage of CBD found in indica flower. This ratio is often closer to 1:1, with the CBD aiding in creating those relaxing sensations. 

Sativa Cannabis strains usually create a euphoric, energizing effect. These strains often provide a mood boost, and a burst of energy for consumers. Some individuals find that sativa strains also produce creative sensations, so these strains are popular with artists and musicians. Sativa strains are also used by some consumers to aid with anxiety and depression due to the mood boosting effects these strains can have. Sativa strains have this energizing effect due to them having a larger concentration of THC compared to CBD. This higher percentage of THC promotes those euphoric feelings! 

Hybrid Cannabis strains promote the best of both worlds! These strains often have a high that begins with a Sativa-like euphoria, but after a short time they settle down into a more indica-like effect. Neither of the sativa or indica-like effects are as potent as the true indica and sativa strains, but they provide a balance that can help consumers get an in between effect if the full sativa or indica strains are a bit too much in their effects. It is important to note that Hybrids can potentially be Sativa or Indica dominant as well. These strains can lean slightly in a given way, so that consumers can get a milder version of an indica or sativa high. This is a great option for consumers who prefer an indica or sativa style high, but find the true indica or sativa effects to still be a bit too much for them. 

What are Terpenes? 

In basic terms, terpenes are compounds found in plants that give them their signature scent, taste and even appearance! When it comes to Cannabis consumption, terpenes found in a given strain are essential to understanding the high it will produce. Terpenes affect how cannabinoids interact with your brain’s endo-cannabinoid system, so certain terpenes will provide more powerful highs, depending on what you are sensitive to. All strains of Cannabis contain a range of terpenes, but most strains generally have one or two primary terpenes found, and these are what to look for when you are purchasing flower or vapes that use botanical terpenes. There are 5 dominant terpenes that are found in most Cannabis flower. Those terpenes are: Myrcene, Linalool, Limonene, Caryophyllene, and Alpha-Pinene. Each of these terpenes have an associated scent or taste. 

Myrcene – Herbal/Earthy

Linalool – Floral

Limonene – Citrus

Caryophyllene – Pepper/Spice

Alpha-Pinene – Pine 

It is important to understand what terpenes impact you the most! By understanding this, you can work to find strains with higher concentrations of those terpenes to get the most potent high you can! Science is just beginning to recognize how impactful terpenes can be, and the more we learn the more we realize that terpenes are essential to getting the most impactful high for each individual consumer!