In the marijuana community, there are at least 779 different strains of cannabis that are cultivated and sold in legal dispensaries. Each of these offers a different “high” based on the chemical compounds present.
With so many options out there, choosing the best cannabis strain can seem a little daunting. However, by doing some research ahead of time, you can narrow it down and find the perfect marijuana strain for you.
Read on for our tips on choosing the best cannabis strain for your preferred high.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the main cannabinoids in marijuana. It is responsible for producing the “high” sensation you feel after smoking, ingesting, or vaping marijuana. Although many find the experience to be pleasant, it can also cause increased feelings of stress, discomfort, and anxiety.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the cannabinoid in marijuana that produces more of a relaxing effect on the user. It does not contain the same psychoactive properties as you find in pure THC and is often used for healing or medicinal purposes. In fact, the presence of CBD in different types of marijuana can overcome the potential side effects of THC for an overall pleasant experience.
Different Types of Marijuana Strains
When it comes to choosing the best cannabis for your preferred high, the first thing you should think about is which strain best suits your needs. Each contains different amounts of THC and CBD, resulting in different
There are three major types of marijuana strains: Indica, Sativa, and hybrids. Each type of strain produces a different high and works best for the alleviation of different symptoms.
Indica
Indica strains are the best cannabis varieties to look for if you’re seeking a highly sedative effect. It creates a full-body “numbing” type of high, which is ideal for low-key nights where you’re just looking to relax.
Because Indica strains contain higher amounts of CBD, it’s much better to take before bed or during meditation. It’s also claimed to have certain medicinal effects, alleviating these and a number of other discomforts:
- Depression/anxiety (when used in moderation)
- Insomnia
- Muscle tension
- Chronic pain from illness or injury
- Physical or emotional stress
Cannabis Sativa
Sativa strains are the best cannabis strains to go for if you’re looking for a more energetic high.
Hybrid Marijuana Strains
If you’re not into choosing one extreme over the other, hybrid marijuana strains offer a middle ground. Depending on the ratios of Indica and Sativa present in the strain, you’ll feel different effects after you consume it. Indica-heavy strains will produce a relaxing, mellow high, whereas Sativa-heavy strains will produce a stronger, more energetic high.
Choosing the Best Cannabis Strains
If you’re not sure of your goals for your next legal marijuana high, there are some key things to ask yourself in order to get a better idea. This will also help you before you go further into the selection process by narrowing down some of the products and consumption methods that may not be ideal for you.
How much experience have you had with smoking or otherwise consuming marijuana?
THC can be an intense drug for first-timers or for those with limited experience. Its psychoactive properties can actually enhance feelings of stress or anxiety in some users, which is why it’s wise to tread lightly if you don’t have a lot of experience with cannabis.
However, even if you’re concerned about reacting negatively to THC, there are different types of marijuana that contain varying levels of THC as well as CBD. The best cannabis strains for beginners tend to be those that are lower in THC and higher in CBD. These produce more of a relaxing high instead of a psychoactive experience.
On the flip side, if you’re already a moderate to heavy user of marijuana, you might want to go a different route when choosing the best cannabis strains for your preferred experience. The body tends to build up a tolerance to THC over time, so you’ll want to go for types of marijuana that contain higher THC ratios over CBD.
Do you have food allergies, sensitivities, or other health concerns?
Those with food allergies or sensitivities should take extra care when shopping for the best marijuana strains and consumption methods. For example, many marijuana edibles contain known allergens, such as dairy products or gelatin. This limits your options if you are vegan or vegetarian as well.
If you are sensitive to smoke, on the other hand, edibles are a great way to get your marijuana fix. You may want to look into vaping as well.
How do you plan to use your legal marijuana?
Because different types of marijuana produce different effects, you don’t want to choose the same strain for varying levels of activity.
For instance, if you’re going out to a concert or a party, you’re going to want to select a Sativa strain or a Sativa-dominant hybrid marijuana strain. This will give you a more energetic high versus an Indica or Indica-dominant hybrid marijuana.
What to Look for When Shopping for Legal Marijuana
Once you’ve got a rough idea of the type of experience you’re looking for, it’s time to hit your local dispensary. Depending on where you go, there are tons of options when it comes to choosing the best cannabis strain for you. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available and things to watch for.
Ask Your Budtender
The professional “budtenders” who work at your local dispensary are specially trained to help find the best cannabis strain for you. Ask them for specific strands you’re interested in, or simply ask them for what strains they recommend. Check out this article for some ideas on new strains to try out.
Check Out the Buds
The best cannabis is the freshest cannabis, so you’re going to want to inspect your buds before you purchase them. Look for plants that are bright green in color and have visible trichome crystals. If the plant is dull green or brown and lacking in crystals, go for a fresher variety.
Final Thoughts
With all the varieties and strains available, finding the best cannabis can seem overwhelming at first. However, with the right research and advice, you’ll be able to find the perfect strain.
For more advice on hobbies, check out our blog.