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Quick Information on Each Different Strain
Reviewed by | Raven Ariola, Cannabis Science Educator and Professor of Cannabis Agriculture
If you’ve ever been to a dispensary, you might be familiar with the range of names associated with different cannabis flowers.
There are the ones with an air of whimsy like Glitter Bomb or Rainbow Belt, the ones that may make you do a double take like Cheetah Piss, and the ones that make you hungry long before the munchies set in (we’re looking at you, Girl Scout Cookies and Cookies and Cream).
These fun and funky names all refer to different cannabis strains, and there is no shortage of those to go around… and that means that, when it comes to choosing a cannabis strain, it can feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re just getting started in learning about cannabis strains or more of a veteran interested in trying something new, we’re here to break it down.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family. Cannabis is considered native to Central Asia, but is now cultivated in all parts of the world.
Different parts of the cannabis plant have played different roles in civilizations over time. Their stems have been used in textiles, the seeds are well known for their nutritional value, and the buds have made their way into medicinal and recreational uses for millennia.
The flowering buds and leaves of cannabis plants contain a wealth of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
When absorbed into the body, these bioactive compounds can work within the body’s endocannabinoid system to encourage temporary mental and physical effects. From soothing physical tension to inspiring creativity or taking the edge off, many users seek different types of cannabis to promote different desired effects.
How Are Hemp and Cannabis Different?
When it comes to cannabis products, you’ll often see them referred to as “cannabis-derived” or “hemp-derived.” If you’re not quite sure what differentiates one from the other, we get it.
The language can get confusing, partly because the ongoing legal battles surrounding cannabis have introduced a whole lot of legal jargon and classifications into the mix.
Here’s what you need to know: scientists largely agree that Cannabis sativa is the main species. Hemp, cannabis, and the many different strains available are part of the C. sativa species.
So, what makes hemp different from other forms of cannabis? It is largely a legal classification, used to differentiate between forms of cannabis with high levels of THC (the main cannabinoid that produces a high) and those with low levels of THC.
Back in the seventies, Dr. Earnest Smalls wrote a book titled The Species Problem in Cannabis: Science & Semantics, proposing a THC threshold as a way to distinguish between cannabis and hemp, and it stuck.
The lucky number was 0.3: any cannabis plant containing over 0.3% THC content in its dry weight was considered cannabis, and any with less than 0.3% THC content was considered hemp.
When hemp was legalized with the 2018 Farm Bill, that same 0.3% THC cutoff was used to differentiate between the two. Hemp is now legal at the federal level as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC content, while cannabis is still only legal in certain states.
What Are Cannabis Strains?
Getting even more specific, cannabis strains refer to the different varieties of cannabis available.
We’ve talked a little about the different bioactive compounds found within the cannabis buds. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD can work with our body’s cannabinoid receptors to produce different effects, terpenes are responsible for aroma and flavor and can impact the wellness effects, and flavonoids contain antioxidant properties.
Strains vary from one another based on the different concentrations of all of these different compounds, giving each strain a unique profile that can resonate with different people in different ways.
Think of it like music. You probably have different go-to songs for different moods.
Similarly, different cannabis strains will promote different feelings within your body, and matching your strain to your desired effect is key to getting the most out of your cannabis use. Some strains have more cerebral effects, while others produce more of a body high. Some are considered uplifting and energizing, while others are soothing and relaxing.
Everyone reacts differently, and some strains may hit better than others, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as needed.
How Are Different Cannabis Strains Made?
To create new strains of cannabis, cultivators use breeding to combine different traits of current strains.
We won’t delve too deep into the ins and outs of plant biology (though it is fascinating, we promise), but here are the basics: cannabis plants can be either male or female.
The female plants are the ones that produce those beloved, cannabinoid-rich buds.
However, the male plants serve an important role, too: they are needed to pollinate the female plant.
Say you have a female plant from the Trainwreck strain and a male plant from the Hawaiian strain. If a cannabis breeder pollinates that female plant with the male plant, it will produce seeds that grow intoPineapple Express.
Now, to get to a point where a new strain is ready to go out into the world and hit the shelves at all your favorite dispensaries, there are a whole lot of steps to make sure its genetic makeup is ideal and consistent in every batch. But you get the idea: female plant from one strain + male plant from another strain = new baby strain.
What Are the Different Types of Cannabis?
There are thousands of cannabis strains currently out in the world, and they all fall into one of the three main types of cannabis: sativa, indica, and hybrid.
Sativa
Sativa strains tend to have higher levels of THC (though this isn’t a strict rule) and are typically associated with more of a head high. The effects are generally described as energizing and stress-relieving. We recommend sativa strains during the day when you’re still active or as an uplifting option for social gatherings.
That said, Raven Ariola, Cannabis Science Educator and Professor of Cannabis Agriculture, notes that “Individual experiences can vary, and a sativa-labeled product might not always produce these effects.”
Indica
Indica strains are generally known to cause more of a body high. Indica is often a go-to for easing tension or discomfort throughout the body and promoting a chilled-out state of mind.
Like a sleepy time tea, indica is ideal for calming the body at bedtime, helping you slow nervous thoughts and addressing nighttime discomforts. That said, Ariola notes that “These effects are largely attributed to the specific chemotype, particularly the presence of certain terpenes like myrcene, rather than solely the indica lineage.”
Hybrid
Made by breeding a sativa and indica strain, hybrid strains are designed to offer the best of both worlds.
A hybrid can offer a mellower version of sativa’s effects or provide more of an indica experience with a little extra kick. Depending on the specific profile, different hybrids can fit the bill for any time or place, from upbeat social gatherings to intimate, deep conversations lasting late into the night.
What Are Some Weed Strains To Consider?
Now that we’re all up to speed on what cannabis strains are and how they’re made, let’s dive into some fan-favorite strains.
Acapulco Gold
One of the most well-known strains, Acapulco Gold is a sativa strain often described as motivating and energizing. Hailing from Acapulco, Mexico, the buds have a golden hue and a roasted aroma with hints of coffee, toffee, and wood.
This uplifting sativa is a special-occasions type of strain, often reported to provide a decadent and powerful high that is perfect for celebrations.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant strain that contains almost no CBD. Blue Dream is known for its sweet and peppery flavors, thanks to its unique terpene profile.
As a THC-rich sativa, many users find that Blue Dream is generally seen as uplifting, making it a great strain for social gatherings and creative endeavors.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer, the man, was a cannabis rights activist who advocated for the decriminalization of cannabis. Jack Herer, the cannabis strain, is a sativa-dominant strain bred to offer elevated cerebral effects.
Spicy and piney, this strain is often enjoyed for its potency and reported to encourage focus, ease discomfort, and inspire feelings of bliss, creativity, and energy.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant hybrid named for its strong diesel-like aroma and sour, tangy flavor. The main terpene in the strain is Caryophyllene, and many describe it as earthy and lemony.
For many, sour diesel is reported to come with a burst of inspiration and energy. This strain can serve as a great way to kickstart your day or help you push through creative blocks.
Forbidden Fruit
Forbidden Fruit is a delightfully fruity indica strain. The myrcene terpene is dominant in this indica, offering tropical aromatics that are sure to transport you to a seaside state of mind.
Forbidden Fruit’s reported mellow high makes it a good choice for beginners. This vacay-scented strain is perfect for a lowkey night in watching atmospheric movies, listening to your favorite album on repeat, or staring at the ceiling while contemplating the universe.
Northern Lights
Another beloved indica, Northern Lights is known to help relax the muscles and encourage feelings of euphoria, like laying in the grass and watching stars and light dancing above you.
Many people use this strain to help with falling asleep, easing discomfort, or soothing stress and tension.
Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)
Think about that first bite into a fresh box of girl scout cookies, how it transports you to simpler times, a pure form of joy in simple pleasures.
That’s the feeling this indica-dominant strain can inspire. With caryophyllene as the dominant terpene, GSC has a dessert-like aroma with hints of mint, cherry, and lemon. Many find that GSC offers fast feelings of euphoria, followed by waves of relaxation.
As a THC-rich hybrid, GSC may be better suited for more experienced cannabis users who know how THC affects them.
Orange Creamsicle
Does the name bring you back to after-school ice cream truck visits or huddling with friends on the last day of summer camp? Good, because this strain is an old-school classic fit to match those nostalgic memories its namesake represents.
This is a hybrid strain known for its creamy citrus flavor and uplifting effects. Many find the effects of Orange Creamsicle to be on the milder side, helping clear the mind and encourage good vibes without feeling overwhelming.
This is a perfect strain for reminiscing with friends or enjoying some lowkey time outdoors.
Wedding Cake
This potent indica-dominant hybrid strain is enjoyed for its calming effects and balanced head and body high. Limonene is the dominant terpene here, and the flavor profile is often described as earthy, peppery, zesty, and slightly sweet.
A strong THC strain, the Wedding Cake high often starts in the head before moving down through the body, offering a uniquely floaty and relaxing experience.
The Bottom Line
Learning more about different cannabis strains and their effects can help you get a sense of what works best for your body, and what to look for based on your individual preferences and desired effects.
Whether you’re getting giggly with an energizing sativa strain, chilling with a relaxing indica, or enjoying the balance offered by a hybrid, remember to always use trustworthy brands that are transparent with their process and COA, start slow, and listen to your body.
Here at Gigli, we offer tasty, THC-infused products designed for all occasions. From alcohol-free THC cocktails and THC seltzers to bite-sized THC gummies or THC chocolates, our goal is to match and elevate your energy as you live fully and vibrantly — whatever that looks like for you.
Check out our full collection at Gigli!
Sources:
The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health
Recent advances in cannabis biotechnology | ScienceDirect
Originator of the 0.3% THC Definition of Hemp Advocates for 1% | National Hemp Association
