The cannabis industry has been experiencing unstoppable growth, thanks to the increasing demand for its wellness benefits. As experts constantly create new strains to enhance users’ experience, new hybrids with different potency levels, flavor profiles, and positive effects emerge.
When discussing cannabis strains, most people typically categorize them into three: Sativa, Indica, and hybrid. Sativa-dominant strains are known for their mood-lifting and energizing effects, while Indica-leaning strains are more relaxing, and hybrids combine both. However, cannabis strains are more complex than just grouping them into three.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on cannabis strains:
Levels Of Potency
Cannabis strains differ in levels of potency. Some people may consider strains with higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations more potent. Still, it’s also essential to consider other dominant compounds like cannabidiol (CBD).
When looking for the top weed strains, experienced users may opt to look for the most potent ones to achieve euphoric sensations. You can visit a trusted online shop or your local dispensary to learn more. In the meantime, here are some of the most potent cannabis strains available:
- Godfather OG: This Indica-leaning strain can reach up to 35% THC concentration and has an instant relaxing effect.
- Gorilla Glue: This strain can reach up to 32% THC concentration and offers an energizing effect followed by deep relaxation.
- Grease Monkey: This strain packs up to 27% potent THC and is well-known for its sedative effects that soothe your body to sleep.
- Ghost OG: This strain contains around 29% THC content and can make one feel hungry, making it an excellent appetite booster.
- Bruce Banner: This potent strain may contain around 27%-29% THC concentration and has an energizing effect that you can feel almost instantly.
- Wedding Cake: This hybrid strain contains around 25% THC and offers creativity and productivity-boosting effects with long-lasting euphoria.
- Strawberry Banana: Also known as ‘Strawnana,’ this strain packs around 25% THC, making it perfect for uplifting mood and boosting creativity.
- Afghan: This strain contains around 15%-20% THC, which is relatively lower than other strains, but it’s one of the strongest and purest Indica strains that can lull you into deep relaxation and sleep.
When consuming highly potent cannabis, it’s best to take precautions by starting low and slow, especially if you’re a beginner.
Terpene Profile
Consuming cannabis is all about the overall sensations. Besides its effect on your mind and body, its taste and aroma make it more enjoyable.
A cannabis strain’s aroma and flavor depend on its terpene profile. Terpenes are compounds found in plants that produce their distinct smell and taste. Here are some of the terpenes found in cannabis:
- Pinene: It gives a pine-like and woody aroma.
- Eucalyptol: It’s also found in eucalyptus and peppermint, which provides a minty flavor to cannabis.
- Linalool: It offers a combination of floral and citrus flavors.
- Sabinene: It produces a peppery and spicy flavor.
- Limonene: Also found in citrus fruits like lemon and orange, giving cannabis a citrusy flavor.
- Myrcene: It offers a combination of earthy and fruity flavors.
While all cannabis strains contain terpenes, growers have developed strains with more decadent flavors and aromas, including the following:
- Apple Fritter: It has an apple pastry-like taste with peppery and earthy undertones.
- Strawberry Cough: It resembles the smell of fresh strawberries and has a sweet taste.
- Chocolate Haze: It mimics the taste of chocolate with a woody and earthy aftertaste.
- Haze Berry: It combines the smell and taste of fresh blueberries and sweet vanilla with earthy and herbal notes.
- Watermelon: It bursts with flavors that resemble sweet and juicy watermelon and berries.
- Wedding Crasher: It produces a sweet vanilla flavor with earthy tones and a berry-like aftertaste.
Choosing cannabis strains with rich and unique terpene profiles can make consumption as enjoyable as the high.
Expected Effects
Cannabis strains offer various effects on the mind and body. While some strains may have overlapping effects, each strain can produce a specific benefit that you can maximize.
- Relaxing: Indica-leaning cannabis strains produce a relaxing effect, commonly used to help relieve stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Some of the most relaxing cannabis strains are Afghan Kush, Blue Dream, Granddaddy Purple, and Bubba Kush.
- Energizing: Sativa-dominant cannabis strains can make one feel energized. Try Sour Diesel, Acapulco Gold, Wedding Cake, and Strawberry Banana to boost your motivation and increase productivity.
- Boosting Creativity: For encouraging creativity, you can also go for Sativa-leaning cannabis strains. Some of the best examples are Maui Wowie, White Widow, and Golden Goat.
- Aiding Sleep: Most cannabis strains, especially the most potent ones, can help you sleep. However, you may pick the purest Indica strains, like Afghan Kush, Northern Lights, and Blue Dream, to reap this benefit while minimizing other effects.
- Relieving Pain: Cannabis can help relieve pain through its anti-inflammatory and stress-relief benefits. You may try Acapulco Gold, LA Confidential, and Super Silver Haze.
When consuming cannabis for health and wellness benefits, consulting a medical professional is best to ensure safety.
Conclusion
With over 700 cannabis strains available and new ones constantly being developed, finding the perfect strain can start with determining your preferred potency, flavor profile, and expected health benefits.