How to choose the right cannabis strain

There are so many ways to consume marijuana these days, but inhaling cannabis flower remains the most popular form of treatment. Whether you’re a medicinal or recreational user, the benefits of smoking bud can’t be denied: it’s convenient, it comes in so many delicious flavors, it offers the benefits of whole plant bud and all its compounds, and it’s convenient to start with instantly.

The good news is that there is a lot more information that can help you choose the best strain. In the past you would just go with THC levels or sativa vs indica. These are still important, but there is a smarter way to buy cannabis flower strains today.

THC and CBD content

More and more people are turning to high-CBD strains for many reasons: it minimizes the anxiety that some experience when consuming high-THC strains, CBD can help you relax, and it’s not psychoactive. Since THC and CBD are the two active and dominant chemicals in the cannabis plant, they both have different effects, which is why it’s important to understand how each of them affects you.

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In general, you can follow a few simple rules: the higher the THC content (above 18%), the more psychoactive effects you will feel. On the other hand, the higher the CBD content, the more relaxed and calm you will feel. Many indica strains have higher CBD levels due to their ability to help you relax. Some consumers prefer a balanced effect and look for strains with identical or nearly identical THC and CBD ratios.

RELATED: The best CBD to THC ratio to look for in your cannabis products

Some cannabis breeders offer third-party lab tests or a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify cannabinoid levels in cannabis plants.

Terpene Profiles

Terpenes are natural compounds found in plants, not just marijuana. They are responsible for the strain’s unique aroma and taste; These compounds can help you distinguish one strain from another by taste or smell.

Aside from taste and smell, terpenes also contribute to the strain’s effects. Due to the entourage effect, terpenes also work in concert with other cannabinoids present in the marijuana plant to produce specific effects. There are over several hundred known terpenes in marijuana, although researchers may discover more as time goes on.

RELATED: Don’t shop by THC content: Here are the top 3 terpene-based cannabis strains

There are many ways to determine which terpenes are present in cannabis flowers. When purchasing from an approved pharmacy, many reputable growers and labs will provide a certificate of analysis or information on the plant’s terpene profile. Some of the most common terpenes found in marijuana flowers are limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, nerol, myrcene, terpineols, humulene, and many more.

Another way to gauge the dominant terpenes in cannabis flowers is to smell them. Some strains smell skunky, woody, sweet, fruity, or even citrusy. It’s best to research each of the different terpenes found in strains to get an idea of ​​how they can affect you.

purpose

Are you trying to treat yourself for a specific condition or do you want to relax after a day of work? Do you want to meet up with friends or just want a strain that will help you sleep peacefully at night?

Some types of cannabis flowers fit well with certain scenarios. For example, sativa and hybrid strains are great for socializing, while indicas and high-CBD strains will help you relax and fall asleep faster. If you’ve already experienced paranoia or anxiety with high-THC strains, you’re better off with strains with around 10% THC to ensure an enjoyable experience.

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On the other hand, there are those who smoke Flower with the sole intention of getting really high. In this case, opt for high-THC and low-to-no CBD strains. There are literally at least a few strains for everyone, but being clear and specific about what you want from the strain can be an efficient way of narrowing down your choices.

laboratory tests

More cannabis strains are being sold in pharmacies with third-party lab testing. For those new to the world of marijuana, the most efficient way is to rely on lab tests to understand the effects and cannabinoid content of any strain you decide to purchase.

Purchasing cannabis strains that have undergone laboratory testing also contributes to your own overall health and safety. This is especially important for medical cannabis patients, as lab tests will tell you if the strain contains harmful contaminants such as fungicides, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals that can aggravate existing health conditions.

Other important details you can get from a lab test are:

• Brand (who grew the cannabis)
• Type of Cannabis (Sativa, Indica or Hybrid)
• cannabinoid content
• harvest date, batch name
• Compliance with State Laws

Price

Don’t underestimate the value of a cannabis strain just because it’s cheaper than others. In fact, buying while on sale is a good opportunity to experiment with a new strain and save a few bucks in the process.

In the same breath, just because a strain is rare or expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s of better quality. It’s more important to choose weed strains based on their effects, aromas, and flavors that you enjoy.

Conclusion

Investing a little more time researching different cannabis strains can pay off once you find the strain that ticks all the boxes. A little trial and error never hurts anyone – and might even be fun!