When it comes to cannabis strains, the options are just about limitless. There are a bunch of varieties of indicas and sativas, and hybridization has increased those options tenfold.
Some marijuana strains are popular or easy to find, such as:
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However, there are many lesser-known strains that offer benefits beyond cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Most folks know about the primary cannabinoids—THC, the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis that helps relieve pain, and CBD, a cannabinoid prized for its anti-inflammatory properties.
And yet, cannabis boasts several other cannabinoids that also come with health benefits. These include:
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): Psychoactive with anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties, THCV is a cannabinoid that can be hard to find.
- Cannabigerol (CBG): Mildly psychoactive, CBG boasts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.
- Cannabichromene (CBC): While it doesn’t produce a high like THC can, folks like CBC because of its antibiotic and pain-relieving properties.
- Cannabinol (CBN): This cannabinoid, which is mildly psychoactive, can act as an antiemetic (meaning anti-nausea) and a sleep aid. THC turns into CBN when exposed to prolonged UV light and air.
These cannabinoids often take a back seat to the superstars THC and CBD—. But you shouldn’t overlook them. since each of these lesser-known cannabinoid offers additional therapeutic benefits . Although they’re not always available in isolated form, you can still reap their benefits directly from the cannabis flower.
Here are four cannabis strains that offer higher percentages of some of these unique cannabinoids.
RELATED: BEYOND THC & CBD: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CBC, CBN & CBG
1. Doug’s Varin Boasts High Levels of the Appetite-Killing Cannabinoid, THCV
If your cannabis sessions leave you invading the fridge time and again you may want to swap out your usual flower for Doug’s Varin. This marijuana strain is most famously known for its high levels of THCV, the cannabinoid known to curb food cravings.
THCV is also what makes Doug’s Varin unique, as THCV is currently the only cannabinoid that’s more psychoactive than THC is, but for a shorter period of time.
So, take care when trying this strain—start low and go slow.
Doug’s Varin is a very rare strain with an unknown lineage, but research confirms it’s a pure sativa strain. This strain’s buds, which are neon green with long gold hairs, offer a nice pine scent with a mix of citrus that you can taste when smoking.
True to its sativa nature, Doug’s Varin will leave you feeling uplifted and energized, making it a great daytime cannabis option.
2. Three Kings Has a Good Amount of Pain-Relieving CBC
Three Kings, which is sativa dominant, comes from combining the three revered cannabis strains:
Because this strain has indica and sativa characteristics, you can consume it for a variety of conditions. Part of this versatility is thanks to the high percentage of CBC. Similar to CBG and CBN, CBC contains antibiotic and neuroprotectant properties. And when you combine CBC with THC, it can help reduce inflammation.
Three Kings flowers are often bright green with frosty trichomes. With a strong earthy smell reminiscent of the outdoors, you can expect flavors of pine and a hint of tart citrus when smoking.
Offering a nice cerebral high, Three Kings can improve mood, leaving you feeling happy and focused, and making it a great option for folks struggling with fatigue.
3. Magic Jordan Is High in CBG, Which May Outperform CBD as an Anti-Inflammatory
Another rare strain with an unconfirmed lineage is Magic Jordan. While the breeders of this cannabis strain have kept its parents a secret, there’s speculation that it’s crossed with a strain of Hawaiian lineage.
This indica-dominant hybrid not only offers high levels of THC, but is rich in CBG, the precursor to CBD, CBC and THC.
Because CBG turns into THC, CBD and CBC as a cannabis plant matures, not many strains typically offer large amounts of CBG—since growers harvest mature marijuana plants. This is why CBG is more commonly found in hemp.
But Magic Jordan is the exception to the rule.
With a name blending two basketball legends—Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan—this strain is said to be a slam dunk when it comes to flavor profile and effects. Magic Jordan offers large buds with a strong skunky smell, while the flavor is similar to a mint lemonade.
When you consume Magic Jordan, you may notice a quick burst of energy that eventually subsides into full body relaxation. This makes it a good choice to wind down after a long day
4. Ace of Spades Is Rich in CBN, Making It Ideal for a Good Night’s Sleep
When it comes to a deck of cards, the ace of spades can represent transformation, luck or even death. But when it comes to cannabis, Ace of Spades isn’t so much a wild card as the name suggests.
This indica-dominant cross between the cannabis strains Black Cherry Soda and Jack the Ripper offers elevated levels of the cannabinoid CBN.
CBN has milder psychoactive effects than THC does and has sedative effects.
Ace of Spades flowers come in a range of colors, from light green to dark purple, with a healthy coat of crystals. The buds are dense, and smell like citrus and pine with a little berry taste as well.
Much like indicas in nature, Ace of Spades consumers can expect a deep, full body relaxation followed by sedation, thanks to the CBN. Although a burst of creativity may occur, be sure to take advantage of those creative juices before couch lock sets in.
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If you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, ask them and our community will answer.