When it comes to marijuana, flower is still one of the most popular consumption methods. Perhaps because flower is cannabis in its truest form – fragrant buds you can touch, smell, and smoke. Smoking joints is one of the most iconic ways to consume cannabis, along with smoking out of a pipe or bong. People love smoking flower because it’s convenient, simple, and immediately effective.
How to Choose a Marijuana Strain
With over 700 strains of cannabis, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when picking out a strain. There are a few ways to narrow down your options and find a weed strain that works for you. To start, understand why you are smoking cannabis – are you treating a health condition, wanting to feel good, or perhaps just trying to sleep better?
Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains
When buying flower, you’re given the option of Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid strains. Generally, Indicas provide a body-high that relieves pain, nausea, and insomnia. Sativas offer uplifting cerebral stimulation and are used to treat depression, pain, and fatigue. Hybrids have a blend of both Indica and Sativa effects, providing day or nighttime relief for anxiety and pain.
THC and CBD with Marijuana Strains
Another way to choose flower is based on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) levels. THC is well-known as the psychoactive component of cannabis. Many people choose a strain high in THC for more potent effects, though it is up for debate whether more THC is better. If you are prone to anxiety or don’t want to feel too high, look for strains with lower THC and higher CBD levels.
Terpenes and Trichomes
One of the most natural ways to choose flower is to “follow your nose” by selecting a strain that smells good. Cannabis strains have a variety of scents and flavors due to the terpenes, which vary from plant to plant. Terpenes create aroma, taste and contribute to the overall effects. Terpenes commonly found in cannabis include myrcene, humulene, linalool, caryophyllene, and pinene. Find out the terpenes of your favorite strains to find another strain with similar effects and flavor.
Raw cannabis flower is covered in hairs called trichomes, which contain terpenes and cannabinoids. Many hairs equal lots of trichomes, which contribute to a more potent experience. Trichomes can also be separated from the rest of the plant and extracted into kief, a powdered cannabis concentrate. You can do this at home by using a multi-level grinder. If your dispensary lets you see buds before you buy, you can visually check for trichomes.
Choose a Marijuana Strain for Your Condition
Some of the most common conditions treated with cannabis include insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain. Patients often treat insomnia with an Indica strain like Granddaddy Purple or Hindu Kush. Anxiety is best treated with a high-CBD strain like ACDC or Harle-Tsu. Different types of pain may need different strains. For back pain, patients have found success with Headband. While for migraines, patients use CBD strains like Sour Tsunami.
The Seven Most Popular Marijuana Strains
These are the most popular and widely smoked strains of marijuana in the United States.
Blue Dream. People love this Sativa-leaning Hybrid strain for relaxing, daytime relief from pain and anxiety.
Jack Herer. This classic Sativa strain is uplifting and good for creativity and treating depression and anxiety.
Cannatonic. This high-CBD strain leans slightly Sativa, treats anxiety and depression, and can help with focus.
Sour Diesel. This potent Sativa strain can help with ADD, anxiety, and depression.
OG Kush. People find this potent Indica-leaning strain helpful for nausea, gastrointestinal issues, and mood.
Grandaddy Purple. This classic Indica strain provides body relaxation making it popular for sleep and stimulating appetite.
Girl Scout Cookies (GSC). An Indica-leaning Hybrid known to promote laughter and a relaxing body high that helps relieve PTSD, stress, and anxiety.
Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis
It’s easy to get your medical document with the online Telehealth service HelloMD. Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed partitioner and purchase medical cannabis today.
