Cannabis is becoming more and more popular these days thanks to its versatility in the healthcare industry. It’s believed that the plant can potentially treat a range of medical conditions, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety.
However, as any weed user can tell, not all cannabis is produced in the same manner. There are numerous strains of cannabis, and each has its own effects, making them quite useful for different reasons.
If cannabis is considered legal in your region and you’re interested in it but quite unsure what strains suit your needs, this post has got you covered. Continue reading this guide to learn more about the different strains of cannabis.
Should you have any questions, you may visit Thrive Cannabis Marketplace or other reliable retailers to find the strain that’s right for you.
What Are Cannabis Strains?
Cannabis strains are derived from a specific family of plants called Cannabaceae. Others believe that Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are primary subspecies, although some think they’re of different species.
Cultivators create a strain by selecting traits that will produce their desired effects. Think of it as the process of breeding dogs to develop unique characteristics. They also crossbreed cannabis to create strains with attributes existing strains don’t have.
How To Choose The Perfect Cannabis Strain For You
Choosing the right strain depends on the effect/s users want to experience. Cannabis offers a range of health benefits; however, some strains might be more appropriate for specific conditions than others.
Note that cannabis may carry side effects, such as dry eyes, dizziness, and dry mouth. They might also interact with other medications you take, leading to more severe complications. So, seek medical advice from a primary care physician before trying some.
- Acapulco Gold
Acapulco Gold is one of the most anticipated cannabis strains. It originated in Acapulco, Mexico, and became famous in the 1960s for its potent euphoric effects, coffee aroma, and earthy flavor.
Acapulco Gold has high THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels, between 18% and 25%, but its CBD (cannabidiol) content is almost non-existent. It can make you feel energized, motivated, clear-headed, and cheerful, making it ideal for daytime use.
However, keep in mind that Acapulco Gold’s effects might be overwhelming, so take extra caution when using this strain. This strain also carries potential side effects, including dry eyes, paranoia, dry mouth, dizziness, and anxiety. But it may help manage chronic fatigue, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety.
- Blue Dream
Blue Dream, or Azure Haze, is a cross between Haze and Blueberry strains with 18% THC and traces of CBD (0-0.1%). In addition, Blue Dream grows like sativa, so expect it to be tall when cultivating this strain.
Blue Dream is one of the highly sought-after strains. It’s popular among novice and experienced cannabis users for its peppery flavor, berry aroma, and pleasant yet manageable effects. This cannabis strain may help manage anxiety, panic disorder, and chronic pain.
Due to its growing popularity, Blue Dream has a wide range of versions made from different varieties of Blueberry, Haze, or a combination of the two. This strain can make you feel stimulated, uplifted, and energized. However, you may also experience some adverse effects, such as dry mouth, paranoia, and dry eyes, especially for novice users.
- Purple Kush
Purple Kush, or Purple Hindu Kush, is an indica that distinguishes itself from other strains with its pleasant flavor and attractive colors. It was developed by a group of breeders in Oakland, California, crossing Hindu Kush and Afghani Purple.
Purple Kush’s THC levels are relatively high, ranging from 17% to 27%—a bit higher than Acapulco Gold. In terms of flavor, it has an earthy musk, fruity odor, hash-like smoke, and a sugary grape-like taste.
This strain can make you feel relaxed, sleepy, giggly, and euphoric and may help manage nausea, insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety. But be wary of its side effects, such as thirst, dry eyes, brain fog, and dry mouth.
- Sour Diesel
Also known as Sour D, Sour Diesel contains 22% THC (26% maximum) and 2% CBD. It’s believed to be accidentally from OG Kush and Chemdawg strains.
In terms of flavor, Sour Diesel continues to live up to its name. It has an earthy, herbal, lemony taste, sour and pungent odor, and skunky haze.
Sour Diesel can boost your creativity and energy to start your day right, especially if you need mental stimulation. It’s invigorating, making it helpful in managing anxiety and depression, reducing fatigue, and increasing appetite.
- Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is known for its ability to manage chronic pain, relieve stress, and treat insomnia. It’s potent, easy to grow, and produces compact buds. This makes it ideal for newbie cannabis growers and commercial producers.
Bubba Kush has a relatively high THC level, ranging from 14% to 22%. In terms of effects, this strain can make you feel cheerful, giggly, and deeply relaxed.
In addition, Bubba Kush has a tranquilizing effect that can make your eyelids feel heavy, making it an excellent nighttime strain. So, don’t expect that you’ll be able to focus and concentrate on detailed tasks after taking a dose or two of this strain.
- Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is an indica strain, a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud. It has the deep purple hue of Purple Urkle and the dense, overgrown buds of Big Bud.
Like Bubba Kush, Granddaddy Purple is an excellent nighttime strain. It helps the mind and body relax and fade into a smooth buzz, as most superior indica strains do. This strain is so relaxing and perfect for ending a long, tiring day.
Aside from its relaxing benefits, Granddaddy Purple helps manage pain and treat anxiety and depression as well. Nonetheless, be careful when using this strain because it’s potent and can pack a punch. So, it’d be best to take a dose or two before consuming more.
- Afghan Kush
Also known as Afghan OG, Afghan Kush is an indica strain originating from the Hindu Kush mountains. It’s relatively easy to cultivate and is known for its typical indica effects that may last for up to three hours.
In terms of its cannabinoid content, Afghan Kush has 21% THC and 6% CBD, which is surprisingly high compared to other strains above. Plus, its aroma resembles a mango farm with a fruity and bland taste.
Afghan Kush is known for its tranquilizing effects, which can make the user feel lazy and sleepy. This is why it’s often used as a nighttime medication for insomnia patients. Like other strains, Afghan Kush may also help reduce stress levels, chronic pain, and anxiety.
- LA Confidential
LA Confidential, or simply Confidential, is a potent indica-dominant strain—95% indica and 5% sativa—produced by crossing California Indica and Afghani strains. Its effects are as warm as the beaches in LA, and its high is subtle enough to calm your mind and body.
LA Confidential can give you a sense of happiness, bliss, and purpose. It can also help you feel relaxed, with a couch-locking sensation that can make you fall asleep at times.
In terms of its cannabinoid content, LA Confidential has a high THC level, ranging from 26% to 30%. This makes it an excellent treatment for mood swings, bipolar disorder, chronic stress, chronic pain, and insomnia.
Furthermore, LA Confidential has an earthy flavor and a woody pine aroma with a kick of skunky odor that intensifies the more you consume.
- Golden Goat
Golden Goat is a sativa-dominant strain created by an accident when a Hawaiian Romulan surprisingly pollinated Island Sweet Sunk. It has a relatively high THC level of 23% and a CBD level of 1.07%.
Golden Coat is a strain known for its energizing, euphoric, and uplifting effects, which are strong enough to be felt throughout the body. Its aroma is like a combination of sweet and spicy tropical fruits, and it’s believed to be effective in managing conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, and chronic pain.
Yet Golden Goat’s ability to treat isn’t limited to these conditions only. It can also help manage bipolar disorder, chronic fatigue, headaches, migraines, nausea, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- CannaSutra
CannaSutra is another indica-dominant strain—70% indica and 30% sativa—produced by crossing the incredible Sensi Star and Reclining Buddha strains. It gets its name because of its arousing ability and a relatively high THC level, between 13% to 17%.
As its name implies, CannaSutra has the ability to induce feelings of arousal, leaving the user super horny. These feelings are often boosted by its mood-elevating effects, encouraging users to be clear and motivated toward their goals.
CannaSutra is best for daytime use, even with its relaxing buzz. This makes it ideal for treating and managing depression, anxiety, migraines, chronic fatigue, and impotence. CannaSutra has a pleasing floral aroma and a sweet, spicy, and earthy taste with a hint of flowers.
- Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express is a sativa-dominant strain—60% sativa and 40% indica—with a relatively high THC level, ranging from 18% to 26%. It’s a cross between Hawaiian and Trainwreck strains and has been reported to produce energizing and giggly effects. Nonetheless, it produces adverse effects as well like paranoia, dry mouth, and dry eyes.
Pineapple Express can help manage numerous physical and mental conditions. These include anxiety, chronic fatigue, panic disorder, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and chronic pain.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis strains have varying levels of THC and CBD. Most strains have a relatively high THC level and trace amounts of CBD. This makes them ideal for treating multiple conditions, such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and stress.
But keep in mind that effects and flavor profiles may vary depending on the strain. Some strains have a robust and earthy taste, while others have a fragrant, floral, and fruity aroma. And cannabis strains may cause adverse effects, such as dry eyes, dry mouth, and paranoia. It’s recommended that you seek medical advice before trying out any cannabis strain.
