Planning to buy cannabis but overwhelmed with the choices? We all have been there at some point in time. The growing popularity of the cannabis industry has captured the interest of many users worldwide. Cannabis itself is a versatile plant that comes in a variety of types and strains that can be a confusing choice for a novice user. Each of these strains has varying physical characteristics and therapeutic effects, making it quite a hard decision.
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So how do we pick the right strain? Here are seven parameters you can use to categorize your strains and choose the right ones.
1. Indica Vs. Sativa Vs. Hybrids
The first step in choosing the right weed is to pick out the correct category. Cannabis plants fall under three major categories – Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids. These categories vary in terms of effects, cannabinoid, terpenes, flavonoids, growth capabilities.
Sativa strains are known to induce a euphoric feeling in users and have mood uplifting and energy-boosting capabilities. They contain higher levels of THC and are a psychedelic category. Indica, on the other hand, has intense relaxing and calming abilities. The dominance of CBD over THC is responsible for this effect.
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Most commercially available strains fall in the hybrid category that brings the best characteristics of the Indica and Sativa at optimum levels to offer a comfortable experience and potent benefits. Based on the intensity and type of effects, you can choose the right category during online weed shopping.
2. CBD to THC Ratio
The two significant cannabinoids of the cannabis plant are THC and CBD. The presence, concentration, and ratio of the two compounds are responsible for the benefits and effects possible from a particular strain.
THC is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, analgesic, and psychoactive properties, whereas CBD is popular for its anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, antipsychotic, and antibacterial benefits. The ratio of the two compounds decides the type of ailments the strains are useful to treat.
Strains with dominant THC ratio have potent benefits to relieve pain and stress but induce sedative effects. CBD’s introduction helps balance the extreme sedative effects and offer therapeutic advantages such as treating chronic pain conditions, insomnia, skin ailments, and tremors. As we move towards CBD dominant ratios, we see that they are effective in treating mental health ailments like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and autoimmune conditions.
3. Purpose Of Use
The intended purpose of utilizing weed is crucial to determine the right types for you. In the past, weed was commonly put to use for recreational purposes to enjoy an enchanting high. But today, the body of research available to determine its therapeutic potential has opened paths for medicinal applications of the plant.
Medical weed strains constitute higher concentrations of CBD and optimum THC levels to establish therapeutic benefits with the help of the entourage effects. Keeping the THC concentration at the right level helps to avoid extreme hallucinogenic effects from the compound. In contrast, high THC concentration is a desirable quality in recreational to induce psychoactive effects.
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Determining the purpose of using weed helps to access the types of strains you can explore. It also sheds some light on the legalities of purchasing cannabis in your local areas.
4. Taste
Cannabis lovers can now explore from a wide variety of flavor brimming strains such as Lemon Shining Silver Haze, Sugar Black Rose, Pineapple Kush, Strawberry Cough. Growers use their skills to elevate the taste profile of these strains that can be an enjoyable experience for your mind, body, and particularly your taste buds.
The variety of flavors ranging from weed to fruity and earthy can be a fun experience, especially for novice users, as it masks the earthy taste of the plant. Choosing the right flavor notes can help you choose from vibrantly tasty strains.
5. Smell
Just like the flavors, picking strains with magnificent aroma also helps to elevate your cannabis experience. You can forget all about the pungent smell embodying the plant and look for strains with an extraordinary aroma profile that will blow your mind away.
Some examples of aromatic strains are Super Lemon Haze, Death Star, Bubble Gum. There are fruity, citrusy, earthy flavors with spicy and floral notes that can make smoking weed very exciting.
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6. Tolerance
Your previous experience with weed is essential to determine the right strains. It gives an idea about your tolerance to THC that helps decide the most comfortable strains. If you are a new user, choosing strains with low THC content is the best choice to avoid having an intense high that could be overwhelming and uncomfortable. You can look for high CBD ratios in this case to enjoy the benefits of the plant.
7. Availability
The availability of the strains is a necessary criterion to make sure you can experience cannabis regularly. While there are more choices available in online markets, local dispensaries may not exhibit so many options.
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Hence make a list of a few strains with similar characteristics as you wish to experience while shopping for weed. Find out strains popularly grown in your local area to make sure you buy fresh and high-quality cannabis.
Conclusion
Using these seven critical parameters to access the various strains available out there helps narrow down the right choices for you. The strain will cater to your application and come with a pleasing taste and flavor profile that will make it all the more exciting. Make sure to buy weed only from trusted brands and of premium quality for a fun and healthy experience with cannabis.
