Iftikhar Alam
Author
Reviewed by Cannabis Experts
Published on: March 10, 2023 | Updated on: September 11, 2024
The stoners community is curious about the types of weed strains. If you read the discovery of weed, you might not get a certain answer to how many weed strains there are. Stoners have also been smoking weed for a long time. But they only shift from type A to B, never exploring C.
Different weed strains give different experiences in taste and high because of the difference in each one’s chemical combination. The main compounds in cannabis or weed, THC and CBD, differ in concentration in different strains.
Researchers are also identifying the impact of different weed strains from medical and recreational perspectives.
This article will tell you more about weed strains and their different types.
What are Weed Strains?
Weed strains are variants of the cannabis plant. Each strain possesses similar features to its parent cannabis family while having unique characteristics. For example, two variants might have similar canopies, but their taste might differ.
Types of Weed Strains
According to research, over 700 weed strains have been discovered. Scientists and growers produced cross-breed cannabis using different strains. The final produce gave unique results, sometimes unexpected.
Moreover, the cross-bred cannabis strains have similar appearances. You can’t differentiate type A strain from type B by looking at its leaves or height.
From the cannabis market’s perspective, you will find four common weed strains.
Indica
Indica strains are bushy plants that originated in the harsh climate of the Hindu Kush mountains. They are small yet stocky with green leaves that spread faster than any other strain. Each Indica strain also produces more buds after maturing.
In Indica strains, you will find high CBD but almost no THC, making them useful in the medical industry. The higher CBD ratio makes this strain a good pain reliever. You can also consume it to relax the mind from anxiety and depression.
Medical experts suggest that Indica strains are effective against nausea and lack of appetite. The best intake time of an Indica strain is at night for its soothing effects.
Common Indica Strains
Examples of Indica strains include:
- Afghan Kush
- Banana Kush
- Gelato Cake
- Granddaddy Purple
Sativa
Sativa strains are common in hot regions, especially in Central America and West Asia. These strains are taller than Indica and mature late than many other cannabis strains. You will also find taller and thinner leaves in this variant.
Sativa strains can achieve a height of more than 12 feet if given proper nutrition and light. Unlike Indica, Sativa is THC-rich and has low CBD. Therefore, Sativa cannabis can make you high.
Veteran stoners consume Sativa strains in different forms to get high and enjoy joint sessions. For example, Sativa strains are common in smoking joints. You only need finely ground Sativa cannabis with rolling paper. Attach a filter, and here you go.
Sativa affects mental abilities, like focus, and boosts your energy levels. Therefore, the best intake time for Sativa weed strains is daytime.
Common Sativa Strains
Examples of Sativa strains include:
- Candyland
- Durban Poison
- Panama Red
- Acapulco Gold
Ruderalis
Ruderalis strains are rare variants of cannabis. You also can’t find them in the market. However, you can grow them using the autoflowering weed method. It’s different from natural cannabis growth, as autoflowering depends on aging rather than the light cycle.
Ruderalis strains are shorter, with a height not above 2-3 feet. These strains can survive harsh weather conditions, making their foliage highly useful for making new cannabis variants.
Common Ruderalis Strains
Since it’s a rare variant, you will find the following two strains of cannabis Ruderalis:
- Northern Lights Automatic
- Amnesia Haze Auto
Hybrid
Hybrid strains are a combination of Sativa and Indica in random proportion. The mixture of these two strains produces a unique cannabis variant that has different tastes, aromas, colors, and effects.
Based on the genetics of the strain you are mixing, you never know what the mixture looks or tastes like. That’s why hybrid strains produce different variants if you keep randomly mixing the strains.
Hybrid strains have become more common than ever in the cannabis market. Growers use random mixtures and produce unique cannabis strains on their farms.
Moreover, some hybrid strains are in high demand because of their mixed experiences. It’s because the hybrid strain can either:
- Incline more towards Indica
- Incline more towards Sativa
- Possess unique attributes
In laboratories, scientists use a definite ratio of Sativa and Indica to create necessary solutions. They often use old combinations to keep making the old medicine for mental and physical ailments.
However, you can grow weed strains in your tent or farm by mixing different strains to produce something new and more potent.
Which Strain to Try?
Here are some factors you must consider while trying a new weed strain since you have many options.
Desired Effect
People consume cannabis and experience different reactions. However, you must go for a particular weed strain if you desire a particular experience.
For example, the euphoric effect of marijuana or cannabis is due to high doses of THC in joints, edibles, tinctures, or in any form. Therefore, you must choose a famous strain for its high effects.
Aroma and Flavor
Some stoners are picky about cannabis flavors. If you are one of them, you must do research about the strains’ terpene profile which gives plants their flavor and aroma.
Potency
The potency of weed strains depends on the high-making cannabinoids, especially THC. The variation in the euphoric levels is because of the THC concentration in the strain. So, if you want to get high, go for a potent strain that has more THC and vice versa.
Growing Method
Check the growing method of the cannabis strain because that affects the quality of the weed strain. For example, autoflowering cannabis strains, like Rudarelis, will not produce potent weed if not farmed properly. Since autoflower is an indoor cannabis growing technique, you must have experience in autoflowering the required strain to acquire the best quality.
Final Words
Since multiple varieties are available of cannabis strains, remember that there’s no perfect technique for choosing a weed strain. It all depends on your experience and how your body and mind react to a cannabis strain. So, research and explore markets to gather insights to know what weed strain suits you.
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Cannabis use is subject to local laws and regulations, which vary widely by jurisdiction. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or altering an existing treatment regimen. The authors and publishers of this blog are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Use cannabis responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws. This blog is intended for adults aged 21 and over. The Sanctuary Dispensaries D186, D187.