In the last few decades, serious scientific inquiry has revealed just how sophisticated cannabis really is, it has become obvious that there’s no such thing as a single high. The truth is, there’s a whole universe of different highs out there: highs that are soft and sedative, highs that are energizing and creative, highs that are mindful, highs that are motivating—and just about everything in between.

A wide range of those effects are dependent on the chemical composition. While each person’s individual tolerance can be very different (meaning the same cannabis varietal might affect two people in different ways). The average cannabis plant contains 500+ chemical components—over 100 of which are cannabinoids—and the sophisticated makeup of a particular strain will affect your brain and body in a totally unique way.

But even the most knowledgeable consumers can get lost trying to navigate the convoluted landscape of THC, CBD, terpenes, “Sativas”, “Indicas”, and everything else. Here we have a basic breakdown of the different types you will see for sale at our store as well as some links to help you gain the knowledge and understanding needed to make an educated purchase.

Indica Strains

The Indica species of cannabis gets its name from the region where it was “discovered” and classified, in this case, India. But again, in today’s parlance, calling something an “Indica strain” indicates a distinct set of effects and sensations, rather than anything having to do with marijuana growth patterns, genetic lineage, or flowering times.

Put simply, “Indica” strains are those associated with a strong body-high, feelings of sedation and relaxation. For this reason, Indicas are often thought of as the “heavier” strains of cannabis, offering stronger highs that impact the whole body often making you sleepy or 'couch-locked'. They’re popular among marijuana users as pain relieving and sleep-inducing strains. Indicas are especially popular among medical cannabis patients.

For marijuana growers and breeders, Indica indicates a plant that is short in stature, with broad leaves and darker coloration. Indicas’ shorter flowering cycles help make these marijuana strains more suitable for colder climates and shorter growing seasons.

Sativa Strains

Like Indica strains, calling a strain a sativa means something different for marijuana consumers than it does for growers. If Indica's are the “downers” of the cannabis family, Sativas are the uppers.

Known for invigorating and uplifting sensations, with a high focus in the mind rather than the body, Sativas are extremely popular as daytime-use strains and for social occasions. Sativas are also widely associated with the cerebral and creativity-enhancing effects of weed. Hence, they are lauded by artists and other inventive people who use cannabis.

From a botanical perspective, however, Sativas are the skinnier, wispier counterpoint to the stocky hardiness of Indica strains. They grow taller, have narrower leaves, and longer flowering cycles. In the right climate, ideally warm, those features make Sativa's production powerhouses.

Hybrid Strains

As the name suggests, hybrid strains of marijuana combine elements from both Indica and Sativa parents. As a result, cannabis users often consider their effects to fall somewhere between Indica's and Sativas.

So-called “pure hybrids,” while oxymoronic in name, indicate marijuana strains that are believed to offer a perfect blend or balance of Sativas energizing and Indica’s sedating effects. Other hybrid strains of cannabis tend to place the emphasis on one end of the spectrum or the other. These are called “Sativa-dominant” or “Indica-dominant,” accordingly.

THC-Dominant Strains

Classifications of marijuana can also indicate the relative concentration of cannabinoids in different strains.. The distinction here is especially useful for differentiating between marijuana strains which are better suited to recreational use and those more geared toward medical or therapeutic applications.

THC-dominant marijuana strains are those recreational users prize most. As with any strain, there are differing compositions and THC is no exception with differing levels within its composition. A required in product labelling is the percentage of THC in each product and below gives you some ranges to consider when looking at THC levels in a product. As eluded to above each individuals body composition is different and the reactions/effects to THC will differ.  The reaction or effects of one will not be the same for others.

 

Level	THC Percentages
Lower	0% to 10%
Medium	10% to 20%
Higher	20%+

CBD-Dominant Strains

The popularization of cannabidiol’s therapeutic uses has led to a boom in cultivators who breed cannabis strains with high CBD and low THC. These strains of marijuana are not typically consumed for recreational purposes. Their low or negligible psychoactivity means CBD-dominant cannabis strains do not get users high and lacks the 'stoney' effect compared to a THC-dominant strain. .

Instead, CBD-dominant marijuana strains provide the raw materials for a range of CBD products, like oils, edibles and skin products.

It’s important to distinguish between CBD-dominant strains of cannabis and strains of hemp. Hemp contains only trace amounts of THC and is rich in CBD, making it a popular and legal source for CBD health products.

Check out these great sites for more information:

https://www.leafly.ca/news/cannabis-101

https://hightimes.com/guides/cannabis/