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How To Match Weed Strains to Their Effects!
You may not realise it, but 2021 is a golden age in human history. After all, information about the cannabis plant has never before been as accessible as it is in the current year!
As legalisation sweeps across the globe, so too does a tide of knowledge being freely shared about these plants. Information and communications technologies (like the internet) have helped to dramatically enhance the pace of this development.
Online vendors and seed shops – and online repositories of info, like Leafly – wax lyrical about the genetic variety of cannabis… closely comparing the diversity of strains in an attempt to make distinctions between their effects. It’s really not so different to a bunch of wine connoisseurs discussing the differences between a Chenin Blanc and a Riesling! Without a doubt, the cannabis culture is evolving into an enthusiast in-group… and one that takes the plant’s subtleties seriously.
Just like how connoisseur wine tasters have a passion for the genetics of the grapes that were harvested, the regions and conditions they were grown under, the vintage of the wine, and even the manufacturing process; the varieties of cannabis can be appreciated the genetic profile of the flower, the specific proportion of cannabinoids contained in the flower, the phenotypical expression under certain growing conditions, and the terpene profile the specimen expresses.
Similar to the wide spectrum of notes that can be detected within wine or coffee… a trained cannabis connoisseur can identify profoundly different flavours, fragrances and subjective effects from a range of buds.
Today, we will take a look at some of the common profiles out there that have come to define the ‘cannabis high’, and mention some of the strains these characteristics are associated with.
An Energised High
If you like to smoke in order to become the life and soul of the party, we recommend looking for a strain with pure or predominant Sativa genetics.
Green Crack is a classic strain that sits neatly in the ‘Sativa’ category. It’s also a time-honoured favourite, with its specific genotype dating way back to the 1970s. The dominance of the terpene Myrcene in Green Crack is responsible for its earthy taste.
Durban Poison is another energetic Sativa with a fruity, Terpinolene dominant flavour profile. Connoisseurs have likened it to the cannabis equivalent to espresso – it’s the perfect strain for days where you need to stay alert, and get sh*t done!
Both of these strains have a zingy, citrus-like aroma, and are sure to turn up your dials before you even light up.
A Relaxed High
Perhaps you instead prefer to use cannabis as a way to wind down after a busy and stressful day. If that’s the case, you will be better suited to Indica dominant strains.
The Cookies and Cream strain even looks peaceful… with its beautiful purple leaves and elegant bud structure. Its peppery flavours are attributed to the dominance of Caryophyllene, with more subtle notes of coffee and herbs. Cookies and Cream is all the comfort of winter evenings by a roaring fire.
Blackberry Kush is another Indica-dominant hybrid with a somewhat similar terpene profile to Cookies and Cream. It has even been compared to the taste of hash! This strain is guaranteed to chill you out and ease any physical, mental or emotional distress you may have. It’s cultivated by crossing two strains – Afghani and Blackberry.
A Euphoric High
Sometimes it’s Friday night and you just want to get stoned… After all, there’s nothing wrong with experiencing the euphoric effects of a cannabis high! If you’re looking for maximum euphoria, it’s all about the THC.
OG Kush is a strain that every cannabis connoisseur knows and loves. It’s the one-of-a-kind hybrid that took the US West Coast by storm, back in the days when cannabis was still a taboo subject.
It still sets the bar to this day… though other high-intensity strains like Wedding Cake and Girl Scout Cookies tend to give it a good run for its money.
An Uplifting High
Some of the more popular medicinal strains can also act as the perfect pick-me-up for recreational cannabis consumers. Here are the strains that can be just the thing to make you feel better!
Typically, the uplifting strains are hybrids in which Sativa genetics dominate, and the THC is complimented by higher levels of CBD.
Sour Diesel is a great example, while Tangie and Super Silver Haze are also very popular.
Choose Your Own High!
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that all of these different strain names are just elaborate marketing gimmicks… but that would be like saying the same about different coffee beans, or acting like all wines are the same. It’s just not true!
As a matter of fact, no two cannabis strains are identical, and neither are the highs they will bring… which is what makes cannabis so interesting and fun!
I find some strains give me wicked muscle tension and a significant drop in body temperature. Any ide if this is due to cannabinoids or terpenes? It seems the be the fresher the herb, the worse the effect. Which varieties should look for to minimise these unpleasant effects.