You’ve heard of terms like indica, sativa, and hybrid cannabis, but what are the differences between them? Do different strains really produce different effects?
The names of cannabis strains are as diverse as the strains themselves. You might have heard of a few popular ones, like Cactus Breath and God Bud. But what makes one type of cannabis different from another?
Depending on the strain you choose, you’ll notice a unique combination of flavours and scents. We’re going to explore the different types of cannabis and what you can expect from each:
Why do different cannabis strains have such varied effects? The effects of cannabis are highly dependent on the dosage, ROA (route of administration), and one’s unique physiology. It also has to do with the ratio of THC to CBD in the cannabis product.
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is what creates a head high. On the other hand, CBD (cannabidiol) produces almost no psychoactive effects. The ratio of THC to CBD is one of the main ways that strains differ from one another.
Others believe that the reported effects of strains have more to do with terpenes than cannabinoids. Common terpenes such as limonene, myrcene, and caryophyllene have unique effects of their own. Terpene content varies based on the strain you choose.
Below, we’re going to list the general differences between strains:
The leaves of an indica cannabis plant are short, wide, and bushy. Compared to cannabis sativa, indica strains have a higher ratio of CBD to THC. For more information on indica strains click here.
Sativa strains tend to have a higher ratio of THC to CBD. When burned or vaporized, you can smell notes of citrus and fruit. For more information on sativa strains click here.
After years of crossbreeding, pure indica or sativa strains are hard to find. Cannabis indica and cannabis sativa have been cultivated for so many years that most strains are hybrids.
When you’re shopping for hybrids, you’ll see labels like indica or sativa dominant strains. As the name suggests, this simply indicates which type of cannabis is more prevalent in a particular strain, as hybrid strains contain a mix of both. The ratio of cannabinoids can be highly varied—it may even be 1:1. for more information on hybrid strains click here.
Different weed strains are cultivated for their unique flavours and appearance. At Green Gaia Cannabis, we carry popular strains such as:
You can recognize this strain almost immediately by its distinct and vibrant colour. And you can’t miss its powerful fruity aroma and taste.
This indica has 20-23% THC and 1% CBD.
When you take an up-close look at this bud, you’ll notice pops of purple and icy tips. It has a tasty vanilla flavour, and it smells almost like cake when it’s smoked or vaporized. It contains roughly 2% of CBD and between 18-25% of THC.
You’ll notice notes of fruit and sweetness with this blissful strain; it smells and tastes almost like berries. This indica dominant hybrid strain is a cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie. It has a high THC content, ranging from 20-25%.
These buds have pops of bright green and yellow leaves. You can’t miss the powerful, dank aroma that this strain has. It’s an indica strain with high levels of THC.
Cannabis affects everyone differently. You may need to experiment with a few different strains to find one that you prefer. As always, we recommend starting with a low dose and waiting to see how it makes you feel before consuming more.
If you’re looking for a specific strain of cannabis, we’re here to assist you! We are happy to answer any questions you might have to help you find that perfect strain. To learn more about the types of cannabis available at Green Gaia, contact us today.