Indica ? Sativa? Hybrid? Not Sure? Lets Talk about it
Have you ever been on the hunt for the right strain? Finding the right strain can be a daunting or confusing task for some. In this article I will explain a few things to consider when choosing the best strain for you.
Whether you are new to the cannabis scene, or you have some experience under your belt — choosing the right strain for you is not always a piece of cake. There are a lot of factors involved in making this choice. Your mood and mindset greatly impacts the decision-making process. You also have to think about what type of high you’re seeking out at that time.
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing the best strain for yourself. First, you'll want to decide on whether you would like an Indica or Sativa strain, or a hybrid of the two, as well as what effect you're looking for. There are a wide variety of effects that can come with each strain and we will go over some of them in this article.
One of the best things about medical marijuana is that it can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions and symptoms. But, with so many different strains available, how do you know which one is right for you?
The Different Categories of Marijuana Strains
There are three main categories of marijuana strains: Indica, sativa, and hybrid. Each strain has unique characteristics that make it useful in treating certain medical conditions more effectively than others.
Indica strains tend to have a sedative effect and help relieve pain, muscle tension, and inflammation. They also help reduce anxiety and stress by relaxing the body and mind. Indica strains are typically recommended for nighttime use or for people who prefer a more relaxed feeling.
Sativa strains are known for producing an uplifting mental effect that increases focus and creativity. Sativa strains are great for daytime use and can help increase energy levels while reducing stress and depression.
Hybrid strains are cross-bred from both Indica and sativa plants to produce specific effects such as increased relaxation or increased energy level depending on the genetic makeup of the strain. Hybrid strains can be sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant or balanced (equal amounts).
The truth is that every person's body is different. The same strain of marijuana might help one person with a certain ailment but not another. The key is to find out what works best for your particular situation before trying anything else. This article is not intended to replace professional medical advice; it is simply meant to provide basic information so that individuals can make informed choices about their own health care needs.
Choosing the right strains for you can be very difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with what the different effects each strain produces. Steady Eddys wants to help you make the best decision possible for your needs.
Here are a few steps to help you on your way:
Step 1: Choose an effect
The first thing to do is pick the effect that you’re looking for, whether it’s relaxing, or energizing. This could also be something like pain relief or nausea reduction. If you’ve never tried cannabis before, it would be helpful to figure out which effect you want as this will help narrow down your options.
Step 2: Research! Research! Research!
Once you have decided which effect is right for you, it’s time to find a strain that fits into that category. The good thing about shopping online is that there is plenty of information out there to help point you in the right direction. You can use sites like Leafly that have a huge database of cannabis strains and reviews from other cannabis users. By using these resources, you’re able to get a better understanding of what strains would work best for what your needs are.
Lets take Anxiety for instance. People experience anxiety in a variety of ways, and fortunately, there are many strains of cannabis to match the characteristics of each person’s unique feelings. If you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder, there are likely strains that can help you.
The best cannabis strains for anxiety:
Grand Daddy Purple :
Granddaddy Purple helps you chill out. It relaxes your muscles and calm your mind, uplifting your mood and brightening your day.
Jack Herer :
If you can’t seem to find a positive vibe in any corner of your mind, consider Jack Herer, a strain with warm, bright effects that can help illuminate your happy place. Many find that Jack Herer provides a mood adjustment without taxing your much-needed physical energy, making it a worthy consideration if anxiety strikes early in the day.
Purple Urkle:
Your head’s resting on the pillow, but inside, thoughts won’t stop bouncing around. Enter Purple Urkle, a pacifying strain that can soften anxiety while guiding you into restful sleep.
Lets Talk About Depression.
A good way to choose a strain of marijuana for depression is to consult a medicinal marijuana doctor. Although understanding the chemical makeup of a flower may not be important, it can help to know about the cannabinoids and terpenes in the strain.
CBD and THC are the names of two of the more well-known cannabinoids in marijuana. Cannabinoids interact with receptors throughout the human body, producing different effects depending on the strain.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid, which is responsible for producing the euphoric “high” commonly associated with marijuana. Many people who use marijuana to alleviate their depression tend to prefer high-THC strains as this cannabinoid stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin (two neurotransmitters associated with feelings of pleasure). Similar to antidepressant medications, THC creates feelings of motivation and happiness that help temporarily counteract feelings of depression. However, it’s important to remember that use of psychoactive substances can have lasting effects on the brain, so it’s smart to be cautious about how much one is using.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that, according to current research, does not cause a euphoric “high” but instead plays a neuroprotective factor. It’s currently under investigation as a potential treatment for a variety of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Preclinical studies using animal models show that CBD has antidepressant-like effects. Although the mechanism isn't completely understood, some research indicates that CBD interacts with 5-HT1A receptors in the central nervous system to possibly provide relief from depression.
A strain of marijuana is typically known for its unique terpene profile, the naturally occurring fragrant oils that give each strain a distinct scent and flavor. Terpenes not only contribute to each strain’s unique aroma, but also work in synergy with cannabinoids to create different effects within the human body.
The Best Cannabis Strains for Depression:
Girl Scout Cookies:
Girl Scout Cookies is one of the most popular weed strains for depression as well as being one of the most popular marijuana strains in general. The sweet and earthy aroma alone is enough to put a smile on many user’s faces, but the effects are even more pleasurable. As a well-balanced 60/40 sativa-dominant hybrid, you can expect a smooth, versatile high.
White Fire OG:
Also known as WiFi OG, this strain is ideal for those times when you want to take yourself out of a bad mood with a fiery burst of happiness and mental energy. It’s hard to feel down under the influence of this sativa-dominant strain. The high is largely uplifting, making you feel optimistic, motivated, and giving you plenty of energy to counteract the groggy feeling that often comes with depression.
Lemon Kush:
Lemon Kush is a zesty citrus strain with uplifting effects. Its high Limonene content makes it ideal for elevating your mood and warding off stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as giving it a delicious lemony taste. Its joyous high makes it one of the most popular weed strains for depression.
The Best Cannabis Strains for Stress:
Northern Lights:
Northern Lights is a legendary Indica strain valued for its medicinal properties. The THC is felt throughout the body with Northern Lights, as it relaxes every muscle and helps calm the mind while settling you into a dreamy euphoric state. Northern Lights delivers a laziness that is so comforting, making it ideal for evening medication right before bed especially if your stress is so severe that it gives you a hard time sleeping.
Trainwreck :
Trainwreck will leave you feeling anything but. This deliciously strong sativa delivers its high in your brain, making you more creative, alert, and happy; if you enjoy artistic pursuits as a means of dealing with stress, Trainwreck will make the experience much more enjoyable.
Super Sour Diesel:
Super Sour Diesel is famous for its potent stress-relieving properties. Patients who medicate with Super Sour Diesel also enjoy engaging in creative and artistic projects so if you find that working with arts, crafts, or listening to music helps you unwind, this is the best strain to help you make it even more enjoyable.
The Best Cannabis Strains for Sleep:
Gods Gift:
God’s Gift is indeed a gift to insomnia sufferers, as all that stress keeping you up at night feels suddenly overpowered by a surefooted sense of peace. Releasing the exhale with notes of berry and citrus, you’re sure to feel your mood lift as your body sinks.
Tahoe OG Kush:
With effects that tend to be heavier than your average OG Kush hybrid, Tahoe OG is a godsend for many insomniacs. Smoking or vaporizing this strain can yield fast-acting effects that let muscles relax, easing that need to roll around in your blankets all night.
Remedy :
With virtually no THC in its chemical makeup, Remedy is meant for consumers who are shy about the high. You’re really not looking to get stoned, and that’s okay. CBD-dominant strains like Remedy can help you sleep by relieving pain, anxiety, stress, and other symptoms that fuel insomnia.
As you can see, there are healthy options for people suffering from a variety of ailments. When you're choosing the right strain for you, make sure to consider the type of symptoms you are experiencing, and think about how certain strains can help relieve those symptoms. If you can remember that THC is what is responsible for the high feeling, you'll know that strains with a higher THC level usually have more pronounced or intense effects. When choosing your weed, it's up to you to decide what level of effects you prefer and decide which strain will help you meet those needs best.
Choosing the right strain is just as important as finding the right dispensary, so don't be afraid to try out a few before you settle on your favorite strain of weed. Remember that with any cannabis product, there isn’t always a “one size fits all” approach. It’s crucial to be patient and try out new products. The more experience you have with different strains, the better chance you’ll have of choosing the right one for you!
As always, Steady Eddy's loves doing the hard work for you, and pairing you with some great product that will provide you the relieve your looking for. You can check out some of our Choices Below:
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