How to choose a strain of cannabis
My local cannabis dispensary offers a wide variety of strains on display! Figuring out which strains to try and what might be best for myself and others was a bit overwhelming.
- I decided to educate myself and did some research.
I found out that while cannabis most likely originated in central Asia, the plant was cultivated around the world. It gradually actemperatured to the strange environments, resulting in alterations of the physical and chemical characteristics, and people eventually experimented, crossbreeding numerous combinations of male and female plants and producing new strains. The cannabinoid profile or concentration of THC and CBD help to characterize the strains. Those with higher THC satisfied are more intoxicating. Those with more CBD are more relaxing. The cannabis plant also produces over 200 terpenes which influence flair and smell, each strain offers particular terpene profiles, concentrations and effects. The environmental variables while I was in cultivation, such as the nutrients in the soil, influences the cannabinoid profile and the terpenes. All too often, indica, sativa and hybrid are used to determine the effects of particular strain. It’s generally believed that sativas create an uplifting cerebral high while indicas result in a more relaxed and mellow feeling. In reality, indica, sativa and hybrid refers to the physical characteristics and structure of the plant! When I visit our dispensary and decide which cannabis strain to try, I consider flavor, smell, effects and potency. The terpene profile is undoubtedly crucial to me, and I pay close attention to the level of THC. It depends on whether I’m choosing a product to treat aching joints, relieve stress or for the sake of a relaxing evening’s sleep.