The use of cannabis in the US has increased considerably in recent years. As of 2019, 33 states have legalized medical marijuana, while 11 states have also allowed the use of cannabis for recreational purposes. If you are interested in cannabis, there are a few things to understand, especially with regards to strains. The long list of strains in cannabis can be divided into three categories – Indica, sativa, and hybrid.
Understanding cannabis
The cannabis plant contains a bunch of chemical compounds, called the cannabinoids. Of all cannabinoids, THC and CBD are the most relevant ones for medical and other benefits, and THC is the only cannabinoid that’s psychoactive, or in other words, can cause a high. Today, if you check the market for cannabis products, CBD products are categorized separately. These can be sold legally if the THC content is less than 0.3%, and don’t expect to get a high from using CBD products.
The strains
Just like any plant, there are many varieties in cannabis. CBD products are usually derived from hemp – the least processed version of the cannabis plant. Coming to the strains meant to offer a high, there are three categories as we mentioned before. Indica strains have origins in India and are known to have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind, and therefore, these are best used at night to aid sleep and reduce pain. Sativa, on the other hand, offers this high that’s very energetic and will help you focus better. If you mix both, what you would get is called the hybrid strain. There are numerous hybrid strains in the market, each one being different than the other.
How to choose cannabis strain?
It really depends on what you want in terms of experience. For instance, if you are having a hard time focusing on work, a sativa-dominant strain could be a better choice, while someone who wants to relax and ease muscles may prefer an Indica-dominant hybrid. The good news is you can buy hybrid cannabis strains online at the right price, and most dispensaries will be willing to offer information on the same. Don’t shy away from asking questions when you are ordering locally.
As with cannabis in general, go slow with your first dosage. If you are smoking or using concentrates, you may want to limit the dose to understand how it works on your body. Edibles take longer to take effect.
