We are often asked by first-time cannabis users who come to our stores about what would be the best strain of cannabis for them. This is a question with answers that will differ person-to-person as there are many variables in play in how certain cannabis strains impact users on an individual basis. Our answer is always to educate yourself as best as you can about the effects of specific types of strains and make a decision that closely aligns to your desired effects from cannabis use. Our Team members are always available to help with answering questions you may have though.
With over 700 strains of cannabis available in the world, you can imagine why there is no definitive answer to this question. The first thing we recommend to our customers when presented with this question is simply to start by learning about the three specific types of cannabis strains available – Indica, Sativa and Hybrid – and their known effects that you can anticipate. Identifying if you’re looking for an energetic, uplifting experience or possibly a calming and relaxing experience would be a great start!
In this post, we’ll provide you some details on the specific types of strains available, their anticipated effects and also touch on other elements more experienced users and experts suggest have an impact of the specific type of high such as Terpenes.
Understanding the Effects of Each Type of Strain
As mentioned above, the first thing we like cannabis users to understand is the desired effects they are looking for. With three types of strains available, they all offer a unique effect that you can expect. Here’s a high-level overview of what you can expect from Indica, Sativa and Hybrid strains collectively.
- Indica: if calm, relaxing and sedative effects are some of the effects that you’re looking for, we recommend trying an Indica strain. Users oftentimes consume indica strains to help with relaxation, stress relief, sleep and there are users find that indica strains can help with pain management, but you should always consult a professional regarding pain.
- Sativa: if uplifting, energizing and creativity sparking are some of the effects you’re looking for, we recommend trying a sativa strain. Users often associate sativa strains with increased energy and focus, mood improvement, sparking creativity and it’s also considered the strain people prefer to use for social gatherings.
- Hybrid: if you’re looking for a bit of the best of both worlds, we recommend going for a hybrid strain. These strains have customized effects as growers choose effects that they would like inherited from their parent strains. Going with a hybrid option, it’s important to understand the parent strains as that’ll will help you identify the combined type of effects to expect.
Understanding this is as a foundation is fundamental to starting cannabis use and enjoying your experience. No two people are the same, so it’s important to understand that each type of strain impacts users differently, but these elements of each strain are a good indicator of expectations.
“The biggest killer on the planet is stress, and I still think the best medicine is and always has been cannabis.”Willie Nelson
Understanding THC + CBD Content in All Three Strains
While knowing the effects of each type of cannabis strain is super important, we recommend all first-time users understand and be conscious of the THC content in their specific strain of choice as THC is an intoxicating compound that factors into the psychoactive effects you feel. As users are new in their cannabis usage experience, we always recommend to start with a strain that is on the lower end of THC content to see how you it impacts you individually as opposed to starting with an option on the higher end of THC which may be too potent for novice users and result in an experience that may not be as pleasurable.
When shopping for any types of strains, you’ll typically find THC percentages below 10% to well above 20+%. We often recommend to new users to shop on the lower end of THC and then work your way up if you feel the need for a stronger effect. Many of our customers who’ve been consuming cannabis for many years typically smoke flower with THC percentage in the 20% range, but they would tell you that they never started with potent cannabis as their first experience and that their tolerance for higher levels of THC grew with usage and time.
Another element users want to be conscious of is, CBD: the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis, but one that does NOT cause a high by itself. CBD is typically associated with and studied for its medicinal effects as it does not cause a high, so we advise users to be conscious of CBD content if strictly a high is what they’re looking for in their desired effects.
Understanding Terpenes and Their Effects
New users, we promise you that cannabis is not this complicated! Understanding types of strains and THC content is definitely where we want first-time users to focus, but growing in relevance and importance among cannabis users in recent times is the emergence of understanding terpenes and their effects. Terpenes are natural chemicals found in cannabis as well as many other plants around the world, and for cannabis, they contribute to the aroma and taste of strains and they also can have an impact on the effects you feel.
Although there are more than 200 terpenes that can be found in cannabis strains, there are a dozen or so common popular terpenes that can be found in all types of strains. Some of the top strains you’ll find in cannabis options and find resources online for include: Myrcene, Beta-caryophyllene, Pinene, Limonene, Humulene, Linalool, and more. Some of the specific effects this terpenes are associated with include relaxation, stress management, focus improvement, calming effects, and many people. We encourage you to learn more as you continue your journey of cannabis usage.
Educated Decision + Start Low
We hope this post better helps you, first-time or new user to cannabis, in answering, “What strain of cannabis is best for me?”! As mentioned, starting with the specific type of strain is most important to generalize the type of high you’re looking for and then going with an option that’s not as potent to ensure your early cannabis experience is a pleasurable one. All the best in your cannabis usage experience from the Purple Pineapple Cannabis Co. Team!
