Cannabis is Confusing
A Brief Overview on Terpenes, Strains, Effects, and Why it matters to know
Cannabis is everywhere… Almost… yet still the level of knowledge on what it is and does can make anyone's head spin. So, what is out there that can help your mind and body & what is out there that can show you what will.
I do demos at stores in Sacramento CA, a city and state that cannabis has been offered to since the beginning of recreational legalization and even earlier medicinally. CBN, CBG, and other cannabinoids that have been offered for years now, are still unknown by many. How it interacts you, what its best used for, best time of day, the list goes on. Budtenders are educating people one at a time as they come through to the registers or peruse the shelving space, but how long until this becomes universal knowledge?
Here is one of the main issues.
Navigating the world of cannabis is like trying to solve a puzzle where each piece is labeled with a different acronym. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on THC and CBD, along comes CBN, CBG, and THCv, each with its own unique effects. Then, toss in the endless strains, over 700 identifiable strains, with generations and generations of them, all of which are being crossbred to make hybrids, each with a distinct profile of terpenes and cannabinoids, and it quickly starts to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of options. And don’t even get started on the various consumption methods — vaping, edibles, tinctures, topicals — all of which interact differently with your body. It’s enough to make even the most eager learner’s head spin! And surely make them spin without knowing more than the basics.
Even so, more people are turning to cannabis for recreational, medicinal, and wellness purposes. One of the most critical decisions a cannabis consumer can make is choosing the right strain. Making an informed choice is crucial to ensure the best possible experience. This guide provides a concise yet fact-packed exploration of how to choose the right cannabis strain for your needs.
Understanding Cannabis: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid
Cannabis strains are typically classified into three main categories: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. Each category offers distinct effects:
- Indica: Calming and sedative, and assisting towards relaxation, sleep, and pain relief. Typically higher CBD levels in these.
- Sativa: Uplifting and energizing, making them ideal for daytime use. They typically have higher THC levels. This is the mind/cerebral high.
Sativa though, is also helpful towards depression and fatigue while indica lends a hand towards anxiety and inflammation. This has been observed in a 2018 and 2017 study.
- Hybrid: Hybrids are crossbred strains that combine characteristics of both Indica and Sativa. They can be tailored to produce a wide range of effects, from balanced to more Indica- or Sativa-dominant experiences.
These strains take up the majority of what is offered on the market now, totaling near 80% of the market. Sativa holds 10–15% and indica, 5–10%.
Choosing the Right Strain Based on Effects
Ask yourself. What cannabis product is best for me? Then understand the effects of cannabis strains can vary widely based on their cannabinoid profile (the combination of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids) and terpene content (the aromatic compounds that influence flavor and effects).
Here’s how to choose the right strain based on the desired outcome. If you would like to skip ahead to how to learn more about cannabis and the specific effects each of these terpenes listed below can have, scroll to the next break in the article.
Disclaimer: The following section goes over these terpenes and includes potential negatives, but this isn’t to say avoid cannabis at all. Quite the opposite. I am bringing to light how there are many more aspects in play when partaking than one might think.
Pain
For Pain Relief, try strains high in CBD and myrcene. — — Examples of specific strains to try:
ACDC, Harlequin, or Granddaddy Purple.
A 2019 survey published in the Journal of Pain Research found that 62% of medical cannabis users preferred high-CBD strains for pain management.
However…. Myrcene is known for its earthy and musky scent similar to hops in beer and is often what leads to “couch lock”. This isn’t a bad thing or a negative thing. The point I am making is that, how are people to follow. Beer has depth to it to, but the effects are not as various as one would say weed effects are.
Anxiety and Stress
For Anxiety & Stress look for strains high in CBD and low in THC, with terpenes like linalool and limonene. — — Examples of specific strains to try:
Cannatonic, Blueberry, or Jack Herer.
Research from the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2020 revealed that cannabis strains with a 2:1 CBD to THC ratio were most effective for reducing anxiety.
However…. Linalool even though it is proven as anxiety reducing from the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), Linalool is found in 200 plant varieties and has a floral, lavender aroma. In some sensitive cases, an allergic reaction could be brought on from overexposure.
Creativity and Focus
For Creativity and Focus look for Sativa-dominant strains with terpenes like pinene, chosen for enhancing creativity and focus. — Examples of strains to try:
Green Crack, Durban Poison, or Super Silver Haze.
A 2018 report by the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggested that low doses of THC, common in Sativa strains, can enhance creative thinking. Pinene is found to lead towards more alertness, focus, and memory retention.
However…. Pinene, found in rosemary, pine trees, and basil as well, is known to lead towards respiratory irritation. Have asthma or difficulty breathing? Avoid Pinene if this is the case.
Socializing
For Socializing look for Sativa strains with moderate THC and uplifting terpenes like limonene. — — Examples of strains to try:
Pineapple Express, Maui Wowie, or Sour Diesel.
According to a 2019 survey by New Frontier Data, 63% of recreational cannabis users prefer Sativa strains for social settings. Limonene also contributes towards enhanced serotonin levels and is overall mood enhancing.
However…. Limonene has the potential for stomach irritability and acid reflux, discussed in health and nutrition studies, including those published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry .
The Role of Terpenes in Strain Selection
Terpenes are not often talked about to the masses as much as the classic acronyms, but here are the benefits:
Myrcene: Found in Indica strains, myrcene is known for its sedative effects. It’s also found in mangoes and hops. Myrcene can make up over 65% of the total terpene profile in some cannabis strains.
Limonene: Common in Sativa strains, limonene has a citrusy aroma and is known for its uplifting and anti-anxiety effects. Limonene is the second most abundant terpene in nature and is commonly found in citrus fruits.
Linalool: Present in both Indica and hybrid strains, linalool is known for its calming properties and is also found in lavender. Linalool is used in aromatherapy for its calming effects, and its presence in cannabis contributes to its ability to reduce anxiety.
Pinene: Found in many Sativa strains, pinene is known for its focus-enhancing properties and is also present in pine needles. Pinene is the most common terpene in the natural world and is linked to improved memory retention and alertness.
Some know this like the back of their hand. This barely scratches the surfaces on the science behind the effects on the mind let alone the process that goes in to creating the exact strain you want to grow to achieve specific results.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right cannabis strain is a personal decision that should be guided by your specific needs, whether you’re seeking relief from pain, anxiety, or just looking to enhance a social gathering. Trust the budtenders, they know a lot of information, but more importantly, trust yourself because it is you in the ending deciding to take that deep breath in and that exhale out. I have asthma at times, I have stomach issues, and occasionally I get acid reflux. As my partners and I journeyed through this vast and growing industry, we felt it important to work on a platform to make this information readily accessible to everyone, accessible here at buddy (buddybrand.us). By understanding the effects of different strains and the role of cannabinoids and terpenes, you can make a more informed decision that leads to a satisfying cannabis experience.
Buddy: The Cannabis App (and other apps)
This is why our team at Buddy has created Buddy: The Cannabis. Links below for iOS and Android.
Buddy: The Cannabis App on the App Store (apple.com)
Buddy: The Cannabis App — Apps on Google Play
This app not only allows for understanding cannabis in general, but allows you to ask about specific effects of products on an individual basis. Other apps to try include Jointly and Budist. Universally, we are all focused on bettering the community, but most importantly, making cannabis not just safe and trusted, but making it easily accessible at dispensary stores near me and you.
