A World of Strains
Learn how to navigate among the many varieties of cannabis for medical or recreational use
There was a time when people smoked weed, and weed was just weed. It was not easy for everyone to find it, and at most, it could be classified as “good” or “shit.” Knowing its origin and other physical and chemical characteristics was a luxury that very few could afford.
One of the advantages of legality is that today it is possible to grow (and buy) cannabis with very precise characteristics, both in terms of terpenic profile (the aromatic aspect) and in terms of expected effects and the type and quantity of psychoactive or therapeutic substances.
How many strains?
There are two main strains of cannabis, from which all the others derive: Indica and Sativa. A third one, the Ruderalis, is mainly used to create crossbreeds.
Over time, breeders have managed to cross these plants to create an impressive number of strains.
But what exactly are strains?
Many producers crossbreed cannabis plants to develop new strains with specific characteristics for medical or recreational purposes.
This article from Medical News Today thoroughly explains it all.
Healthline’s version
Healthline magazine digs a little deeper and explains why the categorization into Indica, Sativa and Hybrid might be meaningless…
The right strain for you
According to some experts, there are at least 700–800 different strains of cannabis in the world. According to others, it’s almost two times as many. Luckily, there are good tools to help us choose the right variety for our needs. Here are the best ones
Leafly database
A great starting point for exploring the world of cannabis strains is this Leafly database, which seems to contain more than 1350 different strains.
Fortunately, the contents are sorted according to different criteria such as:
- By Terpene, which allows you to choose your strain by taste or aroma.
- By wellness, or according to the benefits for the health that a variety can bring.
- By effects: do you want to be euphoric, are you looking for sexual arousal or relaxation?
By accessing the complete list , you can filter your search according to various criteria, such as the feelings you wish to obtain or those you want to avoid, or search only for Sativa, Indica or Hybrid strains etc.
Canna Connection
This is a comprehensive database with over 1500 strains that you can search by name, or by other parameters, such as breeder.
There is also an editorial section that suggests, for example, the top 10 lists in various categories, a breeders’ bank and a very powerful tool, the StrainFinder, to search for your ideal strain according to many parameters.
Canna SOS
Canna SOS hosts an impressive strain database based on data provided by users of this great community. Here, you can search strains according to countless parameters, ranging from the desired effect, medical benefits, but also according to your astrological sign! Enjoy.
All cannabis strains
Last, but not least, the Wikileaf strain database. In its own words:
With thousands of cannabis strains available, Wikileaf makes it easy to find the perfect strain for you. Search by popularity, time of use, common uses, effects and of course: indica, sativa and hybrid. Still not sure what you you’re looking for? Check out the THC content and user reviews to choose the right strain for you.
Where do strain names come from?
You may have noticed that strains have distinctive, often strange or evocative names. Do these names make sense?
Wine and Cannabis Pairing
There are about 6,000 vine varieties all over the world, and even the way of classifying single wines is also based on sensorial aspects very similar to the ones of cannabis.
In this guide you’ll discover the best way to pair them.
Pairing cannabis with food experience
This guide by the Herb Somm will help you discover the world of terpenes, the substances that make up the aroma of cannabis, and how to combine them with food in order to create a sublime sensorial experience.
The herbsomm calls itself “your gourmet guide to the wonderful world of cannabis!”
Founded by Jamie Evans, The Herb Somm is a culinary-meets-cannabis blog and lifestyle brand that’s focused on the gourmet side of the cannabis industry.
