Cannabis Strain Spotlights: Discovering Unique Uses

You’ve probably heard the rule of thumb that indica strains produce calming effects, sativa strains boost your energy, and a hybrid will fall somewhere in the middle. While there is some merit to this, the truth is far more complex than that. Not all cannabis plants are alike, so not all cannabis strains can be created alike. For this reason, it’s possible to try five different sativa strains and have five unique experiences.

So sit tight and buckle in while we evaluate what the terms indica, sativa, and hybrid are all about.

Overview of Cannabis Strains

Cannabis sativa and cannabis indica are two different types of the cannabis plant. While they may be quite similar botanically, there are distinct differences between them in both appearance and ratios of THC to CBD.

Looking into these differences over time has allowed growers, users, and professionals alike to predict the potential effects a cannabis strain may have.

However, due to an extensive history of crossbreeding these plants, predicting the effects has become increasingly complicated as time goes on. Instead of having just two choices, there are a variety of different hybrid strains as well, and some argue that nearly every cannabis strain you find on the market today is technically a hybrid.

While that may be true, the labels of indica, sativa, and hybrid are still a good place to start your search when you’re looking for a strain to produce a particular effect.

Sativa Strains

Cannabis sativa is the technical name of the plant that gives us the sativa that we know and love. Its name comes from the Latin word “sativum” which literally means “cultivated.” It thrives in arid environments with vast amounts of sunlight. While it is indigenous to Eastern Asia, it is now being grown all over the world.

Its appearance is tall and thin, with vibrant, finger-like leaves. In the wild, a cannabis sativa plant can grow up to twenty feet tall. As such, cannabis sativa can take far longer to grow than the stockier cannabis indica.

Sativa strains are typically associated with higher levels of THC in comparison with CBD, and therefore they are the more energizing strain.

The typical effects of sativa are more of a “head high” and a brightening of mood. Because of these uplifting effects, sativa strains are a great addition to parties or chilling with friends. Sativa strains might make you feel extra giggly or talkative.

If socializing isn’t really your goal when you get high, that’s absolutely fine. Sativa is great for solitary activities too. Sativa strains can be a great boost of energy if you need a little help getting through your ever-expanding to-do list of chores around the house. And who knows? Sativa might just help you have a wonderful time washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, or cooking a meal.

In addition to household chores, many use sativa strains as a booster for their creative endeavors such as creating music, writing stories, painting, or drawing.

From waking and baking to combating an afternoon slump, sativa is a perfect pal for when the sun is shining.

Popular Sativa Strains

These energizing sativa strains boost your mood when you need a pick-me-up.

Clementine

If you’re looking for a creativity boost, look no further than Clementine. With a citrusy smell and flavor, both the flavor and psychoactive effects find users everywhere feeling energized. Compared to other similar sativa strains, users find that Clementine is a little bit more of a subtle high, despite its high percentage of THC.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is easily one of the most widely-known cannabis strains. It is about 90% sativa, making it perfect for getting you up and moving when you need to. People notice that it helps them get out of a slump or start their day. If you don’t have any pressing tasks to do, then Sour Diesel is perfect for hanging out with friends and having good conversations well into the night.

Maui Wowie

Although the THC content may be relatively average today, Maui Wowie is famous for being one of the first strains to boast a higher-than-usual THC content back in the 1960s. This strain continues to be popular due to its tropical flavor, aroma, and uplifting effects. After all, it’s hard to be sad after uttering the words “Maui Wowie!”

Indica Strains

Cannabis indica is native to the Hindu Kush mountain range of Southern Asia. The name “indica” literally means “of India,” which is one of the countries indica hails from.

Unlike cannabis sativa, cannabis indica grows short and stocky, with wide leaves and muted colors when compared with cannabis sativa.

However, due to its shorter stature, it grows much faster than cannabis sativa, and therefore is more popular due to its quick availability, particularly when it comes to hybrids.

Indica strains are typically associated with higher levels of CBD in comparison with THC. CBD is known to have both anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. In fact, many indica and indica-dominant hybrid strains are the medicinal go-to for this very reason.

Due to the CBD concentration, indica is also commonly used medicinally for pain relief. One self-reported study finds that indica strains have been used to manage joint pain, headaches, seizures, insomnia, and more.

While some erroneously believe that CBD alone is the cause for the tiredness one typically feels upon consuming an indica strain, the truth of the matter is that CBD can actually act as a stimulant in the body. The reason for the drowsiness is myrcene, a terpene well-known for its relaxing effects. Myrcene is found abundantly in indica strains.

An indica strain might be perfect for you if you’re looking for an all-over “body high” as you relax after work, drift off into dreamland, or settle in on the couch for a movie night.

Popular Indica Strains

These popular indica strains are for low-key kinds of nights.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights may be one of the most strains of cannabis of all time. It is known for its relaxing effects and its ability to reduce pain and elevate mood. It is perfect if you’re looking for a “couch-lock” effect and have nowhere to go. Northern Lights is known to boost appetite, so don’t forget to stock up on snacks.

Purple Urkle

If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, look no further than Purple Urkle. This strain is sure to help even the worst cases of insomnia. Fair warning, if you’re not a regular cannabis user, go easy on this one. Most people notice a skunky smell or that of fruity cereal when using Purple Urkle.

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is the perfect strain if you’d like to relax without risking falling asleep too early or being glued to the couch. With a lovely mix of head and body high, this strain pairs well with light relaxing tasks around the house, going on a walk outside, or even cooking if you’re more culinary-inclined.

Hybrid Strains

Hybrids are complicated in the world of cannabis strains.

While the term “hybrid” might suggest a mix of indica and sativa, it’s important to be aware that it’s not always going to be a fifty-fifty split down the middle. The indica to sativa ratio can vary widely.

Plus, labels can be inconsistent. For example, you might get a sativa at one place and find the same strain elsewhere but labeled as a hybrid, and there’s not necessarily anything untrue about either type of labeling. However, there are important words and phrases to be aware of when picking out a hybrid strain to ensure that you can best select a cannabis option that has the properties that you’re looking for.

Some phrases you might see are “indica-dominant,” “sativa-dominant,” and “balanced.” While these may or may not be on the label, you can typically suss out what you’re looking at if a good description is provided.

If it says it’s a nighttime strain, you’re probably looking at an indica dominant hybrid strain, or if it says it’s energizing, it’s probably a sativa strain. If it claims to be balanced, it’s probably in the relative ballpark of an equal split of the two. However, if you’re unsure, it never hurts to ask questions or poke around on the internet to see how it has affected others who have tried it.

Potential benefits of using a hybrid strain are to feel a more balanced high, targeting both the head and body or to relax without the worry of crashing well before bedtime. The unique thing about hybrids is that they can produce such a wide variety of effects, and there’s certainly not a lack of them out there.

Popular Hybrid Strains

These hybrid strains are the best of both worlds!

Blue Dream

Don’t be fooled by its name: Blue Dream is not a bedtime strain. It is a slightly sativa-dominant floral strain best used for getting over the afternoon slump and may be a good choice if you have creative projects lying around that could use tending to.

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake is not exactly the light and sweet flavor you might expect, instead it packs a slightly sour flavor. If you’re not an experienced cannabis user, Wedding Cake might hit you hard, as the THC content is easily in the high twenties. If that doesn’t scare you, this is a great strain to try for pain relief or depression due to its indica-dominant qualities

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express is slightly sativa-dominant but not enough for you to feel fully energized. In fact, the psychoactive effects are somewhat a combination of the best of both indica and sativa, allowing you to feel calm while still being able to focus on creative tasks or work if you have anything you need to get done. While the flavor isn’t particularly sweet, the profile is very tropical and pineapple-y.

How to Choose Between Cannabis Strains

Conventional wisdom tells us that sativa equals energized, indica equals sleepy, and hybrids equal somewhere in between, yet there is so much variation in cannabis and a lot doesn’t neatly fit into one of three categories, so choosing a strain can feel overwhelming at times.

The best option is to consider what effects you want to feel, and then investigate from there. Whatever it is you’re looking for in cannabis, it’s certainly out there, but admittedly, it might take trying a few different things in order to find something that works for you.

And don’t forget, if you have a couple of strains you like for different reasons, you can try combining them to create a completely new experience, essentially creating your own hybrid. With more and more cannabis strains popping up each day, the possibilities are endless.

Whether you’re on the hunt for an indica, sativa, or hybrid, we’ve got it all at SMOKEA. Check out our selection of cannabis strains and see for yourself how our products can help you get the high of your dreams.

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