Marijuana is usually remembered for its five-point green leaf symbol that made it famous around the globe. But this plant is more than what meets the eye.
Many who are new to weeds and cannabis might miss the fact that even with its somewhat uniformed appearance, marijuana has different strains. Each of these cannabis strains produces unique benefits (not just only to relax your mind and body!) that made these plants now a-sought after product for medical and recreational uses.
Cannabis strains are usually stripped down into three major categories, namely , Sativa, Indica and ruderalis; each of them has unique effects to the body and mind. Indica is the strain known for its sedative effect along with its relaxing and euphoric effects. Majority of Kush strains fall under this category. This strain also offers additional benefits for sleep and appetite, and it has been known to fight depression as well. Ruderalis is considered a wild breed what is recently brought indoors to influence new hybrid varieties. Sativa, on the other hand, is an energy booster and a mood-uplifter that helps alleviate depression and mood disorders. Most strains with the word “haze” on them comes from the Sativa family.
If we broaden cannabis further and base the categories on their primary functions, currently, we have five marijuana strains that are classified based on their effects, from the well-known relaxing strains down to the creativity-booster strains.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel or Sour D is a Sativa-based strain from Chemdawg and Super Skunk lineage. Infamous for its strong diesel-like scent, Sour Diesel is a potent energy booster without giving you a headache. It is also used medicinally to combat depression and is also an effective pain reliever. It is among the most commonly-used and popular strains of cannabis for medical patients due to its properties.
Acapulco Gold
Hailing from the land of Acapulco, this strain is critically-acclaimed by many not because of its unique looks (orange hairs that resemble a golden nugget according to some) but also because of its euphoric effects. Acapulco Gold can also help you fight stress, pain, and even nausea.
Pineapple Express
This strain became famous after being featured in the movie with the same name in 2008. A hybrid which is a product of two powerhouse strains called Trainwreck and Hawaiian, Pineapple Express, as the name implies, has a sweet Pineapple scent that helps lift low mood and gives you a dose of energy for productivity. It enables you to beat that lazy afternoon session and turn it instead into a productive time for your activities.
Fruity Pebbles
Fruity Pebbles is an OG type strain that gives a blissful sensation while also easing stress in your daily routine. This hybrid somewhat possesses a tropical, berry-like flavor that is irresistible thanks to the genetics brought by its parent strains Green Ribbon, Tahoe Alien, and Granddaddy Purple. It may also keep you away from the weakening effects of stress and can also increase your appetite.
Blue Dream
Originating from California, Blue Dream comes with a sweet Blueberry aroma. This strain is commonly used to achieve a relaxing and soothing sensation. It is a solid Sativa hybrid that enjoys a massive following from cannabis beginners and pros alike. It is also the best alternative for relieving pain, cramps, and inflammation. It offers a euphoric feeling that helps you set your mood with great cerebral stimulation.
Granddaddy Purple
Ken Estes first introduced Granddaddy Purple in 2003. Like the Blue Dream strain, it also boasts of a sweet berry-like aroma. A pure Indica strain, Granddaddy Purple is being sought by those who are fighting with insomnia because of its high-relaxing effects. It can also help increase your appetite since it is also known for increasing one’s hunger. It is quite popular for those who are looking for a strain that alleviates muscle spasms.
Afghan Kush
Tracing its roots from the mountains along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Afghan Kush is not just a pain-relieving kush strain. This pure Indica strain has powerful sedative effects on its users and can help them relax and feel calm for the whole day. It also has sleep-inducing effects and may make you feel hungry, so it may help boost your appetite.
Super Silver Haze
Aside from being a stress-reliever, Super Silver Haze is also a popular energy-giving strain that won the Cannabis Cup in 1997, 1998, and 1999. Besides these efffects, it also works well for easing stress, pain, and nausea with a long-lasting high that you can count on. This strain contains 80% Sativa and 20% Indica and is among the famous cannabis strains because of its ability to enhance appetite and combat nausea.
Purple Kush
Purple Kush has a sedative-like effect on its users, which is a great help for someone who needs an utterly relaxing day or night at home. This strain originated from Oakland, California and can keep you happy and sleepy whenever you use it. It has euphoric effects that can soothe you and give you a relaxing and lasting high. It also helps relieve muscle pain and spasms in the body.
Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is another Indica-dominant strain with a satisfying and tranquilizing effect to its users. It also comes with sweet, chocolatey and coffee-like flavors that you can enjoy even with a single whiff. Bubba Kush is a 3-in-1 strain that helps you in many ways. It can give you a relaxing feeling for a night of better sleep without the annoying tolls of insomnia. At the same time, Bubba Kush helps you fight stress and body pains.
LA Confidential
LA Confidential is another strain with an unusual taste (described as smooth yet piney) and a skunk-like aroma that doesn’t last long. Noted for its incredibly soothing effects that can help you battle against insomnia, LA Confidential has more benefits. This strain is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may be a useful alternative for chronic pains. It gives its users a unique yet enticing one or two punch of psychedelic and calming sensations that seeps deep down into your body.
Northern Lights
Northern Light is leaning more towards the effects of Indica from its genetic parent strain. It is mostly recognized by its intense sweet and spicy aroma. Known for its earthy yet sweet taste, Northern Lights has psychoactive effects that can keep your mood high. It can also help relieve problems like muscle pain and insomnia. It is capable of countering the massive impacts of depression by inducing a euphoric feeling as you relax.
Whether you are into arts or even ordinary desk work, creativity is always a must. Use the following strains to give you a hefty amount of creative juice.
Golden Goat
Golden Goat was created via accidental pollination in Kansas. This strain has a mish-mash of scents from a combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and a touch of tropical fruit’s pungent aromas. It contains 20% THC and 1% of CBD to provide you with a feeling of happiness and creativity. It also makes your imagination upbeat with its powerful creativity-enhancing effects. In addition to this, it can keep you going for another round of work thanks to its fatigue and stress-fighting properties.
Maui Wowie
As its name indicates, Maui Wowie is a strain straight from the shore of Hawaii. This strain has sweet Pineapple-like flavors. If you need to be productive and creative for the day without getting super hyper, Mauie Wowie is your go-to strain that will put your mind in a long-lasting creative mode. It keeps you euphoric and energetic while being relaxed to help you focus more and be innovative on your tasks.
White Widow
White Widow is a hybrid strain containing 60% Sativa and 40% indica. Since its conception during the 90s from the fertile land of the Netherlands, it becomes a staple in menus of Dutch coffee shops. This strain was created by combining Brazilian Sativa landrace and South Indian Indica. You can use this strain to improve your mood and alleviate feelings of fatigue. Overall, it gives you a complementing sensation of being relaxed and energized, which is perfect for any creative pursuit.
Now that you know the different cannabis strains that will bring about either relaxation or stimulation, you can check out our other articles on this site for some buying tips and other relevant information.
So there you have it. An introduction to cannabis strains. We’ve added links to all strains. Hope this is a good starting point for your search and maybe experiments with cannabis.