Marijuana consumers in 2024 now have more choice than ever. Not only do you have a wide selection of dispensaries to choose from, but you can also select from a massive variety of products and even order cannabis online. However, with so many unique strains to choose from, new users might need a beginner guide to marijuana strains to help them make the best buying choices.
While all strains of marijuana can deliver a range of sensational effects, the effects can vary with each strain. On top of that, each strain offers a unique aroma and flavor. They can also vary in potency. All of these factors come into play when cannabis buyers are choosing which products to buy, so it helps to know what to expect from different strains.
Many marijuana lovers stick to trying a range of cannabis flower strains, either by smoking or vaping. However, you can also find different strains of cannabis concentrates. You can also find vapes, edibles, and tinctures infused with various strains. Generally, it’s best to try out a range of strains and products to see what works best for you.
Not sure where to start with buying marijuana? Here’s your beginner guide to marijuana strains.
Marijuana Strains Explained
When shopping for marijuana, you’ll notice that a selection of strains is available. Every strain of cannabis is unique, each offering different effects as well as a different aroma and taste. As such, marijuana users often try a selection of cannabis strains to find one that suits their specific needs and preferences.
You’ll notice three main types of marijuana strains – indica, sativa, and hybrid. Cannabis indica and cannabis sativa are the two main types of cannabis plants that marijuana flower is harvested from. Indica plants are short, bushy, and commonly grown indoors whereas sativa plants are taller, narrower, and better-suited to outdoor growing. Hybrid cannabis plants are created by crossbreeding an indica and sativa plant.
Not only do these different types of plants exhibit different appearances and growing behaviors, but they also offer different effects. For instance, a cannabis strain harvested from a sativa plant might give you a completely different experience from an indica strain. Hybrid strains are often highly sought after as they offer a blend of indica and sativa qualities.
However, it’s not just the type of strain that’s important. Each indica strain can offer a different flavor and experience, as can each sativa and hybrid strain. Some users research each strain to ensure they make the best buying choices. Dispensary visitors can also ask budtenders to recommend them the best strain for their needs.
What Are Indica Strains?
Indica cannabis strains are harvested from cannabis indica plants. Compared to sativa plants, indica plants are generally much shorter and bushier. They’re known for packing dense buds full of resinous buds. They also grow faster than their sativa counterparts. In many cases, indica plants can be ready for harvest within 8 to 12 weeks.
Since indica plants are smaller than sativa plants, they’re often grown indoors. Indoor growing gives cannabis cultivators more control over the growing conditions, allowing them to grow illustrious indica plants faster. Indoor growing also gives growers the chance to grow cannabis during cold seasons when weather conditions aren’t ideal.
Indica strains have a reputation for delivering relaxing, body-focused effects. They often send soothing waves throughout the body, helping with all kinds of physical distress. They can also help relax your mind and reduce your stress. As such, they’re often recommended for evening and nighttime relaxation.
Due to these relieving effects, indica strains are often also recommended for tackling issues such as pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep problems. Many of these strains can help users feel free of pain and stress, making it much easier for them to relax and fall asleep. With that said, every indica strain is unique and some are more relaxing than others.
What Are Sativa Strains?
Sativa cannabis strains come from cannabis sativa plants. Sativa plants are generally much taller and thinner than indica plants. While indica plants usually reach around 3 to 6 feet in height, sativa plants can grow to up to 20 feet tall. They also take longer to grow. Sativa plants are usually ready to harvest after around 10 to 12 weeks, but some take even longer.
These strains are well-suited to outdoor growing in warm conditions, especially since they can grow so high. Although they can be grown indoors, it’s more challenging and, as a result, pure sativa strains are somewhat rare compared to indica strains. Nevertheless, sativa strains are still highly popular due to their qualities and effects.
While indica strains have a reputation for relaxation, sativa strains are usually considered to be more stimulating and uplifting. Many users report feeling euphoric and alert under the influence of sativa strains. As such, they’re often used for social smoking or for boosting creativity and focus.
The uplifting effects of sativa strains can also have various perks. For instance, those dealing with mood issues like chronic stress, anxiety, and depression may find the effects of sativa strains helpful. They can also be good for counteracting fatigue. With that said, every sativa strain is different and some can also be highly relaxing.
What Are Hybrid Strains?
New marijuana strains are created by breeding one strain of cannabis plant with another. While you can create a new indica or sativa strain by breeding multiple strains of the same type, you can also crossbreed indica and sativa strains. When you cross an indica strain with a sativa strain, you get a hybrid strain.
Hybrid cannabis plants possess qualities of both their indica and sativa parent, and they can vary significantly in how they appear and their growing behaviors. For instance, some hybrid plants may possess the taller, narrower structure of a sativa plant but the dense buds and shorter growing time of an indica plant.
The cannabis flower harvested from these plants will also possess both indica and sativa qualities. Some hybrid strains are more indica-dominant and some are more sativa-dominant. You can also find balanced hybrid strains that contain an almost 50/50 blend of indica and sativa genetics.
Since they give you qualities of both indica and sativa strains, hybrid strains are popular and highly sought after by cannabis lovers. Many of these strains will give you an excellent blend of physically relaxing and mentally uplifting effects. What’s more, they can be helpful for all kinds of issues from pain and inflammation to stress and anxiety.
Best Marijuana Strains To Try
The right strain for you depends on many factors, including what kind of effects you’re looking for as well as the kind of flavors you prefer. With that said, you might want to start by trying a few popular cannabis strains. Here are a few top choices to help.
Chem Dawg – Chem Dawg is a top-notch hybrid created by crossing numerous marijuana strains. It’s known for delivering a euphoric and uplifting high to users, along with relieving physical effects that’ll take away your physical distress.
Chocolope – With a rich, earthy flavor that reminds users of coffee and chocolate, Chocolope is one of the best-tasting marijuana strains out there. It offers dreamy effects but can also leave you feeling uplifted and creative.
Jet Lag – Jet Lag is another excellent hybrid strain that offers a delicious taste and sensational effects. With notes of berry, diesel, and citrus, each hit is a treat for your tastebuds. With THC levels of just over 22%, this is a great choice for fans of potent marijuana strains.
How To Smoke Marijuana Flower Strains
No matter what strain of marijuana flower you choose, smoking is one of the quickest and simplest methods of consumption. When you smoke cannabis, the effects hit you instantly and generally last for a few hours. You can also choose between smoking your strain of choice in a joint, a bong, or a pipe.
One of the most popular ways to smoke marijuana flower is by rolling a joint. You’ll need a few pieces of equipment, including a grinder, rolling papers, and a lighter. Although it takes a little time to roll a satisfying joint, it’s a good way to enjoy your favorite strains.
You can also buy cannabis pre-rolls. These are pre-rolled joints that save you the time and hassle of rolling one yourself. They’re also available in many indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. Simply buy your desired strain of pre-roll, light it, and you can start enjoying the effects right away.
Smoking marijuana in a pipe or bong is another convenient option. Instead of rolling your ground weed into a joint, you can simply add it to the bowl of your chosen device. Light your bowl and inhale through the mouthpiece and you’ll be treated to fast-acting effects. Bongs can also filter your smoke through water, giving you smoother, more satisfying hits.
How To Vape Marijuana Flower Strains
Vaporizing is becoming a popular alternative to smoking cannabis. Like smoking, it gives you fast-acting effects that last for a few hours. However, since vaporizing involves heating your favorite strains without producing any smoke, many users consider it a safer and more positive experience.
To vaporize marijuana flower, you’ll need a dry herb vaporizer. These devices are designed for vaporizing all kinds of flower strains. You can add a small chunk of ground weed to the chamber of your device before turning it on and enjoying the smooth vapor it provides. Many dry herb vaporizers also feature adjustable temperature controls to alter your experience.
You can also vaporize cannabis concentrates using a concentrate vaporizer. These devices are designed for handling wax, shatter, live rosin, and other potent extracts. They can be used by adding a dab of your chosen product to the chamber of your device before turning it on and inhaling the vapor through the mouthpiece.
Research suggests that, compared to smoking cannabis, vaporizing cannabis delivers stronger effects. What’s more, vaporizing your favorite strains without burning them can bring out more of the flavorful terpenoids, meaning your hits will taste better.
Other Ways To Use Marijuana
If smoking or vaping marijuana flower strains doesn’t suit your fancy, you might want to consider other ways to use marijuana. Fortunately, you can now find plenty of convenient cannabis-infused products to suit your needs.
Edibles – Marijuana edibles are food products infused with cannabis. From indica gummies to sativa chocolates, these delicious treats offer a highly enjoyable way to consume cannabis. They also make it easy to manage your dosage as each serving contains a fixed amount of THC.
Tinctures – Cannabis tinctures are liquid products known for their convenience and versatility. The easiest way to use them is by applying a dose of tincture under your tongue for sublingual absorption. Some users prefer to add a dose of cannabis tincture to their favorite foods or drinks to consume the cannabinoids orally.
Vapes – While you can vape marijuana flower strains and concentrates, you can also use convenient cannabis vape oils and cartridges. These come in many strains and flavors and are designed for use with compatible vape devices. You can also use disposable vape pens – these offer a quick and simple way to start vaping.
Topicals – Marijuana topicals are designed to be applied directly to your skin. Instead of ingesting or inhaling anything, these cannabis creams, balms, bath bombs, and other such products can be absorbed through the skin. While topicals can provide soothing and relieving effects, most won’t get you high as they don’t reach the bloodstream.
Conclusion
When buying marijuana you can choose from a huge selection of indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. Not only can each strain offer a different high, but they also differ in their aroma and flavor. For instance, some marijuana strains offer earthy tastes and relaxing effects whereas others are fruity and stimulating.
If you’re looking for high-quality marijuana in Colorado, you can find all the strains and products you need at The Dispensary. You can check out our online menu featuring detailed strain descriptions and reviews before you buy. You can also visit our dispensaries where experienced budtenders will help you find the best strains for your needs.
