Whether you are new to the cannabis community or consider yourself an experienced cannabis consumer, choosing the right strain can involve some trial and error. The right marijuana strain can highly — no pun intended — enhance your experience. However, even those who consider themselves cannabis connoisseurs can get caught up in choosing a strain when visiting their local dispensary, especially when they want to try something new.

At Kush Gardens, you’ll find a variety of marijuana strains at our dispensaries in Oklahoma. While it may seem overwhelming at first, making a specific selection gets easier once you become more familiar with the strain varieties. And to your luck, we’re using this blog as a helpful roadmap for navigating the tricky terrain of cannabis strains and the experiences they offer so that you can feel confident in making informed decisions at the dispensary counter.

What is it That Makes A Cannabis Strain So Unique?

Before we get to the different types of strains, it is helpful to know a little bit about cannabis chemistry. Different cannabis strains have different effects, and while there are hundreds of different compounds in any given variety, it is the cannabinoids and terpenes that have the most significant impact on the effects that are associated with each strain. 

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are the most active cannabis compounds and generally have the most significance when it comes to choosing strains for specific conditions. There are several different cannabinoids that contribute to the therapeutic and relaxing effects of cannabis, but THC and CBD are the most prevalent.

• THC – the best-known component of a cannabis plant is THC, which plays a prominent role in stimulating both the psychoactive and medicinal effects of the flower — its THC that elicits the various physical effects, ranging from a feeling of calmness and relaxation to euphoria and energy. Strains that are high in THC are typically favored by those who need help falling asleep or managing stress.
• CBD – CBD represents a smaller fraction of the active ingredients in many popular cannabis strains. However, this relatively small instance can have a noticeable effect on the way cannabis affects the person consuming it and can also help moderate the effects of THC. Strains high in CBD are great for those who want to avoid the “high” associated with THC.

Terpenes

You may have heard the word before, but do you know what terpenes are? Terpenes are what give a cannabis strain its specific taste and smell, as well as some of its therapeutic benefits. There are hundreds of different terpenes, and it may take some experimenting to discover which ones you prefer or find most pleasant. A good way to start is by choosing strains that you think smell good. When visiting a dispensary, you often will be able to smell the available strains. A budtender will also be able to recommend specific terpenes that can help you achieve your desired outcome.

What Are the Different Strains of Cannabis?

As you already know if you’ve been to a dispensary before, there are three main categories when referring to marijuana strains: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid. Each strain category has different properties and effects. Let’s break down each one:

Sativa

Sativa cannabis strains are known for producing a “mind high”. The effects of sativa strains often include feeling energized, uplifted, creative, or focused with a stimulated head high. They also tend to have a lighter, fruitier aroma to them. Simply put, if you want to be social, clean your house, come up with some brilliant ideas, or manage to accomplish anything at all, you can’t go wrong with choosing a sativa. Some popular sativa strains include Sour Diesel, Lemon Haze, and Durban Poison.

Indica

Indica strains typically have less THC than sativas, but vary widely depending on the specific strain. Rather than producing a mind high, indicas give more of a body high. They tend to have more sedative effects and are great for those who need help relaxing or sleeping, hence why Indica has earned the nickname “in-da-couch”. If you’re looking for something a little heavier that will help you relax and wind down into the night, this is the type of strain you want. Some popular indica strains include Northern Lights, OG Kush, and Blue Cheese. 

Hybrid

Want the best of both sativa and indica strains? Hybrid strains may be for you. Hybrid strains occur when the best sativa and indica strains are crossbred. You will likely come across sativa-dominant or indica-dominant strains in dispensaries, which just means that a specific hybrid strain is predominantly more of one over the other. For those looking for a happy-medium balance between both sativa and indica strains, hybrid is a safe choice. 

What Is the Best Cannabis Strain For You?

Everyone is different. Cannabis strains that are best for one individual may not be the same as another. Choosing the best strain really depends on the tolerance of an individual, any conditions they may have, and the experience they are looking to get out of cannabis consumption. Whether you are looking to find relief from stress and anxiety, need a creativity boost, or just need to get a good night’s sleep – there’s a strain for everything!

Whatever you are looking to achieve with cannabis, finding the right strain is the first step. The friendly staff at Kush Gardens will be happy to answer all of your questions regarding specific strains and provide helpful recommendations. To learn more about the specific strains we currently have available, stop by one of our dispensaries in Enid, Ponca City, Okmulgee, or Woodward. We look forward to serving you!