Beginner’s Guide To Weed Strains
Shopping for cannabis can be quite intimidating to a beginner. There are so many weed products on sale currently, making it hard to know which is best for you. There is also the slang that, for years, was only understood by consumers of the holy herb, but the most challenging area has always been selecting weed strains.
Currently, there are hundreds of weed strains available on sale in various online dispensaries; each claimed to have different effects from the other. So how do you find the best marijuana strain? In this post, we answer all questions you may have about weed strains, including what the best strains are and how they got their names. But first, what is a strain?
What Is A Strain?
A strain is simply a specific breed of the cannabis plant. Strains with generally similar effects, physical attributes, and chemical make-ups are grouped into three categories – hybrids, sativa and indica. Consumers can then easily predict the effects before they purchase weed online.
So what are the three popular strain types, and what are the differences between them?
1. Sativa Strains
These are the strains that originated from the warmer areas of the globe, such as North Africa, Central and South America and some parts of Asia. Sativa plants grow taller than indicas; they are less bushy and have long thin feathery leaves. Sativa plants yield long and feathery buds.
Sativa buds are known for their euphoric head highs that spur creativity, boost energy and relieve stress. As such, sativa weed strains are used for wake-and-bake or to boost energy levels during the day, especially in the late afternoons. Sativa strains are what you want if you are looking for a bit of motivation to get up and start your day in the morning.
Medical marijuana patients use Sativa strains to help alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain and fatigue. Examples of sativa strains include Durban Poison, Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, and Trainwreck.
2. Indica Strains
Indicas are strains that mainly originated from the Hindu Kush mountains of India and Pakistan. Indica plants grow short and bushy with firm stalks and broad stubby leaves. They yield smaller nugs, but they are compact and denser than sativas and are usually covered by a thick blanket of trichomes.
These strains have also gained a reputation of being sedative, and if you take too much, you may find yourself helplessly couch-locked. Couch lock is a state where you are too high to get up and function properly, so all you can do is lie on the couch.
This effect has earned indica strains the nickname “in da couch.” Their extremely relaxing effects have also been proven to be effective in managing chronic pain, inflammation and sleep problems. Popular indica strains include Hindu Kush, Granddaddy Purple, Blueberry and Purple Kush.
3. Hybrid Strains
These are strains whose effects lie in the middle of indica and sativas. To put it simply, they provide the best of both worlds. Hybrids can vary greatly, with some having indica or sativa dominance over others. Some such as Gelato are relatively well balanced and provide mental and body effects.
Popular hybrids include the insanely popular Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), Gelato, Tahoe OG, and Skywalker.
How Many Weed Strains Are There And How Do They Get Their Names?
In a 2015 study, researchers estimated that there were 700+ cannabis strains at the time. With the legalization of cannabis in Canada and other parts of the world, it’s safe to assume that the number is now over a thousand.
One thing that’s striking about cannabis strains is their names. How do strains get their names?
Cannabis strain names can be derived from the bud’s traits, including the bud’s effect on consumers. Others are named after the country, city or area of origin, aroma, taste, heritage, songs, movies, movie characters, fashion brands, comic book superheroes, the breeders’ sense of humour, while some are named after cannabis community icons – such as Jack Herer.
Naming also varies on the era when the strain was discovered/named. For example, most of the strains from the 60s and 70s are named after their places of origin – such as Afghan Kush, Columbian Gold, Durban Poison, Hindu Kush etc.
Some are named after their parent strains; for example, Blue Dream is a cross between Blueberry and Haze, Berry White is a child of Blueberry and White Widow etc. Some get their names from their flavours and effects – a good example is Strawberry Cough which delivers a heavy strawberry flavoured smoke that makes you cough.
Others like Granddaddy Purple and White Widow get their names from their appearance – frosty white trichomes and purple coloured leaves/buds.
Best Marijuana Strains To Buy Online In Canada
Now that you know what strains are, types and how they get their names, you may be wondering what strains are the best for various conditions. Here is our list of the top 4 weed strains to buy online in Canada.
1. Hindu Kush – Best Marijuana Strain For Pain
Hindu Kush is a 100% pure indica strain originating from the Hindu Kush mountains that stretch 500 miles between Pakistan and India. This bud has all the classic indica effects and a long-lasting high that is perfect for lazy days or nights.
This strain is potent, testing at between 26-28% THC. It is an excellent strain for managing pain, insomnia, nausea, muscle cramps and aches, among others. Pick Hindu Kush strain today from LowPriceBud and experience the ultimate pain relief.
2. Gorilla Bomb – Best Marijuana Strain For Anxiety
Gorilla Bomb is a rare, slightly sativa dominant hybrid created by blending Gorilla Glue #4 phenotype and THC Bomb strains. This strain has a 60:40 sativa to indica ratio and tests at a super high 27% THC average.
Gorilla Bomb produces balanced head and body-focused effects, making it an excellent choice for managing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and stress. Buy Gorilla Bomb online from LowPriceBud mail-order marijuana dispensary.
3. Death Bubba – Best Cannabis Strain For Insomnia
Death Bubba is a 70% indica dominant hybrid and a descendant of the insanely popular Bubba Kush strain. This bud boasts high THC levels that average north of 26%, responsible for its potent indica effects and hard-hitting highs.
This strain starts with a rush of energizing and uplifting heady effects, but as time passes, the high transitions to physical effects that ease you into a state of utter relaxation. On the comedown, this strain pulls you into a deep, almost death-like sleep that lasts for hours, making it an excellent choice for people with sleep problems. Buy Death Bubba weed online today.
4. Larry Bird Kush – Best For Balanced Indica/Sativa Effects
Larry Bird, also known as Larry Bird Kush, is a 50:50 indica/sativa strain named after the famous Boston Celtics basketball Coach. This strain was created through a three-way cross between Blue Cheese, 213 Haze and the famous Hindu Kush indica.
Its high is described as intensely cerebral, with an overwhelming euphoria and energy. But as it’s a 50:50 indica/sativa bud, you can also expect calming and relaxing body buzz that will soothe your muscles and relieve pains and aches. Buy Larry Bird Kush weed online at LowPriceBud.
LowPriceBud is Canada’s top online mail-order marijuana dispensary. If you are looking to buy weed online, we have all types of pot strains from sativas, indicas and hybrids at the lowest prices in the market.
Order weed online from LowPriceBud and enjoy medical-grade marijuana products at the lowest prices and nationwide shipping.