When you hear the term ‘strain’ in relation to marijuana, it can sometimes be overwhelming. In addition to the terms indica, sativa, and hybrid, there are also a few slang terms that you may come across as well like haze, blunt or wax. While all of these words have their own meaning, they also refer to one specific aspect of how your weed is grown: growing strains specifically for different desired effects. So what does strain mean? And why is it important to know? Let’s explore…
What is Strain?
A strain of cannabis is a type of plant that is specifically cultivated to produce a particular effect. There are literally thousands of strains of cannabis, which means you can likely find a strain that will produce the desired effect you’re looking for. While there are many different aspects to be considered when selecting the right strain, the most important factors are the effect you’re looking for, and the desired effects of the strain.
The Purpose of Strains
When it comes down to it, the purpose of strains is to produce specific effects in the consumer. This is why you’ll often find that different strains are used for different effects. There are over 80 different cannabinoids (compounds in marijuana that affect our brain and body) that are present in cannabis, which means that each strain will produce a different effect. While there are hundreds of strains that are available today, not all strains contain the same amount of cannabinoids meaning that some will produce a different effect than others. The goal of selecting the right strain is to find one that produces the desired effects you’re looking for.
Indica Strains
Indica strains are best used to treat symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and inflammation. While indicas are known to have sedative effects, they are also known to produce a strong body high. This is why some prefer indica strains, as they can help ease symptoms of insomnia while producing a strong body high. To be clear, indica strains are usually indica-dominant (meaning they are more indica-dominant than sativa-dominant) and are often described as being ‘body-heavy’ or full-bodied.
Sativa Strains
Sativa strains are known to produce a very cerebral high, so they’re often referred to as ‘head-highs.’ Sativas are typically known for their uplifting effects, making them perfect for treating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Due to their uplifting effects, sativas are also known to be great for treating symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Sativas are typically known to have a very strong cerebral high, so they are typically not recommended for those looking for pain relief. However, some strains of sativas are known to have more pain-relieving properties than others.
Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains are a mixture of two different strains, and they are known for being very ‘balanced’ strains. Hybrid strains are known for being ‘in-between’ effects and are often categorized as being mid-range between sativa and indica. Hybrid strains are typically known to be hybrid-dominant (meaning they are more hybrid-dominant than either sativa or indica). Hybrid strains are a great option for those looking to find a middle ground between sativa and indica effects and are often described as being ‘mild’ smelling.
Haze Strains
Haze strains are aged for a long period of time and are often referred to as the ‘father’ of all cannabis. While haze strains are not cultivated for a specific effect, they are often used to produce haze cannabis, which is a type of marijuana that has been treated with heat and chemicals. Haze cannabis is known to produce a very strong effect that is often described as being ‘weed-like.’ Haze strains are typically known to be haze-dominant (meaning they are more haze-dominant than hybrid, indica or sativa). Haze strains are typically known to be indica-dominant (meaning they are more haze-dominant than hybrid or sativa), and are often described as being ‘hazy’ or ‘skunk-like’ smelling.
Blunt Strains
Blunt strains are a mixture of indica and sativa strains that are then rolled into a joint or blunt. This is why many people often refer to blunt strains as ‘blunts’ a slang term for marijuana cigarettes. The effects produced by blunt strains are often described as being ‘mellow’ or ‘medicinal’. Blunt strains are usually known to be hybrid-dominant (meaning they are more hybrid-dominant than either indica or sativa). Due to their hybrid effects, blunt strains are a great option for those looking for a mixture of effects without being too ‘in-between’.
Wax Strains
Wax strains are a type of hybrid that is removed from the rest of the cannabis plant. This means that wax strains are cultivated from the flowers of the cannabis plant but are not related to the rest of the plant. This is why wax strains are often described as being ‘cleaner’ or less ‘out-there’ than other cannabis strains. Due to their clean effect, wax strains are often known to be a great option for patients with clean cannabinoid deficiencies. However, many wax strains can be vaped or consumed through other methods such as edibles or a joint.
Why is Strain Important?
Growing different strains of cannabis is important because it allows growers to produce cannabis that has different effects and properties. Different strains are usually grown in different areas, which means that some may be grown in more regulated environments than others. Growing different strains allows consumers to have access to different cannabinoids and terpenes, which are compounds that are naturally present in the cannabis plant and are what produces the different effects and smells. Knowing which cannabinoid and terpenin level you prefer is important, as some will work better for you than others.
Final Words
We hope that you’ve learned a lot about what strain is, as well as why it’s important to know what strain you’re consuming. If you’re interested in learning more about cannabis, we recommend checking out our other cannabis blog articles. We’re sure you’ll learn a lot from them!