Walking into the dispensary, it’s easy to quickly become overwhelmed by the sheer number of strains available. If you’re new to cannabis, or you’re looking to broaden your horizons, you might not know which strain to pick. Here, we’ll walk you through a few things to consider to help make it easier to find weed strains that fit your needs.
What Makes Strains Unique?
There are hundreds of cannabis strains. Over time, growers and cultivators have crossbred different plants, creating new varieties that produce different effects. There are a few things that make each strain unique:
Cannabinoids
Every cannabis plant has cannabinoids. Different strains have different concentrations, though. Some are high in CBD, and others are high in THC. Some have a balanced ratio of the two major cannabinoids.
Terpene Profile
Different strains also have unique terpene profiles. Terpenes are the compounds responsible for the flavor and aroma of the plant. Some plants may smell and taste citrusy, while others are piney or fruity.
Location
The environment where the cannabis plants grow can impact different components of the strain, including its cannabinoids and terpene profile.
Tips to Find Weed Strains
There are several factors to keep in mind when selecting the right strain for your needs:
Your Desired Effects
One of the first things to consider when finding an ideal weed strain is the effects you want. If you’re looking for something to help you relax and fall asleep at the end of the day, you don’t want to choose a strain that’s known to boost productivity and energy. Consider any medical benefits you’re after as well, such as pain or anxiety relief.
Potency
Different strains of cannabis have varying levels of CBD and THC. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for getting you high, and strains can have concentrations up to 30% or more. If you’re looking to avoid getting high, you might want to try high CBD low THC varieties.
Flavor and Aroma
The terpene profile of a strain influences its flavor and aroma. Here, this is all personal preference. Find something that you enjoy tasting and smelling. Choosing something you don’t enjoy will likely lead to a less than ideal experience.
Cost
Again, this is personal. There are strains for every budget. Once you know what you’re willing to spend, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices.
Things to Avoid
There are also a few things that you should avoid when trying to find a strain that best fits your needs:
- Going based solely on whether a strain is an Indica or Sativa
- Not comparing dispensaries (settling for the first one you come across)
- Choosing cost over quality
Find Your Strain
Finding the perfect strain for you might take a little bit of time. You may need to try a few before you find one you really like, and that provides you with the results you need. If you’re still unsure, you can speak with a budtender at your local dispensary. By providing a bit of information about what you’re looking for, they can provide you with a few recommendations.