Cannabis is a fascinating plant with a combination of the cannabinoids THC and CBD responsible for its numerous medical and therapeutic properties. They are the compounds behind cannabis growing popularity.
There are many cannabis strains based on different effects, tastes, aromas, and appearances. The over 700 cannabis strains fall into three main categories: Sativa, Indica, or hybrid.
Before you get started with cannabis, make sure to read more about marijuana strains here after going through our guide on the various cannabis strains and their types.
Sativa Cannabis Strains
Cannabis sativa originates from Southeast Asia and South America. They have a tall and thin appearance with light green and skinny leaves. The strain also takes longer to mature compared to Indica.
Some users prefer Sativa for its higher levels of THC, which is responsible for the stimulating effect. It is known to boost energy, increase appetite, ease depression, and sharpen focus. They also boost creativity and improve mood, so these strains are suitable for creatives and professionals who wish to increase their productivity.
Some of the most popular Sativa-dominant strains include:
Jack Herer
Popularly known as ‘JH,’ ‘Premium Jack,’ or ‘Platinum Jack,’ this strain boasts 55% Sativa content with 18-24% THC. A blend of Shiva Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze, this strain is sure to blow your mind.
A refreshing pine scent with earthy, lemon, and woody flavors undertones will hit you on the first puff. You can also expect the Indica/Sativa ratio to give a well-balanced high that helps fight chronic pain, poor appetite, nausea, and migraines. The cooling sensation experienced afterward also helps ease irritated lungs.
Durban Poison
Originally from South Africa, this is a 100% Sativa and up to 24% THC and little to no CBD. Users can expect a sweet and spicy aroma with fruity tones and medicinal benefits. It eases ADHD, depression, anxiety, migraine, poor appetite, and nausea. The high is clean and energizing, so it is appropriate for use the entire day.
Hawaiian Snow
Hawaiian Snow has 80-90% Sativa and 24% THC. Descended from Hawaiian Haze, Neville’s Haze, and Pure Haze, this strain promises a stimulating effect ideal for anxiety and creativity.
You can expect to break out in giggles once you consume this mood-lifting strain. It is helpful for appetite stimulation, depression, and anxiety-easing. In addition, it fights chronic pain and inflammation and nausea, migraines, and insomnia.
Moby Dick
This strain is a cross of Haze and White Widow. It is famous for its high yield as it can produce up to 1500 g/sqm. It contains THC levels of up to 27% with 75% Sativa dominance.
Moby Dick gives intense euphoric and psychedelic sensations, lasting up to two hours. It combats stress, depression, anxiety, and poor appetite, so it is ideal for patients going through chemotherapy, suffering from HIV, or conditions that cause appetite loss.
Once you take in this spectacular strain, your senses will receive a strong lemon and spicy aroma with cedar tones.
Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze is famous as ammo weed. The strain takes its unique traits from parent strains such as Jamaican Sativa, Hawaiian Sativa, and Thai Sativa. Its pale green can identify it with white pistils and orange patches.
The strain contains 21-24% THC, which is relatively low, giving a balanced and mild high, free from paranoia and hallucinations. It also has a pungent earthy tone with citrus and pine undertones.
Indica Cannabis Strains
Originating from the Middle East, Indica cannabis comes from short bushy plants with broad, dark-green leaves. Indica refers to strains with higher CBD levels that offer users sedative, appetite-stimulating, and pain-relieving effects. It is ideal for nighttime use and also helps ease anxiety.
Some of the best Indica strains include:
Hindu kush
Hindu kush is a pure Indica strain originating from Pakistan and Afghanistan. It has 19% THC and a sweet aroma with pine and sandalwood undertones. The feeling is quite calming and relaxing, with a sleepy effect. It also relieves stress and pain.
The high is slow, gradual, and numbing, which helps heighten the calm and sleepy feeling it is famous for.
Northern Lights
This is a blend of Afghani and Thai Indica variants known for their skunky flavor and resin-filled buds. It contains up to 95% Indica and 33% THC.
The strain gives lasting sedation and a heightened sense of wellbeing. It has an earthy yet slightly sweet flavor, perfect for use after a long day.
Granddaddy purple
With 70% Indica, and 7% CBD, this strain is one of the most popular strains with powerful sedative effects.
The strain gives a shock as it hits the body, followed by a smooth body buzz that eventually settles into a sedated calm. It’s advisable to start slow and take breaks between intakes.
Strawberry Banana
This Indica variant is a blend of Banana OG and Bubblegum. Users also term it as ‘strawnana’ due to its sweet and fruity flavor profile, with 0.76% CBD content.
It offers you a mellow high with banana and strawberry hints and is ideal for depression, sleep, stress, and anxiety due to its calming and soothing effects.
Hybrid Cannabis Strains
Hybrid strains refer to strains that contain both Indica and Sativa properties. Sativa is energizing, while Indica is more relaxing. They also have substances known as terpenes that improve the effects.
The overall effects depend on lineage, mainly their Sativa or Indica dominance. Some of the most popular hybrid strains are:
OG Kush
OG Kush, from Florida, is a cross of Hindu Kush, Chemdawg, and Lemon Thai, resulting in the high THC strain (18%). Users report a euphoric head-high and stress relief combination.
Its pine and earthy aroma await you when you take this strain and leave you with a smooth hint of lime, lemon, and spice.
While it is massively popular, it is rather strong for new users.
White Widow
White Widow is a balanced hybrid strain from Brazilian Sativa and South Indian Indica with a fruity and spicy aroma. Targeting pain, anxiety, and depression, this strain also helps you remain energetic and social.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue comes from the crossing of Chem’s Sister, Chocolate Diesel, and Sour Dubb. Its flavor combines all three, so you can expect chocolate, pine, and earthy aroma when you hit this strain. The relaxing and soothing effect is beneficial for people with insomnia.
Conclusion
As a new or experienced consumer, knowing the various cannabis strains is beneficial. It helps you pick the perfect strain depending on your taste, preference, and needs.
