How to Pick the Best Cannabis Strain

Introduction

It’s 4:20 somewhere, right?

Think back over the last year. How many times have you caught yourself nodding with the agreement and a smile on your face as you remember something amazing you did while high? For many people, cannabis gets us to a happy place we’d otherwise miss.

Do you want to know what that perfect strain for you is?

In this guide, we want to show you how to pick the best cannabis strain for you. You’re going to love what you find.

Desired Effects

What are your desired effects? Do you want to feel relaxed, uplifted, and creative? Or do you want to feel energized and focused? Maybe you just want to get a good night’s sleep.

Generally, marijuana is broken down into indica and sativa strains. Indica strains tend to be relaxing strains while sativa strains help you feel energized, focused, creative, etc. For example, one such popular indica strain is Black Cherry Gelato.

There are also hybrid strains which are a mix of both. In fact, most strains are hybrid strains. Hybrid strains will either swing further to the sativa side or the indica side, but 50/50 hybrid strains do also exist.

For example, marijuana that is labeled as a 60/40 indica strain means the bud is 60% indica and 40% sativa. If it’s labeled 70/30 sativa, your strain will be 70% sativa and 30% indica. And of course a 50/50 means it’s split down the middle.

Most people start their selection by first choosing either an indica or sativa dominant strain depending on how they want to feel when high. Looking at the indica to sativa ratio is a good general indicator of desired effects.

THC and CBD Ratios & Levels

THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, and it’s what gives you the “high” feeling. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and is known for its medicinal properties.

When it comes to picking the best cannabis strain for you, it’s important to find one that has the right THC to CBD ratio. This will vary depending on what you’re looking for.

If you want to feel relaxed and uplifted, look for strains that are high in THC. If you want to feel energized and focused, look for strains that are high in CBD. And if you just want to get a good night’s sleep, look for strains that are high in both THC and CBD.

Keep in mind that THC and CBD levels can vary depending on how the cannabis is grown and processed. So, if you’re looking for a specific ratio, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable source. You can ask your dispensary budtender at Harvest for help in selecting a strain, or do some research online.

THC and CBD is also often expressed by a percentage which indicates just how much THC or CBD is in the actual buds. For example, high potency buds may be 25% or more THC, where a low potency bud might be 14 – 18% THC.

NOTE: Keep in mind that potency isn’t an indicator of quality. Low potency strains are just that, “low potency”, not necessarily low quality.

Flavors and Aroma

To pick the best cannabis strain for flavors and aromas, it is important to know what flavors and aromas you are looking for. Certain marijuana strains will have different flavors and aromas depending on the cultivar. For example, some Kush strains will have citrusy flavors while others may be more woody or earthy.

When it comes to aromas, some strains will be more pungent than others. Once you know what flavors and aromas you prefer, you can then narrow down your search to find the best cannabis strain for you.

Medical Conditions

Medical cannabis strains can be Indica, Sativa, or hybrid. Different strains offer different medical benefits. For example, some strains can help with anxiety while others can help with chronic pain. You should consult with a medical cannabis specialist to see what strains would be best for your specific medical condition.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain For You

There are many strains of cannabis available, making it hard to choose the right one. You have to consider several factors when selecting a cannabis strain.

Talk to your doctor or a cannabis specialist to find the best strains for you. Then, visit a dispensary to purchase the strains and get started on your cannabis journey!

For more information on how to pick the best cannabis strain, check out more articles on our strains blog.