This short guide was compiled by analyzing and interpreting the latest we know in cannabis science, and although largely preclinical (the industry has a long way to go in terms of research!), our goal is to empower you with the steps and info to narrow down the daunting number of options and find the right strain for you.
But first, a little cannabis history
Cannabis is thought to have originated in central Asia but over time, the plant traveled around the world, where it was planted and cultivated. Over time, these plants acclimated to their new environment, resulting in changes to their physical and chemical characteristics. These plants became known as landrace strains.
As time passed, people started experimenting with these landraces, crossbreeding different combinations of male plants and female plants to produce new strains. This experimentation gave birth to the ever-growing variety of cannabis plants in existence today. We call the varieties strains.
What’s really in a strain name?
There is a common misconception about (and popularity of) the term “strains” in order to describe different varieties.
It’s easy to rely on strain names and generalizations to try to find what’s right for you. But, during the decades of prohibition hundreds of varieties were developed and because there is no trademark nor standards to define specific strain names, essentially anyone can name their strain whatever they want. Different strains can have a similar or the same ratios, and this is likely to be a better indication of effect. That’s why a 2020 study that suggests strain names don’t mean much.
The proper way to distinguish between cannabis varieties is actually by their chemical composition, which is why the term “chemovar” (chemical variation) is becoming increasingly popular.
Okay, then how about indica, sativa, and hybrid?
The misconception about sativa and indica is yet another result of the lack of cannabis research and education during prohibition. Most people — even within the cannabis industry — tend to believe that sativas are more uplifting and energizing, while indicas are sedating and calming. Recreational consumers and patients alike often wonder what would be best for them — indica, sativa or hybrid.
In fact, these are botanical terms, used to define morphological differences such as plant shape and height, rather than effects. Which cannabinoids and terpenes are present in a chemovar (and in what concentration) is the best predictor of its potential effects — not its indica or sativa origins.
This is why you should know your cannabinoids and terpenes
Cannabinoids and terpenes are the most abundant compounds in cannabis. They are also the most talked about, and you’re more than likely to encounter them during your next dispensary visit. Knowing more about these molecules could help you find the right product for you.
THC and CBD are the two major cannabinoids in cannabis. THC is often regarded as dangerous, and CBD as therapeutic, but actually they both play a leading role in the therapeutic potential of chemovars as well as the high they produce.
THC is the main intoxicating chemical in cannabis, and it also has therapeutic applications for conditions and symptoms such as pain, nausea, stress, spasticity and sleep disorders.
Type I chemovars can be divided to three categories according to their THC concentration:
CBD is known mainly for its seemingly endless list of medicinal properties, potentially aiding in conditions such as inflammation, anxiety, epilepsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Lesser known is the exact nature of CBD’s interaction with THC. Most research suggests that CBD may be able to mitigate some side effects caused by THC, like anxiety or attention-impairment.
Minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, THCV and CBDV appear in much lower concentrations in cannabis, and there’s very limited scientific literature about their effects and applications. That said, interest in these molecules is rapidly increasing and science is building quickly. THCV has been studied in Type 2 diabetes and was shown to modestly improve fasting blood glucose and improve pancreatic function, but THCV pharmacology is complex and low doses of THCV may work differently than higher doses.
Terpenes are another important type of bioactive molecule found in cannabis. Similar to cannabinoids, some researchers suggest they can influence your high, and also help to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Unlike cannabinoids though, they can be found in many other plants.
The citrusy aroma of lemons, grapefruits and oranges, for example, is thanks to limonene, one of the most common terpenes in cannabis. It is believed to produce an energized high and could potentially help treat conditions such as anxiety, pain, depression, arthritis, and MS. Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is another common terpene in cannabis that is also found in herbs and spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and rosemary.
A step-by-step guide to finding your right strain for your goal
1. Gauge your tolerance
No tricks here, you’ll have to try weed at least once to figure this out.
Cannabis chemovars can be divided to three main strengths:
If smoking or vaping, preferably a Type II or III chemovar, take a puff and wait for 10-15 minutes to see how you react to a specific amount of THC. If that one puff doesn’t do the trick, try 2 puffs on your next attempt.
Remember that if you’re consuming orally instead of inhaling, you should wait significantly longer (at least 3 hours) before taking your next dose to ensure you don’t overdo it.
How much THC you actually consume is more important than the THC concentration of the product. For instance, a joint made with one gram of 12% THC cannabis flower, equals roughly 120mg THC, while two joints made with one gram of 6% THC flower in each would have the same amount of THC in total (120mg).
2. Understand your intention for consuming
Do you want to be able to walk a mile? Do you want to be able to walk around during the day without a cloud over your head? Do you want to be able to sleep and/or eat properly? Have some goals in mind, and this will help you figure out the best dosing strategy for your needs.
Also, understand that your body is unique. different people with different conditions or goals are likely to require different cannabinoid-terpenoid ratios and dosages. There may be patterns with regards to condition and commonalities in physiology, but overall it seems everyone has a unique ECS and therefore a different response to cannabis and strains.
3. A wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes may be best, especially to start with.
Anecdotally, the most popular strains (most notably Blue Dream and OG Kush) tend to have very wide terpene profiles. The cannabis plant, just like the human body, has its own checks and balances. Should one particular compound overproduce, another compound will be released to mitigate the effects of that compound.
A wide terpene and cannabinoid profile may help reduce the negative effects of other compounds to some extent. Again, much of this is condition-dependent, but it is a concept worth bearing in mind should you be tempted to start hunting for a particular compound.
4. Consider your preferred aroma and flavors
Terpenes are what determine the aromas and flavors of cannabis, and the most common in cannabis are myrcene (herbal), caryophyllene (spicy), pinene (woody), limonene (citrusy), linalool (floral), humulene (earthy), terpinolene (floral) and ocimene (floral). If you’re allowed, ask the budtender if you can smell the cannabis. As a rule of thumb, if it smells good to you it will likely feel good when you consume it.
If you live in a country/state with a medical-use or adult-use market, once you’ve identified the kind of chemovars that work best for you, it’s wise to note both the chemovar profile and the cultivar lineage as well. Sticking to products from reputable producers using stabilized genetics may lead to more consistent results from cannabis you purchase in the future. Any cannabis you buy in a legal dispensary is required to go through rigorous lab testing to determine both the cannabinoid and terpene profile of each particular strain. It also tests to make sure the plant doesn’t contain harmful levels of pesticides, fungicides, or other chemicals, which can lead to health issues. You can learn more about being a conscious consumer here.
Although we cannot give you any definitive advice on what type of cannabis or what chemovar may be best for you, both scientifically and legally, we hope that we can help you to some extent. The general advice would be to start slow and low, and work to a level where you feel most comfortable without necessarily being too “high” or “stoned”.
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