What Are Weed Strains?
Weed strains are different varieties of cannabis, a type of flowering plant, which is also known as marijuana. There are more than 700 different weed strains, divided into three main categories. Each strain has unique characteristics — you can think of them like breeds.
Weed strains may affect the body differently, depending on how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) they have. THC and CBD are the main cannabinoids that make up marijuana. THC tends to have more psychoactive, or mind-altering, effects than CBD. It's responsible for the intoxicated, or "high," feeling you get when using weed.
When considering the different weed strains, it's important to understand that research on cannabis is ongoing, and none of the proposed effects of various strains have been conclusively proven. Much of the information we have to date is anecdotal, or based on user accounts rather than scientific research.
Examples of Sativa Weed Strains
Cannabis sativa is the species name for cannabis. Separately, sativa is a weed strain known for its tall height and thin leaves. Sativa weed strains are often described as energizing, but not all sativa weed strains have this effect. Each strain has a different chemical makeup and proposed effects. These are a few of the most common types.
Blue Dream
This sativa-dominant strain contains about 40% indica, 18% THC, and has little to no CBD. Many weed users like its sweet and peppery flavor profile. Some users report that Blue Dream is energizing and uplifting, helping them manage depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and PTSD. But research on these effects isn't clear. Scientists are also studying its effectiveness in managing pain, such as migraines.
Jack Herer
This strain is named after Jack Herer, a cannabis rights activist who died in 2010. It’s often used to relieve headache and migraine pain, although research on its effectiveness is still ongoing. Jack Herer is made up of roughly 55% sativa and 45% indica. It’s higher in THC (15%-24%) and has very little CBD (1% or less).
Sour Diesel
This weed strain is 90% sativa and contains about 18%-26% THC. Some have used this strain for headache relief. Scientists are still looking into its clinical benefits.
Ghost Train Haze
Ghost Train Haze is 22% THC and less than 1% CBD. It's also high in terpinolene, a plant compound that smells like pine, wood, herbs, and citrus. Some users say it helps curb anxiety and depression, as well as inflammation, but there's not enough research yet to support those claims.
Examples of Indica Weed Strains
Growers often name strains "indica" if they have medium levels of both THC and CBD. A more balanced ratio of THC to CBD may have a calming, sedative effect. However, not all indica strains have this balance.
Indica strains may have origins in Afghanistan. They tend to smell earthy. Below are a few different indica weed strains.
Afghan Kush
This is a pure indica weed strain with no sativa. You may notice its earthy, pine scent and flavors. It may have originated in the Hindu Kush mountains near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan. It has a high THC content (averaging around 20%) and 0.1%-1% CBD. Because of its high THC content, you should be cautious if you haven't used this strain before. Some people report using this strain to reduce anxiety and stress, chronic pain, appetite loss, and insomnia, but scientific research hasn't confirmed these uses.
Northern Lights
This strain is made up of about 95% indica and 5% sativa. Its THC content usually ranges from 16% to 21%. It tends to have only about 0.1% CBD. This strain may help you manage insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety, according to some users, but scientists are still exploring its effects. For some people, Northern Lights has a "couch lock" effect (zapping their energy). Expect to smell and taste pine and earthiness.
Grandaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is a sweeter, grape-flavored indica weed strain. It is 70% indica and 30% sativa. Its THC content ranges from 17% to 23% and its CBD content ranges from 0.1% to 1%. Some people report that it helps relieve anxiety, insomnia, and appetite loss caused by medications or treatments.
Hybrid Weed Strains
Most weed strains are hybrids, meaning they’re made of different subspecies of cannabis. Hybrids may have indica, sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis, a less common and low-THC variety. Here are some different hybrid weed strains to consider.
Ice Cream Cake
This is a potent strain that contains 20%-25% THC, and about 1% CBD. It combines Wedding Cake and Gelato #33 strains to create a sweet, creamy flavor. For some people, ice cream cake strain reportedly relieves stress, anxiety, and pain, but research hasn't yet confirmed these effects.
Purple Gelato (also known as Gelato #33)
This strain has a balance of 50% indica and 50% sativa. It has an average THC content of 20% and about 1%-2% CBD. A cross between Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies strains, it is known for its berry flavor. Some people report that this strain helps them manage chronic pain, stress, and depression.
Wedding Cake (also known as Triangle Mints)
This strain has about 60% indica and 40% sativa. It combines the Animal Mints and Triangle Kush strains. It's high in THC (averaging 25%) and its CBD content ranges from 0.1% to 0.25%. Some people report that this strain is effective for chronic pain management, insomnia relief, and reducing appetite loss. This strain tastes sweet and peppery, with vanilla, lemon, and earthy flavors.
Blue Cheese
Blue Cheese is a hybrid weed strain with 80% indica and 20% sativa. It also has 2% cannabigerol (CBG) — the third most common cannabinoid in weed after THC and CBD. Research shows that CBG may be helpful in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its THC concentration ranges from 18% to 20%. Some people report using this strain to manage anxiety and depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, and bipolar disorder, but these effects have not been proven.
Strongest Weed Strains
Strong weed strains tend to be high in THC and have lower concentrations of CBD. You're more likely to experience psychoactive effects from high-THC strains. These effects can cause a high but may also make you feel anxious or paranoid. Sativa weed strains tend to have more THC. A THC concentration of 21 or higher is considered strong.
Keep in mind that cannabis products have been getting stronger for decades, which may pose health risks such as brain changes. Some products sold in dispensaries, such as cannabis concentrates (known as "dabs"), can have more than 40% THC.
Best Weed Strains for Pain
Scientists aren't sure if weed helps reduce pain — more research and clinical trials are needed. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration restrictions make it harder for researchers to study weed.
Weed might change how we experience pain, reducing the intensity of pain while also improving mood, ability to function, and overall well-being. Indica has a reputation for being calming, which may help people with chronic or acute pain. One study found that people preferred indica weed strains to manage headaches, neuropathy, and joint pain.
According to research, weed helps some people manage chronic noncancer pain and use less prescription and over-the-counter pain medication. Some people report that weed helps them more than prescription pain medications, such as opioids. Cannabis has also been shown to help relieve chronic pain from nerve damage, known as neuropathic pain, a cancer symptom. Weed could also help improve painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation.
Two THC-based drugs are FDA-approved for medical use in the U.S. and are used for treating some chemotherapy symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. A third THC-CBD drug is being studied in the U.S. and is already available for use in Canada and Europe to treat pain caused by cancer and multiple sclerosis.
Terpenes, which are compounds that make plants smell and taste in certain ways, may also help reduce pain. Cannabis can have up to 150 terpenes, four of which have been shown to reduce pain in animal studies.
How to Choose the Right Strain and Product Type
Choosing the right strain can be tricky. The broader categories — indica, sativa, and hybrid — can mean different things to different growers and dispensaries. But generally, indica strains are more relaxing, while sativa strains are more energizing. Hybrids can vary based on their THC and CBD concentrations. The right category and strain for you may depend on your THC tolerance and what kinds of effects you want, such as pain management or anxiety relief.
Product types
A range of different weed product types are available, including dried leaves and buds as well as medicinal weed pills, liquids, and nasal sprays. Different products may vary in how quickly they take effect and how long they last. Here are some different weed product types.
Edibles. Weed edibles include gummies, baked goods, and drinks.
Liquids. Cannabis liquids, known as tinctures, are placed under the tongue using a dropper.
Capsules and tablets. Weed capsules and tablets can be swallowed, just like you would a vitamin or aspirin.
Lozenges. Weed lozenges and films dissolve under the tongue or in the mouth.
Pre-rolls. Inhalable weed includes pre-rolls of dried cannabis flowers rolled up in paper.
Smoking devices. Dried flowers and concentrates can be smoked out of pipes or bongs. Cannabis concentrates can also be inhaled through smoking devices. You can also use vapes to smoke dried cannabis flowers or oil cartridges.
Topical weed. Topicals are weed products such as lotions and balms that are applied to the skin. Cannabis patches and suppositories are also available.
Takeaways
Weed strains are varieties of cannabis, a flowering plant that can have different effects on the body. The three main weed strains are sativa, indica, and hybrid. These categories are usually based on THC and CBD concentrations, but research suggests that there may not be much difference between sativa and indica. There are hundreds of different weed strains across these three categories. Choosing the right weed strain depends on the effects you want, such as a strong high, pain relief, or anxiety relief.
