Cannabis is just as complex as wine, with its diversity, rich aromas, complex flavors, mind-blowing smells, and overall rich profiles are a creative combination of everything from the flower’s original location, whether it was grown indoors or outside, if and how long it was cured (just to name a few of the components that make up its profile).
To add to a cannabis flower’s complexity, who grew your cannabis, where they grew it, if it was grown organically or not, and all the many other factors mentioned above (plus so many more!), can change the entire profile of a bud.
If this all seems complex, that’s because it is.
Cultivating and growing cannabis can be an art form.
With cannabis’s re-emergence into cultural acceptability and legality, people can be – and are – cannabis snobs.
And for good reason. The cannabis we choose to ingest affects our mood, health, well-being, and our pocketbook – not to mention it can be a lot of fun!
If you’re new to cannabis, choosing which cannabis strains to try first can be a bit overwhelming.
With all the profile, terpene and strain descriptive information, how do you choose a cannabis strain?
We are asked this question daily, which is why we’ve put together this list of the best flower strains every person should try at least once in their lifetimes!
Below are three of the best flower strains in each category of cannabis sativa; Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid.
Scientifically speaking all cannabis plants are Cannabis sativa L., ( ‘cannabis’ is the name of the plant, ‘Sativa’ means things that are cultivated or sown, and the ‘L.’ references Carl Linnaeus, the botanist who first classified cannabis in 1773.)
Generally speaking, cannabis strains are classified as belonging to one of three different varieties:
The look of the Indica plant and bud:
The Indica plant is generally a darker shade of green, with short, wide blades of leaves. Cannabis Indica plants are generally an overall thicker, bushier, denser plant as compared to a Sativa. Indica buds tend to be heavier, stockier, and more fragrant than Sativa buds.
Indica strains are associated with deep body relaxation. When you hear of ‘couch lock’, the culprit is usually an Indica.
Known for its skunky, spicy smell and heady euphoric high, it is perfectly balanced with just enough body relaxation to keep you chilled for the night.
If you’re looking for a “lights out” strain, this strain can be your best ‘nighty night’ friend. Northern Lights is known for its euphoric high combined with overall body relaxation.
Loved for delivering deep relaxation and euphoria. It’s a must-have for pain relief, stress, and insomnia – And it’s also another ‘nighty-night, lights out’ strain.
The look of the plant and bud:
The Sativa plant is generally a lighter shade of green, with long, narrow blades for leaves and feathery buds. Sativa buds tend to carry a less pungent smell, and are airier and lighter than Indica buds.
Sativa strains impart an energetic, cerebral high.
An absolute banger! Known for its intense psycho-activity, it also offers an uplifting, energetic high that won’t have you locked on the couch. A must-try!
Consistently strong with a peppery and citrus taste and an energetic, happy high that will make you love a Sativa for life!
This strain gets its name from its taste and smell – Sour Diesel. Sounds enticing, but the high is lovely if you like a cerebral, energizing, euphoria. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? It is.
A hybrid cannabis is a combination of plant varieties. Sometimes you’ll hear the term “Indica dominant” or “Sativa dominant”. These descriptions reflect the dominant physical experience, i.e., energizing (Sativa) or relaxing (Indica).
ACDC is a high CBD concentrate hybrid. With its one ratio of THC to a 20 ratio of CBD (1:20), this strain will generally not get you high, but it is a fantastic strain often used for anxiety, pain, MS, epilepsy and so much more. If you want to experience a high CBD strain, AC/DC is a classic!
This hybrid strain is an old-school classic! It packs intense bursts of euphoria and energy and is known for its creative inspiration.
Known as an Indica dominant strain, it’s a perfect combination of bodily relaxation and an intense cerebral high. It’s definitely a hard hitter given its high THC content. A little goes a long way!
When it comes to cannabis strains, each of you, in the end, will inevitably find your own “must-have on hand at all times” favorite cannabis strains.
This list will get you started and on your way to discovering your most loved flower strain!