You don’t start a medical treatment without identifying the symptoms to alleviate and evaluating healthcare preferences. The same principle applies to picking a weed cultivar. Once you start asking yourself, “What is the best strain for me?” you go to assess your needs and learn what each weed variety can do for you.
Choosing a type for yourself often feels like deciding on wine at a fine dining restaurant, except it involves more science and personal experimentation. Each strain differs – noticeably or subtly – in flavors and effects. You should be well-versed in these things to hit it right the first time.
What makes weed strains different
When you wonder, “What strain is best for me?” it makes sense to find out what sets each apart. All weed cultivars fall under one species – Cannabis Sativa. The differences come from the ways growers breed plants over generations. They can cultivate various subtypes of weed to emphasize their specific properties:
- Cannabinoid composition (whether it is euphoric or calming)
- Terpene content (whether it is flavorful like a dessert or more neutral)
- Appearance (whether its buds are tall, triangular, or airy)
In fact, it’s a chemical makeup that underscores strain differences. When we say “chemical,” we do not imply any synthetic additives brought into cultivation processes. The chemical makeup of a weed strain refers to organic compounds like THC and CBD. Different strains carry their own mix of these two cannabinoids. That is why some help you power through a creative block, and others work like a charm for alleviating pain and/or de-stressing.
Other cannabinoids and terpenes also contribute to the effects and form the complementary impact (entourage effect). This means that each element in its unique concentration makes every cannabis variety one of a kind. Such intricate chemical interactions explain why two cultivars with similar THC or CBD levels can produce vastly different experiences.
What else impacts the characteristics of a marijuana strain? Genetics. Genetics refers to what cultivars are crossed to obtain a new kind of cannabis. This sounds easy, but the reality is far more complex. Factors like soil type, growing conditions, harvesting techniques, and curing processes all influence the final product.
It’s no surprise that even strains with the same name can vary. You can find dozens of Kush cultivars at marijuana stores and have a different experience with each. But that’s also what makes the marijuana world so exciting. You have a limitless range of options, with each grower adding their own twist to the existing mix.
Which weed strain is best for me for a good high?
You don’t have to overthink your choice if you are looking to get high. A strain of the Sativa family will do the trick for you.
Sativas are marijuana cultivars that exemplify energizing and mind-bending properties. They may have more or less THC, but the cannabinoid is always there to produce a high. You can choose a Sativa for:
- Stimulating effects that feel good for your mind
- Creative effects that can be beneficial for lack of inspiration or perseverance
- Mood improvement, which also helps with mood disorders
- Enhanced communication skills
Sativa strains are many and varied. For a high, you can choose one by potency and auxiliary effects unique to each cultivar.
What weed strain is best for me to steady myself?
Calming properties are available at their finest with Indica and hybrid strains. They won’t pummel you with invigorating effects as long as their primary cannabinoid is CBD or compounds other than THC.
Indicas and hybrids may appeal to you to:
- Find your center when things get out of hand
- Experience relaxation without drowsiness or focus without overstimulation
- Start cannabis-assisted therapy for a known health condition
- Enjoy a personalized experience
If you want to target specific symptoms, focus on strains that are well-regarded for their remedial effects. Continuous pain? Try those high in CBD and THC. Sleep disturbances? Indica-prevailing strains with plenty of CBN can help. Going through agitation? Choose buds with balanced CBD:THC ratios.
It’s hard to determine which strain type is more prevalent. Hybrids and Indicas are as numerous as high-THC cultivars that will have you giggling. The best way to proceed is to learn what effects a particular strain produces and ask for a budtender’s advice.
What is the best strain of weed for me for a special occasion?
If you are not a heavy smoker and want to indulge in weed as a special treat, pay heed to potency. You will not want it to be ultra-potent or categorized as “a powerhouse.” Go for a strain that is more balanced and pleasant to smoke to make sure your special experience is enjoyable and safe.
If you are no stranger to smoking marijuana, zoom in on premium strains. These cultivars have been grown with more attention to the seeds and genetics and offer more complex flavors and aromas. They allow you to switch from ordinary experiences – whether they are high-related or not – to something that feels like smoking the best bud ever.
You can find and compare premium strains at Venera.
Final advice
Finding your best weed match is like dating. You may need to try several cultivars before “the one” is in front of you. To make it easier and more organized, you can keep a strain journal as you explore different options to answer yourself, “What strain is best for me?”. Put down the name of every variety you try, describe how you have consumed it, including your dose, method, and effects, and later compare your experiences and feelings.
Try new varieties carefully. The goal is to find the spot where you achieve the desired effects without unpleasant consequences. It’s not that you should buy a whole jar of weed buds of every strain and consume them for weeks on end to understand whether it’s suitable for you. You’re better off selecting the smallest package sizes and having one or two sessions with each cultivar. This should be insightful enough to figure out whether it’s best for you.
