If buying cannabis flower intimidates you, this is the article for you. We’ve got some great tips and tricks for helping you to make the purchase that’s right for you.
When it comes to marijuana, flower is still one of the most popular consumption methods. Perhaps because flower is cannabis in its truest form—fragrant buds you can touch, smell and smoke. Smoking joints is one of the most iconic ways to consume cannabis, along with smoking out of a pipe or bong. People love smoking flower because it’s convenient, simple and immediately effective.
But learning how to buy cannabis flower can be confusing, and even intimidating. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some good-to-knows when it comes to buying cannabis flower.
How to Choose a Marijuana Strain
With more than 700 strains of cannabis, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when picking out a strain. There are a few ways to narrow down your options and find a weed strain that works for you. To start, understand why you are smoking cannabis: Are you treating a health condition? Do you want to relax? Are you trying to sleep better?
Indica, Sativa and Hybrid Strains
When buying cannabis flower, you’re given the option of indica, sativa or hybrid strains. Generally, indicas provide a body-high that relieves pain, nausea and insomnia. Sativas offer uplifting cerebral stimulation and are often used to help treat depression, pain and fatigue. Hybrids have a blend of both indica and sativa effects, depending on the ratios.
THC and CBD with Marijuana Strains
Another way to choose flower is based on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) levels. THC is well-known as the psychoactive component of cannabis. Many people choose a strain high in THC for more potent effects, though it is up for debate whether more THC is better. If you are prone to anxiety or don’t want to feel too high, look for strains with lower THC and higher CBD levels.
Terpenes and Trichomes
One of the most natural ways to choose flower is to “follow your nose” by selecting a strain that smells good. Cannabis strains have a variety of scents and flavors due to the terpenes, which vary from plant to plant. Terpenes create aroma and taste, and contribute to the strain’s overall effects. Terpenes commonly found in cannabis include myrcene, humulene, linalool, caryophyllene and pinene. Find out the terpenes of your favorite strains to find another strain with similar effects and flavor.
Raw cannabis flower is covered in hairs called trichomes, which contain terpenes and cannabinoids. Many hairs equal lots of trichomes, which contribute to a more potent experience. Trichomes can also be separated from the rest of the plant and extracted into kief, a powdered cannabis concentrate. You can do this at home by using a multi-level grinder. If your dispensary lets you see buds before you buy, you can visually check for trichomes.
Choose a Marijuana Strain for Your Condition
Some of the most common conditions treated with cannabis include insomnia, anxiety and chronic pain. Patients often treat insomnia with an indica strain like Granddaddy Purple or Hindu Kush. Anxiety is best treated with a high-CBD strain like ACDC or Harle-Tsu. Different types of pain may need different strains. For back pain, patients have found success with Headband. While for migraines, patients use CBD strains like Sour Tsunami.
The Seven Popular Marijuana Strains
These are the many popular and widely smoked strains of marijuana in the United States—here are some great options.
Blue Dream: People love this sativa-leaning hybrid strain for relaxing, daytime relief from pain and anxiety.
Jack Herer: This classic sativa strain is uplifting and good for creativity and helping to treat depression and anxiety.
Cannatonic: This high-CBD strain leans slightly sativa, helps to treat anxiety and depression and can assist with focus.
Sour Diesel: This potent sativa strain can potentially help with ADD, anxiety and depression.
OG Kush: People find this potent indica-leaning strain helpful for nausea, gastrointestinal issues and mood.
Grandaddy Purple: This classic indica strain provides body relaxation, making it popular for sleep and stimulating appetite.
Girl Scout Cookies (GSC): An indica-leaning hybrid known to promote relaxation, and has the potential to that help with symptoms of PTSD, stress and anxiety.
Have Questions? We Can Help
Our cannabis counsellors are available to chat, free of charge, to help answer your questions and tailor your cannabis experience. Looking to get a medical card? We can help with that too. Start here.
