A quick guide on what you need to know about cannabis strains
Calling this post “cannabis strains 101” means that we’ll start with the most common knowledge.
A common concept regarding different cannabis strains is that sativas are more invigorating and energizing, indicas are more relaxing and calming, and hybrids are, well, a mixture of the two!
We learn that individual plants produce varying effects, even among the same type of cannabis, upon digging a bit deeper. Other chemical components, like cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN. etc.) and terpenes play a significant role in the effect it has on the consumer (we’ll talk about those in another post coming soon).
Sativa: The Basics
Origin & Features: Scientifically identified as Cannabis Sativa, this strain is found primarily in dry, hot climates. They can grow up to 12 feet tall, and their leaves are characteristically long and skinny.
Effects & Usage: Typically, sativas have a higher ratio of THC to CBD, offering a “mind high” and a more energetic effect. Consuming a sativa-dominant strain can help you feel active, productive, and creative instead of relaxed and sleepy and is generally consumed during the daytime.
Our Popular Sativas: At Purple Moose Cannabis, our two most popular sativas are No. 515 Noisy Neighbour by Haven St. and Cold Creek Kush by Redecan.
Indica: The Basics
Origin & Features: Cannabis Indica grows primarily in dry, turbulent climates commonly found in the Hindu Kush mountains. The plants grow quicker than sativas and are short and bushy, and their leaves are thicker and broader.
Effects & Usage: Indicas have a higher CBD content than sativas but can still have high THC levels. Indica is consumed for its relaxing effects. Many people report that indica helps reduce nausea, increases their appetite, and is commonly used at nighttime.
Our Popular Indicas: At Purple Moose Cannabis, our top two indicas are Cherry Jam Prerolls by Wagner and our Pink Kush Prerolls by Pure Sunfarms.
Hybrids: The Basics
Origin & Features: Typically grown in greenhouses, cannabis growers and producers constantly create new strains derived from combinations of different indica and sativa plants. These hybrids are made with specific effects in mind.
Effects & Usage: Hybrids are commonly created to increase THC levels that are not possible via one strain alone. Each hybrid will have a unique THC and CBD ratio and have varying effects, depending on how the producers combined the strains.
Our Popular Hybrids: At Purple Moose Cannabis, our current two best-selling hybrids are Shred’s Tropic Thunder Milled Flower and Funk Master.
“Ok, but which strain is right for me”?
This is the most common question we get at the shop, and before we answer, we will ask you the following clarifying questions:
- What kind of effect are you aiming for? If you are looking for a more energizing effect, we suggest a sativa or a sativa-dominant hybrid. If you are after a more relaxing experience, an indica or indica-dominant strain might be for you.
- What is our tolerance level? Potency levels vary widely, and your selection should take your usage frequency and tolerance into consideration.
- How do you want to consume your cannabis? There are so many ways to consume cannabis now. Smoking or vaping your cannabis delivers your high quicker but stays in your system for a shorter period. “Ingestibles” like edible gummies, chocolates, cookies and beverages can take 30-45 minutes until you feel the effects and can keep you high for a longer time.
If you are unsure which cannabis strain is right for you and want to learn more, visit Purple Moose Cannabis (click here for directions), where our knowledgeable staff are ready to answer any questions you may have. You can also browse our online shop, where each product has information on its strain and THC and CBD ratios.
