We all have heard of Marijuana or weed as it is otherwise known. There was a time when Marijuana was mostly a recreational drug. Today though, Marijuana has evolved as an alternative cure for various conditions that mainstream medicine cannot solve. As a result, Governments have been forced to legalize it. There are many different Marijuana strains today, each serving different purposes and providing distinct advantages to users.
While some strains are natural, other strains are human-made. Also known as Hybrid strains, these human-made weed strains are created to give the user the best of both worlds.
Let us quickly learn about the various marijuana strains and how they can be useful to us.
The three major strains of Marijuana are:
- The Sativa strain
- The Indica strain
- The Hybrid strain
These three strains are used for various medicinal and recreational purposes. Users choose the strain depending on the benefits and the kind of experience they are looking for. Even within each of these strains, different plants produce varying effects.
Each marijuana plant is categorized depending on the following factors:
- The area where the plant grows.
- Characteristic features of the plant.
- THC and CBD contents.
- The effect the plant produces.
Now for a bit of detail about the various marijuana strains:
The Sativa strain:
This marijuana strain is found primarily in hot, tropical climates where long warm and sunny days are standard. It grows in Central America, Africa, and some parts of Asia. Plants belonging to this strain grow a little slower and are ready to harvest within 3 to 4 months. They generally smell grassy.
Sativa weed strain has higher amounts of THC and lower amounts of CBD. This means that marijuana plants belonging to this strain do not produce the “high” that is generally associated with recreational drugs.
As a result, these plants produce more of a calming effect on you. You can use Marijuana from this strain even during the day time. The effects generally last for a couple of hours and then wear off without giving you any high.
In terms of characteristic features, the Sativa strain plants are tall and slim with long and thin leaves.
This weed strain is used for giving you a “mind high,” meaning that it will make you more creative, improve focus, and increase your energy levels. You will feel extremely alert when using the Sativa strain. It gives you an overall uplifting feel.
The Sativa weed strain is used to cure medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Artists and those in creative professions generally prefer using the Sativa weed strain.
Let us quickly sum of the Sativa strain:
- Grown in warm climates.
- Tall plant with thin leaves.
- Grassy smelling.
- Harvests in 3 to 4 months.
- High THC and low CBD
- Gives a mind high.
- Used for treating anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, lack of appetite, etc.
- It can be consumed during the day.
Some famous examples of Sativa marijuana strain include:
- Sour diesel
- Jack Herer
- Laughing Buddha
- Kale mist
- Tangie
- Hawaiian snow
- Lemon haze
- Acapulco gold
- Green crack
- Amnesia
The Indica Strain:
Indica strain is completely opposite to the Sativa strain both in terms of characteristic features and uses as well. While the Sativa strain grows in warm weather, the Indica strain is cultivated in cold climates. Countries like India, Afghanistan, Turkey, etc. grow this marijuana strain extensively.
Plants belonging to the Indica strain are short and grow in bushes. The leaves are long and wide. They grow quickly, too, and are ready to harvest within six to eight weeks. These plants let out an intense sweet/sour smell.
Indica weed strain has more CBD and less amount of THC. As a result, it gives you a feeling of high, instantly relaxing the body. In other words, while the Sativa produces a mind high, the Indica strain produces a body high.
Medically, Indica strain is mostly used to treat chronic conditions like pain, nausea, etc. It is also a sedative for those who have chronic insomnia and intense anxiety, and for treating epileptic seizures.
Due to its relaxing nature, the Indica strain is generally used only during nights.
Let us quickly sum up the key features of the Indica strain:
- Grown in colder climates.
- Small stalky plants with shrubs.
- Strong smell.
- Harvests in 6 to 8 weeks.
- High CBD and low THC
- Gives a body high
Some of the popular plants that are categorized under the Indica strain include:
- Hindu kush
- Kosher kush
- Afghan kush
- Holland’s hope
- Bubble kush
- Northern Lights
- Blueberry
- G13
- Aurora Indica
- Blue cheese
The Hybrid Strain:
Hybrid strains are created artificially by breeding Indicas and Sativas. There are generally four breeds of Hybrid strains. They can be created by breeding two Indicas, or two Sativas, or an Indica and a Sativa, with one strain each having the dominant characters of one breed, known as Indica-dom and Sativa-dom.
Hybrids contain the best characters of both the parent strains, thus providing beneficial and therapeutic properties.
For example, a hybrid strain can act as an effective pain killer during the day without causing the user to fall asleep.
Different hybrids can produce different effects. You have to choose the right hybrid strain carefully, depending on what you are looking to achieve from the weed strain and how it works.
Hybrid marijuana strains are also suitable for beginners who want to experiment with them, or are looking to cure a condition using Marijuana for the first time.
Some of the popular plants that are categorized under the Indica strain include:
- Banana OG
- Larry OG
- Blue Dream
- Wedding cake
- Pineapple Express
- White Widow
- Sunset Sherbet
- UK Cheese
- Middle Fork
- Dance Hall.
While Marijuana strains are an excellent way to experience high or cure your medical conditions, always remember, be responsible when using weed. A little fun harms no one. But too much of anything is bad. Enjoy responsibly and stay out of harm’s way.