Recorded history shows the use of cannabis as far back as almost 5,000 years ago, and although this intoxicating plant has gone through periods of prohibition, stigmas surrounding marijuana have started to wane.
With the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp cannabis at the federal level and dozens of states passing laws to allow the use of medical or recreational marijuana, legislation is finally catching up with social opinion.
While pot wasn’t exactly hard to come by when it was illegal, ongoing legalization has opened the door to major expansion, resulting in new research, cultivation, and products. One byproduct has been many different strains of weed hitting the market over the last few decades.
Whether you’re new to the cannabis scene or you’ve been around for a while, you might not know exactly what people mean when they refer to the strain of cannabis. What qualifies as a strain, and what can you expect from different strains?
What Is a Cannabis Strain?
In a nutshell, the strain of cannabis refers to different breeds of the plant. For legal purposes, cannabis plants are separated into two groups: marijuana and hemp. The major distinction between them centers on a cannabinoid, or chemical compound, known as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
Of the hundreds of compounds found in the cannabis plant, THC is known primarily as the cannabinoid associated with psychoactive effects or intoxication.
Marijuana plants tend to have high concentrations of THC naturally, while federally legalized hemp plants contain 0.3% or less of THC, typically featuring much higher volumes of cannabidiol, or CBD, among other cannabinoids.
The Three Main Categories of Strains
While marijuana and hemp are separated for legal reasons, distinctive breeds of cannabis are differentiated by their effects and broken down into three main groups of cannabis strains: indica, sativa, and hybrid.
While these overarching categories are populated by literally hundreds of more precise strains based on cultivation and content, you can narrow your search by understanding what each main group has to offer.
Indica
Indica and sativa are separated both by physical characteristics and the effects they’re known to produce. Indica strains, in particular, tend to feature dark green foliage, even darkening to bluish or purplish hues in some cases. The leaves of these plants are shorter and wider and may grow more densely. Indica strains are considered very hardy.
Content-wise, indica strains feature lower levels of THC and higher levels of CBD. They’re known to produce effects like a relaxing body high and relief from discomfort, nausea, and sleep problems.
Sativa
Sativa strains are recognizable by their brighter green foliage and leaves that are longer and thinner than indica.
These plants have sparser growth but tend to grow taller – up to 10 feet. Sativa plants are a bit more delicate and do well in temperate climates, although they typically offer lower yields than more robust indica.
These plants have higher THC levels, which makes them a popular choice among many consumers. Sativa is also known to produce a more energizing and stimulating head high, spurring creativity. Some consumers turn to sativa strains to boost focus and reduce worry.
Hybrid
As the name implies, this category of cannabis is a mixture of sativa and indica produced through crossbreeding. For consumers seeking a balance of relaxation, relief, and productivity, hybrids can deliver the perfect solution.
Even better, this category features a wide range of combinations, some offering a fairly balanced blend while others are heavier in indica or sativa. In other words, hybrids can offer something of a curated experience.
With that being said, each main category of strains can be further broken down into specific breeds that feature unique combinations of chemical compounds with a range of flavors, aromas, and effects.
Some of the Most Popular Weed Strains
While indica is thought to have originated somewhere around present-day Afghanistan, and sativa is believed to be native to the Asian region, it’s only in the last century or so that cannabis has been categorized into hundreds of specific breeds and derivatives of crossbreeding.
The genetics of weed strains isn’t always easy to track, and there can be some argument about where different strains originated.
What are some of the most popular strains? How have they evolved, and what can you expect in practical terms?
Acapulco Gold
Acapulco Gold is one of a handful of cannabis breeds known as “landrace” strains that are thought to have relatively unaltered genetics dating back hundreds of years. As such, it has served as a parent strain for crossbreeding, most notably producing Skunk No. 1. This sativa strain hails from Mexico and features abundant THC content.
Bright green and marked by orangey-gold hairs, Acapulco Gold is known to arouse motivation and deliver euphoric, uplifting effects. Some consumers report reduced feelings of fatigue, stress, worry, and sadness. While the aroma can be a bit funky, a combination of honey and woodsy flavors offers a pleasant consumption experience.
Gorilla Glue
This potent and popular hybrid was created from three different strains: Chem’s Sister (sativa), Chocolate Diesel (sativa), and Sour Dubb (hybrid).
Rumor has it that the pairing of Chem’s Sister and Sour Diesel resulted from an accidental cross-pollination mishap.
The best plant from the bunch was then paired with Chocolate Diesel to create an incredibly sticky and resinous breed that became known as Gorilla Glue, or GG#4.
An award-winning strain, sativa-heavy Gorilla Glue features a famously high THC content and sweet, earthy aromas and flavors (diesel and chocolate, naturally). A buzzy euphoria is par for the course, and some consumers say it can be beneficial for those who experience worry, sadness, and even compulsive behaviors.
Kush
There are many hybrid Kush strains, and because of that, parentage can be a little tricky to nail down. With that being said, the common thread seems to lead back to Chemdog (hybrid), which, in turn, is thought to come from landrace Thai and Nepalese sativa strains.
OG Kush, for example, is thought to be a blend of Chemdog, Lemon Thai (hybrid), and Hindu Kush (indica) that produces a well-balanced experience with both body relaxation and feelings of euphoria. Bubba Kush is said to come from the pairing of OG Kush and Northern Lights (hybrid), creating a hybrid that aids in sleep.
Purple Kush, one of many purple weed strains (ostensibly named for their purple-hued hairs), is a blend of Hindu Kush and Afghani Purple (indica) that offers feelings of deep relaxation and happiness, paired with mildly sedating effects.
There are many more Kush strains out there, with popular breeds tending to help reduce stress and aid in sleep.
Northern Lights
Landrace Thai (sativa) and Afghani (indica) strains are thought to provide parentage for relaxing Northern Lights, although the parentage seems to be pure speculation. What is known is that this strain can both uplift mood and help with sleep difficulties, as well as discomfort, delivering a balanced hybrid experience.
Pineapple Express
You’ve probably heard of this strain, thanks to the 2008 movie of the same name. A mix of Trainwreck (sativa) and Hawaiian (hybrid), this hybrid is slightly sativa-dominant and known for delivering energy and a mood boost with a measure of relaxation. It’s renowned for its distinctive pineapple aroma, for which it is named.
Sour Diesel
Another mistake apparently stemming from a cultivation mishap, Sour Diesel is believed to be the product of Chemdog and Super Skunk (indica). It’s named for its pungent aroma and flavor, with both leaning heavily toward earthy diesel notes with hints of citrus.
Despite some indica parentage, this hybrid is known to produce strong, invigorating effects that could help with feelings of stress and sadness.
Thai
A pure sativa, landrace strain native to Thailand, this strain is considered incredibly potent, producing a euphoric head high and energizing effects.
Sometimes referred to as Thai Stick because of traditional drying and curing practices, this plant is pale green and heavy on the resin. Thai has served as a parent for many strains, including the popular Haze.
Choosing the Right Strains for Your Needs
These are just a few of the many weed strains available in the cannabis market today. While an abundance of choices ensures products to suit every need and preference, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the options.
DiamondTREE is a full-service dispensary staffed by knowledgeable and experienced professionals who are always ready to help with information and guidance. Contact us today with questions, or visit our Bend or Madras locations for an engaging in-store experience.