There Are Hundreds of Strains. Which Will Work for You?
Finding the right cannabis strains for you takes experimentation.
Strains aren’t one-size-fits all. Cannabis has been linked to mitigating anxiety and insomnia, alleviating pain, and providing a creative boost. But the endless combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes will register with everyone’s endocannabinoid system a little differently.
So which of them will work for you?
We’ve been doing our homework on this (which is pretty fun!) for a few years now, so we can get you started with some recommendations. Here are some strains we think you might enjoy:
Strains for Pain
Whether it’s a sprained ankle or a slipped disc — everyone will need pain relief at some point. The National Institutes of Health has reported that the dynamic cannabinoid duo of THC and CBD can help alleviate pain and inflammation. (And the ancient Chinese were using cannabis as pain medicine in 2700 BCE).
With this in mind we can turn to a strain like Yummy, which many people say provides a subtle body high that lends pain relief without bringing on drowsiness. There’s also Rocket Fuel, an indica-heavy hybrid with notes of spice. And there are more than a few enthusiasts who also say they use like to this one to decompress at the end of the day.
Nausea often accompanies chronic pain, and that’s where Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) could help. It’s a hybrid with an aromatic, earthy flavor that’s said to bring both a head and body high.
Look for strains with these terpenes: beta-caryophyllene and myrcene
There’s a strain that tastes like Girl Scout Cookies? Sign us up.
Strains for Anxiety
Dose it right, and cannabis might even things out and relieve tension. Further studies by the NIH support the theory that CBD, in particular, alleviates anxiety for many as it interacts with serotonin receptors.
The diesel-flavored Chemdawg X hybrid is one of our go-tos. Leafly says Chemdawg has “secured itself a permanent place in the cannabis hall of fame” due to the number of consumers who report it helps them achieve a relaxed, chill mindset. It can be pretty potent, though, so beginners should stick to a low dosage.
We can also vouch for Gorilla Glue #4 as a sweet, full-bodied hit (and don’t be surprised if you pick up some grace notes of chocolate and coffee.) Though it’s high in sativa, some consumers claim it can still help them unwind.
Out at a party this weekend? Some users say the Banana Kush indica can help blunt social anxiety. (Just make sure you Uber home).
Look for these terps: beta-caryophellene, myrcene, and limonene
Many cannabis users have found strains to mitigate their anxiety.
Strains for Insomnia
When you need to calm your mind and pass out, an indica with a moderate concentration of THC could help, according to a breakdown by The Fresh Toast.
A textbook indica is Alien Blueberry — a sweet, smooth strain that Leafly users rank highly on the relaxation scale. We also recommend trying the Tarzan hybrid — some consumers liken it to hitting a “power down” switch. Keep in mind that Tarzan is a little higher in THC, so it’s a better fit for more experienced connoisseurs.
And don’t forget about edibles. They do take longer to hit, but try a chocolate square before a Sunday afternoon nap and see how it feels.
Look for these terps: linalool, myrcene, terpenol & alpha-pinene.
A large number of us will eventually deal with insomnia.
Strains for Creativity
Scholars, and scientists will tell you that cannabis can optimize your creativity and help you gain new insights. (Read our article on how cannabis helps musicians elevate their work here).
To get into a creative space, we recommend the sativa-dominant Pineapple Express for its citrusy flavor and heady, steady buzz. Another of our favorites is the tangy Green Crack, a daytime strain that many have reported sharpened their focus and gave a nice kick of energy. We also like Golden Goat for its sweet, piney notes and uplifting boost.
Look for these terps: limonene and pulegone
The Right Strains for You
Finding the right strains will take some experimentation (and that’s part of the fun). What’s been working for you so far? Let us know at [email protected] — we love talking with other enthusiasts. And to find more strains and get specific recommendations, remember that we’re always running dispensary popups. Come see us at one near you this week!
***
Our mission at Northern Standard is to produce the highest-quality extracts possible.
That’s why we’re proud to introduce our brand-new Native Elite line of CO2 vape oils. Native Elite oils are extracted from award-winning, single-strain cannabis, and only contain cannabinoids and terpenes native to the cannabis plant.
Native Elite is available in Ghost Train Haze (with notes of overripe pineapple and stretched leather), Pucker (a citrusy strain with eggnog flavor), and Devil’s Fire (hints of Malbec, candied grapes and tamarind). Ask your Northern Standard reps at one of our popups where you can try these strains.
