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Tips for choosing the right cannabis strains

What will a novice pot smoker do if s/he is in the mood for a trip to a Canadian weed shop with the express objective of procuring some weed for a weekend bash? The sheer number of options can indeed make the task of choosing the right cannabis strains for beginners a complicated and mind-boggling one. Before you find yourself in a similar situation, you need to read this post and learn about a few tips for selecting the right weed strain for you.

Tips for choosing the right marijuana strains for beginners

Tips for choosing the right marijuana strains for beginners

Broadly speaking there are two main kinds of cannabis strains- sativa and indica. While sativa strains have an energizing effect, indica strains are known for their relaxing and sleep inducing properties. Needless to say that there are a host of hybrid strains that are basically a mix of both indica and sativa and offer the effects of both.

Do a little research

Before you decide to give pot your first shot make sure to do a little research about the kind of weed you want to go for. Every cannabis strain produces a different effect on your body and mind. While some weed strains are good for productivity, others help you sleep, while others will stimulate your appetite or your sex drive. This is why you need to figure out the effect you are looking for before stepping into your local cannabis store.

Understand your tolerance

Before choosing the right cannabis strains for beginners, it is important to take your personal experience with cannabis into consideration. The first question you need to ask yourself is how familiar are you with weed? If you are a rookie user, then ideally you should go for strains that come with low THC and high CBD. This way you’d get the euphoric feeling without the slightest trace of anxiety or paranoia. However, if you are an experienced user, then feel free to experiment with new strains available in the dispensary.

Consider the smell and the taste

For those of you who are planning to smoke up the weed, you need to be on the lookout for a strain that comes with an appealing smell and taste. Each strain gives off a different smell- some are minty, some are earthy, while some are fruity or citric. Therefore you need to determine which aroma is perfect for you before settling on the right cannabis strain.

Determine the availability of the particular strain

It needs to be said that not every strain you look up on the internet will be readily available in your local weed dispensary in Canada. However, no matter which part of the country you’re in, you’ll surely find a few strains which are popular in your area. Therefore, it’s always wise to check out which strains are available in your locality and then make an informed decision. It’s always best to consume locally produced strains since they are always fresher than the imported ones.

Examine your strain

Once you’re in the dispensary, make sure to examine the strain closely. One of the basic rules of potent weed is the visible white crystalline layer of trichome covering the bud- so ensure that your strain has one.

Ask your bud-tender for help

If you still cannot make up your mind then the bud-tender at your local weed shop will surely come to your rescue. Feel free to talk about the kind of high or effects you are after and leave the rest for your bud-tender to decide.

Best cannabis strains for beginners:

Here’s a list of cannabis strain which every newbie pot smoker which try out:

Harlequin

This sativa dominant strain comes with a low concentration of THC and is known to produce pleasant psychotropic effects. The sweet and earthy flavour along with the mood-elevating capacity of this strain will never leave you disappointed.

Pennywise

For a more stoning experience go for Pennywise, an indica dominant strain with a more or less balanced CBD, THC ratio. A hybrid of Harlequin and Jack the Ripper, Pennywise gives you a discernible high although its high CBD content will keep your high on the mellow side. It will make you mildly euphoric and increase your focus and lucidity.

Jack Herer

One of the most popular strains both among connoisseurs as well as weed newbies, Jack Herer comes with a rather high percentage of THC (around 25%). However, not all THC dominant strains induce anxiety or paranoia and Jack Herer is definitely not one of those. Even first-time smokers can handle this strain very well and most of them reported that it produces a creative, tranquil, lucid and pleasantly cerebral high.

Cinex

Cinex is a slightly sativa dominant strain that comes with a THC percentage of 22%. Known for its citrus aroma, Cinex also features a white coat of trichomes on the bid. It gives you an energy boost thus making it perfect for day time users and first-time users. The creative cerebral buzz is much favoured by artists, musicians and writers.

Blue Dream

A powerful hybrid of Haze and Blueberry, Blue Dream aka Azure Haze is a strain that will give you a mellow cerebral high without making you sleepy or paranoid. The euphoria it produces along with its refreshing taste of mixed berries is going to be a blissful experience for new users.

Before heading to your local weed store just keep in mind that you need to start with a strain that is low on THC. If you want an exhilarating experience then remember the golden rule- begin low and go slow. Moreover, try not to smoke your joint at once…ideally just go for a single drag and see how you feel before taking the second one. If you are using an edible then start real low! Never consume more than 5-8 mg of edible on your first try. Lastly, keep in mind that CBD is your friend which will always counter the anxiety-inducing effects of THC. As we’ve already mentioned before, start with a strain that comes with a decent amount of CBD for an unforgettable experience.

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20 Terpenes in Cannabis Plants

Have you ever wondered why different cannabis strains smell differently? It is the terpene profile of the particular marijuana strain that is largely responsible for its unique aroma and flavor. Not only that, the terpenes in cannabis plants also have various healing properties. Studies have shown that the terpenes in marijuana bind with different cannabinoids like THC and CBD to either boost or reduce their effects. They play a significant role in the entourage effect of the cannabinoids that determines the type or intensity of the ‘high’ you get. Being a marijuana user, it is very important that you have a clear understanding of the terpenes found in cannabis. Keep reading this post to get a closer look at the most valuable terpenes found in the cannabis strains.

20 terpenes found in cannabis strains

There are over hundreds of terpenes found in cannabis that are formed in the trichomes of marijuana plants. Not all cannabis strains have the same terpene profile. Cannabis experts say that a number of factors including the spectrum and intensity of light exposure affect the terpene profile of a cannabis plant. According to Amber Wise, scientific director at a famous cannabis testing lab at Washington, even in plants with same genetic makeup, ‘you can end up with different terpene profiles at the end because temperature, growing medium, nutrients, sunlight, all kinds of things affect the terpene profile of plants’. As the cannabis industry is becoming more and more concerned with the terpenes and terpenoids, more and more designer strains containing unique terpene-profiles are flooding the market. It is therefore important for you to know about the different terpenes in cannabis and understand their effects on your body and mind. Here is a list of 20 most significant and common terpenes found in marijuana:

Myrcene

One of the primary and most popular cannabis terpenes, Myrcene is also found in mangoes. It is responsible for the earthly aroma with which many cannabis strains are generally associated. It has great anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety powers.

Limonene

This terpene provides the citrus aroma in cannabis strains. With great anti-fungal, anti-bacterial as well as pain-relieving properties, Limonene is the second most common terpene found in cannabis plants.

Pinene

As the name suggests, this particular terpene is also found in pine trees and gives marijuana strains their peculiar piney smells. It is known to be a highly effective bronchodilator.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene produces a unique mix of piney, floral and herbal aromas. Studies have proved its great antioxidant and sedative potentials. Many claim that this particular terpene also reduces the malignant cell formations in cancer patients.

Linalool

Does your cannabis strain smell like lavender? In that case, it has a high concentration of Linalool terpene in it. Good for various fungal infections, Linalool also balances the psychoactive effects of THC. This makes it ideal for treating anxiety or stress-related issues.

Caryophyllene

Another commonly found cannabis terpene, Caryophyllene is an extremely good antidepressant and anti-inflammatory agent. Also found in black pepper, cinnamon and cloves, the terpene releases a woody, peppery and spicy aroma.

Humulene

Humulene is a terpene that has great anti-inflammatory and topical pain-relieving powers. It gives you an earthly ‘hoppy’ scent that is common to basil, coriander, sage or ginseng.

Ocimene

Ocimene is a very commonly found terpene in nature. Like many other terpenes in cannabis, it is also very effective in treating inflammation, congestion, viral as well as bacterial infections.

Nerolidol

Known for a unique woody and fresh bark scent, Nerolidol intensifies the sedative effects of the cannabinoids and other terpenes in cannabis. Many experts claim that it is very effective in alleviating symptoms of leishmaniasis and malaria.

Bisabolol

Bisabolol is very popular among cosmetic and fragrance manufacturers for its mild floral aroma and dermatological benefits. According to some studies, Bisabolol is very useful in managing skin inflammations.

Guaiol

As the name suggests, Guaiol is also found in the guaicum and cypress pines. The terpene is known for its anti-microbial properties. Another terpene with a piney scent, Guaiol is said to be helpful in lung cancer treatments too.

Eucalyptol

The main component in the Eucalyptus oils sold in the market, Eucalyptol has many therapeutic properties. Various cannabis strains contain small amounts of this terpene which is very helpful in increasing concentration and meditative powers.

Camphene

This terpene is characterized by a unique musky and damp woodland kind of smell. Camphene has a wide range of medicinal uses including treatments of various skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis. Combined with vitamin C, Camphene works as a strong antioxidant as well.

Delta3 Carene

Delta3 Carene is very useful in orthopedic issues. It is highly effective in healing broken bones, osteoporosis, arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Borneol

Borneol has been used in Chinese traditional medicines for centuries. With strong psychedelic and sedative effects, this terpene carries with it a typical mint and camphor scent.

Valencene

With a tangy and orangy smell, Valencene is a very good insect repellent. As a cannabis terpene, it is highly effective in producing intensified focus and better cognitive abilities.

Geraniol

Another great antioxidant and neuroprotector terpene in cannabis, Geraniol can be found in tobacco and lemons as well. It also reduces muscle spasms and inhibits tumor growth.

Phellandrene

The unique minty and citrus profile of Phellandrene makes it very popular among cannabis users. Studies have shown that Phellandrene is very useful in reducing phlegm and increasing energy. It is also a strong analgesic.

Bergamontene

This terpene has a strong black pepper scent. The cannabis strains that contain significant amounts of Bergamontene are very good alleviating fungal or bacterial infections and tumors.

Fenchol

Another favorite of the perfume makers, Fenchol releases a mixed lemon and pine scent. Though its medicinal properties are not fully researched, anecdotal evidence claims that it has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory powers.

As the support for both recreational and medical use of cannabis rapidly grows across the world, marijuana users are becoming increasingly aware of the terpenes in cannabis. More and more studies are bringing our attention to the effects of cannabis terpenes on the neurotransmitters as well as the cell growth in our body. Given this, it is not enough to check out the cannabinoid profile of your cannabis strain, you need to check its terpene profile as well. Visit your local weed store in Canada and choose a strain that has a terpene profile most suitable for you!

Categories

Our team curates new experiences for cannabis tastemakers throughout Canada. We hand-craft each Pink Pack from a wide spectrum of flowers, edibles, concentrates, topicals, and handcrafted accessories.

Choose from our selection of tailored experiences…

Read More