When I first started shopping at the dispensary, I noticed that the cannabis products were divided into three primary categories.
They are listed as sativas, indicas or hybrids.
I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant. The budtender explained that these classifications are intended to give a general idea of the effects of the strain. Sativas are considered to be uplifting, energizing and more of a cerebral high. They tend to have higher THC levels and are recommended for daytime use. Indicas are associated with more of a calming, relaxing, full-bodied high. The term “couch lock” is linked to indicas. While indicas often provide higher CBD percentage they can still offer plenty of THC potency. Hybrids are created from cross-breeding strains to achieve specific effects. They can be sativa-dominant, indica-dominant and have any ratio of THC to CBD. The budtender then went on to tell me that the terms indica and sativa actually apply more to the origin of the plant. Most of today’s plants are no longer pure. They are all a hybrid variation. He said that to have a full understanding of the effects of a strain, I need to pay more attention to the terpene and cannabinoid profile. The terpenes are responsible for the aroma and taste of individual strains of cannabis. The cannabinoids are the chemical compounds, such as THC and CBD, that react with the mind and body. Terpenes and cannabinoids also influence each other and the effects on the mind and body. There are over a hundred cannabinoids found in the plant. It has taken quite a bit of careful experimentation for me to find the strains I prefer.