The cannabis plant family is a widespread one.
As one of the oldest plants, it grows throughout the world including the most secluded and remotest parts.
As such, there are tens of hundreds of cannabis strains both natural and man-made.
What makes all of these strains rather different from each other is their chemical composition which ultimately defines their uses and effects.
It is also what must have most probably led our ancestors to experiment and cultivate marijuana on large and domestic scales.
Understanding Cannabis Strains
Cannabis strains, similar to any other plant strain, refer to the sub-species of the main plant family, which in this case is known as Cannabaceae.
Apart from the well-known sub-species Cannabis Sativa and Indica, there are several other hundreds of interbred hybrid strains and genetically modified breeds that you can find.
Each with a different set of compounds known as cannabinoids which give it a particular aroma, potency, and flavour.
Some cannabinoids such as CBD delivers positive health effects; while others like THC you the ‘high.’ Which makes them quite opposing in nature.
Regardless, all the cannabis strains contain the same type of cannabinoids and other chemicals; albeit, in different proportions.
For example, the C. Sativa dominant strains have a higher THC content; whereas the C. Indica dominant strains are high in CBD or cannabidiol.
Along with these 2 major cannabinoids, there are over 400 chemical compounds found across the cannabis plant family with a different set of numbers in each strain.
Current Estimates of Cannabis Strains
Cannabis strains are usually named on the basis of their chemical composition, lineage, and smell.
For e.g., the famous sativa-dominant strain ‘Diesel’ which is named after its smell.
Apart from the 2 major sub-species sativa and indica, there is another natural strain of cannabis called ‘Ruderalis’ which rarely grows by itself due to the low levels of THC in it. Yet, largely used in hybrids to give them the auto flowering property that is based on the plant’s age and not light conditions.
Now since each species of cannabis can be interbred with each other in a process called hybridization, there are several hundreds of hybrids in modern time.
If you go by the current scientific estimate, 700 strains of recreational cannabis with 3 of them found naturally while the rest of them being mixed hybrids.
On top of that, new strains of cannabis continue to be made as the demand for desired effects is amplified.
One of the chief characteristics of the modern hybridization process and different cultivation techniques is THC being the main psychoactive compound of cannabis.
Other than that, a wide array of strains are simply devised from the main sub-species.
For instance, the famous ‘Kush’ strains such as Hindu Kush, Green Kush, Purple Kush, and Afghan Kush originate from pure C. Indica. And Blueberry Kush and Golden Jamaican Kush are hybrids of the C. indica hybrid strain.
Similarly, ‘Haze’ or ‘Diesel’ strains are made from pure C. sativa strain.
Classification of Cannabis Strains
Indigenous to Asia, cannabis can be found in almost every region of the world that supports vegetation.
As an annual flowering plant with either male or female flowers, or sometimes both, cannabis can easily spread through wind pollination.
Hence, the wide number of strains!
- Indica Strains
Cannabis Indica is one of the most commonly found strains that can be characterized by a bushy appearance. As a compactly branched plant, it grows up to 2–4 feet tall with shorter and broader leaves and buds that are greater in number.
Known for its higher CBD content and less THC, cannabis indica strains are more likely to be used for medicinal purposes only.
Apart from their sleep-inducing properties, Indica strains are shown to have multiple health benefits such as increased appetite, relief from anxiety, depression, and nausea, and positive effects on mood disorders and PTSD.
- Sativa Strains
Sativa strains, on the other hand, are largely grown in the West due to their widespread recreational use.
As a relatively taller plant of about 5–18 feet, it typically flowers under certain light conditions such as 11-12 hours of darkness per day.
Contrary to Indica, sativa plants are usually thin-leaved with fewer branches.
Nevertheless, due to the higher THC content and the ‘high’ effects, cannabis sativa is the preferred choice of most users.
When consumed in limited doses, sativa strains can have multiple medicinal benefits too.
Some of the most common include relief from chronic pain, treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, improvement in multiple sclerosis spasticity symptoms, and many other conditions for which there is insufficient evidence mainly due to a lack of research.
- Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains refer to those strains of weed that are made by crossbreeding one species or strain with another. And then breeding the new strain with another, and so on, as hybridization allows.
As such, several hundred crossbred hybrids exist in the modern age.
Named on a variety of basis such as lineage and odor; most hybrid strains do not follow the rules concerning how they are named (Maybe they don’t like name calling!).
But when it comes to THC content, modern hybrids are being cultivated with more THC than ever for desirable effects.
At the same time, cannabis ruderalis, the third sub-species of cannabis, gives them auto-flowering properties which let these hybrid strains produce their flowers based on the plant’s age rather than light.
As a result, hybrid plants are relatively smaller (up to 2 feet), unbranched, and can survive in colder temperatures than C. sativa strains.
Due to the interbreeding, hybrid cannabis strains are also content-specific, meaning they can have a variety of select desirable effects.
Depending on their specific characteristics, they can be used for a number of conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, sleep, inflammation, and so on.
The Role of Chemical Profiles
If you believe in conspiracy theories, 420 is the total number of chemical compounds found in cannabis which also corresponds to one of its nicknames.
According to the research though, the number of chemical entities in this complex plant is 426 out of which about 60 are cannabinoids. Close enough?
While they work best when combined in what’s called the “entourage effect”, there are some compounds that have made the most buzz be it in usage or research.
THC (d-9-THC) or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive compound that is infamous for its ‘high’ and euphoric effects.
CBD or cannabidiol is the main medicinal compound that is used for its therapeutic effects.
Other than that, there is something called ‘terpenes’ that are found in almost every plant and give it a peculiar aroma and flavor.
Furthermore, the concentrations of cannabinoids are subject to a variety of environmental factors apart from their genetic makeup.
These are light, water, moisture, temperature, or the climate as a whole, and stress factors such as pesticides, diseases, and drought.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain for You
Given the overwhelming number, it could be a bit confusing when it comes to choosing cannabis strains for yourself or your loved ones.
However, it all depends on your preference, requirements, and desired effects.
As I mentioned earlier, the sativa-dominant strains have higher THC thus ‘high’ which makes it perfect for recreational activities.
Whereas, Indica-dominant strains maintain a higher CBD than THC which makes them suitable for people with medical conditions.
Regardless of the strain, one thing that applies to all, even to the final product and method of consumption is the right amount of dosage.
To be safe, it’s always recommended to start slow with a lower amount of doses and then gradually increase the quantity until you’ve reached the sweet spot.
Those who are new to the cannabis scene might also want to consult with an experienced user or a budtender to get familiar with the do’s and don’ts of marijuana consumption.
Conclusion
The cannabis plant family has hundreds of hybrid strains with cannabis sativa and indica being two of the major sub-species that are the basis of all the other strains.
In essence, sativa strains for the “stoned” effects and Indica strains for better health. As far as hybrid strains of cannabis are concerned, they come in all strengths and concentrations.
So when buying them, take your time and explore all the available strains to meet your ends.
To make your weed shopping experience all the more convenient, you can always check out your local online sellers and weed delivery sites.
For instance, the West Coast Safe Delivery, which delivers a wide range of cannabis products in Southern California in a matter of hours.
Apart from our special same-day deliveries in the nearby vicinity, we also offer huge discounts to our new customers with our Welcome Offer ‘FIRST30’ which will give you a flat 30% off on your first order.
So, what are you waiting for?
Grab your phone and give us a call or place your order online to get your favorite weed delivered.
