Which Cannabis Strain Is Right For Me?

When you’re trying to figure out what cannabis strain is right for you, you’ll notice they are typically broken down into three groups: sativa, indica and hybrid. But what does that mean? And how do you choose? It’s largely based on how you want to feel. Start with the desired effects and then pick from our list of favorite strains below.

What is the difference between sativa and indica?

Indica

Indica strains are believed to be physically sedating, perfect for relaxing with a movie or as a nightcap before bed. Indica strains are also usually associated with closer ratio of THC to CBD levels.

CBD is often considered the primary cannabinoid of interest to those studying the medicinal qualities of cannabis. You can expect the following from a CBD dominant strain:

• Relief of pain
• Lowered anxiety levels
• Seizure prevention for epileptics
• Better sleep

An indica strain can produces some incredible medicinal effects. If the THC level is lower, you’ll find that the strain has fewer side effects like cotton mouth or the feeling of intoxication.

Sativa

Sativa strains tend to provide more invigorating, uplifting cerebral effects that pair well with physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects.

Generally speaking, plants which fall under the sativa label will be high in THC and low in CBD. That makes them ideal for those who are looking for a mood lift, but without the balancing effects of CBD there are often mental side effects as well.

If you’re prone to high anxiety, be cautious when choosing high THC strains, as they can be known to increase anxiety and paranoia when taken in large amounts.

As a general rule, sativa strains are considered to be THC-dominant. The actual breakdown of the primary cannabinoids varies from strain to strain, however.

I want to relax; what strains are right for me?

As discussed above, if you’re looking to wind down before bed or relax with your friends, indica strains will be your best bet.

Our two favorite indica strains are:

1. Peyote CookiesPeyote Cookies by Barney’s Farm was created by crossing Peyote Purple and Barney’s famous Cookies Kush. It was developed through a detailed selection and back-crossing process that helped isolate the very best qualities of both parent strains, resulting in a vigorous hybrid flower that is easy to grow and pleasurable to consume. The flowering plant displays a dazzling ruby red and purple complexion coupled with delicious flavors of guava, vanilla, coffee, and earth. This strain is also mold and mildew-resistant and grows superbly indoors or outdoors.Effects: Relaxed, creative, euphoric, happy, focused
   Medical Uses: Pain, stress, insomnia, inflammation, depression
   Flavour: Earthy, citrus, spicy, herbal
2. Death TunaDeath Tuna is a BC legend that is now surfacing in North American medical cannabis markets. This strain has been deemed one of the most potent available, producing small, dense nuggets that are hard-caked with resin. Although Death Tuna kush is not known for its large yield, what does come off these thinner stalks will be rich with potency and flavor. That being said, if this strain makes it to your grow, upgrade your carbon filters because this bud is stinky! Expect notes of pungent skunk, fuel, and a delicate sweetness intermixed.Effects: Sleepy, relaxed, hungry, euphoric, uplifted
   Medical Uses: Stress, depression, pain, insomnia, headaches
   Flavour: Skunky, earthy, woody

I want to feel creative, focused and upbeat; what strains are right for me?

If you are looking to feel uplifted, creative or need to stay focused, you’ll likely want to try out a sativa strain.

Our two favorite sativa strains are:

1. Moby Dick AAAAOriginating in Amsterdam and currently bred by Dinafem Seeds, Moby Dick has a high THC content making it one of the strongest sativas. Winner of Girl of the Year; by the cannabis newspaper Soft Secrets in 2010, this strain is a cross between indica dominant hybrid White Widow and sativa Haze; the former is known for its power while the latter for its cerebral stimulation, creating a mostly sativa plant that delivers a charged buzz. This strain is also favoured for its short flowering period, mold resistance, and high yield, making it a grower favourite. However, the plant does require more attention and care. The aroma is a sweet citrus from the Haze, which dominates the palate with vanilla and eucalyptus tones.Effects: Happy, uplifted, relaxed, euphoric, energetic.
   Medical Uses: Stress, depression, pain, headaches, lack of appetite.
   Flavors: Citrus, sweet, earthy.
2. New York HazeThe illustrious Haze sativa first took root in Santa Cruz, California during the 1960s where long growing seasons accommodated her lengthy flowering cycle. Since then, Haze has become the proud parent of countless hybrids around the globe, passing on its genetics from Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and South India. Although Haze cultivators must wait patiently for Haze flowers to reach full maturation, few strains can match the high-energy, creative buzz provided by this sativa staple. Haze’s aroma is typically characterized by a spicy scent accented by hints of citrus and earthy sweetness.Effects: Happy, uplifting, focused, relaxed, euphoric
   Medical Uses: Lack of appetite, depression, pain, stress, fatigue
   Flavour: Earthy, pungent, woody

I want a balance; what strain is right for me?

If you’re looking for a balance of effects, a light body buzz and just a bit of a head high, hybrids are the right choice for you. They are often the go to selection for those dealing with chronic pain.

Our three favorite hybrids are:

1. Grease MonkeyGrease Money is a sweet, earthy strain with strong skunky overtones. Created by Exotic Genetix, Grease Monkey is a cross of GG4 x Cookies and Cream. This strain’s indica-dominant genetics saddle the consumer with a lazy, munchie-fueled body buzz that may soften the blow of chronic pain, nausea, and stress. While defined as a hybrid, this Grease Monkey’s deep relaxation will naturally lead some consumers toward sleep, so mind your dosage.Effects: Relaxed, Happy, Euphoric, Uplifted, Sleepy
   Medical Uses: Pain, Stress, Muscle Spasms, Depression, Insomnia
   Flavour: Earthy, Pungent, Sweet
2. UK CheeseUK Cheese is a popular hybrid strain known for its potent, balanced effects and signature musty cheese smell. The flavor is also unique with notes of berries and spicy cheese (one that may just have to be tasted rather than described). This strain is thought to be a specific phenotype (same genetics, different end result) of Skunk #1 that was originally cultivated in the early 1990s by a UK collective group known as “Exodus.” (As a result, this strain is also known as Exodus Cheese.)Effects: Energetic, euphoric, uplifted, relaxed
   Medical Uses: Impressive pain relief potential
   Flavour: Pungent, spicy
3. White CastleWhite Castle is an indica-dominant F1 hybrid, Nirvana’s White Castle is a tantalizing mixture of the world renowned White Widow and Nirvana’s strain Ice. With two award winning parents, White Castle has a lot to live up to, and by many user’s accounts, it has done just that.
   This strain is most sought after for its powerful effects on chronic aches and pains, which may make even the most severe pain manageable. White Castle’s upbeat mind effects may make it helpful to those with anxiety and stress disorders as well. It is very capable in aiding patients in sleeping and eating, meaning this one should not be used as a daytime medication.Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, sedation, sleepiness.
   Medical Uses: Pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, loss of appetite.
   Flavour: Strawberry, pine.

What if I don’t want to smoke?

If you don’t like to smoke, fear not, we carry a variety of edibles that are broken down into sativa and indica, as well!

You can shop all of our edibles HERE, but our two favorites are:

1. Twisted Extracts Cara-Melts- Sativa
2. Twisted Extracts Blue Rasberry ZZZ Bombs- Indica

What’s your favorite strain?

If there is a strain that you LOVE and we don’t carry it, please email us to let us know and we’ll do our best to get it in stock.

If we do carry your favorite strains, please leave a review on the product page so other people know what will work best for them (plus, you’ll earn 25 points for every review you leave!).

Strain information provided by Leafly.