As the cannabis legalization movement has gained more and more traction, the amount of first time users, and returning users of cannabis have risen. Going to a dispensary for the first time can be intimidating. Before in a situation where cannabis was legal, there wasn’t generally easy access, or option when it came to what you were smoking. Now with the amount of legalization, there has been an influx of different strains that may have some new users confused. Marijuana is broken down into a few categories that all have similar effects to one another. Those being indica, sativa, and hybrids.
Indica is one of the two main branches of cannabis. There are some differences that separate it from its counterpart sativa. Firstly, an indica plant has some visual queues, generally being shorter, having broad leaves, as well as being more suitable for cold climates. While the plants show some variation, it is hard to determine the strain or even the type of weed from the bud itself. They can be found in most dispensary in seattle. The reported effects of a pure indica however do vary. Many of the effects associated with indica are associated with what’s considered a “body high”. Indica offers muscle relaxation, helps with pain, as well as increase appetite, and decrease nausea. Indica is often recommended to medical patients with chronic, or acute pain. It is also good for combating some of the side effects from cancer treatments like lack of appetite. Generally indica is recommended for night time usage, as it can make you feel very relaxed as well as sleepy. Some of the most popular indica strains include northern lights, grape ape, and a lot of the kush strains.
Sativa is the other major subset of cannabis. The plants are visually different, generally being taller, with thin leaves. Sativa plants also generally like warmer climates, and take longer to fully mature. The effects of sativa are generally more related to a “head” high. Sativa dominate strains are reported to have anti-anxiety, and anti-depressant qualities. Shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain. Sativa’s are generally associated with the up feeling it provides, leading to increased energy and focus for many users. Creativity is also a reported effect of sativas. These are generally best used during the day, or at least a few hours before bed. Due to the energy it can give, going to bed after smoking a sativa can be difficult for some. Some of the most popular sativa strains include sour diesel, strawberry cough, and maui wowie.
Hybrid strains are a mixture of the two. The majority of strains found today are at the very least somewhat of a hybrid. Hybrids can be dominate leaning towards either sativa or indica. But generally offer a more mild effects, and users commonly report a mixture of the two highs. Depending on the strain and the amount of each type found within the strain can effect the high differently. Due to the mixture, hybrid strain’s effects can be hard to pin down. But being aware of the type of mixture can give you a better indication of what to expect. Some of the most popular hybrid strains include grand daddy purple (GDP), blue dream, and pineapple express.