What makes different kinds of weed

These components are often absent in a description of a cannabis-derived product, which is why some experts suggest that manufacturers should abandon naming their products as sativa or indica. Using these names is misleading and far more complex than people once thought. Learn more about the differences between indica, sativa, and hybrid plants, here.

Although a naming system for cannabis strains exists, manufacturers do not always follow the rules. A study in the Journal of Headache and Pain reported preferred cannabis strains among participants taking medical cannabis for pain. Depending on its effects, researchers noted that some participants preferred certain strains over others. For example, the top three cannabis strains for insomnia or sleep disorder were:. For mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, the preferred strains, included:.

Please note that these examples of preferred cannabis strains come from user reports not from placebo-controlled clinical trials. Two people using the same cannabis strain may have different experiences. To choose the best cannabis strain, people should speak with a healthcare provider who has clinical experience with cannabis.

Since cannabis is more readily available today than ever before, people need clear, accurate information on the effects of different cannabis strains for medical and recreational purposes. Knowing the composition and physiological and mental effects of cannabis plants can help people and clinicians choose the most appropriate product. Cannabis farmers crossbreed cannabis plants to create new strains that have different levels of THC, CBD, and many other physiologically active compounds.

Each plant may have different medicinal and recreational purposes. Researchers need to carry out further studies to better understand this complex plant and its effects on humans. Anecdotal evidence posits that indica is more calming, while sativa is more energizing.

Some experts say that such statements are misleading. Marijuana use can affect different people in different ways, and being 'high' can feel different to different people. Learn about what being high on…. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, though they are perhaps best known for their high concentration in the cannabis plant.

Check your local dispensary for these popular indica weed strains. Hybrid strains are bred from both indica- and sativa-descended plants. Due to the long history of crossbreeding cannabis strains—much of it was historically done underground to evade authorities—strains that have pure indica or pure sativa lineages are rare. Since hybrid weed strains derive genetics from indicas and sativas, their ensuing effects can also pull from both indica and sativa strains. Choosing the right cannabis product or strain for you can seem intimidating, but if you keep the following suggestions in mind, you should be able to find something that works for you:.

Although there are plenty of resources for learning about the differences between cannabis types, sometimes you just want to know the basics. Below are answers to some common questions about indica and sativa marijuana. Sativa strains used for medicinal purposes are believed to treat conditions related to depression, anxiety and pain.

While there is no scientific evidence that sativas give you energy, they are believed to be uplifting and euphoric. Sativa may provide a cerebral head and body high, although more research is needed on this topic.

If you want to start growing your own cannabis, this convenient starter kit contains everything you need to harvest it. Note: Even if marijuana is legal in your state, it continues to be illegal under federal law.

Sian Ferguson is a freelance writer and journalist based in Grahamstown, South Africa. Her writing covers issues relating to social justice and health.

You can reach out to her on Twitter. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 30 percent of marijuana users may have some sort of marijuana use disorder. It's estimated…. Skip trying to maintain a step routine every day and break down your regimen into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. By pairing the right steps with…. Research shows that CBD has a host of potential benefits, including reducing anxiety.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Share on Pinterest We include products we think are useful for our readers. What is a marijuana strain? How to choose a strain. Different types of strains. Share on Pinterest. Useful products. Read this next.

Is Weed Addictive? Anthocyanins belong to a parent class of molecules called flavonoids and are synthesized via the phenylpropanoid pathway. They occur in all tissues of higher plants, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruits.

They are odorless and moderately astringent, and can appear red, blue or purple according to their pH. Think of tree leaves in fall. As the temperature drops, they change from green to red, orange, yellow or gold. The same is true for cannabis: once the green fades, the colors appear.

Temperature plays a vital role too. Chlorophyll is the plant component vital to photosynthesis and cooler temperatures inhibit chlorophyll production. For cannabis, depending on the lineage of the strain, certain colors can appear when you drop the temperature and the light cycle shortens, simulating a change in season.

The ideal range to grow cannabis is a pH of 5. Additionally, different strains of cannabis come with different cannabinoid ratios, flavor profiles and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins can be present in plant tissues, leaves and flowers. Sometimes, they even present in the trichomes themselves, which are the hairs or fine outgrowths or appendages on plants. They also can attract pollinating creatures like butterflies and bees, while deterring pests.

A common misconception is that strains with bold color are more potent. The truth is that color has nothing to do with potency. In fact, buds that have been grown and harvested to their maximum potential can be so covered with trichomes that they almost appear white.