Find the Right Strain for You – How to Choose Marijuana Strains

The wide variety of cannabis available in today’s market can be overwhelming when determining which strain is the right one for you. Need help with how to choose marijuana strains? We can help!

The experts at Grant Pharms MMC can help find the right strain for you for all your medical marijuana needs. Owner and founder, Grant Wollert, believes everyone should have access to the strain of marijuana that effectively meets their medical needs. In an interview about his expansion into breeding, Wollert stated, “I want to try to make that available to everyone . . . and, to that end, our breeding is going to have a purpose. We will be breeding for traits, effects, smells, tastes, etc. to benefit the medical community specifically.”

Why Are There So Many Cannabis Strains?

What makes a given strain of marijuana unique? The structural formation of any given cannabis plant is influenced by two things:

The genetics behind it contains the blueprint for several possible characteristics (genotype)
The growth environment is responsible for the physical characteristics within its genetic code such as shape, smell, color, and resin, that the plant ultimately expresses (phenotype).

While each strain has specific defining characteristics, each plant uniquely expresses its individual genes according to the physical environment that supports its growth. This is why growers can have multiple ‘cuts’ of the same strain (e.g. Gorilla Glue #4, Kimbo Kush #2, etc.); they are growing variations to see which cultivar has the specific characteristics they desire. Once they find those specific traits, growers will usually move forward with one phenotype for future harvests and breeding projects. This can be helpful to know when you are wondering how to choose marijuana strains with multiple phenotypes, like some of our strains at Grant Pharms.

Find the Right Strain for You Based on The Two Primary Categories: Indica & Sativa

The terms “Indica” and “Sativa” were first used in the 18^th century to distinguish between different species of cannabis.

“Sativa” described hemp plants typically found in Europe and harvested for their seeds and fiber,

- Sativa plants are taller, thinner, narrow-leafed plants and tend to offer a more invigorating, energizing, and uplifting “cerebral” (as opposed to physical) experience. Sativa strains are therefore commonly used in conjunction with various creative endeavors, physical activities, and social gatherings.

“Indica” was used to describe the psychoactive cannabis varieties grown in India and harvested for fiber, seeds, and hashish.

- Indica strains are short, broad-leafed, bushy, resin-laden plants that generally provide a deep sense of physical relaxation and are therefore commonly used by medical marijuana patients for various physical ailments such as pain, muscle or joint soreness or stiffness, tremors, and other physical ailments.
- Various Indica strains are also commonly used for insomnia, as they are touted as being beneficial for their sedating effects.

However, “Indica” and “Sativa” are not the dominant factors in deciding which strain of marijuana is right for you. Cannabinoids and terpenes are better Indicators of any given cannabis strain’s effect than whether it is an Indica or Sativa strain, along with your individual geology, tolerance, consumption method, and the dosage you use.

Cannabis is comprised of several hundred unique chemical compounds that generate specific effects, mainly determined by the aforementioned cannabinoids and terpenes, inherent within the plant. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for increased appetite and psychoactive effects (the “high”), while CBD is a compound that patients claim alleviates pain, anxiety, and inflammation while not producing a psychoactive effect in the body. So next time you visit your local medical marijuana dispensary, pay attention to the cannabinoids and terpenes that you gravitate to most frequently to find the right strain for you.

What Does This Mean For Patients Wanting To Learn How to Choose Marijuana Strains?

There are a few elements of cannabis to consider when you are trying to find the right strain for your needs. THC-dominant strains are commonly selected by patients who seek a potent experience along with relief from pain, depression, insomnia, and anxiety, while those who wish for a more clear-headed, milder experience opt for CBD-dominant strains. Many new patients choose a balanced THC/CBD strain when first experimenting with medical marijuana treatment of their symptoms in order to achieve mild euphoria in conjunction with effective relief of their symptoms.

The other element of cannabis which heavily influences its effect on the body is the presence of terpenes—aromatic compounds secreted by the same glands responsible for THC and CBD production—which give each cannabis strain its unique aroma whether floral, fruity, or earthy. The terpenes found in cannabis work on our olfactory senses much the same as the fragrances in essential oils, producing calming, sedating, energizing, or uplifting effects on the mind and body. According to research, terpenes appear to be a major factor in how potent the sedating or energizing effects are of any given strain of cannabis. Because of hybridization, medical marijuana patients today have a virtually limitless selection of strains to choose from.

Where To Find the Right Strain for You

At Grant Pharms, our wide range of cannabis strains is what separates us from other medical marijuana clinics. In addition to commonly known strains, we offer our own unique products such as Blue Taffie, Antelope, and Guava x Tang.

If you have questions about using cannabis in any form and how to find the right strain for you to help treat a medical condition, or would like more information on how to choose medical marijuana that can help you maintain an active, healthy lifestyle, please contact us today.

Visit our Colorado Springs cannabis store or feel free to use our convenient online dispensary option—order online and pick up in-store!

Other questions? Send us an email at info@grantpharms.com, or give us a call at (719) 387-1633.

Find the right strain for you at Grant Pharms MMC! Visit one of our Colorado Springs locations today.

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Understanding Cannabinoids: THC vs. CBD

Cannabinoids play a crucial role in determining the effects of cannabis on the body. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound found in marijuana, responsible for the euphoric "high" that users experience. In contrast, CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and is often sought after for its therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief and anxiety reduction, without the intoxicating effects associated with THC.

Patients often choose THC-dominant strains for conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, and depression, as these strains can provide significant relief while also inducing a high. On the other hand, CBD-dominant strains are preferred by those looking for a more clear-headed experience, making them ideal for daytime use or for individuals who want to avoid psychoactive effects altogether. Understanding the balance between THC and CBD can help patients select the right strain for their specific medical needs.

The Role of Terpenes in Cannabis Effects

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to the plant's unique scent and flavor profile. Beyond their sensory attributes, terpenes also play a vital role in the overall effects of cannabis strains. Different terpenes can produce various effects, such as relaxation, alertness, or even mood enhancement, making them an essential factor to consider when choosing a strain.

For example, the terpene myrcene is known for its sedative effects and is often found in Indica strains, while limonene, with its citrus aroma, is associated with uplifting effects and is common in Sativa strains. By understanding the specific terpenes present in a strain, patients can better tailor their cannabis choices to align with their desired outcomes, enhancing their overall experience.

Choosing the Right Consumption Method for Your Needs

The method of cannabis consumption can significantly influence the onset, duration, and intensity of its effects. Patients can choose from various methods, including smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, and topicals, each offering distinct advantages and experiences. Understanding these methods is essential for selecting the right approach based on individual preferences and medical requirements.

Consulting with Experts: The Importance of Personalized Guidance

Consulting with knowledgeable staff at a medical marijuana dispensary can greatly enhance a patient's experience and help them find the most suitable strain for their medical condition. Experts can provide personalized recommendations based on individual health needs, preferences, and experiences, ensuring that patients make informed choices.

At Grant Pharms, our team is dedicated to educating customers about the various strains, cannabinoids, and terpenes, as well as consumption methods that align with their medical goals. By fostering an open dialogue, patients can gain valuable insights and feel more confident in their selections, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and satisfaction with their cannabis use.