Most use these three cannabis types as a touchstone for predicting effects:

  • Indica strains are believed to be physically sedating, perfect for relaxing with a movie or as a nightcap before bed. If you’re looking for a popular indica strain, Purple Kush is a classic.
  • Sativa strains tend to provide more invigorating, uplifting cerebral effects that pair well with physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects.
  • Hybrid strains are thought to fall somewhere in between the Indica-Sativa spectrum, depending on the traits they inherit from their parent strains.

The Sativa Plant

  • Tall
  • Narrow leaves
  • Longer flowering times
  • Best suited for warm climates

The Indica Plant

  • Shorter
  • Broad leaves
  • Shorter flowering cycles
  • Good with colder climates

Popular Indica strains

Cheese Strain

CBD Dream Strain

Pink Kush

Rockstar Tuna

Popular Sativa strains

Congo #9

Moby Dick

Grape God

Popular Hybrid strains

Citrus Tango

Hawaiian

Sour Diesel

Gorilla Glue

Cannabinoids

The cannabis plant is comprised of hundreds of chemical compounds that create a unique harmony of effects, which is primarily led by cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD (the two most common) are the main drivers of cannabis’ therapeutic and recreational effects:

  • THC makes us feel hungry and high, and relieves symptoms like pain and nausea. For a full list of THC’s potential effects, read below.
  • CBD is a non-intoxicating compound known to alleviate anxiety, pain, inflammation, and many other medical ailments.

Also consider basing your selection on these three choices:

  • THC-dominant strains are primarily chosen by consumers seeking a potent euphoric experience. These strains are also selected by patients treating pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and more. If you tend to feel anxious with THC-dominant strains or dislike other side effects associated with THC, try a strain with higher levels of CBD.
  • CBD-dominant strains contain only small amounts of THC, and are widely used by those highly sensitive to THC or patients needing clear-headed symptom relief.
  • Balanced THC/CBD strains contain balanced levels of THC, offering mild euphoria alongside symptom relief. These tend to be a good choice for novice consumers seeking an introduction to cannabis’ signature high.

Some short-term effects of THC include:

  • Elation
  • Relaxation
  • Sedation
  • Pain relief
  • Memory impairment
  • Energy
  • Hunger
  • Drowsiness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Dry mouth
  • Red eyes
  • Slowed perception of time
  • Laughter
  • Dizziness
  • “Couch-lock,” or feeling heavy
  • Anxiety/paranoia

There are a variety of conditions for which THC may offers benefits:

  • PTSD
  • Neuropathic and chronic pain
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Inflammation
  • Arthritis
  • Migraines
  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Glaucoma
  • ADHD
  • Sleep apnea
  • Appetite loss