What Are Strains?
In the context of marijuana, the term “strains” is used interchangeably to describe either:
- The broad categories of the plant – sativa, indica or hybrid
- Specific varieties within each category – such as “Glitter Bomb” or “Sour Diesel”
General Categories
- Sativa strains are known for more energetic and uplifting effects, often recommended for daytime use.
- Indica strains are associated with more relaxing and sedative effects, typically suggested for evening or nighttime use.
- Hybrid strains are crossbreeds between sativa and indica strains, designed to offer a balance of effects from both categories.
Specific Varieties
Within each of these broad categories, there are countless specific strains, each developed to produce particular flavors, aromas, and effects – with unique names like: Blue Dream or Gorilla Glue. Each of these names refers to a specific strain with its own profile of cannabinoids and terpenes, which together determine its specific effects, taste, and smell.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including marijuana. Terpenes contribute to the distinct smells and flavors of different marijuana strains: – most commonly:
* Citrus * Floral * Earthy * Pine
Terpenes also influence the effects of a marijuana strain, potentially enhancing or altering the impact of cannabinoids through what’s known as the “entourage effect.”
Bisabolol
- Aroma: Floral, sweet
- Effects: Calming
- Therapeutic Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, healing, pain relief
- Naturally Occurring In: Chamomile, candeia tree
Caryophyllene
- Aroma: Spicy, peppery
- Effects: Stress relief
- Medicinal Properties: Anti-inflammatory, ulcer treatment
- Also Present In: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon
Eucalyptol
- Aroma: Eucalyptus
- Effects: Cooling, refreshing
- Medicinal Properties: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory
- Can Be Found In: Eucalyptus leaves, bay leaves
Geraniol
- Aroma: Fruity, citrus, rose, floral
- Effects: Uplifting, stress relief
- Wellness Applications: Antioxidant, anti-fungal, anorectic, anti-proliferative
- Frequently Found In: Rose, palmarosa, citronella
Humulene
- Aroma: Earthy, woody
- Effects: Appetite suppressant
- Medical Use: Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial
- Also Found In: Hops, coriander, cloves
Limonene
- Aroma: Citrusy
- Effects: Mood elevation, stress relief
- Healing Qualities: Antidepressant, anti-anxiety, gastric reflux improvement
- Can Be Found In: Lemon rind, orange rind, other citrus fruits
Linalool
- Aroma: Floral, lavender
- Effects: Calming, relaxing
- Medical Use: Anxiety relief, anti-depressant, anti-epileptic
- Also Found In: Lavender, birch bark, some fungi
Myrcene
- Aroma: Earthy, musky, herbal
- Effects: Sedative, relaxing
- Healing Qualities: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, muscle relaxation
- Present In: Mango, lemongrass, thyme
Ocimene
- Aroma: Floral, sweet, woodsy, citrusy
- Effects: Uplifting, medical effects
- Medical Use: Antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory
- Also Found In: Mango, basil, lavender, orchid, pepper
Pinene
- Aroma: Pine
- Effects: Alertness, memory retention
- Therapeutic Properties: Asthma treatment, anti-inflammatory
- Exists In: Pine needles, rosemary, basil
Terpinolene
- Aroma: Floral, herbal, and a bit citrusy
- Effects: Uplifting
- Medical Use: Antioxidant, sedative, anti-cancer
- Also Found In: Nutmeg, lilac, tea tree, conifers
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