Marijuana, pot, Ganja or dope, weed has many different names in different places. Weed is generally the dried seed, leaves, stem, or flower of the Cannabis plant and the plant has many varieties and subspecies. Cannabis is made of hundreds of chemical compounds led by cannabinoids that create a unique harmony of effects.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are the most dominant cannabinoids and the drivers of cannabis’ effects. THC has psychoactive effects, while CBD has a relaxing effect. The levels of these two chemicals are the most used method of distinguishing different types of weed. The way the plant is prepared and what cannabis plant it is is another method.
1. Cannabis Indica
Cannabis indica originated from the cold Hindu Kush mountains of India. It tends to be shorter with a bush’s appearance with its leaves darker, fuller, and rounder and its bud growing in clumps. This species is known to grow faster and produce more buds.
This species of cannabis is considered strong as it has high levels of THC and low levels of CBD. This THC to CBD ratio triggers it to have a sedating effect on its user. Due to this characteristic, Cannabis indica is mostly used at night before bed. It is recommended to people who experience insomnia and has been proven to relieve insomnia due to its high levels of THC. Cannabis indica creates a “body high” and may be used to reduce pain, nausea, and increase appetite. Some popular strains of indica are the Hindu Kush, Afghan Kush, and Granddaddy Purple.
2. Cannabis Sativa
Unlike indica, Cannabis sativa originates from warmer climates like Mexico hence tends to be taller up to 12 feet tall with long thin, and pale leaves. This species is unique as it flowers only under the required light conditions and takes a longer time to mature than other strains. Cannabis sativa has higher THC levels than indica and produces more CBD. Therefore, sativa has more equal levels of both chemicals.
These characteristics cause it to have a more energizing effect and usually make people more focused and creative. This behavior has made people use it in the morning or afternoon. Its energizing effect has also contributed to it being prescribed to people suffering from depression. It has also been found to relieve exhaustion, mood disorders, and some symptoms of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Sativa provides a “cognitive high” compared to “body high” experienced in indica. Its almost equal cannabinoids levels favor its usage in making CBD products and many people are being recommended to shop CBD Oil CBD Tinctures & Topicals. Some popular sativa strains are Acapulco Gold, Panama Red, and Durban Poison.
3. Hybrid
While attempting to have a strain that has the effects of both indica and sativa, the hybrid strain was produced. Cannabis growers produce these new and unique strains through different combinations of the parent plants by cross germinating the seeds. They are often grown to target specific effects and are described according to the dominant effect they contain. Almost every year, a new hybrid strain is produced, which has led to being the most used type.
Hybrid strains are classified as indica-dominant (indica-dom), sativa-dominant (sativa-dom) or balanced. They don’t have any specific effect as each hybrid has its own unique effects and uses ranging from reducing stress to easing the effects of chemotherapy. They are basically the best of both worlds, although Sativa-dominant strains are more likely to provide an energizing effect. Popular hybrid strains include Pineapple Express, Trainwreck, and Blue Dream.
4. Cannabis Ruderalis
Cannabis ruderalis is a recently discovered type of weed originating from Southern Russia that grows shorter than the other two species with a thin fibrous stem and large leaves. Unlike sativa, Cannabis ruderalis is an auto-flowering plant that depends on age to flower rather than light conditions.
Ruderalis has very low THC levels compared to the other species. Its CBD levels are higher but it is not very potent. Due to this, it is rarely used for recreational purposes but solely for medical purposes.
Weed has many medical and recreational uses, but you must use it. Please don’t abuse it as a drug as it has many unhealthy effects.
