Examine what’s on offer at a leading cannabis dispensary in Massachusetts, and you’ll encounter one hundred or more cannabis products. Where do you even begin? What do the names mean? Names like Girl Scout and White Tahoe denote pure strains. White Tahoe Cookie is a hybrid derived from a mixture of both. Here’s a basic primer on pure strains vs. hybrids and how to spot strains that might be great for you.
Cannabis Strains & Hybrids
There are upwards of 700 known pure cannabis strains in the world. Each strain possesses its own unique array of active constituents (cannabinoids). The two most well known are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). There are hundreds of known cannabinoids present in each plant, but the specific concentrations of CBD and THC distinguishes one plant from the next.
High-end cannabis cultivators use innovative horticultural techniques and gene curation to develop the desirable qualities of pure strains and to create newer strains. These new strains typically boast the most effective medicinal characteristics of each parent plant. Here’s where it gets confusing. “Strain” refers to both pure and hybrid. How do you decide which is best for you? It’s easier than you think.
The Who’s Who of Hybrids & Strains
Each year brings lists of the top cannabis strains. The lists include strains and hybrids. Lists of known pure strains are always floating around, and having one is a great way to start familiarizing yourself with their names. Beyond the name, it’s the strain’s content that immediately tells you how it may best serve you.
Low- or high-THC strains have more of an intoxicating effect, but THC also may control vomiting, nausea and pain. CBD, which is not psychoactive, is a powerhouse antioxidant that may alleviate fatigue stemming from inflammation, various medical conditions, stress, free radical damage or all of the above. Product descriptions for strains always disclose the special concentration of active constituents, helping you better evaluate the best products for you at a glance.
Additionally, over time, you can get to know the names of strains and their characteristics. Hybrids often bear the names of their pure parent strains, automatically indicating the hybrid’s specific strengths, features and benefits.
Learn more about Rise online, a premium cannabis dispensary in Massachusetts offering gene-cultivated strains from trusted vendors.
