What is the Best Buzz For Me?
Back when I was growing up, if you wanted to smoke some weed, you pretty much got whatever your local dealer was selling. Thankfully, the repeal of marijuana prohibition in many places has made availability of various strains of weed more prevalent. For the most part, this is a great time to be a pot connoisseur, however, if you are new to, or returning to the marijuana scene, you may be a bit overwhelmed by the selection.
If you have recently been to a store selling marijuana, you may have been shocked to see the variety available. Don’t let the abundance scare you. Although there are many strains, marijuana can be boiled down to two major types, Indica, and Sativa.
Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis Sativa is the naturally prevalent species of Marijuana that grew in Europe throughout most of antiquity. Sativa was most likely the type of weed used when the Roman elite made Marijuana laced pastries to “Promote Hilarity” (according to accounts recorded by Roman Physician Gallen Aelius Galenus in his 170AD book De Facultatibus Alimentorum (the properties of foodstuff). Sativa was also likely the type of cannabis seeds Christopher Columbus took with him on his voyage that discovered the New World in 1492.
Cannabis Sativa plants are tall and laxly branched with relatively long and narrow leaflets. Sativa strains have a high level of THC compared to CBD, THC has a partial agonist effect that makes Sativa an energetic buzz. Sativa’s have a more cerebral high making them a favorite of artistic types, and people that want to smoke some weed and still get shit done. Sativa’s creative high is great for thinking outside the box, and will definitely give you a different perspective on things.
Cannabis indica
Cannabis Indica derives it’s name from a 1785 description of the species written by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck who named the species of the marijuana plant Cannabis indica. Lamarck based his description on plant specimens collected in India. Indica plants were described as relatively short, conical, and densely branched having short, broad leaflets. Indica has a higher level of CBD compared to THC. high CBD to THC ratios are less likely to induce anxiety and the paranoia that marijuana is often associated with. This may be due to CBD’s antagonistic effects at the cannabinoid receptors. Indica’s are known to have a sedative type effect making them great for pain management, and helping you sleep. The head high of Indica strains is also a top choice for people who want to clear their minds and relieve anxiety. Indica strains often produce the well known stoner condition of “couch lock”.
Hybrid Marijuana Strains
Then there are the hybrids. Hybrids combine the indica and sativa strains give parts from each. For example, some hybrids give an energetic sativa body buzz, while still clearing the worry and anxiety from your mind, while others give you the sedative body effects of an indica, while still giving you the creative perspective of a sativa. Because Hybrid strains can vary in effects greatly, it is recommended that you do some research on the individual strain before choosing a hybrid.
Once you decide the best type of marijuana for you, you will find many strains within the Indica / Sativa / Hybrid species to choose from. These strains differ in aroma, and flavor as well as intensity of effects. The intensity of the effects can also be affected by an individual plants growing method so be sure to speak with your budtender about the marijuana you choose before buying.
Guest Post by Buddy McWeederson: Managing editor of 420Resource.net
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