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Part
01
Cannabis Strains
Cannabis consumers have a hard time choosing the right strain because of botanical issues, naming issues, and numerous choices.
1. Botanical Issue
- One of the most common methods of choosing a cannabis product is the indica versus sativa method, which entails differentiating between cannabis products by their taxonomic definition. However, the definition of the terms changes based on the type of specialist the consumer asks, as botanists, medical researchers, and common cannabis users differentiate between indica and sativa strains in different ways.
- This botanical issue mainly addresses the morphology and original geographic distribution of the plant. The classification basically refers to the height of the plant, its stalk, and optimum growing climate.
- The terms indica and sativa were used by cannabis enthusiasts in order to describe two distinct kinds of cannabis plants: sativa, a plant that bears a more energetic effect, and indica, a plant with a relaxing and calming effect.
- Today, a lot of websites claim that “sativa” products are more uplifting, energizing and generally produce a cerebral head high, while “indica” products are more calming, relaxing, sedating, and help with pain relief.
2. Name Issue
- Since cannabis is an unregulated plant, breeders could grow anything and call it whatever they wanted, which means that strains that bear the same name may not be genetically related.
- The name of a cannabis strain does not necessarily mean anything unless it is stabilized and certified. As such, unless active compounds are specified, the name will not be an effective indicator as to what to expect.
- Growers and breeders combine different cannabis strains to create unique characteristics that provide specific effects and uses. The name of their new strains can tell a lot about its makeup and how to use it.
- A strain with “purple” in its name gives more sedative effect while a strain containing the word “haze” offers a dreamy, mental feel.
- Strain names give a hint about what effect it has on the consumer, but these are not definitive, as some growers may accidentally or purposefully mislabel cannabis flowers, especially in the illicit market.
- As a consumer, it is important to keep a list of the effect, taste, smell, and name of the specific strains, as it can help narrow down the choices.
3. Hundreds of Choices
- Choosing the right strain for a medical condition can be a daunting task since there are over 800 varieties that have a varying effect on the consumer.
- By using complex breeding processes and technical growing methods, innovative cannabis cultivators have created thousands of unique strains. However, because of rampant crossbreeding it is difficult to consistently classify many strains as either exclusively indica or sativa.
- For example, many cultivators tend to crossbreed the strains of sativa and indica to select specific cannabinoids and terpenes within each strain and create a unique and desirable mix.
- "Breeders can mix and match between well over hundreds of different strains, creating an endless array of hybrid options. The ability to create hybrid strains from already pre-existing strains opens a whole new market for the overall cannabis industry."