Cannabis strains have traditionally been categorized as Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid. As we explain in our blog Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid, these are botanical categorizations, and there are more accurate ways to categorize cannabis effects based on their chemical profiles. 

With cannabis research finally expanding, we’re beginning to understand how the chemical composition in cannabis strains affects the body. A more accurate measure of strains is identifying cannabinoid and terpene composition and how they combine to create unique effects.

What makes cannabis strains unique?

1. Cannabinoid content

2. Terpene content

3. Environmental factors 

1. Cannabinoid content

Cannabis plants contain a cornucopia of cannabinoids (more than 100), which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects. The concentration of the two primary cannabinoids – THC and CBD – will tell you a lot about how the product may interact with your body.

Strains high in THC and little or no CBD are more intoxicating, while strains with a 2:1 CBD to THC ratio can be more relaxing and produce less of an intense or intoxicating high.

Flower potency typically ranges from 5% to 30% THC, but some strains test even higher. Strains with more than 1% CBD tend to mitigate the adverse side effects of THC. So, if you feel paranoid or anxious when consuming cannabis, look for strains with a higher concentration of CBD.

Pro Tip: THC isn’t everything. The entourage effect means that cannabinoids can combine to produce different effects. A strain with 18% THC could give you a similar experience to a strain with 30% THC, depending on how other cannabinoids affect your body.

2. Terpene content

Cannabis plants contain more than 200 terpenes and are responsible for producing flavor, aroma, and effects. Individual strains have varying terpene profiles and concentrations.

Here are some of the most common terpenes and their associated effects:

Myrcene

This is one of the most common terpenes and has an herbal scent. High levels of myrcene in a strain can produce a sedative effect, which is why Indica strains are often recommended for people with insomnia.

Limonene

This terpene has a citrus aroma and is found in lemons and oranges. Limonene is known to give an uplifting, clear-headed mental effect. It can also help relieve anxiety and stress.

Linalool

This terpene has a floral aroma and is present in lavender. It also has antibacterial properties. It’s best known for creating a soothing, sedative effect that can help treat insomnia and other sleep issues. 

Alpha-Pinene

Alpha-Pinene has a piney, woodsy, sweet aroma that can smell like fir needles or rosemary. It produces an alert, focused mental state when taken in moderate doses. Combining alpha-pinene with THC creates a body-high effect.

Beta-Pinene

This terpene has a fresh pine scent and is an expectorant (helps treat coughs). Beta-pinene has also been used to relieve asthma symptoms. Like alpha-pinene, it also creates an alert, focused effect when taken in moderate doses and a body high when combined with THC.

It’s important to note that different combinations of terpenes can produce different effects for users.

3. Environmental factors

Finally, some variables during cultivation affect a strain’s cannabinoid and terpene profile. Things like nutrients and pesticides can affect the profile to such a great degree that the same cannabis grown in different environments could end up as different strains. 

Tips for Choosing a Strain: 

Ask yourself, “How do I want to feel?”

As we say in 5 Tips for First-time Cannabis Consumers, the first step is to consider your desired effects. Do you want to feel relaxed and sleepy? Energized and creative? 

If you need help with where to start, take this quick quiz to help match you with the best Clearly California products for the effects you seek. 

What kind of aromas/flavors are you interested in?

Like a fine wine, each flower has its own personality. But unlike wine, the flower's scent can hint at the effects it will have.

Here are the most common cannabis scents and what they tend to entail:

• Fruity = more uplifting

• Earthy = more relaxing

• Floral = more introspective

• Fuel/Gas = more powerful

Get to know strains and their reported effects

While research has really only just gotten started on cannabinoid and terpene profiles, there’s already lots of information out there about strains and their associated effects. Leafly is an excellent resource for learning about strains, their chemical compositions, and their effects.

Look at lab testing information

Always select products that have been lab-tested and have publicly available lab results. You don’t want to smoke something like pesticides. 

Look at the harvest date and batch ID

The harvest date will tell you how long ago the product was harvested. Regulations require cannabis products to be tested in batches, so batch ID refers to the specific product in the jar. You want to purchase strains that have been tracked from seed to sale. 

Look for the state law compliance label

All cannabis product labels should have a sticker or printed information that shows they comply with state law. 

Ready to go?

If you need some help choosing a product to get started, we can help.