Top Strains and Tips For New Cannassouiers
So you’ve begun your cannabis journey and you’re excited about the potential high experiences still to come. One problem you’ve seen to have run into is not knowing what strains to try. There are just so many, you really don’t know where to start. Sure you could just pick out whatever and hope for the best, but why do that when those before you have done the leg work and have that information for you already. The truth is there are countless strains available these days and trying to choose can be paralyzing. What worse, not knowing much about what you would like to try could leave you with the wrong effects at the wrong time. In this post we are going to explore the Top Ten Strains you should undoubtedly try as well as some tips to help you make a good choice no matter the situation.
WHAT YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH
When it comes to cannabis strains, there are a few tried and true strains that are widely available and very popular. They are so for good reason too, throughout the years these strains have differentiated themselves to be consistently the best. Granted, every year, heck every other day, there is a plethora of new strains hitting shelves, each with its own distinct qualities and effects than the strains on this list, but really, all strains are in some way unique. The strains that follow here are the classics; they are the ones you must try at least once to have an opinion on. Best of all, you can find them almost anywhere!
1. Blue Dream
This strain is perhaps the most well known in all of the United States. It originated in California around 2003 and can today be found across the country. Common effects most prominently include immense euphoria, which is perhaps what makes is the top-selling strain to date.
2. Durban Poison
The origins of this strain can be traced back to Durban, a port city of Africa, in the 1970s. Since that time, the strain has kept on, building a strong reputation. It is mostly known to have superior energizing effects, so don’t be surprised if you feel like cleaning your entire house after a hit.
3. Original Glue or GG#4 (previously Gorilla Glue)
After a recent lawsuit, this iconic strain had to undergo some rebranding but the popularity remains true. This is newer strain, first appearing in 2013 with a massive cannabis cup win in 2014. Despite it’s recency, Original Glue is a strain everyone should try to at least get that “glued” to the couch relaxation.
4. GSC (previously Girl Scout Cookies)
This is another strain recently hit by a name lawsuit who is also more new but notoriously famous. While the true origins are disputed, we do know that this strain, which emerged in the Bay Area of California in 2010 is one of the most recognizable strains around. Try it and see how it’s relaxing and euphoric properties make you feel! If you like it you might try some of its related strains, like Thin Mints.
5. OG Kush
Finally, you’ll want to check out the legendary strain that debuted in California in 1996, at the beginning of the state’s medical marijuana legalization. Like other popular strains, OG Kush can be found all over the US and it has many offshoots. It’s effects can best be described as uplifting and it’s sure to put you in a mellow mood.
Once you’ve covered your basics, you might be in the mood to try something unique and unlike anything most people have tried. If that is that case, we recommend you hunt for these four rare strains, or at least you can keep them in mind in case you ever happen upon one. Additionally, it can be fun to just try and find the most fun sounding strain you can find, like Papayahuasca.
Malawi Gold
Lamb’s Bread
Fruity Pebbles OG
Hindu Kush
Colombian Gold
Selecting a Strain on the Daily
While it’s fun to be on the hunt for a specific strain, it can be even more fun to try out something new. It might not always be in your interest to randomly pick a strain, but once in a while it can be refreshing to totally surprised and just go with the flow. That being said, it might be that you’re usually looking for a familiar set of effects from your cannabis, and in that case, it’s good to have some guidelines on how to pick a strain you will more than likely enjoy. Below we outline some tips on how to choose a strain when you don’t know any of the strain names, and when you are able to closely look at it.
1. Appearance
The way your flower looks says a lot about it. It’s worth mentioning that visuals go beyond just the size of the flower. Many people choose their flower based on nugg size. Although it can be satisfying to select a beautiful nugg, in practicality, it can be a bad move. The problem is that when you have a large nugg you almost inevitably have a large stem. Who wants to pay for a flower only to find out 15% of what you paid for is really no good to you in the moment. If you save your stems to make butter or oil later this might not concern you, but it is worth mentioning. Instead of looking at size, pay attention to the colors of your flower-- be on the lookout for vibrant colors. Greens, purples, orange with white crystals are what you should look for. Be wary of anything that looks too brown, it’s probably overly dry and not the best choice.
2. Smell
Another thing to consider is the scent of your flower. When taking smell into consideration, you want to make note of the type of scent but also the strength. There is a direct correlation between the strength of flower smell and quality. If you can’t distinguish a strong smell, you might want to try something else. When you do get an indicator of strong smell, narrow down what it is that you are smelling. There are 5 main scents for cannabis: earthy, citrusy, cheesy, woody, and skunky. Each of these scent categories, in general, correlates with some effects. Citrusy strains for example, have high volumes of limonene, a terpene that creates an alert and awake effect. Strains that have skunky smell are likely to be myrcene heavy, which promotes sleep and relaxation.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to deciding what strain to select, you might be overwhelmed with options and rightly so, there are so many to choose from! If you’re new to cannabis, try the classic strains first to get an idea of what they do for you. Next consider an adventure and look for rare strains, or a strain with the most unique name. If you’re just looking for some general, every day guidance for choosing a strain, what you want to keep in mind is the effects you are looking for and the markers of quality cannabis. If you pay attention to scent and appearance, chances are you won’t be disappointed in your selection. If you are looking to get specific and take the guesswork out of strain hunting, download Cannacopia, the only app designed to help you find a product that’s perfect for you whether you’re trying to get a restful sleep, trying to party, or trying to get some work done. Cannacopia has you covered! Check us out in the App and GooglePlay Stores. Tune in next week for more cannaisseur advice from the Cannacopia team, and as always, stay high!
