The world of cannabis has its own glossary of jargon which can confuse even the most experienced cannabis users, let alone newbies. One such term is “strain,” which has different meanings in different practices and spheres. However, in the weed world, strain refers to either hybrid or pure varieties of the cannabis plant. 

This post will dig more into cannabis strains, their meaning, types, etc. 

What is the Meaning of Cannabis Strain?

Botanically, the term strain refers to variations found within plant cultivars. For the uninitiated, cultivars are plant varieties usually bred by people for desired traits. The term ‘strain’ commonly applies to cultivars such as cannabis, roses, daffodils, azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias. In other words, cannabis strains refer to the different breeds of cannabis.

Each cannabis strain comprises certain compounds and different concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Furthermore, each strain contains a specific amount of terpenes (naturally occurring chemical compounds). Depending on such elements, different strains have varying aromas, flavours, colours, and effects on a user. 

Commonly, you’ll come across the words indica, Sativa, and hybrid when you’re looking to buy weed. Are these strains? No. Those are rather the different categories/species of marijuana strains.

Let’s take a closer look at it.

Take Green Crack, for example. Hopefully, you’ve heard about it since it’s one of the most popular cannabis! Green Crack is the name of a cannabis strain that belongs to the Sativa category. 

Indica strains are known for their full-body effects. Meaning, strains that fall under this category usually offer physical effects like complete body relaxation and calmness. The five most common terpenes found in indica strains are Myrcene, Linalool, Beta-Caryophyllene, Humulene, and Limonene.

Sativa strains are known for their head high. Meaning, strains belonging to this category tend to offer cerebral effects like improved mood and enhanced energy. The most common terpenes found in Sativa strains are limonene and pinene. 

Finally, hybrid strains are created by crossing indica and Sativa strains.

What Does Recent Research Suggest About Cannabis Strains?

Many industry experts and researchers now hold that the classification of indica, sativa, and hybrid should be disregarded altogether since they can be misleading. Often, you may come across an indica strain that offers sativa effects and vice versa. However, that’s still very much a matter of debate.

What about the different cannabis strains, then? Are they meaningless too? Not really! In fact, strain names are actually created by breeders depending on their specific characteristics and effects. More on that below.

How do Cannabis Strains Get Their Names?

Here’s a brief history of cannabis naming to make things clearer for you. The varieties of cannabis strains you see today didn’t come into existence until the 1960s and ‘70s. Before that, there were just landrace strains that were named after their geographical origin. Examples of OG landrace strains include Acapulco Gold, Colombian Gold, Durban Poison, Afghan Kush, and Panama Red, which further became the essential building blocks for the genetic diversity that exists today in the weed world. 

Breeders went on to mix different cannabis strains to create offsprings that carried the desired traits from their parent strains and effects and avoided unwanted characteristics. Then, every breeder named the offspring strain using different methods. Commonly, the offspring name was created by combining the parent strains’ names. For instance:

PARENT STRAINS	RESULTING STRAIN
Wedding Cake + Wedding Crasher	Cake Crasher
Blueberry + White Widow	Berry White
Blueberry + Afghani	Blue Afghani

In other instances, breeders may name a strain depending on its effects or characteristics (aroma, flavour, and colour). Think Sour Diesel strain – it exhibits a citrusy aroma and flavour. Another example is the 9 Pound Hammer strain, which has a long-lasting effect on its users and usually locks you into a state of sleep like you just got knocked out by a hammer.

In addition, a strain’s name might also represent a homage, like the Jack Herer strain (named after cannabis rights activist) and Ed Rosenthal (cannabis grower and advocate). Besides, some strains are named after celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Tiger Woods, Bruce Banner (the Incredible Hulk), and Barack Obama.

All in all, cannabis strain names mostly carry powerful representations and sensitive messages. In contrast, there may be a few totally random ones like the SleeStack or Zoombie OG strains that may, of course, hold some significance to the breeder but make little to no sense to users. 

What Are Some Popular Cannabis Strains?

The weed industry is ever-growing, and new strains tend to pop up frequently. However, there are a few classic strains that every cannabis connoisseur must try at least once. We’ve listed them below:

Acapulco Gold

If you want to try a true landrace strain, you won’t go wrong with blazing up an Acapulco Gold doobie. It is a Sativa strain that contains an average THC level of 15%. Associated effects include a head high that keeps users energetic and clearheaded.

Granddaddy Purple

It is an indica-dominant hybrid strain that’s known for its euphoric buzz. It can help you with insomnia and relieve stress.

Girl Scout Cookies

If you want to enjoy the best of both worlds, go for GSC. This strain is known for its well-balanced qualities, offering you a high that is both uplifting and relaxing. It is a potent strain with an average THC content of about 17-28%.

Where To Buy Cannabis Strains In Canada?

After the legalization of cannabis in Canada, it has become easier for cannabis enthusiasts to buy weed strains. Depending on your city’s rules and regulations, you can buy cannabis strains from dispensaries. Or, you can get them online. 

When it comes to medicinal cannabis, you need to possess a written prescription from a professional healthcare provider or a doctor. 

Note that the legal age to buy and consume cannabis is either 18 or 19 in most provinces across Canada. If you looking for cannabis products Acreage Pharms can help meet your needs. Speak with one of our customer service agents today!