At this point, it’s well recognized that cannabis is a highly effective treatment aid for chronic pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, tremors, seizures, and other common symptoms of major health conditions.
However, cannabis’ broad applications are — in part — thanks to the diverse range of benefits offered by each strain and certain diamond extracts. The variation between strains is due to their different terpenes and cannabis ratios. The same strain may also have slightly different ratios between harvests or batches of product, depending on the extraction process.
Terpenes, Cannabinoids, and Extraction
Terpenes are natural compounds synthesized by plants — not just cannabis but all plants. According to a British Journal of Pharmacology review, terpenes have “quite potent” effects on human and animal behavior when inhaled.
Thus, terpenes contribute to the pain alleviating, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antiseizure, antifungal, and antibacterial properties of each cannabis strain.
For example, an indica strain high in myrcene may function as an excellent sleep aid since myrcene has sedative properties. Whereas a sativa strain high in limonene has mood-boosting properties, making it an effective treatment aid for depression or anxiety.
Cannabinoids are compounds produced by cannabis dispensary and hemp plants. The most recognizable cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but there are other cannabinoids, as well, such as CBD-V CBG, and CBN.
These cannabinoids also have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-anxiety, and anti-tumor properties that contribute to the strain’s effects.
The ratios of these compounds in your cannabis also depend on the type of product you’re using. For instance, cannabis concentrates typically have higher levels of cannabinoids and terpenes than flowers.
Different types of concentrates focus on extracting or preserving certain compounds of the cannabis plant, as well. THC Crystals are pure, highly-concentrated THC and nothing else, and then there are concentrates like shatter.
What is shatter? It’s a type of cannabis concentrate with an extraction method that could be used for other compounds (along with high amounts of THC), such as CBD, CBG, CBN, and terpenes.
5 of the Most Popular Cannabis Strains
Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express Cannabinoids:
- THC
- THCV
- CBG
- CBC
- CBD
Pineapple Express Terpenes:
- B-Caryophyllene (Dominant terpene)
- Terpinolene
- B-Myrcene
- Limonene
- Humulene
Pineapple Express is such a classic cannabis strain; there’s even an entire movie named after it (which is just as iconic in its own right). Although its terpene and cannabinoid ratio will vary between growers (and products), Pineapple Express has a consistently uplifting effect.
However, it’s not buzzy or too much of a headrush. The myrcene in Pineapple Express provides a nice balance to its energizing terpenes, which makes for a calming, euphoric experience.
Pineapple Express is a great strain for those looking to alleviate stress, depression, anxiety, or fatigue. It may also be beneficial for treating inflammatory or digestive pain.
Purple Haze
Purple Haze Cannabinoids:
- THC
- CBD
Purple Haze Terpenes:
- Myrcene (Dominant terpene)
- B-Caryophyllene
- Humulene
Serving as inspiration for the 1967 Jimi Hendrix song of the same name, Purple Haze is a soothing strain that’ll lull you into a dreamy state of mind while giving you a boost of energy at the same time.
Another euphoric and productivity-enhancing strain, Purple Haze, shares some common terpenes with Pineapple Express. Thus, Purple Haze would also be a wonderful option for those looking to alleviate anxiety, depression, fatigue, or stress.
Gelato
Gelato Cannabinoids:
- THC
- CBG
Gelato Terpenes:
- B-Caryophyllene (Dominant terpene)
- Limonene
- Myrcene
Gelato is a very balanced, hybrid strain that cannabis users describe as extremely relaxing. The strain produces a very heavy “body high,” but leaves your mindset sharp enough to stay productive throughout the day.
Gelato is a great strain for addressing pain, soreness, restlessness, stress, and insomnia.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights Cannabinoids:
- THC
- THC-V
- CBG
- CBC
- CBD
Northern Lights Terpenes:
- Myrcene (Dominant Terpene)
- B-Caryophyllene
- Limonene
Northern Lights is a highly-sedating indica strain that’ll have you out like a light. Northern Lights’ effects are driven by its high levels of myrcene, which produces a “hazy” cognitive effect and physical couch-lock.
Naturally, Northern Lights is your go-to strain for getting a good night’s sleep and alleviating any aches or pains.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream Cannabinoids:
- THC
- CBG
- CBD
Blue Dream Terpenes:
- Myrcene (Dominant terpene)
- Pinene
- B-Caryophyllene
- Limonene
Don’t let its name fool you: while Blue Dream does produce quite a noticeable body high, this sativa-dominant hybrid is very cognitively stimulating. This strain will have you feeling loose, limber, and motivated enough to tear apart your whole place for a cleaning spree.
Blue Dream is a strain worth looking into if you’re looking for pain relief and a boost to your mood as well as your productivity.
In Conclusion
Weed is no longer just weed. Thanks to advancements in research, technology, and policy, we now know that compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids play a major role in mediating the benefits of each cannabis strain.
A few of the most popular cannabis strains include Pineapple Express, Purple Haze, Gelato, Northern Lights, and Blue Dream. With the exception of Northern Lights, these are euphoric, uplifting strains that efficiently reduce stress and depression.
On the other hand, Northern Lights is a sedating strain that’s better for use before bed.
Finding the right strain for you may take some trial and error. However, being mindful of the compounds in the cannabis you purchase will make you a more efficient, educated consumer.
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