Seems like everybody’s smoking something these days.
With medical marijuana now legalized in 33 states (and recreational marijuana legalized in 10), the cannabis industry is showing no signs of going away anytime soon. As the marijuana industry grows (no pun intended), so too do the varieties of strains available.
With so many different weed flavors, types, aromas, and effects, it can be hard to keep track of so many different marijuana strains.
Where do I start? How do I know which one is best for me? What effects are produced by different strains?
To help you answer these questions, we’ve created a handy marijuana strain guide to give you a taste of the many weed strains that are available on the market today!
Table of Contents
How Many Strains of Weed Are There and What Are the Differences Between Them?
There are two main different types of marijuana: sativa and indica. There are also many hybrid varieties of marijuana — that is, blends between the sativa and indica strains.
Among these three main types of weed (sativa, indica, or hybrid), there are literally hundreds of different strains. The different strains have slightly different appearances, aromas, flavors, and effects.
It would be impossible to list every marijuana strain in just one weed chart, but in this article, you will find a few of the most popular strains. We’ve sorted them below according to their various purposes and effects.
Keep in mind that there may be some overlap in the effects produced by different strains — i.e., a strain that is listed as a “sleep aid” might also be a great pain reliever.
As always, remember that different people’s bodies will interact with marijuana in different ways. Marijuana can also interact with other prescription drugs, so use caution and stay open with your doctor about your marijuana use. That way you’ll ensure the maximum pleasurable experience with marijuana!
Does Marijuana Have to Be Smoked?
Nope! As the cannabis industry grows, marijuana is becoming available in many different forms. While you can still purchase the traditional “flowers” for smoking (or “bud”) from most dispensaries, there are also many different products for those who don’t like to smoke.
These include:
- Vaporizers. The cannabis oil can be “vaped” through many different products. It feels smoother than smoking it and is often odorless.
- Tinctures. These heavily-concentrated drops can be placed directly under the tongue, or into foods and drinks.
- Creams, oils, and other topical products. These can be rubbed directly onto your skin, and are great for targeting specific pain points or inflammation areas (especially if you don’t want the “head high” that comes with smoking).
- Edibles. Many different snacks and drinks can be made with cannabis in them. The effects of eating cannabis are often longer-lasting than from smoking it.
Go into any dispensary and they will be able to assist you in finding the right type of marijuana product paired with the best marijuana strain to meet your needs. Below, we’ve compiled a guide of some popular
Medical Marijuana Strain Guide
“Medical” marijuana is not any different than “recreational” marijuana in terms of the actual plant. The only true difference between “medical” and “recreational” marijuana is the purpose for which the plant is being used.
However, different strains of the plant are bred with varying levels of THC and CBD, producing slightly different effects on the user depending on which strain is being consumed. For this reason, certain strains may be more desirable than others when you are seeking treatment for specific medical conditions. Medical professionals control dosages of THC and CBD to curb marijuana dependence.
Marijuana Strains for Pain Relief
Medical marijuana is becoming increasingly popular across the United States, and pain relief is one of the main reasons why people are seeking out this green drug.
Whether you are looking for relief from chronic pain, help with migraines, or just generalized pain relief, here are some strains that can help.
- Purple Kush
- Afghan Kush
- Mango
- White Widow
- Northern Lights
Marijuana Strains for Anxiety & Depression
Many people turn to marijuana to help with anxiety and depression.
Of course, it’s important to remember that different people will react to marijuana in different ways. For some people, marijuana can make their anxiety symptoms worse — especially if you’re someone who suffers from weed-induced paranoia.
One way to counteract that is by choosing high CBD strains of marijuana with lower THC levels. Of the two chemicals, CBD has a more calming effect.
Here are a few different types of marijuana that can help with anxiety and/or depression.
- Bubba Kush
- Black Mamba
- Cherry Bomb
- Pineapple Skunk
- Bubblicious
- Sour Kush
- Granddaddy Purple
Marijuana Strains for Sleep Aid
Marijuana’s well-known relaxing effects also make the green plant a popular choice to help with insomnia and sleep regulation.
- Grape Ape
- Blue Cheese
- Diamond OG
- Purple OG Kush
- Dark Star
Marijuana Strains for Stomach Pain & Upset Stomach
If you’re looking for natural upset stomach remedies, a good marijuana dose may be just what you need. Check out these marijuana strains to help with stomach pain and nausea relief.
- Purple Gorilla
- Blue Crack
- Kaboom
- Black Dahlia
- Ultimate Trainwreck
- Blowfish
- Frosty
Recreational Marijuana Strain Guide
If you’re a recreational marijuana user who is looking to achieve a certain frame of mind, you’ll want to look into some of the strains below.
Marijuana Strains for Creativity
Many people like the “high” feeling that comes with consuming marijuana because this state of mind-and-body relaxation helps them to feel more creative! Here are a few strains to check out if you’re interested in getting those creative juices flowing.
- LA Confidential
- Golden Goat
- Lemon Thai
- Charlotte’s Web
- Mother’s Helper
- Green Goblin
- Sunshine
Marijuana Strains for Energy
Who says that marijuana has to make you sleepy? For some people, finding the right strain of marijuana can actually make them feel more energetic. Traditionally, sativa strands are believed to give users more energy than indica strands.
If you’re looking for something to boost your energy, consider trying out one of these strains.
- Super Silver Haze
- Pineapple Express
- Maui Wowie
- Acapulco Gold
Marijuana Strains for Productivity
When you think of smoking weed, you might think of someone stuck to the couch, too relaxed to move. That doesn’t have to be the case! Some of the more energizing strains can actually help you feel more productive.
- Jet Fuel
- Candy Jack
- Phantom Cookies
- Colombian Gold
- Grapefruit Diesel
- Alice in Wonderland
Marijuana Strains for a Mellow Mood
If you’re just looking for that stereotypical “mellow,” relaxed feeling that marijuana brings, check out these marijuana strains.
- Blue Dream
- Fruity Pebbles
- Lucky Charms
- King Kong
- Space Bomb
- Blue Moon Rocks
Ending on a High Note
The different types of marijuana that we’ve listed in this marijuana strain guide are just a sampling of the hundreds of strains available. Sites like Leafly provide even more information about cannabis, and can even help you find nearby dispensaries.
Visit your local dispensary today for help with finding the right marijuana strain for you! Keep checking back for the latest news and tips!
