Cannabinoids
The active compounds you feel
Cannabinoids are the active compounds in the plant that provide a range of physical effects after consuming. THC is the best-known cannabinoid (associated with the ‘high’ from flower) but there are as many as 100 different cannabinoids that can be found across strains, including CBD (associated with stress and pain relief) or CBG which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpenes
The flavour and character you experience
Terpenes give a strain its character in terms of taste and smell. There are hundreds of varieties of terpenes in the world of plants from Linalool (associated with lavender oil’s soothing scent) to Pinene which gives pine trees their bracing almost minty fragrance. Dozens can be found in any one strain, giving each one a distinctive sensory profile all its own.
Cannabis strains at a glance
Indica
Relaxing
Concentrated in the body
Indicas and indica-dominant hybrids are known for the relaxing character of the high. They are associated with relaxation and stress relief. They can make you sleepy and lethargic so all in all a better choice for evening occasions in case couchlock sets in.
Sativa
Energetic
Concentrated in the head
Sativa and sativa-dominant strains are more euphoric and stimulating making them well-suited for high-energy settings and creative tasks. Like anything with a stimulating effect, too much too fast or failing to pay attention to your setting can make you feel jittery.
Hybrid
The best of both worlds
Balance of body and head
Hybrids are where the real variety and subtlety of flower becomes apparent. The overall character of a given flower comes down to the levels and interplay of cannabinoids and terpenes present in your chosen strain and hybrids are bred to accentuate different aspects of the indica and sativa experience in thousands of exciting sensory ways.
The lowdown on cannabis strains – What are Indicas and Sativas?
In the wild, there are two main species of marijuana, Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. Generally speaking, Indicas are characterized by a ‘body high’ while Sativas’ effects are more concentrated in the head. The vast majority of cannabis cultivated today blends both, but a given strain will tend to be Indica or Sativa dominant, making an understanding of the two basic species and their effects a useful way to help you navigate the many incredible strains of flower we source. There is more on the effects below to help you understand what to expect with each and remember, each person’s experience of the plant is unique.
A plant with infinite variety
Growing conditions and methods will also influence the terpene and cannabinoid profile of a strain, rather like ‘terroire’ does for wine. And when you factor in the texture, density and visual appeal of a flower combined with your occasion, mindset and unique biology, everyone’s experience is of a particular varietal is unique.
