With over 1000 strains of marijuana available, first-time smokers are easily overwhelmed. 

Why is the exact number of strains so hard to pin down? The simplest explanation is branding. Each weed manufacturer wants to set its product apart from all the others on the market.

The easiest way to figure out which strain is best for you is to research the effects they have on the body.

The most popular weed strains are hybrids. They bring together the best parts of the Indica and Sativa categories. How they affect you depends on if the strain Indica or Sativa heavy.

To make your first weed purchase easier, read through this weed for beginners guide. Don’t be afraid to take notes. You want your first marijuana experience to be a good one, right?

Indica vs Sativa

Cannabis plants have two main types, Indica and Sativa. Throughout the years, these plants were selectively bred with each other to produce stronger variations of each type. Manufacturers also bred the two together to create hybrids with the best parts of each parent plant.

Indica cannabis strains promote a mellow feeling. Smokers use these strains to ease insomnia.

What makes Indica strains so relaxing? They contain a higher percentage of the cannabinoid CBD. Lab tests on CBD show that the compound lowers anxiety.

Sativa cannabis strains give the smoker more energy. That makes Sativa strains ideal for daytime smoking.

The secret to Sativa’s success is its high THC content. The higher the THC, the more energy it provides.

Hybrids of the two cannabis plants contain widely varying amounts of THC and CBD.

Before purchasing, make sure to check the lab testing information for the THC/CBD content. You don’t want to grab a strain to help you focus at work and wind up napping at your desk instead.

Weed Strains to Ease Anxiety

A recent trend in self-care is to look for natural ways to treat anxiety. Marijuana has long been touted as a great way to relax and calm the mind.

It was inevitable that those seeking a natural cure would look at weed. It contains beneficial cannabinoids such as CBD and THCV. 

Weed strains to look for if you want to lower your anxiety include:

  • Girl Scout Cookies
  • Bubba Kush
  • Durban Poison
  • Pineapple Express
  • Dutch Treat
  • Northern Lights

There are ways to get the benefits of CBD or THCV without smoking marijuana. Many companies sell these compounds on their own. The best THCV extract or CBD oil will still calm your anxiety without the distracting head high.

Weed to Boost Your Energy Levels

Some days we all could use a little extra help to make it through a long afternoon. For people who are caffeine sensitive, their options for a mid-day pick-me-up are limited.

Lucky for them, THC-rich weed strains are here to help.

Look for these Sativa-heavy strains on your next dispensary trip:

  • Ghost Train Haze
  • G13 Haze
  • Sour Diesel
  • Maui Wowie
  • White Widow

Sativa strains can hit too hard due to the high THC content. Too much THC can induce anxiety in sensitive people.

The first time you try one of these strains, smoke just enough to feel the effects. Let the weed kick in fully to make sure you aren’t going to have an adverse reaction.

Weed That Will Help You Relax and Sleep

It’s common knowledge that weed is an excellent sleep aid. Whether you’re smoking just CBD flowers or regular marijuana strains, cannabis will help lull you to sleep.

When choosing a bedtime weed, consider trying these strains:

  • Death Star
  • MK Ultra
  • Purple Kush
  • Grandaddy Purple
  • LA Confidential
  • Afghan Kush

The important thing to remember with these strains is to clearly label the packaging. Mixing up your nighttime weed with your daytime weed will guarantee an unscheduled nap.

Weed Strains to Use For Pain Relief

In recent years, more and more chronic pain patients turned to marijuana for relief. Some felt uncomfortable taking so many pain pills. Other patients were affected by bad side-effects that made their pain worse.

Studies show that with legal medical marijuana, more people are weaning off pain pills. 

They aren’t doing it alone, though. Before you consider replacing your medications with weed, consult your doctor. 

Marijuana, particularly the CBD found in it, alters the way your body metabolizes medications. Time-release pain pills, in particular, will not work as intended and may lead to an overdose. Always be open and honest with your doctor about your weed use.

Marijuana strains commonly used to ease pain include:

  • Blue Cheese
  • Grape Ape
  • Purple Urkle
  • Purple OG Kush
  • Afgoo
  • Hindu Kush

Because these strains are Indica-heavy, they will also cause drowsiness. Test to see how each new strain affects you before trying to do anything active after smoking. 

Weed to Enhance Your Creativity

Contrary to what weed naysayers would have you believe, marijuana can boost your creativity. Sure, some strains might leave you too relaxed to do much. But some weed strains help you focus and encourage you to think outside the box.

A few creativity-enhancing strains to look for:

  • Green Crack
  • OG Kush
  • Harlequin
  • Golden Goat

The trick to finding a weed that will leave you with a clear head is to look for a clear Sativa. These are THC-heavy strains that don’t make the smoker feel weighed down while high.

Finding Your Favorites From the Most Popular Weed Strains

Long gone are the days of smoking mystery weed. There are so many strains out in the world, there is bound to be one that is perfect for you.

All you need to do is a little semi-scientific testing.

Next time you hit the dispensary, grab a variety of strains. Smoke a little of each. Make notes about how they make you feel.

In no time, you’ll have a list of your favorite popular weed strains.

This method will ensure you don’t waste money on weed you don’t like. It’ll also encourage you to try new things. Maybe the best strain for you is something you hadn’t considered before.

For even more helpful lifestyle tips and tricks, take a look at the rest of our website.