How to Choose The Perfect Medicinal Cannabis Strain

There are hundreds of cannabis strains available, and this means that it's often overwhelming to decide which is right for you. Here's a quick guide on how to order the best cannabis strain for your needs.

Order the Best Cannabis Strain: What Makes Each Unique?

Cannabis strains come in a wide variety of forms. Some are lemony; others are earthy; some are mild and relaxing; while others are strong and potent. Here are the two main properties that distinguish strains from one another.

Cannabinoid Profile

The cannabis plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids, many of which interact directly with the body's endocannabinoid system, where they then elicit a variety of effects. A strain's cannabinoid profile is a key piece in deciding which strain to try. Strains high in THC with little CBD are more intoxicating, while strains with higher quantities of CBD than THC are often more relaxing and much less intense.

Terpene Profile

Terpenes are what give rise to a cannabis strain's unique flavour and aroma. Terpenes also have unique medicinal properties of their own, and some of the over 200 known terpenes in cannabis can be particularly helpful at treating certain conditions. Strains with high concentrations of a particular terpene can be used effectively to treat a specific symptom with remarkable consistency.

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid?

In the strict sense of the terms, sativas tend to produce an uplifting, cerebral high, while indicas tend to leave you more relaxed and mellow, and hybrids fall somewhere in between. Though the terms are convenient, few of us know that these terms aren't always 100 percent accurate. This is because many of our favourite modern strains have undergone intense interbreeding to select for specific effects. Landrace strains — those naturally occurring strains that haven't been modified through extensive breeding — can be characterized more reliably. With so much selection available online these days, it can be impossible to settle on just one. Use your best judgement, guided by the principles above, and you’ll find at least a few strains to experiment with.