Cannabis is believed to have originated in Central Asia, but over the millennia, conquest and exploitation would bring the plant to virtually every continent. Growers selectively cultivated their plants to meet the needs of their communities.
Over many generations, variations within cultivars began to develop in every pocket of the world where cannabis had taken root. These variations became known as local breed strains.
Many of these local varieties were collected from their native habitats and brought west, where they were crossed by horticulturists looking to exploit the plant's potential. This hybridization process – crossing different males with different females – gave rise to the thousands of named varieties that we consume today.
You've probably also heard the terms "indica", "sativa" and "hybrid" when discussing cannabis strains. These three types mainly refer to the various forms and structures of plants, important characteristics for growers. Consumers have long thought that indicas have sedative effects, sativas promote energy, and hybrid effects fall in between. However, research has largely debunked this effects-based classification.
Today, cannabis classification operates roughly in the following categories:
High-THC, low-CBD (more euphoric)
High-CBD, low-THC (lighter)
Balanced CBD and THC (slightly euphoric)
Each of these three “chemotypes” offers unique medical benefits and effect profiles. Learn more about how CBD and THC strains differ here, and try experimenting with different strains and potencies to find what works best for you.
Strain names often describe a strain's lineage, an important aromatic component, or a possible effect. As a result, strains are often marketed based on the traits their names advertise. Both Afghani and Kush are strain names denoting their origins (Afghanistan and the Hindu Kush mountain range, respectively), Tangie and GSC (more commonly known as Girl Scout Cookies) allude to their respective aromas, and Calm by Canndescent is intended to convey how tension will make you feel.
OG Kush, for example, is one of the most popular varieties in Southern California and can be found in almost every dispensary. But the effects of an OG Kush from one dispensary to the next can be completely different. The characteristics of a strain can vary greatly from producer to producer. Different growing, harvesting and processing conditions inevitably result in varying levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. So your best bet for finding the flower that works for you is to buy it based on the chemical composition of the flower and the possible effects described by the brand or grower that made it, not just the variety name.
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