Marijuana is a pretty interesting thing that scientists all over the world are still learning a lot about. Even though it’s been used for centuries, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the plant. For example, did you know that there are different types of marijuana?
Just like how there are different types of apples, dogs, or anything else, there are also different types of cannabis. These different types are commonly referred to as strains. And just like different types of apples have different tastes, or dogs have different personalities, cannabis strains also have their own unique set of characteristics.
One of the most notable differences between strains is the THC content. THC is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, and it’s what gives users that “high” feeling. Some strains contain very high levels of THC while others contain very low levels. So why exactly do these differences exist? Let’s take a closer look at some possible explanations.
What is Cannabis?
Before we can figure out why different cannabis strains have different levels of THC, we’re going to have to take a look at what cannabis is in the first place. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and recreational properties.
The main psychoactive compound in cannabis is THC, which is short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is what gives users that “high” feeling. In addition to THC, there are also other cannabinoids present in cannabis plants.
These include CBD (cannabidiol), CBN (cannabinol), and others. Each of these cannabinoids has its own unique set of effects on the human body.
Cannabis is closely related to the hops plant, which is used to make beer. In fact, they are both members of the Cannabaceae family. Both plants contain THC, though the THC levels in hops are much lower than those found in cannabis.
The first recorded use of cannabis dates back to 2737 BC when Chinese Emperor Shen Nung used it for medical purposes. Since then, it has been used for medicinal purposes by cultures all over the world. In more recent years, it has also become increasingly popular as a recreational drug.
While cannabis is legal in some states for both medicinal and recreational use, it is still illegal at the federal level in the United States. This means that there is still a lot of research that needs to be done on the plant and its effects on humans.
It is commonly accepted that there are two main types of cannabis. Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa are the two main subspecies of the Cannabis plant. These plants have different physical characteristics and grow in different climates.
Cannabis indica plants are typically shorter and bushier than Cannabis sativa plants. They also have wider leaves and grow faster than Sativa plants. Indica strains are believed to be more relaxing, while Sativa strains are thought to be more energizing. A lot of people like to use the “Indica in da couch” trick to remember which is which.
There is also a third type of cannabis plant, called Cannabis Ruderalis. This type of plant is native to Central Asia and Russia, and it is not commonly used for either medicinal or recreational purposes due to its low THC levels.
If you’re in the United States, odds are you’ll only ever interact with Indicas, Sativas, and Hybrids. These are the three main types of cannabis that are grown in the US. Indicas and Sativas were originally brought to the United States from other parts of the world, such as Asia and South America.
Ruderalis plants are not commonly found in the US. However, there has been some recent interest in growing them here due to their low THC levels and high CBD levels. Hybrids are a mix of Indica and Sativa plants, and they can exhibit characteristics of both plant types.
For example, a Hybrid strain may have the shorter stature of an Indica plant but the wider leaves of a Sativa plant. The type of cannabis you grow will largely depend on your climate and what you’re looking for in terms of effects.
If you want something that’s going to give you more energy, then growing a Sativa strain might be right for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that’s going to relax your body and mind, then an Indica strain might be better suited for your needs.
How Strains End Up With Their THC Content
So how do strains end up with their THC content? Well, it all has to do with the plant’s genetics. Different cannabis strains have different levels of THC due to their genetic makeup. Some strains are naturally bred to have high THC levels, while others are bred to have low THC levels.
For example, a strain that is bred for medicinal purposes is likely to have lower THC levels than a strain that is bred for recreational purposes. It’s also worth noting that the environment in which a cannabis plant is grown can also affect its final THC content.
For example, if a plant is grown in an outdoor setting, it will likely contain higher THC levels than a plant that is grown indoors.
So what exactly is THC? As we mentioned before, THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s what gives users that “high” feeling. THC works by binding to the CB1 receptors in the brain. This leads to changes in perception, mood, and cognition.
THC also has some other effects on the body, such as increased heart rate and appetite stimulation. The exact effects of THC will vary from person to person based on factors like age, weight, and tolerance level. In general, though, most people who consume cannabis will experience some sort of psychoactive effect from the THC present in the plant material.
With that in mind, it’s important to note that not all cannabis strains are created equal. Some strains contain very high levels of THC while others only contain trace amounts. The difference in THC content can be significant, and it’s one of the main things that sets different cannabis strains apart from each other.
For example, a strain like “Girl Scout Cookies” is known for its high THC content. This strain can have up to 28% THC, which is much higher than the average cannabis plant. On the other hand, a strain like “Ringo’s Gift” is known for its low THC content.
This strain typically has less than 1% THC, which is much lower than most other strains on the market today. The reason why these differences exist has to do with the plant’s genetics and environment (as we mentioned before).
But it’s also worth noting that how the plant material is processed can also affect its final THC levels. For example, if marijuana buds are dried and cured properly, they will likely contain higher THC levels than if they’re not cured properly.
It’s also worth noting that the THC levels in cannabis can vary depending on how it’s consumed. For example, smoking cannabis will typically result in higher THC levels than consuming it orally.
This is because some of the THC is lost during the process of smoking. The method of consumption can also affect how long the effects of THC last. Smoking or vaporizing marijuana will typically result in shorter-lived effects than consuming it orally.
This is because oral consumption leads to a slower absorption rate and longer duration of action. So, if you’re looking for a quick and short-lived high, then smoking or vaporizing marijuana might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a longer-lasting effect, then consuming marijuana orally might be a better option for you.
Do, however, keep in mind that a high THC content isn’t always a good thing. In some cases, it can lead to negative side effects like paranoia and anxiety. It’s important to find a strain that’s right for you and to consume it in moderation.
High THC content doesn’t even always mean it’s the strongest. You can also find products that are more potent because of the appearance of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Finding the balance that works for you is the best way to be sure that you’re getting the experience that you want from your cannabis use every single time you purchase more products from the dispensary.
Getting the Best Experience for You
There’s nothing quite like being sure that you‘re getting the best experience from your cannabis use. You want to know that you’re consuming a product that is going to give you the effect that you’re looking for, whether it’s relaxation, euphoria, or something else entirely.
Understanding the way that weed interacts with your body can make picking the right strain much easier. You also want to be sure that you’re consuming it in the right way, whether that’s smoking, vaporizing, or eating it.
The most important thing is to find a strain and method of consumption that works for you. Once you’ve found something that gives you the experience you’re looking for, stick with it!