These Strains Will Help Keep You Energized Throughout the Day
Marijuana is legal, in one form or another, in most of the United States. It is undeniable that there has been a huge change in the way people think about marijuana and the therapeutic benefits it can provide. However, having such a wide selection of strains and products to choose from can be confusing and intimidating. So, in this post, we will go over a few common strains that can help you keep your energy levels high during the day.
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Indica VS Sativa Strains
Marijuana strains can be grouped in many ways. Some people group by terpene content, others group by the effects the strain produces. The most common grouping of marijuana strains, though, is indica or sativa.
For many people, comparing indica and sativa strains seems very confusing, and it is. Usually, sativa strains are known for uplifting head highs and indica strains are known for sedative and full body effects. But, if you are looking for a more “robust” distinction between groups, you may be disappointed. Many researchers claim there is not much evidence showing a true difference between indica and sativa, with some strains classified as one causing effects more common in the other. In fact, indica and sativa are most useful in describing the physical differences between strains than their effects on the body.
Making things even more confusing is the inclusion of hybrid strains. Hybrid strains are indica-sativa mixes taking on characteristics of both types. Some of the most famous examples are Blue Dream and Jilly Bean. Hybrids are usually made by marijuana breeders looking to strengthen or add to the effects a “purebred” strain might have.
Now, many researchers are looking to terpenes and cannabinoids for a stronger method of grouping [1]. Terpenes are chemicals that produce some of the strong smells people associate with certain strains of marijuana. For example, limonene smells like citrus, and is found in high amounts in the Lemon G sativa strain. Cannabinoids are chemicals like CBD and THC that work by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body.
It is thought that both terpenes and cannabinoids can work together to give marijuana its many effects. This phenomenon is called the “entourage effect”. Introduced in 1998, the entourage effect refers to the many different compounds found in cannabis working together to cause a different effect compared to isolates or concentrates [2].
So, all this together means picking out a strain for a particular benefit may not mean looking solely at if the strain is an indica or sativa. Some indica strains can cause head highs and some sativa strains can cause total body relaxation. Taking all parts of the equation into consideration is key, including cannabinoid and terpene levels.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is one of the most widely used strains of marijuana for a reason. It’s known for the euphoric hit in both the body and head, mostly the head, that is said to help people, particularly those with ADD/ADHD, focus. Sour Diesel is a hybrid, meaning it exhibits both sativa and indica features. It is especially important to carefully dose when using Sour Diesel, as it is a high THC strain. This means that without careful control, using it can easily result in an uncontrolled high.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a high CBD strain, so no need to worry as much about careful dosing. However, it is still a sativa strain, meaning it can still cause a “cerebral high”. It is thought that the high CBD content mitigates the lower THC content, resulting in a more relaxed and serene experience. Due to this strain’s high CBD content, it is commonly used by people looking to reduce anxiety or fight neuropathic pain. Generally, Harlequin users claim it can lift their mood, relax their mind, and relieve anxiety.
Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a sativa strain originally from Durban, South Africa. Users claim it produces an energetic, productive high. The most abundant terpene in this strain is terpinolene, causing its distinct aroma. Terpinolene is also said to enhance certain effects of marijuana, so it is important to dose properly. Durban Poison also usually sports high levels of THVC. THVC is thought to have several positive effects on the body, including reducing anxiety and increasing bone growth.
Ghost Train Haze
Ghost Train Haze is a hybrid strain leaning more towards the sativa side. However, this particular strain is very strong, and it is crucial to properly control consumption to minimize risk of haziness. Many people use this strain to increase creativity and energy, and it is well known for its strong scent. This strain also is known for its wide terpene profile. High levels of limonene, terpinolene, and humulene are common, resulting in its varied uses.
Master Kush
Now we find an indica to end the list. Master Kush is known to cause a euphoric feeling in users, leading to increased creativity in many. Terpenes commonly found in Master Kush include caryophyllene, humulene, and bisabolol. Caryophyllene is commonly found in spices, producing a distinctly spicy smell and may provide relief to certain types of pain. Overall, Master Kush should help reduce stress and increase creativity.
Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/#__sec4title
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299998003926?via%3Dihub