Key Takeaways
- There are hundreds of cannabis strains to choose from.
- Each strain can feel different due to its cannabinoids, terpenes, and lineage.
- Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in every plant in nature.
- There are several common terpenes found in cannabis products that can influence your experience.
- Some strains feel similar to their parent strains, while others feel quite different.
- Elevation dispensaries in Tumwater and Kamilche offer a wide variety of cannabis strains to explore.
Common Terpenes in Cannabis
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in every plant in nature. While there are hundreds of terps in the world, there are a few dozen that occur in cannabis, with several prevalent ones.
In particular, the most common terpenes found in cannabis are:
- Myrcene has a rich, earthy aroma and effects commonly associated with sedation and couchlock.
- Beta-caryophyllene has a warm, spicy scent and it’s effects commonly associated with physical relief and mental calm.
- Limonene is thought to lift the mood and perhaps even increase focus, thanks to its bright, citrusy scent and flavor.
- Pinene has a rich, earthy aroma that may remind you of a Christmas tree or walking in a forest. Thought to assist with physical relaxation and mental stimulation.
- Linalool smells floral, somewhat like lavender, and is commonly associated with relaxing effects, similar to what you may have encountered through aromatherapy.
Overall, researchers think terpenes play a role in the entourage effect, a theory that whole-plant cannabis products are more effective because all the compounds work together.
Why Cannabis Genetics and Strain Lineages Matter
Cannabis genetics dictate the plant’s chemical makeup, including cannabinoid and terpene profiles. That said, growing conditions also affect these characteristics; poor conditions do not produce plants as aromatic, resinous, or flavorful as they otherwise could be. Still, genetics have the biggest impact on how a cannabis plant grows, smells, tastes, and feels.Breeders intentionally cross two or more established strains of cannabis to create a new strain. For example, Golden Pineapple is a cross of Golden Goat (a sativa-dominant hybrid) and Pineapple Kush (an indica-dominant hybrid), making it a true hybrid strain.
Some strains are just a specific expression, a.k.a. phenotype, of a popular strain; a cannabis cultivator creates many clones of one strain, finds the best version, and stabilizes it. A good example of this is Wedding Cake, a phenotype of Triangle Mints that the original breeder, Seed Junky Genetics, crossed with Animal Mints.
However, genetics are tricky. In some cases, crosses retain the properties of their parent strains and evoke similar effects. On the other hand, others buck their past and veer into new realms, creating strains totally unlike their parents.
All told, you have a lot of options in cannabis strains. Amid the incredible variety of aromas and flavors, there’s a strain that will work well for your goals. It’s just a matter of finding it.
That’s what Elevation is here for: to help you discover the right cannabis strain for you.
Do Indica and Sativa Matter in Cannabis Lineages?
You may be familiar with the indica/sativa distinction: two types of cannabis plants that people say produce sedating (in-da-couch) and uplifting effects, respectively. In reality, most cannabis plants are a mix, a.k.a. hybrid, of sativa and indica genetics created over generations of selective breeding practices.
Even when they’re marked as indica or sativa-leaning, almost all strains on the market are hybrids.
Common Strain and Terpene Categories
Many strains and terpene profiles are classified by their most common effects. Consequently, knowing these categories can help you find the perfect strain for how you want to feel, and give you the tools to ask your budtender the right questions.
Your individual experience may vary. Remember, always start low and go slow when trying a new strain.
Relaxation
Whether you want to calm your body, your mind, or both, there’s a cannabis product that can help.
Look for strains high in myrcene, the terp commonly associated with couch-lock, for a strong sense of physical relaxation that may also melt away your cares. For instance, strains like Dosi Pie and Trainwreck are popular choices for relaxation.
Sleep
When you need help quieting down the mind and letting the body rest, there’s a terpene profile for that.
For example, strains with a strong mix of myrcene and caryophyllene, such Hash Burger and Blueberry, are a good choice for consumers looking to power down.
Energy
Notably, some strains can feel like a shot of espresso, waking up the body and mind. When this is what you need, look for bright, energizing terpenes like limonene and pinene. Strains like West Coast Clarity and AK-47 are popular choices for people who enjoy a wake-and-bake.
Mental Stimulation
Need a little brain boost? Jack Herer is a popular strain for stimulating the mind, as are strains like Rainbow Ice. Look for pinene and limonene, two terpenes commonly associated with that mental ‘zing.’
Physical Relief
If you’re looking for a topical option, cannabis topicals often have high CBD levels and contain limonene, a terpene also found in some over-the-counter comfort products. Individual results vary, and topicals are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition
FAQs about Cannabis Genetics
Do Genetics Really Matter?
Yes, cannabis genetics matter. Talented growers cultivate the best strains from stable genetic lineages. Ultimately, unstable genetics make it difficult to create a consistent strain experience, even for talented cultivators.
What Matters More? Genetics or Grower Skill?
Good genetics and a skilled cultivator grow the best cannabis strains. Additionally, starting with good genetics is important, but it takes a skilled grower to coax the best out of each flower. At Elevation, a talented team of growers crafted our Native Sun Grown from high-quality genetics.
Do Cannabis Strains Matter
Yes. There are hundreds of cannabis strains. Furthermore, each has its own specific cannabinoid ratio and terpene profile that influences its effects. Choosing a strain based on its commonly known effects is a good way to customize your cannabis consumption.
Find the Best Cannabis Strains for Your Goals at Elevation
At Elevation, we see a future where cannabis helps people live more fully. The right cannabis strain for you is personal, and may change depending on the day or your needs. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the best cannabis strains to help you feel how you want: relaxed, energized, stimulated, or sleepy.
Stop by our dispensaries in Tumwater and Kamilche to explore a top-notch menu of cannabis strains and other high-quality products from trusted Washington growers. Elevation is your trusted source for everyday ease.
Elevate your experience with us, and find the product that works best for you.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
