The Ultimate Guide to Weed Strains: Effects and How to Choose the Right strain

Published: 3/27/2025
By:
Mountains

Whether you opt to buy weed online or visit your nearest dispensary, you might come across a few buzzwords: sativa, indica, and hybrid. 

These are different marijuana types or weed types that are derived from cannabis plants. The intensity of weed's effects varies with strain, method of consumption, and balance of cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes.

Knowing the different types of weed strains and their mental and bodily effects helps you choose the right strain and product type. 

If you are not sure which strain works best for you, keep reading to learn about different weed strains, their effects, and how to choose the right product for yourself.

What are weed strains?  

Weed strains or cannabis strains are derived from the Cannabaceae family of plants. They are unique varieties of cannabis plants, and each strain has distinct flavors, cannabinoid and terpene profiles, aromas, and effects. 

There are around 700 different types of weed strains, and they are generally divided into three main categories: sativa, Indica, and hybrid. 

These strains may affect the body differently due to their varying CBD and THC ratio. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main cannabinoids found in weed. 

THC is responsible for psychoactive or mind-altering effects, while CBD tends to have relaxing effects.

Types of Weed Strains & Their Effects  

Sativa, Indica, and hybrid are the types of cannabis, and strains are the varieties within those types. Below is the difference between Indica, sativa, and hybrid strains and their effects:

Sativa weed strains:

Sativa-weed-strains.png

Cannabis sativa plants tend to grow taller and have narrow and pale green leaves. The sativa strains are known for their energizing, uplifting, and head-high effects. Making them a perfect choice for daytime use. Let's have a look at the popular sativa strains and their effects:

  • Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a highly energizing and uplifting strain, thanks to the generous amount of THC content, i.e., 18% to 26%. This strain helps relieve symptoms of stress and depression. It is also notable for its pain-relieving effects.

  • Blue Dream 

Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant strain, which is known for soothing and relaxing effects. Many users report that it is uplifting and gives you a feeling of euphoria. Plus, it is said to help manage chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of PTSD. 

  • Jack Herer 

Jack Herer packs a punch with about 15% to 24% THC content. It is notable for making users feel uplifted and energetic. This pine-scented strain is also used to relieve migraines and headaches. 

Indica weed strains

Indica-weed-strains.png

Cannabis indica plants grow in dry climates and have broad, dark green leaves. Indica strains often have high levels of CBD, but the levels of THC are not necessarily less. They are sought after for their calming, pain-relieving, and relaxing effects. Therefore, indica strains can be great for nighttime use.

  • Afghan Kush

Known for its heavy resin content and super relaxing effects, Afghan Kush is a pure Indica strain. It can be a great choice for those looking to unwind after a long day. It is also beneficial in relieving pain and stimulating appetite in people with trouble eating due to certain medical conditions or treatments.

  • Northern Lights:

Northern Lights is an Indica-dominant strain with about 0.1% CBD and 16%-21% THC. It is known as a sleep-inducing and relaxing strain and helps manage anxiety, stress, insomnia, and chronic pain. Northern Lights is the most potent stain and is cherished for its mood-lifting effects. 

  • Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple is another indica-dominant strain that contains 0.1 % to 1% CBD and about 17% to 23% THC content. Some people report that it increases hunger, relieves anxiety, and makes you feel euphoric. 

Hybrid weed strains:

Hybrid-weed-strains.png

Hybrids are the result of crossing indica and sativa plants. Hybrid strains are associated with balanced effects. Most cannabis strains that you use today are generally hybrid. 

They offer both relaxing and uplifting effects and can be used day and night time. Moreover, they can help reduce anxiety, boost energy, and ease the symptoms of radiation or chemotherapy. 

  • Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake is one of the best weed strains, known for its therapeutic effects. It contains about 25 % of THC content and a little CBD content. It is notable for its euphoric and relaxing effects. Some users report that it relieves insomnia, manages chronic pain, and reduces appetite loss. 

  • Purple Gelato

It is a potent hybrid strain with 50% sativa and 50% indica. It has about 20% THC content and about 1% to 2% CBD content. This strain gives you a body that will relax your body while keeping your brain active. Purple Gelato may help to manage depression, stress, and chronic pain. 

  • Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a nighttime strain containing 80% indica and 20% sativa. Its THC levels are moderate to high, reaching 20%. It gives you a body high and a calm mind and provides relief from muscle spasms, stress, and pain.

How to Choose the Right Weed Strain  

Choosing the right weed strain can be tricky and depends on many factors, including:

  • Your individual preferences

  • Indica vs. sativa. hybrid strains

  • Cannabinoids like THC and CBD

  • Forms of weed strains (edibles, concentrates, flowers, tinctures, etc.)

  • Potency

  • Indented effects

Look for strains that offer your desired effects and have the right balance of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.  

If you are looking to seek relief from chronic pain without the psychoactive effects of THC, choose strains that contain higher levels of CBD, such as Harlequin, Charlotte's Web, Ringo's Gift, and more.

On the other hand, strains with higher levels of THC are ideal for those who want more intense psychotropic effects, such as Wedding Cake, Northern Lights, Jack Herer, Sour Diesel, and more.

Find the best weed strains to match your blissful vibes at Smokeland!

Ready to explore? Dive into our curated selection of weed strains, each offering unique effects, aromas, and terpene profiles. Find the one that clicks your vibes, place your order with same-day weed delivery in Northern California, and get the best weed strains within 24 hours. So why wait? Order now!

Quick Links

Locations & Hours

SF Bay Area
Open Every Day 9:00AM to 9:00PM
First Deliveries between 9:00AM-11:00AM
*ASAP Orders must be placed by 9:00PM to recieve same day delivery
Central Valley
Open Every Day 9:00AM to 8:00PM
First Deliveries between 10:00AM-12:00PM
*ASAP Orders must be placed by 7:00PM to recieve same day delivery
Sacramento
2544 Albatross Way, Sacramento, CA 95815
Open Every Day 9:00AM to 9:30PM
First Deliveries between 10:00AM-12:00PM
*ASAP Orders must be placed by 9:00PM to recieve same day delivery
SoCal
Open Every Day 10:00AM to 8:00PM
First Deliveries between 12:00PM-1:00PM
*ASAP Orders must be placed by 7:00PM to recieve same day delivery

Customer Service

contact@smokeland.com
For any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at customersupport@smoakland.com. Our team is available to assist you during our standard business hours between 6:30AM - 10:00PM PST
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: These products contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
©2024 Smokeland. All rights reserved. Lic. # C9-0000075-LIC