Choosing your next cannabis cultivar
With more than 3,000 cannabis cultivars to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of potential options at your local dispensary. Even some of the most experienced consumers struggle to decide which cultivar to try next, while many lean on helpful budtenders and friend recommendations to get through. It’s never a bad idea to ask for help, especially if you’re new to cannabis products, but there are three things you should consider most intensely while making these decisions.
Cannabinoids
Primary cannabinoids like THC and CBD can be found on product labels, and concentrations of these compounds vary greatly from one cultivar to the next. The average THC range sits somewhere between 16% and 24%, though some may reach as high as 33%. Beginners and occasional users often enjoy cultivars that rest on the lower end of the spectrum, while those with experience or a medicinal need may require something a little bit stronger.
CBD is in some cannabis cultivars, but not all of them, and it often takes work to find one that is high in this non-psychoactive cannabinoid. However, there are pure CBD and balanced types with moderate concentrations of both compounds on the market.
Terpenes
We are only beginning to uncover the true power of terpenes, which can be found throughout nature. These are the scented oils that often influence both the effects and names of different types of cannabis. There is plenty of scientific evidence to suggest that certain cannabis terpenes are likely to induce specific feelings or reactions, like how lavender is known for its sleep-inducing properties, and lemon is largely more associated with wakefulness, but this experience is often unique and dependent on the individual.
What this means is that it might help to know about some of the possible effects that can be expected from certain terpenes, but it is also just as essential to include personal experience and opinion in the equation. A good rule of thumb is to try cultivars that boast aromas you know you love, which should help to avoid the unfortunate possibility of ending up with a type you’re really not fond of, a major hindrance when it comes to enjoying this type of experience.
Method
Almost every enthusiast knows how to smoke a joint because it’s the most popular method of cannabis use, but with legalization came the evolution of consumption and a whole new world of device and product options, many of which are far healthier than smoking. If you’re used to joints, then a pipe or bong could be an upgrade, while those who are dedicated to the craft might want to level up with a dab rig or vaporizer instead, as both are considered to be healthier than smoking with the ability to avoid combustion.
Alternatively, those who wish not to inhale might want to explore the possibilities provided by capsules, edibles, oils, or drinks, all of which boast what many describe as more powerful effects that can last much longer than smoking without any of the negative side effects that might impact physical health.
Finding your next cultivar and planning your dream cannabis experience isn’t always easy, but the journey is always more than worth it.
