Ready, Set, Spark it Up! After decades (if not centuries) of weed’s stigmatization, the flower’s legalization in Canada means more and more beginners are starting to smoke weed. It’s exciting that the new normal today is enjoying the benefits of weed legally without it being frowned upon. In fact, weed is becoming SO normal now, it can almost feel like a cannabis gold rush!
And with so many different types of cannabis on the market, let’s review the best weed strains for beginners. But first, some interesting notes on how the many different weed strains and their most important components are classified and understood.
What is a Weed Strain?
For a long time due to lack of cannabis education, the general public thought that weed was simply weed, when in fact there are countless weed strains that produce countless different effects. A “weed strain”, simply put, is a variety of cannabis flower that you can smoke or ingest as an oil. And according to Medical News Today, there are more than 700 weed strains that exist today, with more being discovered, created, and cultivated every single day worldwide! Each weed strain has a different set of characteristics, including taste, smoke density, and attributes of the high.
The High: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Weed Strains
Weed strains are further categorized as being indica, sativa, or hybrid. Indica, or as some call it, “in da couch,” is the group of weed strains that give you a strong body buzz and help you chill out. The kind that makes you kick your feet up on the coffee table and never leave the couch all Sunday afternoon. Indica weed also tends to have a darker bud colour, and a more dank and woodsy smoke flavour.
Sativa, meanwhile, is the group of weed strains characterized as a more uplifting, cerebral, and an excited “high”. Sativa weed strains tend to taste more fruity and citrusy. For many, Sativa can be like jet fuel. Some people report experiencing some level anxiety from strong sativas, which is important to be mindful of as a beginner.
When a weed strain is referred to as “hybrid,” it simply means the strain was developed with aspects of both indica and sativa within the plant’s makeup.
CBD vs. THC Within Weed Strains
Next up, as a beginner, it’s important that you also understand the difference between CBD and THC. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most common cannabinoids (naturally occurring compounds) found in cannabis products. Basically, both CBD and THC work with receptors that release neurotransmitters in the brain. CBD is known to have a very calming effect, whereas THC is the chemical compound known to create the psychoactive component of the “high” sensation.
Indica weed strains usually contain higher amounts of CBD than THC, while sativa weed strains typically have larger amounts of THC than CBD. This is why indica generally causes more of a calming or relaxing effect, while sativa is known to cause an uplifting feeling. Many hybrid weed strains today will combine both effects: it’s not uncommon to smoke a hybrid weed strain that has both calming and euphoric effects.
Top Three Weed Strains for Newbies
Now that you’re familiar with weed strains, indica, sativa, hybrid, THC, and CBD, let’s review the best flower to smoke as a newbie. We’ve made sure to include weed strains that won’t overwhelm you as a beginner. This means they’re fairly low in both CBD and THC content.
Remember, it’s important to start small and slow. Everyone experiences weed differently, so what happens to your friend or partner may not be what happens to you. We want you to have a very positive experience from the start, and we’re confident these weed strains will work well for beginners!
Sweet and Sour Widow
A hybrid cross of many crowd favorites, this is a great and easy hybrid strain, as it has a balanced blend of 1:1 ratio for CBD and THC content. It’s 70% indica and 30% sativa, which means its psychoactive effects are mild and tend toward mellow and calm. It has a rich and deep flavor of pear, with hints of minty freshness and a spicy undertone. If you want to feel creative and inspired but also relax and unwind, this is the perfect weed strain for beginners.
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is a sativa strain that, unlike most sativas, was cultivated to have a higher ratio of CBD than THC, making it a great weed strain for beginners. Many users also report amazing health benefits due to its high CBD content, including reduced inflammation, improved skin conditions, and enhanced mental health wellness. Users report feeling little to no intoxication or “high” from the strain, only physical and mental comfort.
Blue Dream
If you think you’re ready for something a little more psychoactive, Blue Dream is your best bet for first-time smoking effects. Technically a sativa-dominant hybrid, this weed strain offers a balanced high of cerebral euphoria and also full-body relaxation. Blue Dream has a higher THC content and a lower CBD content, with medical users reporting that it helps tremendously with nausea, fatigue, depression, chronic pain, and anxiety. Originally grown in California, this strain holds a legendary status there due to its balanced effects, its sweet berry taste, and an affordable price point.
Final Words
So, you’re new to weed. Congratulations! This is going to be an exciting journey of discovery for you. It may take some trial and error, but you’re sure to find the perfect weed strain for your preferences. Peers Cannabis has a great selection of cannabis products to check out here. You can also talk to one of our representatives today to get started!
