When shopping for cannabis flower, you’ll often see labels like sativa, indica, or hybrid. While these terms are helpful, they don’t tell the full story. To truly understand how a strain might affect you, it’s important to know about both strain types and terpenes.
Cannabis strains fall into three main categories:
Sativa strains are usually described as energizing. Many people use them during the day to feel more alert, creative, or social.
Indica strains are known for being calming. They’re often used at night or to help with pain, stress, or sleep.
Hybrid strains combine traits of both sativa and indica. They can lean in either direction or offer a balanced effect depending on their genetics.
However, the effect of a strain is not only based on whether it’s a sativa or indica. The smell, taste, and impact of cannabis also come from natural plant compounds called terpenes.
Terpenes are oils that give cannabis its aroma and flavor. More importantly, they interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to influence how a strain makes you feel. This is called the entourage effect.
Some common terpenes include:
- Myrcene: may promote relaxation and calm
- Limonene: linked to mood elevation and stress relief
- Pinene: thought to support focus and clarity
- Caryophyllene: may help reduce inflammation
- Linalool: often associated with calming and anti-anxiety effects
When reading cannabis flower labels, look for the following details:
- Strain type (sativa, indica, hybrid)
- THC and CBD content
- Dominant terpenes
- Harvest date and lab testing info
This information helps you choose flower that matches the experience you want—whether that’s boosting energy, managing pain, or helping with sleep. Still, it’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently. What works well for one person might not feel the same for someone else.
Start low, go slow, and track how different strains and terpene combinations affect you over time. This helps you find the best flower for your personal needs.
