Types of Weed (Cannabis) and Strains: A Detailed Guide

By Mitch Rice

Weed is a popular herbal plant that has been used by people for multiple years now. It is not only popular due to its recreational use, but also for its medicinal and recreational purposes. Weed is also referred to as cannabis or marijuana. With time, marijuana seeds have been accepted and legalized all across the globe. Hence, it has become important for cannabis users to understand properly what are the types of weed and strains.

Weed strains are available in a large variety. If you are not aware of it, you are at the right place. This article will throw light on all about weed strains and their types. For those looking to buy marijuana seeds, various websites provide a wide range of weed seeds for sale. Additionally, if you are located in the U.S., you can easily find Weed Seeds USA at Hypno Seeds official website.

Types of Cannabis Plants

There are three main types of cannabis plants:

  • Cannabis Indica
  • Cannabis Sativa
  • Cannabis Ruderalis 

Each type has characteristics of its own in growth, chemical composition, and effects which is why many growers look for specific marijuana seeds for sale depending on the strain they wish to cultivate.

  1. Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis sativa plants are quite tall in height, They have slender and thin leaves. Talking about the climate, then it’s the summers that suit them very well. You can easily find them in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central America. They need long summers for their existence. The maturing cycle is one of the parameters that differentiates Sativa and Indica plants and that is the reason why many cultivators seek cannabis seeds. While sativa plants have a long growing and maturity cycle, indices have a lesser as compared to sativa plants. Be sure that you buy pot seeds if you are looking to grow them.

Effects: Uplifting, energetic, and cerebral. Best for: Daytime use, creativity, focus, and social activities.

Common Sativa Strains:

Sour Diesel: Energizing, stress relief.

Jack Herer: Jack offers a clear-headed, creative high.

Green Crack: This one is seriously energizing. Great for getting things done.

When growing sativa, you might want to check the availability of specific weed seeds for sale that are bred for these characteristics.

Cannabis Indica

Cannabis Indica plants are characterized as shorter, bushier plants with wider leaves. Indicas typically grow faster and have a higher yield than the sativa variety which makes it a good choice for those who are willing to buy marijuana seeds or cannabis seeds for quick harvest. Medicine produced from cannabis indica plants has higher CBD and lower THC counts. Indica plants are generally thought to have originated in the Hindu Kush region near Afghanistan, where its genotype has adapted to harsh climates and growing conditions.

Genre consistency is a key to satisfying these.

Relaxing and calm

This is definitely an end-of-the-day or nighttime strain. This is great for sleep if you have anxiety about not sleeping. Great pain reliever as well as a muscle relaxer.

Weed Seed strains that are more commonly found on the West Coast of the United States originate from Indica landrace plants. Some of these include:

Northern Lights: These cannabis Seeds are Known for their relaxing effects, it will often be used to treat insomnia and pain.

Granddaddy Purps: A strong indica strain designed to combat stress and anxiety. Also, these cannabis Seeds are used for insomnia, and deep relaxation will help you sleep much better.

Purple Kush: A wonderful nighttime strain that will also help with pain management, Purple Kush cannabis Seeds are high in THC and can induce powerful couchlock.

Cannabis Ruderalis

Cannabis Ruderalis is a species of cannabis that many people are not aware of. It is smaller and less potent in terms of THC than both Indica and Sativa strains. This plant grows naturally in Central/Eastern Europe and Russia. Ruderalis is primarily used for crossbreeding because it has an auto-flowering trait, meaning it flowers based on age and not light cycles.

Appearance: Short, stocky

Effects: Mild, with lower THC levels. Best for: Those looking for CBD-dominant strains that have very little psychoactive effect.

Common Ruderalis Strains: Ruderalis is not often smoked alone, and more than likely it has been crossed with Indica or Sativa making a hybrid strain that carries over the auto-flowering trait.

Understanding Cannabis Strains

On top of the three main types of cannabis seed strains, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of strains that have been bred by crossing different cannabis strains to achieve certain effects. Just be sure that you are choosing the right marijuana seeds for sale or pot seeds. Strains are often broken up into three different categories:

Sativa Strain 

Sativa-dominant strains provide a more stimulating and uplifting high – ideal for daytime usage. Sativa dominant strains usually have a higher THC-to-CBD ratio meaning the psychoactive effects will be felt more prominently. Popular Sativa-Dominant Strains:

Maui Wowie: Tropical and uplifting effects.

Strawberry Cough: Potent, euphoric high while maintaining mental clarity.

Indica-Dominant Strains

Indica-dominant strains are more sedative and body-focused. They tend to have a higher CBD content, which makes them ideal for medical users seeking relief from pain, insomnia, or anxiety.

Popular Indica-Dominant Strains: 

Grape Ape: This strain is an Indica-dominant hybrid that produces a powerful, body-centered high that’s perfect for pain and relaxation.

Bubba Kush – An insanely potent sedative strain used to help with stress and sleep.

Hybrid Strains

Hybrids are produced by crossbreeding plants from both the sativa and indica strains and can be sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, or right in the middle. Hybrids provide a combination of effects that are found in both strains of relief and psychoactive activity so they can literally cater to your specific needs.

Popular Hybrid Strains:

Blue Dream: A cross between Blueberry Indica and Sativa Haze, this is a balanced hybrid strain with full-body relaxation effects and gentle cerebral invigoration. 

Girl Scout Cookies (GSC): GSC provides an intense high. It’s known for its potency, providing relief, and relaxation for pain, nausea, and appetite loss.

Pineapple Express: It’s known for the high apparent during use, which leads to improved focus, relief of pain, and nausea, and also helps to increase appetite.

Long-lasting effects that are known to be productive and relaxing.

Cannabinoids and Terpenes: The Building Blocks of Cannabis Strains

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds in marijuana seeds that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system. The two most recognized cannabinoids are:

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects or “high” of marijuana seeds.

CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-psychoactive, often used for medicinal purposes like reducing inflammation, pain, and anxiety.

Different strains have different levels of THC and CBD, which will influence the overall effect.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in marijuana seeds that influence a strain’s flavor, scent, and therapeutic potential. They can work with cannabinoids to intensify or temper the effects of a particular strain. 

Some common terpenes include:

Limonene: which you can also find in citrus fruits is responsible for the uplifting, stress‑relieving effects.

Myrcene – most commonly found in mangoes and thyme, myrcene is known to be mildly sedative so save these especially calming strains for when you have a chance to take a nap or sleep later on!

Pinene – found in pine needles, pinene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and is alertness-enhancing.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain for You

The cannabis seeds strain you choose really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, your tolerance levels, and your needs. However here are some general tips.

For Relaxation or Sleep – go with Indica dominant strains like Granddaddy Purple or Northern Lights.

For Energy and Creativity: Sativa-dominant strains like Sour Diesel or Green Crack for focus and productivity.

For Balanced Effects: Hybrid strains like Blue Dream or GSC for relaxation and euphoria.

For Medical Use: CBD-rich strains or high-CBD products are preferred for managing anxiety, chronic pain, or epilepsy without strong psychoactive effects.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.