Have you ever wondered, “Which cannabis strain helps with relaxation?” or “What strain is best for productivity?” This blog will help you figure out just that! Whether you’re canna-curious but unsure where to start, or you feel overwhelmed by all the information you can find online from so-called “cannabis experts”, we’ll break down, in simple terms, how to choose the cannabis strain that best meets your needs.
Hemp vs. Marijuana: What’s The Difference?
The first thing to know about cannabis is the difference between hemp and marijuana. These are two different names for cannabis but scientifically, they are the same plant. The main difference between the two is the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol – the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gets users “high”) they contain. To be classified as hemp, a cannabis plant must have less than 0.3% THC. Any cannabis plant with more than 0.3% THC is classified as marijuana. This is a legal classification only – hemp and marijuana are both still cannabis.
What Is A Cannabis Strain?
Generally, when people talk about different strains of cannabis they are referring to the different species of cannabis plants – sativa and indica – and their various effects. Cannabis sativa strains are generally associated with uplifting, energizing and mood enhancing properties; while cannabis indica strains are known to be more calming, relaxing and relieving. An easy way to remember the difference between sativa and indica is to think of “in-da-couch” for indica – since the effects of an indica strain often leave users “couch locked”.
Sativa & indica strains can also be interbred to create a hybrid strain, which has properties of both. Hybrid strains are very versatile and can be used any time of day, as they won’t leave users too amped up or make them too sleepy.
What Are Terpenes?
What a lot of people don’t realize about weed strains is that their effects are heavily influenced by terpenes.
Terpenes are natural chemicals found in all plants, including cannabis, that give them their smell and taste. When you smell an orange, that citrusy smell comes from the terpene limonene. Pine trees get their pine scent from the terpene pinene. And lavender’s relaxing scent: that’s linalool.
When you smell a cannabis bud and it smells sweet or fruity or skunky — it’s because of the terpenes!
What Do Terpenes Do In Cannabis?
Terpenes can affect how a hemp or marijuana strain makes you feel. Think of them like the “vibes” of the strain. For example, the popular indica strain called Northern Lights is known to be deeply relaxing for both the body and mind. This makes sense when you look at the terpene profile of that strain, which, depending on how it was bred, can include myrcene (known for calming, relaxing effects, giving a sense of serenity), caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory properties), limonene (mood enhancement) and linalool (calming effects, eases stress).
If you’re looking for specific effects from your cannabis flower – like sleep, focus or relief – pay attention to the terpenes it has. You can find them listed on the Certificate of Analysis, or lab report, that reputable hemp retailers should have available.
For example, if you’re comparing two different sativa strains, one with a high content of limonene, like Super Lemon Haze, is going to be more cheerful and energizing, while one with more pinene, like Jack Herer, is going to help with mental sharpness and focus. Both are sativa strains but they have different effects because of their terpene profiles.
This is why terpenes matter when you’re choosing a hemp strain – two strains might have the same amount of CBD or THC, but one has terpenes that help you feel calm, and the other has terpenes that make you feel alert.
The chart below lists terpenes commonly found in cannabis and their effects, to help guide you in picking a strain to meet your needs.
For quick reference, if you want to:
- Feel relaxed or sleepy – look for linalool or myrcene
- Feel more awake or focused – look for pinene or limonene
- Feel less stressed or worried – look for beta-caryophyllene
| Terpene | Scent | Common Effects |
| Myrcene | Earthy, musky, clove-like | Relaxing, sedating, may enhance THC effects |
| Limonene | Citrus (lemon, orange) | Uplifting, mood-boosting, stress relief |
| Pinene | Pine, forest-like | Alertness, memory support, anti-inflammatory |
| Linalool | Floral (like lavender) | Calming, anti-anxiety, helps with sleep |
| Caryophyllene | Peppery, spicy | Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, stress reduction |
| Humulene | Woody, hoppy (like beer) | Appetite suppressant, anti-inflammatory |
| Terpinolene |
Herbal, fresh, floral | Uplifting, mildly sedative, antioxidant |
Choosing The Right Cannabis Strain With Confidence
Finding the right hemp strain doesn’t have to be confusing. By understanding the basic properties of sativa and indica cannabis strains and recognizing the role that terpenes play in influencing the effects of a strain, you can confidently select a strain tailored to your needs – whether it’s for relaxation, focus, sleep or relief. Remember, two strains with the same CBD or THC content can feel very different because of their terpene profiles.
Once you’ve determined the type of hemp strain that best meets your needs, the final step is to ensure you are purchasing from a trusted provider. With a focus on quality products and customer education, The Farmacy Botanical Shoppe is the best place to buy cannabis flower in San Antonio. Each of our THCa flower strains is hand-selected by our knowledgeable staff to elevate your hemp experience and meet your wellness needs. Shop our hemp flower products now for in-store pickup or discreet same-day delivery in San Antonio.