Blood Diamond. Photo courtesy of Secret Nature.
There are lots of CBD flower strains to choose from. At first, you might scoff at all the odd-sounding names: Is the difference between Papaya Nights and Frosted Kush, for instance, really significant enough to merit such over-the-top monikers?
Scientists still debate whether the differences between cannabis strains are meaningful, but it's an objective fact that no two strains of hemp or cannabis have exactly the same chemical makeup. Featuring varying concentrations of terpenes and minor cannabinoids, there's certainly reason to suspect different strains of hemp may offer genuinely different results.
With this reality in mind, how do you choose the right hemp strain for your needs? One strain might make you sleepy while another might help you focus. Below, learn why hemp strains are unique and find out how to select the right strain of hemp for your needs.
Recommended Articles
The terpene factor
Modern cannabis researchers believe the differences in the effects Indicas and Sativas provide can be traced back to their terpene profiles. Found in many other plants aside from cannabis, terpenes are aromatic oils that often have potent healing properties. The terpene linalool, for instance, is found in both lavender and cannabis, and it has been studied extensively for its potential to help with sleep disorders.
As you select a CBD strain to smoke or vape, you might want to aim for specific terpenes. Limonene is known to have an anti-anxiety, energizing effect, for instance, and beta-caryophyllene behaves like a cannabinoid inside your body. Terpenes open up an entirely new world of potential hemp effects, and we're just now starting to learn how to harness these beneficial plant compounds to their fullest potential.
Choosing the best CBD strain
Here's what you should consider when choosing a CBD flower strain:
- Indica strains are relaxing; Sativa strains are energizing
- Each terpene in CBD flower can exert individual effects
- CBD combines with the terpenes and minor cannabinoids in hemp flower to provide the "entourage effect"
- The minor cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, CBC, etc.) in CBD flower can subtly alter the effects you experience
- Customer reviews will help you choose the right CBD flower company
As the popularity of CBD flowers increases, competition is increasing along with it, incentivizing companies to produce better and better products. The golden age of CBD flower has arrived, and there's a perfect hemp flower strain out there for everyone.