If you’re unfamiliar with cannabis, you might be overwhelmed by the various strains and other information that comes up when you try to learn more. Growers don’t always make it easy. Plus, some strains may be given different names by different creators. Still, you can arm yourself with information before making your first purchase, starting with what you can tell from strain names.
Flavor and Effects
You may be able to tell a strain’s taste or scent from its name. If you have a chance to try “Bubble Gum Flower” or “Strawberry Flower,” it’s a pretty safe bet that it will be sweet. Similarly, some strains take their names from their effects. “Sweet Dreams” is a great example. If this strain lives up to its name, it would be a great option to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Origins
Older cannabis strains such as Acapulco Gold and Paname Red took their names from their geographic origins. In fact, some of those strains are the “parents” of modern strains. Breeding the different strains creates genetic crosses with different characteristics, some of which relate to the flavor or high, and others impact how the plant grows.
Strain names can be cleverly creative and include wordplay or may indicate which strains were combined to create the new product. A great example of both is Berry White, which is a hybrid of strains named Blueberry and White Widow. White Widow itself is named after the high density of sticky outgrowths known as trichomes on the plant, and other strain names may describe the physical traits of the plant.
Knowing the parent or dominant strains can inform you of their effects. For example, indica is commonly known for calming, while sativa is better known for giving you energy.
Cannabis Name Don’t Tell You Everything
You cannot always tell as much from the stain of cannabis as you might think. First, some names are simply flights of fancy. Ringo’s Gift, for example, doesn’t tell you anything other than its creator knew of cannabis breeder Lawrence Ringo–not the Beatles’ drummer.
Furthermore, growing conditions impact terpenes, compounds that impact the flavor and smell of cannabis, as well as the THC and CBD content. If you want a consistent experience, try to stick with the same grower. If you can’t, pay attention to the levels of THC and CBD and try to match the ratio you’re most familiar with.
Fortunately, many retailers include all the information you might want about strains in product descriptions. All Greens Dispensary lets you search by strain and THC or CBD content, for example. On the other hand, these variations can lead to interesting experiences if you’re an adventurous spirit!
