Owing to the extensive genetic diversity and different geographical climates (and environments), there’s a wide selection of cannabis strains that can produce various effects.
While some may help combat fatigue and get your energy back, others may help elevate the mood and ward off depression. What gives cannabis character, so as to say, are the countless chemicals it contains. At this point, explicit mention can be made of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis breeders have been long crossing plants to develop distinctive strains characterized by unique combinations of taste, look, and effect. Genetic resources are of great value for future investigations that will help in promoting commercial production.
If you’re curious to know what cannabis strains are the best, keep on reading. These are the top contenders.
Bacio Gelato
Bacio Gelato, commonly referred to as The Mint GSC or the Sunset Sherbert, is a phenotype of the cherished Gelato strain, an evenly balanced hybrid cannabis strain. Gelato, irrespective of the phenotype, is a top-shelf strain preferred for its sweet, fruity flavor and potent effects, and despite its high price, it’s one of the fastest to sell out. Bacio Gelato has a higher THC content compared to other strains, and the effect starts to set almost immediately. It’s hyper-potent, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has adverse effects. Bacio Gelato is suitable for high-tolerance consumers and patients – it’s not the perfect starting point for new consumers.
Berry Blue
Berry Blue, or simply Blueberry, is a flavor-forward indica hybrid obtained by crossing Purple Thai with Thai. The Blueberry strain is popular worldwide and acknowledged for its relaxing effects; it produces a long-lasting sense of euphoria (3-4 hours). Berry Blue can help reduce anxiety and stress, enable calmness, and ease restlessness. Thanks to its deeply relaxing terpenes, numerous people consume it for medical reasons to help with long-standing pain, sleeplessness, muscle spasms, and depression. Common terpenes found include d-Limonene, beta-Pinene, and Linalool, to name a few. They’re primarily responsible for the characteristic aroma of cannabis.
The history of Berry Blue dates back to the 1970s when DJ Short, who runs Old World Genetics, was working with different types of exotic landrace strains. It took three pedigree strains and decades of selective breeding to obtain the blueberry fragrance and taste we all know and love. Throughout the years, DJ Short has worked with many seed banks and breeders in response to the growing demand for a greater diversity of genetic resources. After Berry Blue, he created Flo, another strain from the Blue family, which produces quite a unique motivational high. It can be harvested several times, therefore, creating a flo of buds.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue, perhaps the most potent strain on the market, is a hybrid strain obtained by crossing Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. Literally all cannabis connoisseurs know about it. Developed by GG Genetics, Gorilla Glue has characteristics that are hard, if not impossible, to find in other plants. To be more precise, it reaches a level of THC of at least 25% (the highest registration record is 33.5%), so it’s suitable for daytime and nighttime consumption. Its efficacy in providing relief from stress, insomnia, and severe conditions (arthritis, MS, muscular dystrophy) is well-documented.
White Widow
White Widow is a sativa-dominant hybrid that changed the game for breeders, growers, and smokers alike, the origin of which remains a mystery to this day. The prevalence of White Widow is due to the TV show Weeds and references within the rap industry. The origins of White Widow lie in a Brazilian sativa male whose pollen was used to fertilize a female plant coming from Kerala, India. This cannabis strain promotes creative thinking and increases energy, relaxation, and connectedness. Dosing is very much a personal affair, but it’s best to go slow and low. White Window is ideal for moderate cannabis consumers.
White Widow is regarded as the “mother” of the White family of cannabis strains, which includes White Rhino, White Russian, White Amnesia, White Domina, and the Great White Shark. Only more experienced growers and producers familiar with White genetics can tell if a variety has been hybridized with Widow; by appearance and taste, it’s difficult to appreciate. Consumers rely on the predictability of the strain’s effects, flavor, and overall quality. Seed banks like Seedsman.com enable the preservation and distribution of cannabis strains like White Widow. They’re the only source of future cannabis populations, allowing the genetic material to be reintroduced on a large scale into the environment.
Love Affair
Love Affair has a higher percentage of sativa genetics compared to indica genetics, crossed from Alien Rock Candy and Gorilla Glue. It produces a sleepy and euphoric feeling that won’t leave you tied to the couch. Patients use Love Affair to handle symptoms related to inflammation, insomnia, and lack of appetite, reporting sustained improvements in quality of life. The dominant terpene is caryophyllene which, in conjunction with other cannabinoids, supports the immune system, relieves pain, and helps soothe. Love Affair has a distinctive and pungent aroma that’s almost intoxicating.
Concluding Thoughts
All in all, there are countless strains of cannabis, some with colorful names. Many are cross-bred hybrids that contain indica and sativa genetics. Breeders and growers are forever trying new things, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that strains come in different flavors, aromas, and levels of potency. While each strain has specific effects, it’s not a good idea to generalize because the outcome depends on the person consuming the cannabis. As we all know, the effects of people respond differently to cannabis depending on genetics, age, and gender, among other things. Take into consideration your level of experience with cannabis when choosing a strain.
Preserving the aforementioned cannabis strains allows us to maintain genetic diversity, which is of the essence in terms of continued development and advancement. The global market size is projected to grow, so new strains and cross-breeding are now the norm. Nevertheless, even if the cannabis industry has its eyes set on the future, it’s paramount to look into preserving the past.