Since the consumption of marijuana has become a common trend globally, people from various age groups and cultures prefer cannabis for medical and non-medical purposes. Due to the relaxing and energising nature of cannabis, different cannabis strains have been popular among young adults.
A misconception is often spread that the effect of cannabis is solely determined by the indica/sativa classification. However, its effect is rather driven by the combination of several compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as individual body chemistry. The THC/CBD ratio plays a crucial role, as the former is a psychoactive compound and the latter has a calming effect. On the other hand, the presence of several aromatic compounds like limonene, myrcene, and pinene influences the effects significantly. While myrcene contributes to sedative properties, the other two have energizing effects.
So, which one to choose between energising and relaxing? Well, here you can find our tips regarding how to choose the best marijuana for you.
Considerations to Make When Choosing Between Energising and Relaxing Strains
Here are 5 tips to remember when it’s a choice between relaxing and energising strains:
Know What You Desire
First, understand what you are seeking. Are you trying to relax and looking for a sleep aid? Or do you need a mental boost for focus and creativity? If you want to relax, you need to choose an indica-dominant cannabis strain, while you can choose sativa-based strains if you need to boost yourself.
For example, the indica-based Bubble-Gum Gelato strain can be useful for good sleep, while the fruity and sweet notes can give an intertwined taste of cherry and raspberry, empowering a sensory experience. On the other hand, you can choose the Sour Diesel strain or the Durban Poison to experience high energy, mood elevation, and they can also boost your creativity.
Check the THC: CBD ratio
The THC: CBD ratio primarily determines a cannabis product’s effect, as well a balancing the therapeutic benefits with psychoactive potential. The ratio allows medical professionals and users to tailor the experience to specific requirements and tolerance levels, leveraging the entourage effects, as the compounds work simultaneously and synergistically.
As per your consumption goal, you need to choose the strains. A higher-THC strain (THC: CBD 10:1) produces an intense euphoric feeling, while the reverse produces no intoxicating effects or minimal impact, which is ideal to use if you want to remain focused and clear-headed. For example, high-CBD cannabis strains (up to 24%) and low THC (0.5-1%) strain, ACDC, are effective in staying energised, offering stress relief and pain management without intoxication. On the other hand, the high-indica (average: 28-33%) GMO cookies strain is good for relaxing and staying calm.
Here is a table with a few cannabis strains and their THC: CBD ratio:
| Strain Name | THC: CBD Ratio | Typical THC Content | Typical CBD Content | Primary Chemotype |
| Bedrocan | ~22:1 | ~22% | <1% | THC-dominant |
| Luminarium | ~25:0 | 25-28% | 0% | THC-dominant |
| Ghost Train Haze | >22:1 | ~22% | <1% | THC-dominant |
| Painkiller XL | 1:1 | ~9% | ~9% | Balanced |
| Cannatonic | ~1:1 | ~10% | ~10% | Balanced |
| Harlequin | ~1:1 to 1:2 (CBD: THC) | 8-15% | 8-15% | CBD-dominant |
Table 1: Various Canabi Strains and THC: CBD Ratio
Prioritise Terpene Profiles
You need to focus on the terpene profiles of cannabis strains, since they deeply influence the effects. For relaxation, you can consider strains rich in linalool (lavender, floral aroma) or myrcene (musky or earthy aroma), while to get energized and focus, it’s better to go for strains high in pinene (pine scented) or limonene (citrus scented).
You can check lab reports, as reputable dispensaries provide lab-tested products, and in this regard, they produce a Certificate of Analysis (COA). The report lists specific percentages of terpenes, dominant in various strains.
Tip: Look for strains with specific terpenes, above 0.2% to 0.5%, or a total content of terpene more than 1% for a robust aroma effect. You can also use online resources and forums, like Leafy offers general terpene profiles and user reviews for thousands of strains.
Consider Your Body Tolerance
Before choosing an indica or sativa-based strain, you not only check the THC and CBD content, but also make a note of your tolerance as well. If you are a beginner with low tolerance, you must take low doses to produce strong effects, since high doses may cause paranoia or anxiety.
For example, beginners must avoid GMO cookies strain, since they are high in THC, and you may experience challenges regarding stability. On the other hand, if you are experienced and have a high tolerance, you can consume the GMO cookies strain to stay active and energized. By increasing the doses slightly, you can achieve the desired effects. However, beginners may choose Bubble-Gum Gelato strains, since they are rich in THC (18%) to experience a relaxed mind.
Tip: If you are a beginner, you must start with low-potency products (10-15% THC) to gauge the body reaction, avoid side effects.
Choose the Right Consumption Method and Consult Dispensary Experts
You can consider vaping or smoking to experience rapid effects, which can make it easier to control the impact of doses. However, if you consider edibles, you will experience a delayed onset but long-lasting potent effects.
However, to experience better smoking, you can talk to dispensary experts like budtenders, who can provide personalized recommendations based on experience level, health goals, and desired effects.
