Cannabis terpenes are compounds that give each strain its distinct flavor and aroma. Whether you're a cannabis user, grower, or simply curious about terpenes, hopefully this article can provide a better understanding of the role of terpenes in the cannabis plant.

Terpenes (or "terps" for short), are a chemical compound found in cannabis plants. They're responsible for its distinctive flavor and aroma, and are produced by the same gland of the plant which produces cannabinoids. Terpenes are often described as aromatic oils, and they play a key role in the overall effects of cannabis when consumed.

Despite the&nbsp;<a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5b00949">113 terpenes</a>&nbsp;identified in cannabis plants, some botanists believe that there are many more terpenes that have yet to be discovered. In fact, it's estimated that there may be more than 20,000 different terpenes across all plant species.

Since terpenes are primarily produced within the plant's reproductive organs inside of the flowers, females generally have higher terpenes levels than their male counterparts. However, it's important to understand that the levels of terpenes in a given cannabis plant can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the specific strain of the plant, growing conditions, as well as the plant's age.

Terpenes often work <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946">synergistically with cannabinoids</a> to produce the plant's unique effects when consumed. This synergy is one of the reasons why different cannabis strains can have different effects, even if they have similar levels of THC or CBD.

Cannabis breeders often try to manipulate the levels of terpenes and cannabinoids in their plants in order to achieve specific effects or to meet the demands of consumers.

In addition to their role in the flavor and effects of cannabis, terpenes also have a number of biological functions within the plant itself. Some terpenes act as repellents to <a href="/articles/growing/14-common-cannabis-plant-pests">protect the plant from herbivores or pests</a>, while others play a role in the plant's immune system. Different terpenes can have differing effects on the human body, with some having relaxing properties and others promoting focus or alertness. 

Despite the various benefits of terpenes for humans,&nbsp; one of the primary roles of terpenes in plants is to serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores and other predators. Many terpenes have a strong, pungent odor that can repel animals or insects, helping to protect the plant from being eaten. In addition, some terpenes can also attract pollinators, which is essential for the plant's reproduction.

Terpenes can also serve a number of other functions in plants, including <a href="/articles/growing/common-issues-when-growing-marijuana">protecting the plant from fungus and bacteria</a>, and even helping shield the plant from the sun's harmful UV rays. 

Overall, the evolutionary focus of terpenes in plants is to help the plant survive and reproduce in its environment, and these compounds have evolved over time to serve a variety of important functions.

Some terpenes have relaxing or sedative properties that help promote stress-relief and relaxation. Linalool, for example, is a terpene that's been shown to have sleep-inducing effects, and commonly used in sleep-aid products. Other terpenes, such as humulene, can have stimulating effects and improve focus and mental acuity. Humulene has also been shown to have appetite-suppressing effects, and is often used in weight-loss products.

The "entourage effect" is a term used to describe the way that different compounds in cannabis can interact with each other to produce a synergistic effect. This means that the presence of one compound can enhance or modify the effects of another compound, resulting in a more potent or nuanced effect than either compound would produce on its own.

Terpenes are an important part of the entourage effect in cannabis, as they can interact with cannabinoids like THC and <a href="/articles/science-tech/what-is-cannabidiol-cbd">CBD</a> to produce unique effects. For example, certain terpenes have been shown to increase the rate at which cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream, which could potentially get you higher more quickly!

As mentioned previously, the total amount of terpenes produced by a cannabis plant can be influenced by a number of different factors, including the age and maturation of the plant, weather and climate conditions, the type of soil the plant is grown in, and the fertilizers used. Additionally, the levels of terpenes in a given plant can vary depending on the time of day, with some plants producing more terpenes at certain times than others.

In this section, we'll take a closer look at some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis plants, and how they contribute to the unique characteristics of different strains such as why <a href="/strains/hybrid/mango-kush">Mango Kush</a> smells and tastes just like mangoes, <a href="/strains/indica/blueberry">Blueberry</a> has a distinctive blueberry taste, and even why <a href="/strains/sativa/sour-diesel">Sour Diesel</a> smells just like diesel.

Alpha-bisabolol, also known as bisabolol or levomenol, is a terpene found in a number of plant species, including the candeia tree and the chamomile flower.

This terpene is most commonly used in cosmetics as a skin smoothening agent, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, alpha-bisabolol has been shown to have analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, and has been studied for its potential use in treating wounds and bacterial infections.

Alpha-pinene, also known as pinene, is a terpene that can be found in a number of plant species, including basil, rosemary, dill, parsley, and pine needles.

This terpene has a number of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0367326X09002780">antimicrobial</a> properties. In addition, alpha-pinene has been shown to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236094/">counteract</a> some of the effects of THC, and it may also promote memory retention and alertness.

What temperature does alpha-pinene vaporize at?

Alpha-pinene vaporizes at 311 degrees Fahrenheit (155 degrees Celsius).

 Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene that can be found in a number of plant species, including black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a spicy, woody aroma, and it is often used in the production of perfumes and flavorings.

In addition to its distinctive aroma, beta-caryophyllene has a number of potential health benefits. It has been shown to have stress-relieving effects, and it has been studied for its potential use in treating a variety of conditions, including depression, ulcers, anxiety, and pain.

Some experts believe that beta-caryophyllene is the only terpene that directly activates one of the cannabinoid receptors in the body, binding to the CB2 receptor, which is involved in regulating inflammation.

What temperature does beta-caryophyllene vaporize at?

Beta-caryophyllene&nbsp;vaporizes at 266 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius).

Borneol is a terpene that can be found in a number of plant species, including camphor, rosemary, and mint. It has a distinctive herbal, minty aroma, and it is commonly used in the production of perfumes and flavorings.

In addition to its distinctive scent, borneol has been shown to have <a href="/articles/growing/14-common-cannabis-plant-pests">insect-repellent</a> properties, which can help prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Borneol is also commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is believed to have a variety of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

What temperature does borneol vaporize at?

Borneol vaporizes at 415 degrees Fahrenheit (213­ degrees Celsius).

Camphene is a terpene with a damp woodlands, musky earth, and fir needles scent. It has potential as an antioxidant, particularly when combined with vitamin C, and it may assist in lowering triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk.

&nbsp;Delta-3-carene is present in cedar, pine, bell peppers, basil, and rosemary. It has a sweet aroma similar to that of the cypress tree.

It is commonly used in perfumes and as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. Some studies have suggested that delta-3-carene may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and it may be useful as a natural treatment for pain and inflammation.

Eucalyptol, also known as cineole, is (rather unsurprisingly) the primary terpene found in the eucalyptus tree. It's known for its camphor-like aroma and flavor, and commonly used in medicine and cosmetics for its potential health benefits.

Some studies have suggested that eucalyptol may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, and it may be useful in the treatment of pain and infections. There is also some early research indicating that eucalyptol may have potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, but more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

What temperature does eucalyptol vaporize at?

Eucalyptol vaporizes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).

&nbsp;Humulene is also found in hops, cloves, basil, and coriander (cilantro). Similar to hops, its aroma is earthy and woody. Although it's only present in very low amounts within the cannabis plant, it's enough to help repel harmful pests and even prevent fungi from growing.

What temperature does humulene vaporize at?

Humulene vaporizes at 222 degrees Fahrenheit (106 degrees Celsius), and also contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Limonene is also present in juniper, peppermint, rosemary, and fruit rinds. It smells like citrus, hence the name. It can elevate the mood of the consumer and relieve stress. There are medical applications for it to potentially treat depression, anxiety, pain, inflammation, and even <a href="/articles/health/can-cannabis-cure-cancer">cancer</a>. It is also commonly used for weight loss and is common in a range of flavorings, including bubblegum.

What temperature does limonene vaporize at?

Limonene vaporizes at 348 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius).

Linalool is also present in lavender and has a floral scent. It enhances your mood and can have sedative effects. It has potential for treating inflammation, neurodegeneration, depression, anxiety, pain, and insomnia. There is also some <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10374249">evidence</a> that linalool has anticonvulsant effects, helping those with seizures. Studies in mice showed that this terpene reduced seizure severity.

What temperature does linalool vaporize at?

Linalool vaporizes at 388 degrees Fahrenheit (198 degrees Celsius).

When most people think of a cannabis terpene, they imagine myrcene. This is the most common terpene in marijuana and the one responsible for the main fragrance associated with cannabis.

Myrcene is also present in thyme, hops, lemongrass, and <a href="/strains/sativa/mango">mango</a>, and has an herbal, earthy, musky, and spicy aroma.&nbsp;It produces relaxing or sedating effects and has medical potential as an antioxidant and for the treatment of inflammation, pain and insomnia.

What temperature does myrcene vaporize at?

Myrcene vaporizes at 332 degrees Fahrenheit (167 degrees Celsius).

Ocimene is a terpene that is present in mint, pepper, parsley, mangos, basil, kumquats, and orchids, and has a sweet, woody, or herbal aroma. Some studies have suggested that ocimene may have potential as an antiviral, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial agent, and it may be useful as a decongestant.

What temperature does ocimene vaporize at?

Ocimene vaporizes at 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius).

Terpinolene is also present in lilacs, cumin, apples, conifers, tea tree, and nutmeg. It smells herbal, piney, and floral. Its potential medical value includes sedative, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties.

What temperature does terpinolene vaporize at?

Terpinolene vaporizes at 366 degrees Fahrenheit (186 degrees Celsius).

 Trans-nerolidol is a secondary terpene that is common in tea tree oil, lemongrass, and jasmine, and it has a floral, woody, and citrus aroma.

Some studies have suggested that trans-nerolidol may have potential as an anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antiparasitic agent.

You will notice that most of the above terpenes have distinct vaporization points.&nbsp;The ideal vaporization temperature for each terpene can vary, and it is important to vaporize terpenes at the correct temperature in order to preserve their unique aromas and potential health benefits. Carbonization, which is the process of burning a substance at high temperatures, can destroy many terpenes, as well as cannabinoids. Using a portable <a href="/articles/health/are-cannabis-vape-pens-safe">vaporizer</a> with temperature control can help ensure that terpenes are vaporized at the optimal temperature, allowing users to get the most from their vaporization experience.

It is generally correct to say that terpenes are not illegal, as they are found in a wide range of plants, including cannabis, lavender, hops, and pine. However, it's important to keep in mind that the legal status of terpenes can vary depending on where you live, and is always important to check your local laws and regulations before using terpenes.

What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

Whether you use cannabis or its by-products or grow the plant, you should familiarize yourself with what terpenes are

If you are using cannabis for medical purposes, it is ideal to ask the doctor completing your recommendation for suggestions. You should also purchase the strain that will benefit you the most so you can experience appropriate relief.

It's important to not only understand your condition, but the time of day you'll be consuming. In general, indica strains tend to make you sleepier and less social. In this case, it'd make sense to consume when you don't have a lot of activities planned or later on in the day/night. If you need daytime pain relief, a nice hybrid like Blue Dream will do the trick. If you're more concerned with focusing on an activity, a sativa strain makes the most sense here.

Leafist provides a vast library of strain information that you can use to to research before you during your dispensary visits. Also research the residual effects of each strain such as dry mouth, dry eyes and hunger so that you know what to expect.

When you visit the dispensary, discuss your ailments with the employee (or&nbsp;"budtender" as they are called in the industry). They may ask you a couple of questions like the effects you'd like to feel, if you need a high or low potency strain and what your symptoms are. Don't feel like they'll judge you -- it's their job to suggest the best strain options in their inventory that's specific to your needs, so it's important to be open with them.

If you are a newcomer to marijuana, you’re probably unaware that every strain has a unique scent. Some are skunky, some earthy, others sweet, and some are citrusy. There are even some that are simply hard to explain since they smell different to everyone. It's a good idea to pick a strain that not only works for what you need it to, but one that also smells good to you.

Note: Some strains at the dispensary have a natural musty smell to them; it doesn't necessarily mean that the strain is moldy or bad. Just be vocal about the aroma to the budtender during your sniff test to see what they have to say about it.

Start off slow with a few hits first. If you're using edibles, try starting out with nothing more than 5mg. If smoking or vaporizing, give yourself at least 15-30 minutes to feel the effects to decide if you'd like to continue. If taking edibles, give yourself up to 1 hour on an empty stomach and 2 hours on a full one. Every strain is going to react differently in your body – stressing the importance of starting slowly.

Tip:&nbsp;Try combining a CBD strain with your preferred strain to achieve a greater level of comfort.

How To Choose The Right Cannabis Strain

The first time walking into a dispensary can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to cannabis.

If you have any exposure at all to growing cannabis or interacting with the plants, you are likely aware that there are male and female cannabis plants. Most people do not know much about the differences. Some only know that the females are plants that produce the buds, while others do not even know this.

Whether you plan on growing cannabis or want to know more about the plant, it can be useful to learn the difference between male and female marijuana plants.

The most important distinction between male and female cannabis plants for most people will be that only females can produce buds. In other words, if your goal is to grow cannabis to consume it instead of for future breeding or to have a pretty plant, then you want to grow females. Most people who grow male plants will do so for reproduction, although you could also do so to diversify your garden. The bottom line is that you will not get any buds from&nbsp;male cannabis plants.

In addition to the fact that only female cannabis plants will produce buds, it is essential to note that they provide much more THC than males. Males rarely produce enough THC to be usable, which is why growers in search of potency tend to avoid them.

Since most people who grow cannabis want the buds as the final product, they will prefer to produce only female plants. This is not always as easy said as done since cannabis seeds are split evenly between males and females.

One standard solution to get around this problem is to start by planting more seeds than you need to create your desired number of adult cannabis plants. As soon as you can identify the sex of the plants, go ahead and do so. At this point, you can get rid of the males and keep growing the females.

Since many growers do not want to waste time and resources on growing seeds that will end up male, breeders have also come up with other solutions. The most popular is the feminized seeds. These are seeds that have been specifically bred to be only female. This way, you do not have to start growing the seeds and wait a little to identify the males.

Another option to avoid male cannabis plants is to only grow from&nbsp;clones instead of seeds. This way, you can be sure you are only cultivating female plants. As a bonus, growing from clones eliminates the need to&nbsp;germinate the seed, cutting some time off the beginning of the growing process. Keep in mind, however, that unlike seeds, you will need to plant and grow clones right away; they have no shelf life.

Differences in Pre-flowers on Male Vs. Female Cannabis Plants

Although beginners may find it hard to distinguish, those with experience identifying male and female plants will frequently be able to do so by looking at the pre-flowers. These will usually appear at around six weeks but can take until the beginning of the flowering stage to appear.

The main difference between the male and female pre-flowers is that the males will have pollen sacs while the females will have pistils and buds (calyx).

Female plants frequently take a little longer to start showing signs of their gender, compared to males. If you prolong the vegetative stage of growth in female plants, then they may show these signs even before they reach the flowering stage.

The earliest signs will come in the form of a handful of wispy white hairs in the area where the buds will eventually form. This is typically close to the location where individual branches or nodes connect with the main stem.

The key here is to remember that the pistils on female cannabis plants are never green; they are always white.

Keep in mind that the pre-flower will not begin with the pistil sticking out. Even so, you can typically tell that it is a female based on the shape. It will usually be female if the calyx is pointier, as pollen sacs in males tend to be rounder. If you cannot tell from the shape alone, wait for that wispy white hair to appear, and you will have your confirmation.

Most of the time, you will first notice the indications of a male plant around one or two weeks after the plant enters the flowering stage.

When identifying a male plant, you want to look for small balls that are almost grape-like in appearance. These balls become the pollen sacs that will contain pollen. If you let the plant keep growing, the pollen sacs will eventually burst open. This will cause the pollen to spill and spread.

When Can You Identify Male Vs. Female Cannabis Plants?

Most people should be able to identify if the plants are males or females once they reach the pre-flowering stage, which is the transition between the vegetative stage and the flowering stage. This may start at about four weeks but can take until around six weeks.

During the vegetative stage, you are unlikely to be able to tell the difference, since the plant focuses on growing without much differentiation by gender. This changes at around six weeks, when the pre-flowers start to appear.

If you cannot tell the difference at the pre-flowering stage, you should be able to, by the time the plants reach the flowering stage. During this stage, the plants no longer focus on strength and height. Instead, their energy goes to flower growth. This means that males will start producing their pollen sacs while females will begin providing their buds.

Although it is not the general rule of thumb, some strains or individual cannabis plants will give you a hint of their gender while they are still in the vegetative stage. If you keep them under the&nbsp;lighting schedule for vegetative growth for long enough, they may begin to grow the sacs or pistils for males and females, respectively. This early evidence of gender is particularly common among clones.

You Should Be Able to Tell by the Flowering Stage

At the latest, you should be able to tell the difference between male and female plants when you reach the flowering stage. This should happen within the first three weeks after you adjust the lighting, and cannabis is officially in the flowering stage.

If You Want Buds, Separate Males and Females

If your goal with growing cannabis is to get beautiful potent buds, then you want to make sure that you remove the male plants from the females as soon as you identify them. You can discard the male plants if you wish to, but at the least, you need to place them as far apart as you can.

Otherwise, as the male plants keep growing, the pollen sac will burst open, as mentioned before. When this happens, the pollen will spread to the female plants and cause fertilization to occur. If that happens, the female cannabis plants will focus their energy on developing seeds instead of producing buds. This typically results in weaker buds, which is not what most growers want.

It is generally accepted the seeded buds from female cannabis plants are of a lower quality than buds from an un-pollinated plant. The main issue is the potential reduction in potency and overall quality due to the female plant focusing its energy on growing seeds, as previously described.

Additionally, smoking seeded buds tend to produce smoke that is unpleasant and harsh.

It Lets You Focus Your Resources, Saving Money and Effort

Additionally, if your goal is to produce cannabis buds that you will then smoke or use in another way, then there is no reason to have male plants around. By identifying the male plants and removing or discarding them, you will have more resources and effort to dedicate to the female plants. You will save money on nutrients, soil, water, and electricity associated with climate control for growing the males. You will also give your female cannabis plants more space to spread out and grow, potentially increasing the yields.

Despite the clear preference for female cannabis plants, there are still some situations where you will want to have male plants as well.

If you are trying to breed a new strain of cannabis, then you will want to keep some males around. After all, breeding requires a male and a female plant to produce the seeds.

Additionally, if you have a strain that you like, you may want to keep the males around so you can collect&nbsp;seeds. This way, you will not have to buy seeds for the next season or grow only from clones. Remember that growing from seeds lets you take advantage of the longer shelf life of seeds, as they can easily last years when stored in cool, dry, airtight conditions.

Can You Do Anything Else With Male Cannabis Plants?

Although male cannabis plants are not as potent as female ones, you can still find some uses for them if you accidentally fully grow a male.

Some people choose to use male plants still to make edibles or extracts. There will always be some THC, cannabinoids, and&nbsp;terpenes in the male plant, just not as much as found in the females. You can also find the resin that contains cannabinoids on male plants, including on the leaves and by the pollen sacs. You could use this to make extracts or edibles. Alternatively, you can process the kief to make small discs that are less potent than those you would get from female plants.

Most cannabis plants will be either male or female, but some are hermaphrodites. This occurs if the plant has developed both female and male sex organs.

You can find two types of plants that are hermaphrodites. Some plants will develop pollen sacs in addition to buds. The other type will produce anthers, which some people call bananas because their appearance resembles this fruit.

Hermaphrodite cannabis plants typically occur due to extreme stress. That stress may be from nutrient deficiencies, disease, plant damage, or bad weather.

Another potential cause is due to genetics. Cannabis plants tend to have a higher risk of hermaphroditism if there is a genetic history of it.

If you want to grow cannabis to produce rich, potent buds, then get rid of any hermaphrodite cannabis plants that you find. Since these plants produce pollen, they carry the same risk of fertilizing the female plants that you would have with male plants. This is mainly a concern in the case of hermaphrodites with pollen sacs as well as buds, as the sac will burst and spread the pollen. Even so, hermaphrodite cannabis plants with anthers can easily pollinate your female plants, causing the same issue.

Even if you plan on breeding cannabis plants and want to produce seeds, you should get rid of hermaphroditic plants since some of this is tied to genetics. In other words, future child cannabis plants may have a higher chance of hermaphroditism, including when you do not want pollen present.

As you work to grow cannabis, you will want to focus on the female plants instead of the male ones, as they produce the buds and have higher concentrations of THC and other cannabinoids. You can usually start identifying whether a cannabis plant is male or female at around four to six weeks, but it may take a little longer. As soon as you identify males, remove them from the females to avoid pollination, unless that is your goal.

Difference Between Male and Female Cannabis Plants

When it comes to growing cannabis, knowing the difference between male and female plants is a critical skill to have.

As you explore the various cannabis strains, you will notice that they are usually labeled as indica or sativa. These are the two main categories of cannabis, and there are some differences between the two, whether you are looking at medical or recreational cannabis.

Most people agree that indica strains tend to deliver deep relaxation throughout the body. By contrast, sativa strains typically provide more energization. This is just a general rule of thumb, but the differences go much deeper than this. Additionally, it is crucial to keep in mind that every strain is different and will produce varying reactions.

Although there are exceptions to the rule, most indica cannabis plants will have broad leaves and be short and bushy. They tend to produce a higher yield compared to sativa plants and grow faster as well.

Indica strains are native in Turkey, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The plants have readily adapted to overcome the dry, harsh, and turbulent weather in the Hindu Kush mountains.

By contrast, indica cannabis strains tend to grow thin and tall, featuring narrow leaves. Tall is not an understatement when it comes to sativa, as some plants can grow over 12 feet. They tend to be lighter green compared to indica plants. Growing indica strains will typically require additional light and take more time for growth and maturity.

Sativa is most common in dry, hot climates that have long days with plenty of sunlight. As such, many of the sativa strains originate from Central America, Africa, western Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Indica strains tend to produce higher CBD concentrations and lower THC concentrations. By contrast, sativa tends to have higher THC concentrations with lower CBD concentrations.

Interestingly, the use of the terms indica and sativa to describe cannabis strains have evolved over the years. The narrow-leafed cannabis plants that we call sativa today were first called Cannabis indica ssp. Indica. The broad-leafed plants that we currently call indica were first called and technically remained Cannabis indica ssp. afghanica. The term Cannabis sativa originally referred to what we now call hemp. This is the non-intoxicating and industrial type of cannabis commonly used for seeds and fiber, and now for CBD.

Because of its energizing effects on most people, the typical cannabis sativa strain will be ideal to consume during the day. This will give the user the energy they need to tackle their tasks. The relaxation effects associated with indica cannabis strains makes it ideal for consumption at night, including right before bed.

Indica and sativa strains overlap in terms of how they affect the user, but there are also many variations.

Indica strains can help with muscle relaxation, mental relaxation, nausea, and decreasing acute pain. These also enhances appetite and increases dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter that helps with the brain’s pleasure and reward centers.

Overall, the effects of indica tend to focus on relaxation. It can also help with pain and nausea reducing as well as increasing appetite.

Sativa strains increase the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps with regulating appetite, sleep, mood, learning, and anxiety. These strains can also help fight anxiety and depression, increase creativity and focus, and treat chronic pain.

Overall, most sativa strains are associated with creativity and productivity.

Most cannabis strains will not have the word indica or sativa in their name, although they will likely be in their scientific names. Some of the most common sativa strains include&nbsp;<a href="/strains/sativa/durban-poison">Durban Poison</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/strains/sativa/panama-red">Panama Red</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="/strains/sativa/3-kings">3 Kings</a>. Some popular strains of indica include <a href="/strains/indica/hindu-kush">Hindu Kush</a>, <a href="/strains/indica/bubba-kush">Bubba Kush</a>, and <a href="/strains/indica/afghan-kush">Afghan Kush</a>.

In addition to cannabis and indica strains, you may come across hybrid strains. These will have some combination of the two, sometimes in a ratio of 1-to-1, sometimes not. 1-to-1 ratio, or those close to it, are called balanced hybrids. You can also have sativa-dominant (sativa-dom) or indica-dominant (indica-dom) strains. Most hybrids are grown with a specific goal in mind, typically effects or possibly concentrations of THC and CBD.

Hybrids tend to be grown in greenhouses or on farms, as the result of someone combining various indica and sativa strains. The appearance of the plant will combine the features of indica and sativa strains, with the side it resembles most depending on the influence of each parent plant.

The content of CBD and THC in a hybrid cannabis strain will depend entirely on the strain and its parentage. It is common to find hybrids with high THC percentages, but this is not always the case. Many combinations were created to maximize THC content.

As with everything else regarding hybrid strains, the grower who develops the strain will likely do so with specific effects in mind. These may be easing symptoms of radiation or chemotherapy, reducing stress and anxiety, stimulating appetite, reducing pain, or general relaxation.

Because the effects will vary based on specific hybrid strain, so will the best time of the day to use it. If it is more energizing, you should use it during the day. If the strain is more relaxing, use it at night.

Some of the more common hybrid strains you may come across include Blue Dream,&nbsp;Trainwreck, and&nbsp;Pineapple Express.

There is also another strain of cannabis known as ruderalis. You will not frequently find it used by those who consume cannabis and are less likely to see it in your dispensary. This is due to the strain’s reduced potency in terms of effects compared to sativa and indica. It still does not hurt to learn about this strain.

Cannabis ruderalis plants are highly adapted to grow in extreme environments. As such, it grows in Russia, Siberia, India’s Himalayan regions, and Eastern Europe. Its adaptation to harsh environments also includes fast growth, even in low-sunlight and cold areas.

Ruderalis cannabis plants tend to be small and bushy, rarely getting larger than 12 inches. However, they grow incredibly quickly, sometimes requiring just over a month to start as a seed and reach the point of harvesting.

As mentioned, ruderalis cannabis plants tend to have minimal THC. It has more CBD than THC, but the concentrations are still not necessarily enough to deliver any of the effects people expect from cannabis.

It is rare to find someone using ruderalis cannabis recreationally or medically. This comes from its low potency that results in a lack of effects. The lack of effects means that you can use ruderalis at any time of the day that you want.

Although ruderalis is not commonly grown because of its low potency, cannabis growers appreciate its fast growth. As such, some growers will breed ruderalis with indica, sativa, or hybrid strains. The idea is to produce the hardiness and rapid growth of ruderalis into the other strains.

Despite everyone seeming to categorize cannabis as either indica or sativa, many experts argue that the designation does not make a difference. Early research indicates that there are no significant differences between the effects of indica and sativa, despite their reputations. Instead, the variation comes down to the specific strain. Those who say that the classification is meaningless, other than in terms of plant appearance and growth speed, argue that the thought that sativas energize while indicas relax comes down to expectations. Our expectations may influence the effects of cannabis.

<b>Look at Cannabinoids and Terpenes Instead</b>

Those who make this point say that you should instead focus on the cannabinoids and terpenes found in a particular strain. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) helps relieve nausea, pain, and other symptoms. It also provides a “high” feeling and promotes hunger. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and can relieve medical ailments, including inflammation, pain, and anxiety.

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in cannabis, as well as other fruit and plants. Terpenes account for the smell and flavor of a strain as well as its effects, although experts are still unsure how terpene creates the impact that it does.

Although there are minimal risks associated with using cannabis, there are still some potential side effects. These tend to be the same whether you use indica, sativa, or a hybrid strain. Possible unwanted effects include dry eyes, dry mouth, anxiety, dizziness, lethargy, paranoia, increased heart rate, and decreased blood pressure. Most of these effects come from the cannabinoids present in cannabis.

If you choose to vape or smoke your cannabis, there may also be side effects related to lung and airway irritation. Those side effects can mean respiratory problems or coughing.

Choosing Between Indica and Sativa (Picking Your Strain)

There is not a one-size-fits-all cannabis strain that will work for everyone in each situation. To choose which variety to use, you should start by selecting between indica and sativa, or electing to look for a hybrid. From there, you can further narrow down your options and choose a strain. As you make a decision, keep a few key considerations in mind.

Start by thinking about what you want to achieve with your cannabis consumption. Is there a specific condition you want to treat? Or, do you want to relax or boost your energy levels?

Everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so what is a safe dose of THC or CBD for some people may be too much for others. First-time cannabis users should avoid strains that have high potencies. Instead, opt for a breed with mild, tolerable effects. Pineapple Express is commonly recommended for beginners.

Before you start using cannabis, don't forget to consider how it interacts with any other medications you take or your medical history. The THC, CBD, and other compounds in cannabis can react poorly with certain medications or conditions. As such, it is always wise to consult your doctor before you start using cannabis.

While most people think about smoking cannabis, this is no longer the only option. You can also buy gummies, edibles, or capsules produced using cannabis. Some of these will only include general information regarding THC and CBD content, while other products may indicate which strain they come from. At the very least, they are likely to show whether the product comes from sativa or indica or its likely effects, although this is not always the case.

Assuming you live in an area where cannabis is legal and have easy access to a local dispensary, consider visiting it for professional help choosing which strain to use. The people working at the dispensary should be knowledgeable about the various strains they have there and which situations they work best in.

There is no difference in legality between cannabis sativa and indica. Both will be legal if you live somewhere that cannabis is legal, and both will be illegal if you live somewhere where it is not permissible. The only type of cannabis plant that would be possibly legal is hemp, but this is used for industrial purposes and is not consumed like cannabis.

Sativa strains of cannabis tend to grow tall and have narrow leaves, while indica varieties are shorter with broader leaves. Most people associate sativa strains with energization and indica strains with relaxation. This is potentially true to some extent, but the effects you feel will depend on the variety, and some sativa strains may relax while some indica strains may energize. You can also find hybrid cannabis strains that combine indica and sativa strains.

When choosing which cannabis strain to use, you will want to consider the effects that you wish to from marijuana, as well as your desired content of THC and CBD. If you are unsure about selecting the right strain, discuss your needs with the team at your local dispensary.

Differences Between Sativa and Indica Cannabis Strains

The two main categories of cannabis strains are labeled as indica or sativa. Let's look at the differences between them.

With the fight to legalize cannabis well underway, many people wonder how cannabis ever became illegal in the first place. A combination of factors paved the way for making this natural substance illegal, despite a long history of its use.

To understand when and why cannabis became illegal, you also need to understand a little bit about its history of use over the years and the public’s opinion.

Before the 20th century, hemp was a very popular crop, widely &lt;a href="/articles/cannabis-101/where-did-cannabis-originate">cultivated throughout the 1600s to the 1890s&lt;/a>. Hemp production even had governmental support, with the American government supporting its production for use in rope, clothing, and sails on ships during the 17th century. During this time, it was also common to see cannabis included in medicinal tinctures.

It was also very common, starting around the 1850s for people to visit oriental-style hashish bars to enjoy recreational cannabis use. Bars in this style were commonly found throughout most of the major cities in the United States, showing the common acceptance of marijuana at the time.

In 1906, the Pure Food and Drug Act made the requirement that any over-the-counter medication that included cannabis would include it in the list of ingredients. At the time, there was still no inkling of the future illegality of this particular ingredient. The Pure Food and Drug Act also had similar requirements for certain other drugs.

California was the very first state within the United States to ban cannabis, doing so in 1913.

This came from the fact that at the time, the California State Board of Pharmacy was running one of the most aggressive campaigns against narcotics. Not only was it among the most aggressive, but it was also among the first anti-narcotic campaigns.

Interestingly enough, there was minimal press coverage of the cannabis ban in California, so it did not initially affect the country as a whole.

The following year, Utah joined California in its ban of cannabis. Historians actually directly link this to the banning of polygamy in 1910. When that ban took place, people who practiced polygamy moved to Mexico. They began returning around four years later, bringing cannabis with them.

In 1914, Utah finalized the Mormon Religious Prohibitions law, resulting in cannabis becoming illegal.

Massachusetts introduced regulations to limit the sale of cannabis as well as cannabis-derived products starting in 1911. Maine and New York did the same in 1914. In these cases, there were just restrictions put into place, not a complete ban on cannabis.

Over the course of the following two decades, more states joined California and Utah in banning cannabis until 29 states had banned it. The reasons for the bans varied slightly, with racism being a common reason. Some states also banned it due to fears that heroin addicts would begin using marijuana.

As of the International Opium Convention in 1925, the official stance of the United States was to support the regulation of what is referred to as Indian hemp. This term was used to describe&nbsp;cannabis&nbsp;rich in THC. At this convention, exporting Indian hemp and derivative products, including hashish, was restricted in the case of exports to countries that banned it already.

In 1930, the government created the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. The commission of the organization was Henry J. Anslinger from the start and until 1962.

The FBN strongly urged states to ban cannabis as a way to control the “problem” associated with marijuana themselves. In 1932, the organization pushed for the adoption of the Uniform State Narcotic Act. This act urged the states to form a united front with uniform laws to help fight against trafficking of narcotics and to help manage that trafficking. By the time the mid-1930s were underway, every single state in the United States had at least some regulations related to cannabis.

At the time, experts who conducted research into cannabis concluded that it was linked to crimes. The research also indicated that cannabis use was connected with a rise in social problems. When viewed with a modern lens, it becomes clear that this research likely had some strong inherent bias.

Cannabis also experienced a few key moments in terms of &lt;a href="/articles/pop-culture/cannabis-in-movies-the-ultimate-stoner-movie-list">media and movies&lt;/a> during the 1930s. 1936 saw the release of “Reefer Madness.” That year was also when the Motion Pictures Association of America chose to ban movies from including any drug use within films.

1937 marked the true beginning of the criminalization of cannabis with the Marijuana Tax Act. This act made it&nbsp;legal to possess marijuana if it was for industrial or medicinal purposes, and the person in question paid the excise tax. Anyone possessing marijuana without meeting these requirements would face charges.

Pharmaceutical Companies Were Against Cannabis

The pharmaceutical companies chose to join those in favor of banning cannabis for a relatively simple reason – they could not determine the proper dosing. Without proper dosing, it was impossible to incorporate cannabis into pharmaceutical products, so the companies could not make a profit off of it.

When the American Medical Association supported the Marijuana Tax Act, it became almost guaranteed to pass.

Racism Towards Mexicans Played a Key Role

Although you are unlikely to realize it at first, one of the biggest factors that led to the criminalization of cannabis was racism against Mexicans. The early 1910s saw the end of the Mexican Revolution, which resulted in many Mexicans immigrating to the United States, especially the southern areas.

These new immigrants brought customs, culture, and language with them, including using cannabis as a relaxant and medicine. It did not help matters that the Mexican immigrants referred to the plant as “marihuana” while it had previously only been called “cannabis” in the United States. This gave the media another tool to help play on fears associated with racism.

Essentially, the media was able to label the Mexican immigrants as disruptive and dangerous, pointing to factors like their use of marihuana, which most Americans were unfamiliar with. As Americans did not realize this was the same cannabis they already used, they accepted the lies very easily.

It Became an Excuse to Get Rid of Mexican Immigrants

A few decades before, San Francisco had dealt with Chinese immigrants by outlawing opium. It then used the illegality of opium as an excuse to search Chinese immigrants, as well as detain and deport them. The country as a whole began the same process with marijuana and Mexicans.

Throughout the entire discussion on marijuana at the time of its initial criminalization, the hearings and media featured lie after lie, filled with racism. These included claims that if men of color consumed marijuana, they would become violent and then solicit sex from the white women.

Narcotics Commissioner Harry Anslinger announcing raids in large U.S. cities aimed at crippling the narcotics traffic in New York on Jan. 4, 1958.

The previously mentioned Harry J. Anslinger, who was the US Federal Bureau of Narcotics’ head, played a very crucial rule in the criminalization of marijuana. There is widespread agreement that he was one of several driving forces behind the move to make cannabis illegal, although there are some variations in speculation on his specific reasons.

He was the commissioner of the FBN for 32 years. He additionally was a United States Representative for the United Nations Narcotics Commission for two years. Before these roles, he was the Department of Prohibition head in Washington, D.C.

Those who have researched Anslinger indicate that his fight for the prohibition of cannabis began when alcohol prohibition became a thing of the past in 1933. Prior to this, reports indicate that Anslinger had indicated he did not have a problem with cannabis, due to its lack of making others violent or hurting anyone. Johann Hari, who wrote a book about Anslinger and his role in the war on drugs, indicated that this changed when Anslinger realized he was the leader of a large department that did not have many responsibilities.

This led to a quick transition in Anslinger’s remarks regarding cannabis use. He began arguing that it would send users into a rage that is delirious before giving them erotic hallucinations and dreams. He even argued that using cannabis would eventually result in insanity. Over the years, Anslinger was quoted many times assaying ridiculous things about cannabis and those who use it, including racist remarks.

Anslinger used very limited evidence against marijuana at his disposal to support his points. This included the case of Victor Licata, a Florida boy who used an ax to kill his family and was allegedly high on cannabis, and the fact that one doctor of 30 consulted by Anslinger agreed that cannabis was dangerous.

Years later, the original Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was declared unconstitutional. However, the Controlled Substances Act during the 1970s replaced it. This act created various schedules or classes of drugs, organizing them based on the potential for a user to become addicted and their dangers.

When the Controlled Substances Act was released, cannabis is a Schedule I drug, which is the most restrictive category. This category is limited to drugs with high potentials for addiction, a complete lack of safety, and no accepted medical uses. This was supposed to be a placeholder until a report commissioned by President Nixon would make the final recommendation.

Despite the claims that the report would be followed, it was not. The report was known as the Shafer Commission, and it indicated that marijuana should not be classified as a Schedule I drug. Furthermore, the commission even expressed doubt that it should be illegal at all. Despite the findings of the commission, Nixon ignored them and kept marijuana as a Schedule I drug.

The United States is far from the only country to ever ban the use of marijuana, with many countries following a similar timeline. Of course, the laws currently and have always varied between countries. Following the International Opium Convention in 1925, most countries made cannabis illegal. This convention was the follow-up to the first one at The Hague in the Netherlands in 1912.

When and Why Did Cannabis Become Illegal?

Understanding why cannabis became illegal requires knowing a bit about its history of use over the years.

Cannabis 101

What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

How To Choose The Right Cannabis Strain

Difference Between Male and Female Cannabis Plants

Differences Between Sativa and Indica Cannabis Strains

When and Why Did Cannabis Become Illegal?

Cannabis Grow Licenses State By State – In the United States

Are Cannabis Seeds Legal to Possess in the U.S.?

Where Did Cannabis Originate?