Any seasoned smoker knows there are three distinct types of marijuana: Sativa, Indica and Hybrid.
The plants of cannabis Indica and cannabis Sativa have been around since the 18th century with cannabis Hybrid being relatively new. Hybrid indicates the mixing of seeds from different geographic locations around the world.
The effects of each vary.
INDICA:
The Indica strain is a more relaxing effect with the tendency of making you want to hang out on the couch. The origin is believed to come from the Hindu “Kush” region close to Afghanistan. Anyone who knows anything about marijuana knows that Kush is really strong weed. In this area of Afghanistan, the strain developed thick coats of resin as a mean of protecting themselves due to the harsh climate. Characteristics of Indica include flowering time, yields, geography of where seeds came from and various flavors. Some of the epic names given to top flavors include Purple Haze, Granddaddy Purple and Northern Lights.
Try these suggested Indicas:
• Wappa: a very high potency strain, often sells out and it can be several months before it’s in the shops again. Cost: $59 for 3.5 grams.
• Blueberry, Training Day, Bianca are known to be great for smokers who have problems getting a good night’s sleep. Training Day is a product that will give you a relaxed feeling, but won’t put you to sleep. Cost: $11 to $14 per gram.
• Beast Mode: a Northwest specialty that’s super poplar mostly because of its name. Sells for $13 a gram.
• Blackberry Bubba: Has a high Kush factor and has a nice flavor. The brand name strains from Clandestine Gardens sell out quickly. Cost: $13 a gram.
SATIVAS:
The Sativas strain alternatively has energizing effects which is why they’re often used in the morning or afternoon. This strain of marijuana is used primarily for depression and exhaustion. Its morphology is a growth of up to 20 feet high, it is narrow with loose branches. The effects of Sativa are said to be uplifting and allow you to be creative. Medicinally, it can treat ADD and mood disorders. Some of the more popular flavors under the Sativa strain include Sour Diesel, Jack Herer and Lemon Haze.
Suggested varieties are:
• Acapulco Gold: an older strain that is generated from Columbian Gold and grown in Mexico. It is popular because it is much like the original Columbian product. Sells for $55 for 3.5 grams.
• Gorilla Glue, Dutch Treat and Cinex: This group of three are widely known to most pot smokers. They give a reputable high and consumers know they’re getting something they can count on. These sell for $11 to $14 per gram.
• Head Cheese: A great smoke from a dense weed with a high percentage THC. Cost: $18 per gram.
HYBRID:
There are many variables for the two ancient strains which is where Hybrid comes in. The seeds of many geographical areas are cross germinated to balance marijuana with both strains. This offers the marijuana user a balance between the two so you get the best of both worlds.
In a recent survey of several Pacific Northwest retail marijuana stores, here’s the more popular of each of the three categories by brand name.
Hybrid suggestions are:
• Gelato: comes from a very Kush flower, and slightly leans toward being a Indica. The smell is “strong and will stink up the whole room when you open it.” Sells for $40 for 3.5 grams.
• Dutch Treat or Allen Wrench: Gives the smoker a high that doesn’t make them anxiety-ridden but doesn’t “knock your ass to the couch.” Sells for $11 to $14 per gram. Dutch Treat got rave reviews from more than one retailer. A close cousin, Dutch Berry, which is a sativa-dominant hybrid with a raspberry-like flavor is considered to be a strong, “but the raspberry flavor brings it down.” Cost: $15 per gram.
Participating retailers who offered suggestions: Paper & Leaf on Bainbridge Island, Ganja Goddess in downtown Seattle, Sweet Leaf in Aberdeen, High Society in Bellingham and Filabong in Silverdale.
