Common weed wisdom usually separates cannabis into two different kinds of high: the more cerebral, uplifting high of sativas, and the more sedating, body-centered high of indicas. While that categorization is rooted in some fact (as well as centuries of accumulated experience), scientific research points to it being a bit of an oversimplification. 

Is there really a difference between indica and sativa? Absolutely! 

Though it might not be the exact difference you think...

The Basics

Today, cannabis indica and cannabis sativa are regarded as the two main subspecies of the cannabis plant. However, that was not always the case.

One of the earlier writings on cannabis taxonomy, dating back to the 1500s in Germany, grouped hemp into two distinct categories — what the author, botanist, and physician Leonhart Fuchs, referred to as domesticated (or “sativa”) cannabis and wild cannabis. 

The classification of plants as either sativa or indica doesn’t begin until the late 1700’s when French biologist Jean Baptiste Lamarck allegedly coined the term “indica.” In 1785, his Encyclopédie Méthodique, Botanique proposed the existence of this new subspecies which he had identified from samples sent to him from India. In his entry on indica, he wrote:

“The principal effect of this plant consists of going to the head, disrupting the brain, where it produces a sort of drunkenness that makes one forget one’s sorrows, and produces a strong gaiety.” 

 

Modern understandings of the differences between sativa and indica haven’t evolved an enormous amount since Lamarck was writing. We know that physically, indica plants are typically shorter, with broad, dark green leaves while sativa plants are taller and have thin, pale green leaves. Genetically, indicas tend to have a higher amount of CBD, while sativas tend to have a higher amount of THC.

And that really sums up the major, scientifically accepted differences in the strains. Out of those differences have developed the more folksy (and less research-based wisdom) that sativas will get you ready for a deep conversation about the universe, while indicas are better for binging cartoons on the couch.

CBD and THC

Lamarck’s categorization of indica vs. sativa was mainly based on the plant’s physical attributes (height, leaf size, etc.), but modern research tells us that predicting the high of a given strain is much more about a plant’s chemical makeup than its appearance. Neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher Dr Ethan Russo wrote on the subject, “one cannot in any way currently guess the biochemical content of a given cannabis plant-based on its height, branching, or leaf morphology.”

The amount and balance of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a given strain is a much better predictor for the kind of high you will get. A higher amount of CBD will more likely produce a mellow high, while a higher amount of THC will more likely produce a more energetic high.

Indicas do typically have more CBD, and sativas typically have more THC — but it is not a hard and fast rule.

In addition, while the interaction between THC and CBD is one of the main factors in predicting the effect of a given strain of cannabis, it is far from the only factor. There are over 100 different cannabinoids found in various strains of cannabis, of which CBD and THC are only two. These other cannabinoids also can have an effect on a strain’s high.

Terpenes

Then there are terpenes — compounds that are largely responsible for a strain’s aroma but also thought to co-mingle with the other active compounds to affect the overall high of a strain. Terpenes may be one reason why two strains with the same amount of THC and CBD might have totally different effects when smoked. For example, a terpene called myrcene is known to have a sedative effect while another, called limonene is known for lifting mood and energy levels (as well as for having a citrus aroma). Another terpene, alpha-pinene, may be responsible for counteracting THC-induced short-term memory loss. 

These various interactions are often referred to as the “entourage effect” — a kind of compounding of effects that make predicting the high of given strains much harder than simply knowing if it is an indica or sativa.

Beyond that, the effect of a specific strain of cannabis will differ from person to person — the same way that alcohol and caffeine will affect different people in different ways. The same cup of coffee might give you the jitters or while someone else doesn’t feel the effects at all. Likewise, a user’s genetic profile will influence their reaction to THC, CBD, and cannabis in general.

There is still a long way to go to understanding cannabis and the different effects of various strains. 

Why don’t we have a better understanding of the different kinds of strains of cannabis and their potential effects? For one thing, both scientific and agricultural research into cannabis has been largely curtailed by the US government. Cannabis's long time classification by the government as a schedule 1 substance has made cannabis hard to study in a formal setting. Because of that, and the informal nature of the weed economy for most of its history, classifications and “research” have been left more to users, growers, and even dealers — to describe how a given strain affects someone.

In an interview with VICE, Sean Myles, a professor of agricultural genetic diversity at Dalhousie University and co-author of a 2015 study about cannabis genetics, summed up where modern science seems to leave the indica/sativa conversation:

“We may loosely call things "indica" or "sativa," and that's a fair rule of thumb for describing their physical traits and psychoactive effects. But since nobody was keeping track of marijuana with the methods of a modern agriculturist some 5,000 years ago, we don't know what a "pure" sativa or indica really is, DNA-wise, he said. Who's to say what the defining characteristics of a pure sativa or indica really are?”

So, the next time you find a strain you like, make note of the balance between THC and CBD and use that as a good starting point for choosing your next one. With that information in hand, don’t feel like you need to stay loyal to indica or sativa — feel free to branch out!

 

Continue Reading

It’s not uncommon to hear of artists and creatives, philosophers and industry leaders, consuming cannabis at some point in life and experiencing clarity of sorts. The good news is this isn’t just the experience of a few creative and critical thinkers - there are studies that show cannabis and creativity are linked. That is why we prepared this list of the 10 best strains for creativity. 

Stimulating the Artsy Brain cells – How We Define Change in Creativity 

Creativity is both nebulous and extremely specific. It allows us to define new spaces while also capturing the nuance of the ways we live. Creative pursuits, by and large, stimulate the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe of the brain has been shown to handle a huge portion of executive function, including strategic and creative thinking. When this area of the brain is activated, it’s as if a dial can be turned that tunes individual receptiveness to thoughts and ideas. 

No, not like mind control receptiveness. 

By tickling the frontal lobe with a bit of cannabis inspiration, not only can we gain clarity on the merit of an idea, but may, in fact, be inspired with an idea that is entirely new. 

Cannabis has been shown in studies to enhance creativity by increasing cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the frontal lobe. In this study, subjects with higher baseline CBF were deemed more creative whereas those with lower CBF were less so. By increasing CBF, cannabis impacts creativity, most particularly in those who are less creative, to begin with. 

And that is why we deem it necessary to deliver a list of the top creative strains out there. 

CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT OUNCE SPECIALS: https://deals.cannapages.com/ounce-deals 

The 10 Best Strains For Creativity 

Now that we have a basic idea of how cannabis can inspire creativity, it’s time to look at some of the best strains for it. We broke these into three buckets.

First, we have strains that inspire focus and creativity.

Second, we have strains that encourage curiosity and creativeness.

And lastly, we explore a few strains that can be excellent for creative pursuits that you are passionate about already. 

Strains For Creative Focus

Blue Dream

Great for a euphoric experience that eases open the gates of creative and divergent thoughts and often inspires the ‘hit the blunt’ moments we see in memes. 

This sativa-dominant strain is known for its light, yet funky tropical aroma and uplifting, focus-inspiring effects. Blue Dream is a cross between Blueberry and Haze strains. Expect a fun calm that gives thoughts flurrying around your cranium a place to breathe.

 

Island Sweet Skunk

Commonly seen as interchangeable, Island Sweet Skunk and Sweet Island Skunk describe sativa-dominant hybrids strains that tickle creative blood flow something fierce. This strain owes its genes to Grapefruit, Haze, Skunk, and Northern Lights strains. The creative focus from this strain manifests with humorful observations and thoughts. You know the type - you aren’t sure why it came to you, but it did and it’s amusing. Like a power nap, expect mindfulness to even the most out-of-nowhere ideas.

 

Jack Herer 

Its pungent aroma of pine and citrus is as distracting as it is focused. It’s sharp notes awaken and promote alertness. 

Jack Herer is a strain named after the famous activist. Jack Herer is known for writing “The Emperor Wears No Clothes”, a treatise on hemp and it’s legal standing. The strain that bears their namesake similarly evokes considerations and thoughts both poignant and actionable. Jack Herer owes its genetics to the strains Haze, Northern Lights, and Shiva Skunk.

 

Space Queen

Space Queen is a hybrid born of the Romulan and Cinderella 99 cannabis strains. A near-perfect 50:50 hybrid showcases the focus of an energizing sativa strain with the calming body high associated with indica strains. 

Consumers can expect a euphoric body high that begs the questions AND delivers some answers. The only person who can decide if they are the right answers is you. Welcome to space, Queen. 

Strains For Creative Curiosity

Jillybean

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How about analysis paralysis? How about just low motivation? Jillybean is an uplifting sativa-dominant hybrid strain. Covered in colorful hues and aromatic trichomes, this hybrid busts stress and bummer moods., leaving you free to play in your headspace. 

New information - whether from a book, the news, or any other source you trust - doesn’t escape this experience, allowing for curiosity and creativity to gain a tempered edge through our behavior and in our thoughts.

 

AK-47

AK-47 is an engineering masterpiece. Much like the weapon it gained its namesake, the experience inspires rapid action that is accessible to any who wield it. It keeps the brain moving, and, along the way, the curiosity and creativity it inspires play a game. 

With citrus and diesel among the primary aromas, AK-47 embodies alertness. AK-47 is a blended hybrid from many landrace strains including Mexican, Thai, Colombian, and Afghani varieties. 

 

Cinderella 99

Cinderella 99, or Cindy 99, is a hybrid cannabis strain embodying euphoric body effects and a curious rush of humorful inspiration.

The hybrid strain is perfect for daytime consumers who need creativity that is bootstrapped by curiosity. It inspires thinking and the focus to dive into it. Cinderella 99 is a cross of Cinderella 88, Princess, and Skunk strain genetics.

Strains for Creative Passion

XJ-13

A careful cross of sativa-dominant strain Jack Herer and indica-learning G-13, XJ-13 delivers potent experiences and pungent aromas. 

A refreshing mint with citrus and earth delivers alertness and drive. Its light body high and heavy energy boost help increase the momentum behind our creative engines, free of stress. 

 

Purple Haze

Purple strains are literally named to capture the color before anything else. Luckily, purple also has cultural associations with passion, with the depth of color found as inspiring and captivating. 

This potent blend of Thai and Haze strains bring the rhythm of rock and roll and the creativity of the psychedelic 1960s to launch consumers into their personal summer of love. 

 

Tangie

Uplifting euphoria is just one key experience Tangie can inspire. This hybrid cannabis strain blends California Orange and Skunk genetics. In the process, a funky citrus aroma that captures attention and adds creativity was born. 

It’s perfect for the type of creative energy drummed up by meditative practices, pushed by passion and the limits we think we have. 

 

Find Marijuana Strains that Inspire Creativity by browsing our deals now! 

 

Continue Reading

Everyone experiences stress throughout their lifetime, it comes with the challenges we face daily. Whether it’s from a hectic commute, an upcoming project, or the simple annoyances from the people surrounding you, it’s nothing a little toking up can’t fix.

A little stress can be healthy, but when it becomes too consuming - that’s when it becomes a  problem. Many people have turned to cannabis to help them reduce feelings of stress. For some, smoking a joint after a long day can help them unwind and release built-up tension accumulated from earlier in the day. 

When smoking to reduce stress, it’s important to know which strains are best for doing so. Choosing the right strain can elevate your experience, here are the best and widely available strains to reduce stress levels.

Best Strains for Stress

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is one of the most popular cannabis strains in America. It’s known for its balanced and full-body effect. The hybrid strain has a sweet aroma with a THC content high enough to provide relief to stress and body tension. 

Blue Dream is also known to provide relief from symptoms correlated with pain, nausea, and depression and has a minimal sedative effect, making it a great daytime strain.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a Sativa dominant hybrid that is known to give feelings of happiness, energy, and euphoria. This strain is great for reducing stress while keeping you productive, thanks to its adequate Sativa levels. The pungent smell of this strain is what gives this beloved strain its name. Many people turn to this strain to help alleviate symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. 

AK-47

AK-47 is a hybrid strain that is known for relaxing the mind and body. It’s said to produce a ‘mellow’ feeling despite its somewhat violent name. This strain is less potent than others, but it is enough to help the mind and body relax. AK-47 delivers a long-lasting high that’ll keep you alert and engaged while also producing feelings of relaxation and happiness.

You can expect to feel uplifted, at peace, and mellowed out with this strain. It is especially great for those who have trouble falling asleep. A couple of hits before bed can help induce the relaxation needed to help you fall asleep.

Jack Herrer

This Sativa dominant strain was originally a medical-grade strain. However, it rose to popularity with recreational users because it’s known to provide feelings of optimism and euphoria. It’s also known for provided adequate pain and stress relief. 

This strain is loved by many because it can relax you while keeping you focused. Some say it even promotes creativity. Other common usages for this strain include reducing symptoms of depression such as loss of appetite and anxiety. 

Grandaddy Purple

‘Grandaddy Purp’ is an Indica dominant strain. The strain is ideal for creating a calming effect on the body and mind. The buds of this very powerful Indica strain can sometimes look purple (hence its name) and is used to treat pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, and other symptoms related to stress.

Be careful when consuming this strain as it can produce a heavy body high and leave you couch-locked. We recommend using this strain at night or during days you have no plans or commitments to take care of. 

Cannatonic

The high CBD content of this strain will relax you without too much of the psychoactive effects of THC. The strain produces a relatively short but powerfully relaxing high. Many medical marijuana patients choose this strain to alleviate pain, anxiety, migraines, and muscle pain. 

Strains with higher CBD content are great for those who tend to get more anxious when dealing with higher THC levels.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies or ‘GSC’ is loved by stoners everywhere. Additionally, it’s one of the most potent and popular strains available. The THC content is typically above 20% THC, so a little bit will do its job. It’s an Indica dominant strain that can make users feel powerful, happy and euphoric, and can help with stress and pain relief, anxiety, and insomnia. 

This strain can come with heavy body effects and can stimulate the appetite. So get comfortable and maybe keep a healthy snack handy.

Reduce Stress with Cannasaver

Finding a good deal is now easier than ever with Cannasaver. We have teamed up with the best dispensaries in Colorado to provide you with the best deals on all types of products. Use our search bar to find deals for your favorite strains.

Make sure you check out Cannasaver for the latest daily deals on many kinds of stress-reducing strains before heading out to your local dispensary. 

Happy toking and remember, chill vibes only! 

Continue Reading

When people think of stoners, the stereotype is usually that we sleep, eat and laugh…. A lot! While cannabis can be very sedating and relaxing, the reality is that not all strains have these ‘stoney’ attributes. 

There are countless reasons why people love and use Cannabis. While some people use it to help themselves relax, others use it to boost focus, creativity, and mental clarity -- like a cup of coffee.

A misconception about weed is that it makes people lazy. Sure, some strains are more sedating than others, but there is also a plethora of strains known to increase focus, energy, and creativity.

It all depends on how you pair your strains with particular activities.

If you’re unsure about which strains will help with your day-to-day productivity, seek the help of your budtender and they might just point you to the perfect strain for your needs.

Here are some of our favorite strains known to boost productivity:

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is known to produce a fast-acting and energizing cerebral high. Its uplifting effects make it popular for daytime use. Additionally, Sour Diesel can help relieve symptoms of depression and pain without the sedating side effects. You can rely on this strain to keep you productive and spark creativity.

Green Crack

Green Crack is a Sativa-dominant strain that is famous for its upbeat and energizing effects. This strain won’t leave you burning out and can instead be a little boost to help keep you afloat. It’s a great strain with strong Sativa effects and can help relieve symptoms of fatigue. 

Jack Herrer

Jack Herrer is loved for its ability to produce mental clarity. It’s a good Sativa that won’t leave you spacing out. Aside from helping with stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue… Jack Herrer is also known to produce a euphoric and uplifting mood, users even report a boost in creativity when using this strain.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is known for its uplifting effects and is great for when you need to get things done. The pure Sativa strain has a sweet smell and users report feeling focused and energetic, without the stress when using this strain.

Chemdawg

Chemdawg is a potent strain known for its strong cerebral effects. It’s also known to increase focus and can make you feel more social. The hybrid strain is rich in THC (15-20%) and low in CBD, it’s also known to be fast-acting, so be ready to get hit with that energizing high.

Sativa vs. Indica

If you feel like it’s hard for you to focus or remain productive after a smoke sesh, try switching strains, or saving that specific strain for the nighttime. Some people like to smoke Sativa dominant strains during the day and Indica strains at night. This is because Sativa-dominant strains usually contain higher percentages of THC compared to CBD, whereas Indica-dominant strains are the opposite. 

Typically, Sativa strains are more stimulating and are known for producing a “head high,” that increases creativity and focus, while Indica strains are more sedative, producing more of a body high with increased feelings of relaxation.

Productive Deals at Cannasaver!

At Cannasaver, we want to help you save while giving you access to a variety of Cannabis products in your area. We have new deals every day and continue to work with some of the best dispensaries in the country!

Type your favorite strain into our search bar to find the closest deal to you.

Boost your focus, enjoy your weed and save money all at once with Cannasaver.

Doesn’t that sound productive?

Continue Reading