The world of herb has evolved at a breakneck pace in the last decade, thanks to slates of legalization across the country. Because of that evolution, there are more types of flower at your local dispensary than ever before. It used to be that you got two, maybe three options for flower, each of unknown origin and strength. Now, you can peruse through rows upon rows of highly detailed packages to land on the right herb for your purposes.
To the avid, educated herb enthusiast, this is remarkably good news. However, to the novice smoker just dipping their toes in the water, it can be overwhelming. If you count yourself in the second category, this article is here to help. Below, navigate the different types of herb, find a straightforward buyer’s guide to choosing the right product, and learn a little bit about shielding your stash with Boveda 2-way humidity packs.
Not so long ago, the line in the sand was pretty firmly drawn: You were either an indica person or a sativa person. Now, as scientists explore the legalized substance in better detail, that dichotomy is incomplete at best—and misleading at worst. In this section, let’s break down the traditional classifications of different types of herb alongside some more modern perspectives on how to classify herb.
Traditional Classifications
Great, so that’s an easy way to classify and categorize flower… well, not so fast. According to Amos Alberg, the head of data science at Confident Cannabis, “We see no identifiable characteristics that are consistent with indica, sativa, or hybrid… Essentially, people are using these terms as catchalls for effect, but they’re not all consistent with those effects. Some indica makes some people wired, not couch-locked, for instance.”
Modern Classification Factors
Instead, some industry experts are pushing for modern perspectives on flower classification. These classifications are based on:
Where does that leave the novice consumer? In the next section, let’s explore some realistic ways to determine what herb is right for you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Strain
You’re at the dispensary, eyeing the fully stocked display cases with strange names like Grandaddy Purple, Sour Diesel, Girl Scout Cookies, and Blue Dream. How do you choose? Here are a few steps you can take to land on the right product.
It all starts with you. What do you want from your flower? Are you looking to relax into the couch with a Netflix show? Or do you want the energy to clean your entire house? Are you after pain relief, or would you favor a fresh boost in creativity?
Asking yourself these simple questions is the first step toward getting the right flower strain for you. And if your local budtender is particularly good at their job—i.e., matching products to your needs—it might even be your last step. Talk to the dispensary sales reps about what you want, and see if they can recommend an appropriate product.
If you’re just starting out on your flower journey, take it slow. Look for products with lower THC levels to find your footing and gauge your tolerance level. The same goes for users with a history of anxiety related to THC usage.
At the risk of sounding repetitive, talk to your budtender. Tell them about your past flower experience/tolerance level and ask for recommendations.
Some experts insist that an “entourage effect" of various cannabidiols, terpenes, and flavonoids impacts the effect of a given flower product. That might be true. But, every single flower scientist can agree that the most influential component in terms of effect is THC, trailed by its chill-out sibling, CBD.
Therefore, a great way to get some sense of what a herb product will feel like is to read the package for THC/CBD content. These figures are expressed as percentages (or mg/g in some places), with higher THC figures indicating more potency. Flower comes in strengths ranging from 0% to 30%. Newbies should consider purchasing a product below 15%. As the Philadelphia Inquirer points out, flower products of 15% THC or more “will have powerful mind-altering effects and will get a consumer higher.”
A trichome’s gland head is where cannabinoids and terpenoids are produced—therapeutic compounds exclusive to this amazing plant. Boveda shields these essential flower compounds in a monolayer of purified water vapor to prevent degradation.
Getting the right types of herb isn’t just about THC and CBD effects. It’s about the overall experience. Whether or not you trust in the entourage effect, terpenes play a critical role in flower enjoyment, giving your bud a wide array of flavors and aromas. Consider what flavors you like most: the lemony tang of limonene, the woodsy aroma of pinene, the sweet and spicy tingle of myrcene, etc. Shop for herb types that highlight your favorite terpenes to get a product that suits your taste. When you bring the flower home, store it with Boveda packs to lock in those terpenes and keep your flower fresh.
Finally, the best way to find the right herb for you is through good old-fashioned trial and error. (Hopefully, there won’t be too much error). Follow the steps above to find a product that matches your tolerance and terpene preferences on paper. Try the new strain. Keep it safe with an airtight container and a humidity control pack. Try out the same strain again for good measure. Notice what you like or don’t like about the product, and adjust your criteria accordingly next time you shop.
In the meantime, become an educated flower consumer:
Over time, you’ll become a more informed, empowered flower consumer. And with that empowerment, you’ll be able to zero in on the products that you like best.