Introduction
Table of Contents
Ever smoked a bud so good, but you just couldn’t figure out the strain it is? This is a major stoner problem; the burning desire to find that particular herb almost doesn’t go away until you’ve found it. With over 700 strains of cannabis, the process of identifying various strains becomes a tricky process. You’ll need to put a lot of work and effort into sifting through all the various strains to get that particular strain. Luckily for you, this article contains precisely what you need to help you identify the different strains and get more familiar with what you’re smoking. We’ll be letting you in on a few steps that’ll make identifying these strains much easier.
Shape and Size
The shape and size of the bud are the first things you notice; from there, you could figure out the type of weed it is; sativa, indica or hybrid. These strains have different visual characteristics that make it easier to tell them apart. Indica strains have short and stubby-looking buds that also appear heavy and tightly packed. Sativa strains, on the other hand, have long and narrow buds that aren’t as densely packed as indica strain. Telling these strains apart is the first step to identifying a bud. If you are looking at a short, dense bud, you know it’s an indica or indica-dominant hybrid. If the bud looks thinner and longer, you could focus your investigation on sativa or sativa-dominant strains.
Color
As you know, cannabis usually comes in different colors; it could be purple, gold, or various shades of green. At first glance, it may be difficult to identify the strain, but a second glance at the bud will go a long way.
If the bud has shades of purple, this narrows down your search to a few purple strains, which may either be Purple Haze, Purple Urkle, Purple Kush or Granddaddy Purple. Buds with streaks of yellow or orange could be Lemon Kush, Alien OG, Kandy Skunk or Grapefruit. A few strains could grow black or reddish buds; these red strains fall along the lines of Pink Flower Shaman, Predator Pink or something within that family.
A number of factors could influence the color of the buds; some cannabis plants produce blue or purple buds when exposed to cold temperature, while some buds assume different shades of green, from lemon green to dark green shades. The color of the bud narrows down your search to a particular breed or family of cannabis, making it easier to identify your weed.
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Taste and Smell
After inspecting the size and color of the buds, the next thing is to break the bud apart and pay attention to the smell it gives off. When you start smoking the greens, you have to pay close attention to the flavors you get from the smoke and the vapor. Some of the distinct smells you may notice are
Skunky
Skunk-like smell is very common among reggies. Buds with a skunky smell could be a Skunk strain or a hybrid with a dominant skunk component.
Earthy
Buds that smell earthy most likely have a bit of Kush in them. These may be offspring of Afghan Kush and Hindu Kush, which are both classics used to breed other indicas and hybrids.
Cheesy
Some strains smell and taste a lot like cheese; these strains have a somewhat sour aroma and are usually indica-dominant hybrids. The strain could be a relative of Blue Cheese or UK Cheese strain.
Diesel
Some strains give off a smell that is like diesel fumes or chemicals. If you notice this type of smell, you should focus more on Diesel strains. You could be smoking Sour Diesel, Blue Diesel or a Diesel hybrid.
Fruity
Several strains produce a citrusy smell and taste. This type of smell is not difficult to notice. Some could give off a lemony taste, while some smell like tangerines. If you notice this smell, you should focus more on strains in this class like Lemon Kush, Tangerine Man, Grapefruit.
Some other strains taste or smell like berries. Their flavors are usually sweet and candy-like. You should focus more on strains like Blueberry, Strawberry Cough or Fruity Pebbles.
Sour
There’s a whole category of cannabis that produce strong sour flavors. If you pick up sour notes in your herbs, your mind should be directed towards strains like Sour Kush, Sour Diesel or Sour Jack.
Effects
The effect of the weed is another way to identify the type of strain it is. Now that you’ve smoked to figure out the flavor and aroma, you should pay attention to how it affects you when the high sets in. Different strains have their different effect, depending on the THC and CBD levels.
Here’s a guide to some of the notable strains and how to identify them:
- Candy Cane: A hybrid of AK-47, Mango, White Widow, and Ruderalis genetics, Candy Cane has a THC content of 17% and is known for its balanced high. It’s ideal for both beginners and experienced users.
- Holy Grail Kush: This strain is a blend of Kosher Kush and The OG #18, recognized for its large, resinous buds and potent OG/Kosher aroma. It’s especially suitable for expert growers, delivering high yields and remarkable quality.
- Green Crack: A fusion of Skunk #1 and Afghani, Green Crack has a THC content of 22%. It’s known for an invigorating high and is popular among both recreational and medicinal users.
- Blueberry Strain: Combining Purple Thai, Afghani, and Thai strains, Blueberry has a THC content of 19-22%. It’s appreciated for its well-rounded high and distinctive terpene mix.
- Mimosa x Orange Punch: This Indica-dominant hybrid, a cross between Orange Punch and Mimose Evo, is notable for its colorful appearance and high THC content, making it a top choice for indoor cultivation.
- Wedding Cake: A mix of Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie, Wedding Cake is known for its physical relaxation and uplifting effects, with a THC content of around 20%.
- Northern Lights: A pure Indica strain, Northern Lights is known for its resinous buds, sweet and spicy aroma, and soothing effects, ideal for evening relaxation.
- Juicy Zkittlez Auto: This indica-dominant strain, a blend of Strawberry Banana Grape Auto and Zkittlez Auto, is suitable for novice growers and offers sweet, fruity bursts with a high THC content.
- Pie Scream #27: An Indica-leaning hybrid, Pie Scream #27 is a cross of Wedding Pie, Gelato #33, and Cherry Limeade F4, known for its unique flavor profile combining sweet fruit and fuel.
- Grapeful: A tribute strain to The Grateful Dead by Romulan Genetics, Grapeful is known for its resilience and suitability for beginner growers.
Conclusion
When you know the type of strain you are smoking, you know what to expect with that strain. This makes your high more exciting and blissful.
