Dec 22

Understanding the Real Difference Between Indica and Sativa

By Annemarie Porreca Cannabis 101

Understanding the Real Difference Between Indica and Sativa

In the world of cannabis, two primary classifications, Indica and Sativa, have long been used to differentiate various strains. The perceived differences between these two types have often led consumers to expect distinct effects when using them. However, the reality is far more nuanced.

Located off of 495 in Lowell, MA, Smyth Cannabis Co. is the top recreational dispensary serving Andover, Ayer, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Nashua, Dracut, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Westford, Wilmington, Woburn and the surrounding towns.

Botanical Difference Between Indica and Sativa

Indica and Sativa are terms initially employed to describe the physical characteristics of different cannabis plants. Indica plants are typically shorter and bushier with wider leaves, while Sativa plants tend to be taller, slimmer and have thinner leaves. These distinctions, however, aren’t always clear-cut due to crossbreeding and hybridization, which have blurred the lines over time.

Chemical Composition

The chemical makeup, mainly the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes.

THC, the psychoactive compound, is responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis, while CBD offers potential therapeutic effects.

Indica strains often have higher levels of CBD, which cause more relaxing effects commonly associated with a body high. On the other hand, Sativa strains tend to contain higher THC content and lower CBD levels, providing a more energizing and creative head high.

Effect on Consumers

Despite the widely held belief in these general effects, factors like dosage, tolerance, consumption method, etc., significantly vary individual responses to cannabis. Moreover, the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes present in a given strain, not just whether a strain is an indica or sativa, determines the effects users experience.

Terpene Profile

Terpenes, organic compounds present in many plants including cannabis, play a crucial role in determining the overall effects and flavors of a particular strain. Different terpenes produce various scents like citrus, pine, or floral notes, and they collaborate with cannabinoids to influence the experience of the high. People call this the Entourage Effect.

The Rise of Hybrid Strains

Breeders have created many hybrids in today’s market, combining the desirable traits of both Indica and Sativa plants. These hybrids can provide a broad spectrum of effects, mixing the relaxing qualities of Indica with the uplifting attributes of Sativa, often catering to specific preferences or medicinal needs. In fact, most strains available in the market today are hybrids.

Conclusion Difference Between Indica and Sativa

Historically, people have used the terms Indica and Sativa to describe cannabis strains based on physical attributes and general effects, but these terms no longer reliably predict personal experiences. This unreliability results from extensive crossbreeding and hybridization over time. The cannabinoid and terpene profiles play a more significant role in determining a particular strain’s effects.

It’s essential to understand that each strain’s effects are unique and can vary from person to person. If you’re seeking relaxation, creativity, pain relief or other benefits, you should explore different strains and pay attention to their specific testing levels – this is key to finding your ideal cannabis experience.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Today

Smyth Cannabis Co. Recreational Dispensary offers high quality flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, topicals and more. Our friendly budtenders will help you pick out products best suited for both your needs and your budget. Visit us today at our Lowell, MA dispensary to learn more about our lab tested cannabis products.

Or, check out our menu for a list of in-stock options.

Difference Between Indica and Sativa

It is important to note that the above information is for educational use only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Smyth Cannabis Co. does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the above information. Individual results will vary. All Smyth Cannabis Co. products are grown for recreational use and do not claim to possess any medical benefits. Smyth Cannabis Co. is a recreational-only dispensary and does not employe medical professionals. Consult your physician before using cannabis for any medical purpose.

Jun 29

Love0

Top Picks — High CBD Strains

By Annemarie Porreca Products, Strains

Top Picks — High CBD Strains

So, consumers are able to benefit from the bodily effects of cannabis without affecting their headspace. High CBD strains are most commonly used for medical purposes, but they may also benefit anyone else looking to use cannabis products without getting high.

Located off of 495 in Lowell, MA, Smyth Cannabis Co. is the most popular dispensary for high CBD strains in Andover, Ayer, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Nashua, Dracut, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Westford, Wilmington, Woburn and the surrounding towns.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, CBD is an active ingredient found in cannabis. CBD does not contain THC. And unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties. So, CBD alone will not make a consumer feel high.

How Does CBD Work?

Humans brains have our own internal endocannabinoid systems that we use to maintain homeostasis. This system also allows us to process cannabinoids through a network of neurotransmitters and receptors.

THC activates the CB1 receptors in our brain, whereas, CBD restricts activity in the CB1 receptors. They produce opposite effects. Additionally, CBD also binds to other parts of the body (including 12 targets in the brain alone) to make you feel good.

Because of the way that they interact with both our endocannabinoid systems and each other, at least a small amount of THC does need to be present in order for the benefits of CBD to reach their full potential. But luckily, products high in CBD are readily available at your local dispensary. Here are our favorite high CBD strains of marijuana:

5. Charlotte’s Web | Hemp CBD

Charlotte’s Web is actually a strain of hemp originally bred with cannabis to create a new strain with higher CBD and lower THC than most other marijuana strains on the market. This strain contains less than 0.3% THC and is non-intoxicating. Its name pays tribute to a young girl named Charlotte Figi who was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy. Her physicians and parents say her seizures were dramatically reduced by her consumption of medical marijuana when she was just five years old.

Breeder: Stanley Brothers of Colorado
Cross: Industrial Hemp x Unspecified Cannabis Strain
Tastes Like: Sweet, Woodsy

4. Ringo’s Gift | Hybrid

This high CBD strain was named after Lawrence Ringo, a cannabis activist and pioneer community known as the “Father of Cannabis.” Ringo’s Gift comes in many different phenotypes with different ratios varying from 1:1, all the way up to 24:1. A 13:1 ratio of CBD to THC is standard for Ringo’s Gift. In short, this strain is known to help consumers sleep.

Breeder: Southern Humboldt Seed Collective
Cross: Harle-Tsu x ACDC
Tastes Like: Earthy & Woody

3. ACDC | Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

ACDC is a high CBD strain popular with medical patients. The CBD to THC ratio is about 20:1. Commonly used to combat the negative side effects of chemotherapy, it produces almost zero intoxicating effects for most consumers.

Breeder: Resin Seeds
Cross: Cannatonic x Ruderalis
Tastes Like: Earthy & Woody

2. Stephen Hawking Kush | Indica

Named after the famous scientist, Stephen Hawking Kush was bred as a party of Alphakrokik Genes’ series of high CBD strains known as “Great Minds.” There are 3 known phenotypes of SHK, all with similar flavor profiles. Above all, the relaxing effects of this strain help to suppress nausea and alleviate pain.

Breeder: Alphakrokik Genes
Cross: Harle-Tsu x Sin City Kush
Tastes Like: Fruity w/ Notes of Mint

1. Sour Tsunami | Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

Sour Tsunami was one of the first cannabis strains bred to to be high in CBD, as opposed to THC. Its characteristic dark green and purple buds produce a gassy, diesel flavor profile. Like other high CBD strains, sour tsunami is used to treat pain without making consumers feel the “high” of a strain higher in THC.

Breeder: Southern Humboldt Seed Collective
Cross: Sour Diesel x NYC Diesel
Tastes Like: Gassy; Musky

Where to Buy High CBD Strains

Again, THC must be present in order for CBD to be fully efficient. So you’ll need to visit a local dispensary to purchase a high CBD strain of marijuana.

High CBD strains are most commonly used for medicinal purposes, although their bodily effects can be beneficial to recreational consumers, as well. For this reason, consumers without a valid MA medical marijuana card may have the best luck finding a high CBD strain at a dispensary that has dual licensure to sell both medical and recreational products.

Hemp CBD vs. Cannabis CBD

The CBD products you see available over-the-counter in stores are derived from hemp, not cannabis. Unlike cannabis, the hemp plant does not contain any THC. Consequently, CBD products purchased anywhere other than a marijuana dispensary are not likely to yield any noticeable results, because they do not contain THC.

The 2018 Farm Bill made certain hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC are still considered marijuana, and therefore federally illegal. Cannabis (including all its active ingredients) is legal in Massachusetts for both recreational and medical use.

Check Out Smyth Cannabis Co. For High CBD Strains in Massachusetts

Our 15,000 square foot cannabis growing facility is controlled to the last detail. Our flower is always properly cured and hand trimmed for quality, and we grow dozens of strains at maximum strength and efficiency. So, check out our menu to see what’s available in our Lowell, MA dispensary or find it in a store near you!

Mar 21

Love7

Strain Highlight: Miracle Mints (Indica)

By Annemarie Porreca Strains

Strain Highlight: Miracle Mints | Indica

AKA Cap Junkie

miracle mints strain indica cap junky strain indica

Miracle Mints, also known as Cap Junkie, is an extremely potent and pungent strain crossing Alien Cookies x Kush Mints #11. Cap Junky smells dank, like sour fruit rind with hints of pepper and gas. Its smoke hits very smooth and tastes astringent and peppery. Experienced smokers will love the intense and long-lasting euphoric effects of this high-testing indica.

Breeder: Seed Junky / Capulator
Cross: Alien Cookies x Kush Mints 11
Tastes Like: Cinnamon, Orange, Pepper

Indica Strain Effects

Euphoric

Relaxed

Creative Miracle Mints Strain

Cannabinoids Slurricane Strain

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are found in cannabis and provide consumers with a wide range of effects. THC and CBD are along the most commonly known cannabinoids.

Our most recent batch of the Miracle Mints strain AKA Cap Junky tested for the following cannabinoids:

THCA | 39.08%
CBGA | 1.95%

D9-THC | 1.73%
TAC | 42.76 Miracle Mints Strain

Terpenes — Miracle Mints Strain

Terpenes are the naturally occurring compounds responsible for the smell of most plants, fruits, herbs, etc., including cannabis.

Terpenes do not directly contribute to making you feel “high,” unlike cannabinoids. However, some terpenes are still considered to be “psychoactive” since they can still affect your brain in a similar way.

Our most recent harvest of Miracle Mints testing for the following terpenes:

Caryophyllene

Aromas: Sharp, Spice, Sweet, Wood

Caryophyllene is the most prominent terpene in the Miracle Mints strain. It has a unique ability to bind to CB2 receptors, which are targeted when treating pain and inflammation. It is FDA-approved for use in food & is found in black pepper, cinnamon and basil.

Limonene

Aromas: Citrus, Lemon, Herbal

Limonene is the second most common terpene in nature and can also be found in citrus rinds. In short, it is used in topical products to allow other chemical compounds to pass through the skin faster.

Linalool

Aromas: Floral, Herbal, Lavender | Effects: Comfort

Linalool is known for its strong calming effects and is used to treat patients with Epilepsy. It is found in rosewood, coriander, lavender, and over 200 species of plants across the world.

Humulene

Aromas: Herbal, Spice, Woody, Earthy

Commonly found in ginseng, ginger and hops, Humulene has been used in natural health practices for hundreds of years due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been reported to act as an appetite suppressant.

Pinene Miracle Mints Strain

Aromas: Pine Miracle Mints Strain

Pinene is named after its strong scent of pine trees. Plants use Alpha-pinene to limit the growth of unwanted bacteria. Many consumers report a boost of energy and creativity after smoking Miracle Mints, because it is high in this terpene.

Myrcene Miracle Mints Strain

Aromas: Earthy, Musk, Cloves Miracle Mints Strain

Myrcene is a great for adding an overall boost of relaxation to your experience. It is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, and can also be found in parsley, mangoes and hops.

Try Miracle Mints Strain From Smyth Cannabis Co.

Our flower is always properly cured and trimmed by hand in our 15,000 square foot facility right here in Lowell, MA. You’ll get a true craft cannabis experience every time with dozens of strains grown at maximum strength and efficiency. So, check out our menu to confirm the availability of Miracle Mints at our dispensary!

Look for Miracle Mints at a dispensary closer to you on Weedmaps.

“

I underestimated this strain - the THC was listed as incredibly high and my God, it was! I smoked it before bed and usually, I just knock right out but NOPE. I went into creative overdrive - stayed up writing and editing for a good two hours before realizing how late it was!
Saint NikolaiReddit User

Feb 13

Love1

Strain Highlight: Slurricane (Indica)

By Annemarie Porreca Strains

Strain Highlight:

Slurricane | Indica

Slurricane is a well balanced indica that produces a relaxing high that comes on smooth, a true straight-shooter. Featuring a sweet flavor profile that leads with grape (and other berry) notes then finishes slightly earthy. An enjoyable smoke for indica lovers due to its high testing levels, it’ll likely leave you couch locked.

Breeder: In-House Genetics
Cross: Do-Si-Dos x Purple Punch
Tastes Like: Fruity, Sweet, Berry, Light, Citrus, Slightly Earthy

Indica Strain Effects