Month: May 2025

How to Choose the Right Cannabis Strain for Your Needs

With the explosion of cannabis legalization and the increasing variety of strains available on dispensary shelves, finding the right cannabis strain for your specific needs can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for pain relief, anxiety management, better sleep, or simply a more enjoyable recreational experience, understanding the differences between strains is essential to making an informed decision.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the fundamentals of cannabis strains, how they affect the body, and what to consider when selecting the right product for your goals.


Understanding Cannabis Strains: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid

Traditionally, cannabis strains are categorized into three groups:

1. Indica

Indica strains are commonly associated with relaxing effects. They typically produce a “body high,” making them ideal for evening use, stress relief, pain management, and sleep. These strains often have higher levels of the terpene myrcene, which contributes to their sedative properties.

Best for:

  • Sleep disorders

  • Anxiety

  • Muscle relaxation

  • Chronic pain

2. Sativa

Sativa strains are known for their energizing and uplifting effects. These strains tend to promote creativity, focus, and sociability, making them popular for daytime use. They may contain more limonene and pinene, which help stimulate alertness.

Best for:

  • Daytime use

  • Depression

  • Creative activities

  • Social situations

3. Hybrid

Hybrid strains are a cross between Indica and Sativa genetics and can lean toward either side or offer a balanced combination of effects. Many modern strains are hybrids, bred to amplify certain qualities like flavor, potency, or therapeutic benefit.

Best for:

  • Tailored effects

  • Balanced experiences

  • Managing multiple symptoms (e.g., anxiety and pain)

Note: While these categories provide a helpful starting point, the chemical profile (cannabinoids and terpenes) offers a more accurate prediction of a strain’s effects.


Cannabinoids: The Active Compounds That Matter

Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The two most well-known cannabinoids are:

1. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

  • Responsible for the psychoactive “high”

  • Offers pain relief, appetite stimulation, and nausea reduction

  • Can sometimes increase anxiety in sensitive individuals or high doses

2. CBD (Cannabidiol)

  • Non-intoxicating

  • Known for anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and seizure-reducing properties

  • Can counteract some of THC’s unwanted effects

Other minor cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, and THCV are gaining attention for their unique effects, such as appetite suppression, anti-inflammatory properties, or potential focus enhancement.


Terpenes: The “Aromatherapy” of Cannabis

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinct scent and flavor. They also influence how cannabinoids affect your body. Here are some common terpenes and their typical effects:

Terpene Aroma/Flavor Known Effects
Myrcene Earthy, musky, herbal Sedating, relaxing
Limonene Citrus, lemon Uplifting, anti-anxiety
Pinene Pine, forest-like Alertness, memory support
Linalool Floral, lavender Calming, anti-anxiety
Caryophyllene Spicy, peppery Anti-inflammatory, stress relief

Understanding terpene profiles can help you select a strain that aligns with your wellness goals more accurately than THC or CBD percentages alone.


Step-by-Step Guide: How to Choose the Right Strain for You

Step 1: Define Your Intentions

Before walking into a dispensary or shopping online, clarify your goals. Ask yourself:

  • Are you using cannabis for medical purposes (e.g., chronic pain, insomnia)?

  • Do you want to relax after work or stay energized during the day?

  • Are you sensitive to THC or new to cannabis?

Your intention determines the type of strain that will serve you best.

Step 2: Assess Your Experience Level

  • Beginner: Consider strains with lower THC levels or balanced THC/CBD ratios to avoid overwhelming psychoactive effects.

  • Experienced User: You may prefer more potent THC strains and can experiment with terpene-rich options for targeted effects.

Step 3: Check the Cannabinoid and Terpene Profile

When available, always review lab test results or product labels. Look for:

  • THC and CBD percentages

  • Dominant terpenes

  • Harvest or packaging date (fresher flower retains more potency and flavor)

This is especially important if you’re using cannabis to address specific health concerns.

Step 4: Consider Your Lifestyle and Schedule

  • Morning or Workday Use: Try Sativa or Sativa-leaning hybrids with energizing terpenes like limonene or pinene.

  • Evening or Bedtime Use: Opt for Indica strains rich in myrcene or linalool.

  • Social Settings: Look for hybrids with balanced THC and relaxing terpenes that don’t overly sedate.

Step 5: Start Low and Go Slow

This is particularly true if you’re experimenting with a new strain or delivery method (edibles, vapes, tinctures, etc.). Keep a journal to track:

  • How much you consumed

  • The delivery method

  • The strain name and cannabinoid/terpene content

  • How you felt afterward

Over time, you’ll build a personal “playbook” of what works best for your body and preferences.


Matching Strains to Common Needs

🛏️ For Sleep

  • Look for Indica-dominant strains with high myrcene and linalool

  • Examples: Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, Purple Kush

😌 For Anxiety Relief

  • Consider CBD-dominant or THC/CBD balanced strains

  • Terpenes: Linalool, Caryophyllene, Limonene

  • Examples: ACDC, Harlequin, Ringo’s Gift

💪 For Pain Management

  • THC-dominant strains with caryophyllene or myrcene

  • Examples: OG Kush, Blue Dream, Girl Scout Cookies

🌞 For Energy and Focus

  • Sativa or hybrid strains with pinene and limonene

  • Examples: Green Crack, Jack Herer, Sour Diesel

🎨 For Creativity

  • Uplifting strains with high THC and limonene

  • Examples: Durban Poison, Tangie, Amnesia Haze


What to Ask at the Dispensary

Don’t be shy about asking your budtender for help. Ask questions like:

  • “What strains do customers come back for the most?”

  • “Can you recommend something for [sleep, pain, anxiety, etc.]?”

  • “Do you have terpene profiles available for your flower?”

  • “What’s the most balanced strain you have for a beginner?”

A reputable dispensary will have knowledgeable staff and lab-tested products. If they can’t answer these questions, you may want to shop elsewhere.


Choosing the right cannabis strain is as much art as it is science. While labels like Indica and Sativa are a helpful start, a deeper understanding of cannabinoids, terpenes, and personal goals will give you a far more reliable guide to a successful experience.

Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently. What works for your friend might not work for you. With a little research, intentionality, and experimentation, you’ll discover the strains that truly enhance your well-being and support your lifestyle.


FAQs: Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain

Q: Is THC percentage the most important factor in choosing a strain?
A: Not necessarily. While THC determines potency, terpenes and CBD content significantly affect how you experience the high.

Q: Can I mix strains for different effects?
A: Yes. Many users experiment with combining strains or products to fine-tune their experience, especially if they want both relief and alertness.

Q: Are there strains that don’t get you high?
A: CBD-dominant strains like ACDC or Charlotte’s Web have little to no intoxicating effects and are often used for anxiety, inflammation, or seizures.

Q: What’s the difference between flower, edibles, and vapes?
A: Flower offers fast onset and control, edibles provide longer-lasting effects but take longer to kick in, and vapes are discreet with quick effects.

Q: How do I know if a strain is right for me?
A: Start with small doses, take notes on how you feel, and try a few different types. Over time, you’ll identify what suits your body and mind best.

Who are New York’s Small-Batch Cannabis Farmers?

Learn about these craft cannabis farmers and brands.

Spotlighting Small-Batch Cannabis Farmers in New York

Small-batch or craft cannabis farmers are all about quality over quantity. Unlike some cannabis brands and corporations that produce massive amounts of product, craft farmers focus on growing smaller amounts of cannabis flower with care and attention to detail. 

The result is richer flavors and more potent strains. Shopping from small craft farmers, means you’re not just getting better bud—you’re also supporting local communities and sustainable farming practices. It’s a win-win for cannabis lovers and the environment!

Cannabis Realm is proud to offer exclusive craft strains, and carry more small-batch brands than most New York dispensaries. 

Let’s meet some of them… 

Fela’s

We’re two brothers from White Plains, NY, with deep roots in the legacy market and over 13 years of hands-on cannabis cultivation experience. Our journey began thanks to our grandmother, Fela, who was the first to support our passion by allowing us to grow at her home. As a tribute to her unwavering belief in us, we made a promise: if cannabis was ever legalized, we’d name our brand in her honor. And so, Fela was born.  

Fela’s delivers premium cannabis flower with a bold cultural edge inspired by art, rebellion, and creative expression.

Click here to view our products

Lead Farmers

LeadFarmer is a New York-based, veteran-owned cannabis microbusiness renowned for its commitment to cultivating premium indoor flower. Operating under a microbusiness license, LeadFarmer maintains a small-scale, hands-on approach, emphasizing quality over quantity. This model allows the team to oversee every aspect of production, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in their cultivation practices.

Lead Farmers offers consistently high-potency cannabis flower tailored for experienced consumers seeking strong, impactful strains.

Click here to view our products

Left Coast Extracts

Left Coast Extracts stands apart from typical white-labeled brands. We proudly handle every step of the process—from cultivation and manufacturing to processing and distribution—ensuring complete control over quality and consistency. Our products are truly original, carefully crafted, and always lab-tested for purity. With a commitment to transparency and excellence, we deliver clean, authentic cannabis products our community can trust.

Left Coast Extracts crafts top-tier vapes, concentrates, and infused products, focusing on purity and consistency.

Click here to view our products

Sunwalker Farms

At Sunwalker Farms, our mission is to uplift and strengthen our community through sustainable farming practices, dedicated support for veterans, and the healing power of horticulture therapy. Founded by a proud Marine Veteran, we are deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow veterans and the broader community we serve.

Sunwalker Farms cultivates small-batch, sungrown cannabis using regenerative practices in New York. 

Click here to view our products

Torrwood Farm Cannabis

🌿 Torrwood Farm: A Legacy of Sustainability and Innovation

Torrwood Farm, established in 1846 in the Catskill Mountains of New York, has evolved from its roots as a traditional family farm into a pioneer in sustainable cannabis cultivation. Now, their premium cannabis products are available at Cannabis Realm, a licensed dispensary in White Plains, NY, serving Westchester County and surrounding areas.

 

Founded by the Kerr family after emigrating from Scotland, Torrwood Farm has maintained its commitment to environmental stewardship for nearly two centuries. The farm actively participates in the Forestry Program, replanting chestnut trees and preserving 56 acres of forest land. Their agricultural practices include robust organic crop rotation, informed by the latest research, to maintain soil health and sustainability.

In recent years, Torrwood Farm has embraced cannabis cultivation, applying their sustainable practices to produce high-quality cannabis products. Their offerings include flower, pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles, all crafted with a focus on quality and environmental responsibility.

🛍️ Available at Cannabis Realm in White Plains, NY

Cannabis Realm, located at 475 Central Ave, White Plains, NY 10606, is proud to offer Torrwood Farm’s premium cannabis products. As a licensed dispensary, Cannabis Realm provides a curated selection of cannabis products from trusted New York growers. Their knowledgeable staff is dedicated to guiding customers through their cannabis journey, ensuring a safe and informed experience

Cannabis Realm serves not only White Plains but also the broader Westchester County area, including Yonkers, Elmsford, Scarsdale, and Hartsdale. They offer both in-store shopping and online ordering with delivery options, making it convenient for customers to access Torrwood Farm’s products.

 

Discover the Benefits of Microdosing Cannabis!

Enhance your daily life with the right dosage

Cannabis can be beneficial in many ways, including relieving stress and chronic pain, enhancing focus and energy, and improving sleep quality. Microdosing cannabis enables individuals to experience these benefits without the overwhelming effects of high THC consumption.

It offers a range of both medicinal and recreational advantages in various situations, activities, and intentions. This can be particularly helpful for parents or adults with busy schedules, as an average or high dose of THC can disrupt or distract from daily tasks.

By microdosing, you can consume a lower dose of THC while still receiving the therapeutic benefits and uplifting effects of cannabis.

Tips for microdosing cannabis: 

  • Start low and slow. Begin with the lowest dose possible and gradually increase to find the right microdose. 
  • Journal your experiences. Keep note of the overall mood, effects, or experiences you feel each time. 
  • Ask our budtenders for advice. Speak to a helpful budtender at our dispensary for insight and expertise on the best microdose product for you.  

15% off Gron 1:1 Cannabinoid Edibles: 

Give Her More Than a Bouquet this Mother’s Day

Scroll to top