Whether you’re new to the world of hemp or you’re a seasoned cannabis enthusiast, sorting through the vast number of strain options may feel like an overwhelming task. In order to make the selection process easier, gather some preliminary information before you begin the journey of finding your ideal strain.

Understanding cannabis basics can take some of the guesswork out of the equation and increase your confidence when searching for your next hemp strain.

1.Your State’s Cannabis Laws

Despite an increasingly-progressive move toward full legalization, cannabis is still prohibited in a number of states and districts. Before deciding what type of hemp flower is best for you, make sure you’re up to date on the specific laws in your area. Many states allow CBD-heavy strains but not those with higher amounts of THC. Similarly, there is often a legal distinction between medicinal and recreational use.

2. The Difference Between CBD and THC

Perhaps the most important thing to know before choosing the best hemp strain for your needs is the basic composition of traditional cannabis. Hemp flower consists of THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, and CBD, which improves mood and alleviates anxiety.

If you enjoy the high that smokers usually derive from cannabis, you’ll probably be happiest with a THC-heavy strain. If you don’t enjoy feeling intoxicated, however, CBD-dominant strains are ideal, as they provide the benefits of cannabis without impairing your sobriety.

3. The Difference Between Indica and Sativa

Now that you know the primary components of hemp, it’s important to remember the two types of cannabis plants: Indica and Sativa. The plants, which look and grow differently, produce opposite styles of inebriation. Sativas are said to increase, or at the very least not reduce, a smoker’s alertness, and they are often dubbed the “daytime” bud for this reason. Indicas, on the other hand, produce the “body high” with which cannabis is usually associated.

4. Your Taste and Smell Preferences

Depending on your preferred method of consumption, knowing your preferred tastes and smells ensures that you have the most enjoyable smoking experience. While many strains smell and taste like the earth out of which they grew, others have a distinct scent of citrus or fruit and may leave a sweet aftertaste in the mouth. Even if you do not prefer to smoke your hemp, these qualities are often noticeable in vapes, oils, and other infused products.

5. How Cannabis Affects You

First and foremost, you should always get medical clearance before smoking or consuming cannabis in any form. This not only ensures your safety but also enables you to get the most out of your hemp choice, as strains are often recommended based on the desired health effects.

Those who struggle with stress or anxiety may want to steer clear of strains with higher amounts of THC, for example, as they can induce paranoia and even panic attacks in these individuals. On the other hand, research has found CBD to be an effective treatment for anxiety, but it does not offer the pain-management benefits of THC-dominant strains.

6. Where To Get Your Hemp

As cannabis continues to gain popularity, finding a strain that fits your needs should never be a problem. If you want a specific strain, however, you may have to take to the internet; unique crossbreeds are not always widely available, especially in local dispensaries. Similarly, be sure to note the types of products sold at each store, as some places will not carry products containing more than a trace amount of THC.

Regardless of whether you’re pursuing hemp as a tool for relaxation or a solution to some of your health woes, finding a suitable strain that fits your wants and needs may feel like a tall order. Understanding cannabis basics can take some of the guesswork out of the equation and increase your confidence when searching for your next hemp strain.