10 Best Cannabis Strains for Beginners
When beginners start as teenagers, they are at the mercy of peer “intelligence.” Buddies tell them what they should try and what they’ll enjoy.
The fact is those other teens only know what their dealer is telling them. Buying on the black market, they don’t have choices. At best, they are cost-driven, buying what they can afford.
There’s not much hope of changing adolescent thinking. But, as legalization opens new markets to new demographics, more adults will be making the move towards the pleasure and benefits of cannabis.
10 Best Cannabis Strains for Beginners
The best scenario has knowledgeable cannabis users and friends introducing you to cannabis in a social setting where they might answer your “how to” questions. Or, if you’re prepared, you can make a list of questions an experienced budtender will answer.
But, here are some recommendations the “experts” make:
1. Blue Dream: At one time or another, any cannabis smoker has used Blue Dream. It is mild and undistinguished in many ways. Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that offers a mild euphoria and relaxed body.
It can relieve pain and depression but improve focus and creativity. Its moderate THC level (17%-24%) level hits early and hard with a creative rush. It is used regularly by patients who want pain relief and its blueberry taste and aroma.
2. AC/DC: The name is just counter-culture enough to attract cannabis newcomers. With a high CBD and low THC content, AC/DC relaxes cannabis users enough to bring them back for more. There’s no head high here, but it will relax and relieve pain.
The CBD: THC ratio runs 20: 1, so there are no psychoactive results. The skunk and earth tastes and aroma will turn off some beginners. But, the strong impact on the body can leave you calm and happy.
3. Harlequin: This is another strain on just about everyone’s top ten. High in CBD and low in THC, Harlequin offers a smooth relaxation with little or no psychoactive effect. A 75 percent Sativa, it relieves pain without sedation.
With its CBD: THC at 5: 2, Harlequin allows focus and clarity despite its calm. Beginners also like its touch of mango in taste and aroma.
4. Jack Herer: This one should be part of every newcomer’s education. You can introduce cannabis novices to Jack’s history and meaningful role in contemporary cannabis history. This strain has raises the barre on THC content, still mild enough to avoid the most threatening side effects.
Jack Herer offers a real but moderate psychoactive buzz. This may be more in line with what beginners expect — without being too much. There’s no panic or paranoia, but there is an energetic creative rush. Jack Herer is promoted for treatment of neurological and mental disorders like PTSD.
5. Plushberry: Here’s another starter with some but not much THC. Plushberry is an Indica-dominant hybrid for relaxation without sedation. But, some tests show a Sativa dominance.
Flush with the taste of blueberries and blackberries, Plushberry. You may also taste or smell its Black Cherry Soda parentage. It has 15 to 25 percent THC, but its CBD content calms and controls stress and anxiety. It’s a beautiful plant.
6. Cannatonic: The CBD: THC ratio comes in at 2: 1. That makes it a top choice for medical problems and first-time cannabis users. It produces a lemony aroma with full-body melt experience.
You can use it throughout the day without losing focus on your work as Cannatonic treats your chronic pain. But, users may wonder where the joy is in its calming effects.
7. Hindu Kush: This one is more what a beginner might expect. Earthy and musky, it fights anxiety, nausea, pain, and stress.
More potent than the others listed here, Hindu Kush is a pure Indica with a content that may cause coughing and dry throat. The Indica affects mind and body quickly with a heavy sedation preceding munchies and euphoria. It may leave you giggly and couch-locked for up to three hours.
8. Master Kush: This landrace owes its heritage to the same regions as the Hindu Kush. Earthy aroma and totally relaxing, Master Kush is 90 percent Indica with up to 24 percent THC and one percent CBD.
Winner of two Cannabis Cup awards, it has an earthy smell and taste with a touch of lemon citrus. Master Kush is totally relaxing with enough sedation to put insomniacs to sleep.
9. Girl Scout Cookies: GSC produces the effects beginners expect. There are a euphoric response and general body relaxation that come from its high THC (up to 28%) and solid CBD (1%).
Hugely popular, GSC taste and smell earthly sweet. The long-lasting effects relieve anxiety, depression, and stress. It’s a favorite of new users who tend to stick with it.
10. Trainwreck: This potent strain offers a challenge to new cannabis users. It tests at Sativa (80%) and Indica (20%) and 18%-25% THC.
This combination packs a wallop, especially for the inexperienced. You’ll feel creative and euphoric. But, it also relieves PTSD, pain, and stress.
Best Cannabis Strains for Beginners
Naming the “best” of anything makes some assumptions. And, the central assumption here is that beginners want to experience what they perceive as the excitement of cannabis consumption. They’ve heard legends about the psychoactive trip that marijuana has promised but are advised to ease their way into that.
You assume that the average newcomer is surprised by the level of sedation. And, you assume that cannabis novices are not looking for heavy sedation. So, this list has been ordered to serve to those assumptions.
