What to Know

The Basic Strains of Marijuana Available at Your Dispensary

Sativa

Sativa offers primarily mental benefits and is known for its energizing and uplifting effects. It can increase energy, creativity, and focus, making it popular for daytime use. Sativa may help improve mood and reduce fatigue or depression.

Possible side effects include anxiety or dry mouth and eyes. If these symptoms occur, lowering the dose is recommended.

Indica

Indica provides primarily physical benefits and is associated with a calming, full-body relaxation. This strain is often favored as a sleep aid because it helps the body unwind and relax.

Indica is commonly used for pain relief as it promotes muscle relaxation and helps reduce stress and anxiety that can intensify pain.

Hybrid

Hybrid strains combine the effects of both Indica and Sativa, offering a balanced mental and physical experience. Users may feel relaxed, creative, and mildly euphoric.

Hybrids are often recommended for those new to marijuana or when a versatile effect is desired.

The Most Popular Forms of Delivery

Please note that some states limit allowable forms of ingestion. Always check your state laws before purchasing.

Inhalation

Inhalation refers to breathing in vapor or smoke through vape pens, cartridges, or dried flower. Effects usually begin within 1–5 minutes and last approximately 1–3 hours.

Available in sativa, indica, or hybrid strains.

Oral

Oral products are consumed by eating and processed through the digestive system. Common forms include gummies, chocolates, capsules, tablets, and soft gels.

Onset ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours, but effects last longer than inhalation. Available in sativa, indica, or hybrid strains.

Sublingual

Sublingual marijuana is a liquid placed under the tongue for faster absorption into the bloodstream. These include tinctures and sprays.

Effects are usually felt within minutes and last under three hours. Available in sativa, indica, or hybrid strains.

Suppositories

Suppositories are dissolvable products inserted rectally or vaginally. Onset time and duration vary by product.

Consult dispensary pharmacists before purchasing. Available in sativa, indica, or hybrid strains.

Topical

Topicals include lotions, creams, balms, gels, and transdermal patches applied directly to the skin. They provide localized pain relief and typically last longer than other delivery methods.

While topicals may contain THC and CBD, they do not usually produce a “high” because they do not enter the bloodstream. They are often used alongside other delivery methods for overall relief.