Cannabis can be used to treat a wide variety of common conditions. Generally, cannabis results in the user having a sense of greater physical and mental relaxation, pain reduction, increased appetite, and better sleep. However, there are two main variations of cannabis plants, and each offers a diverse set of benefits. Understanding the difference between the two is important to finding the right strain for each person.

The two major types of cannabis plants are Indica and Sativa. Each strain has it’s own range of effects on the body and mind resulting in a wide range of medicinal benefits. Indica strains generally provide a sense of deep body relaxation. Sativa strains tend to provide a more energizing experience.

INDICA: Typically, cannabis Indica plants are short, bushy plants with wide leaves. Indica plants typically grow faster and have a higher yield than the sativa variety. Medicine produced from cannabis Indica plants have higher CBD and lower THC counts.

The major qualities of Indica medicinal strains include:

increased mental relaxation

muscle relaxation

decreases nausea

decreases acute pain

increases appetite

increases dopamine (a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers)

for night time use

SATIVA: Cannabis Sativa plants are opposite of the Indica strains and grow tall and thin with narrow leaves. Sativa plants are also generally a lighter shade of green than their counterpart, the Indica strain. Sativa strains take longer to grow, mature, and require more light. Medicine produced from cannabis Sativa plants have lower CBD and higher THC counts.

The major qualities of Sativa medicinal strains include:

anti-anxiety

anti-depressant

treats chronic pain

increases focus and creativity

increases serotonin (a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of learning, mood, sleep, anxiety and appetite)

for day time use

THC: THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis plants. It’s responsible for the “high” or state of euphoria associated with cannabis use. Levels of THC have been increasing as growers try to create hybrids with a greater concentration of the compound.

CBD: CBD is non-psychoactive. It doesn’t cause a “high.” However, it may produce many physical benefits, such as reducing pain and nausea, preventing seizures, and easing migraine.

Hybrids are a combination of sativa and indica strains; they can provide both mind and body effects.

A-AAAAA Cannabis Grading System

A Grade weed is nothing to get excited about. This is usually the low-quality buds that aren’t worth spending extra money on. A grade cannabis, or “singles” as it’s sometimes referred to is low quality weed that still has some bud structure to it, with unwanted stems present and loose discolored buds.

AA Grade weed is decent, mid-range quality marijuana. You can get quite a lot of variance at this quality and might find weed graded from AA- to AA+. AA grade strains or “dubs”, or budget buds is more or less the lowest grade and rating of cannabis you will find from dispensaries in Canada. These buds obviously can’t be compared to AAA or AAAA buds when it comes to appearance and effectiveness (THC level), but they still have their place. AA grade strains or buds generally has some brown or other off-color appearances.

AAA Grade is when you start to get to the good-quality weed, and many retailers even sell AAA and above. This usually applies to buds that look thick, healthy, and colorful. You’ll see colored hairs of purple, orange or yellow depending on the strain. You’ll also see more trichome crystals.

AAAA Grade or “Quads” is premium, or top-shelf weed that is more or less considered to be the best. Some users refer to this as loud due to its strong odor and color. Once you get to this quality, you’ll notice all kinds of colorful hairs throughout the bud, along with plenty of crystals of strong, THC-packed trichomes. AAAA Grade weed is also highly pungent, you’ll get a strong aroma and taste from this kind of cannabis.

This is premium weed, but it may cost you a little more. It’s usually more potent due to higher levels of THC and higher terpenoid content.

AAAAA Grade weed is the absolute top quality you can find. Only the very best buds are reserved for this label, meaning every AAAAA strain will look fresh, thick, and full of trichomes. You’ll get a super strong aroma and it’ll taste incredible