At our Haverhill dispensary, we’re firm believers in the many different ways you can customize your cannabis to match your preferred experience. Yet among the many different innovative microdosed cannabis gummies, advanced vaping technology, or deliciously infused beverages and mocktails on our dispensary shelves – one of the most tried and tested ways to fine-tune your cannabis high is by blending strains.
Not only does blending cannabis strains elevate the flavors of your smoke sesh, but it can help you create a just-right vibe for any occasion. Whether you want to chill, exercise, or find that perfect balance, learn these tips for blending cannabis strains to ensure a fully customized experience!
Understanding Sativa, Indica & Hybrid
First things first, before learning about blending cannabis strains, it’s crucial to have a solid overview of the general categorization of cannabis. You’ve likely heard of Sativa, Hybrid, and Indica, but what exactly does it mean to your consumption experience?
Sativa strains are typically energizing and uplifting. If you’re looking to boost creativity, focus, or just stay active, a Sativa strain can be a good companion to get you through whatever task comes your way.
Indica strains are known for their relaxing and calming effects, and stronger strains or doses are generally best for sedation or deep rest. Whether it’s an “in da couch” sedating couchlock or a warm body buzz kind of Indica, this cannabis flower type is ideal for winding down.
As the name suggests, hybrids are a genetic combination of Sativa and Indica plants. They are most often found at our Haverhill dispensary, bringing consumers the best of both worlds. Hybrids will typically offer a more balanced experience, depending on the strain’s dominant traits and other cannabinoids or compounds present.
Talking Terpenes
Now that these classic cannabis categorizations have been covered, we must review terpenes – the magical compounds that give cannabis its distinctive flavors and aromas and also influence your high. These compounds are not just about the smell and taste of your bud, terpenes also play a huge role in how a strain affects you.
When interacting with cannabinoids (like THC and CBD), terpenes create the Entourage Effect – the combined effects of the cannabinoids and terpenes working together to amplify or balance each other’s effects and interactions. So, when you’re blending strains, you’re also blending terpene profiles – which is a major key to customizing your experience.
Scientists are still discovering all the different terpenes found in cannabis, but here are a few to keep in mind when learning how to blend cannabis strains:
- Limonene is often found in strains that offer an uplifting, energetic high. This terpene is also found in lemons and other citrus, and features bright, mood-boosting, and uplifting effects.
- Earthy, musky, and herbal, myrcene is the terpene commonly known for casual relaxation. In larger doses, it’s the one most associated with those couch-lock Indica effects, however, it can also be found in some hybrids or sativas for a boost of energy.
- Known for its peppery, spicy aroma, beta-caryophyllene can be great for focus, while also having potentially anti-inflammatory benefits when interacting directly with our endocannabinoid system (ECS).
- As the name suggests, the terpene pinene smells like pine needles, and is often used in aromatherapy practices for an energizing and clear-headed focus.
How to Blend Cannabis Strains
So, with a better understanding of cannabis compounds and terpenes, why is blending cannabis strains beneficial? Just like you’d blend a fruit smoothie to fuel yourself on the various nutrients from different fruit, the same can be done with cannabis. Although each cannabis strain offers an abundance of cannabinoids and therapeutic properties individually, combining them nourishes you with a wider spectrum of cannabis effects, which can essentially help to fine-tune your high.
Especially if you have specific results or preferred high effects in mind, blending the right cannabis strains can help you achieve the specific results you’re after. It’s a more mindful way to customize your high depending on the different times of the day or specific needs required at that moment.
Tips for Blending Cannabis Strains
Ready to give blending a try? Here are a few tips from our Stem budtenders to get you started:
- Know what you’re smoking! Before blending any strains, be familiar with their flavor profiles and effects. This helps ensure you’re combining complementary flavors and achieving the desired results.
- Trust your nose! Focus on the terpenes and aromas present in the strains you’re blending.
- Be Cautious with non-cannabis herbs! If you’re thinking about blending in other smokable herbs or plants (like lavender or chamomile), make sure they are clean, tested, and pesticide-free. You want to have a smooth, safe experience without any harmful additives.
- Start Slow! Remember, blending cannabis strains means combining THC potencies. Don’t go overboard when trying new blends. Begin with small amounts of each strain to gauge how they work together, then adjust as needed to perfect your high.
Blending Flavors & Effects with Stem Haverhill’s Dispensary Stash
No matter if you’re fine-tuning your high, or looking to switch up your smoke stash, blending cannabis strains can unlock a whole new level of cannabis customization.
At Stem Haverhill, we offer a wide selection of top-quality, terpene-rich cannabis strains, covering all Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid category classifications and an extensive variety of terpene profiles.
Stop by our dispensary in Haverhill to explore our selection of flower and find your ultimate combination to blend – or stick to shopping an individual strain and get creative by blending other herbs into your joint!
The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.