Once it’s legalized in Canada some time on October 17, 2018, those of legal age of purchase will have a range of cannabis strain to explore to help amplify all kinds of experiences. While different licensed producers may all carry the same strains, the taste, effects and cannabinoid percentages will range greatly.
Please note: Content on this guide is intended strictly for informational purposes and may only be used by medical cannabis patients with a valid medical document. By accessing this guide, you confirm that you are a medical cannabis patient with a valid medical document. Lift & Co. does not promote any product or represent that the products mentioned on Lift & Co.’s guide are treatment for any kind of medical condition. Lift & Co. cannot guarantee that information provided is error-free or complete and is not responsible for the quality of the information provided by users. Lift & Co. does not endorse any user reported information, any particular strain, product, producer, organization, treatment or therapy. Lift & Co. does not make representations regarding the use of cannabis and does not provide any of its own views on the use of cannabis, its benefits, or promotes its use.
Index
Favourite Strains for Recreational Use, as Reported by Lift & Co. Users
Here’s a list of some of Lift’s favourite strains for recreational use:
Pineapple Express
Not to be confused with the classic stoner comedy starring Seth Rogen, the Pineapple Express cannabis strain is moderate in THC, reportedly making it ideal for day use. Its flavour profile encompasses sweet, pineapple (obviously), and earthy notes, and it’s reported to make users feel really happy. It tends to have moderate THC levels, around 12%.
Gorilla Glue
This strain was originally named after a popular adhesive, until the glue makers took the growers to court. A settlement was reached, but not before other growers had co-opted the name. All that said, this indica hybrid strain contains 27% THC, making it a contender to be one of the strongest strains out there. It’s reported to have an earthy, pungent flavour.
Blue Dream
This sativa-dominant hybrid is said to be the love child of the Blueberry indica strain and the sativa
Haze, and is considered by Lift & Co. users to be best for daytime use. With an earthy, blueberry
flavour profile the THC content can range significantly, between 17% to 26%, depending on the licensed producer.
OG Kush
This indica dominant hybrid is known to inspire a heavy and relaxed feeling. With a THC content that ranges from 13% to 19%, it’s reportedly best for daytime use. Its flavour profile is an earthy, minty taste with spicy undertones.
Sour Diesel
A popular sativa dominant hybrid, this strain is considered a “caffeinated” cannabis, as it reportedly inspires a lively, uplifting effect that can help with depression and stress. Its flavour profile speaks to its name with pungent notes of citrus and fuel. The THC percentage can range from 15% to 30%.
White Widow
Considered to be one of the most commonly consumed cannabis strains in the world, WhiteWidow is usually a high-THC hybrid. Its genetics stem from a Brazilian sativa landrace and a resin-heavy South Indian indica. This strain produces scores of white trichomes, giving it a frosty appearance. Its THC levels can range between 14% and 19% and embodies a sweet, floral flavour profile.
Green Crack
This sativa-dominant shouldn’t frighten anyone concerned it mimics the literal effects of real crack. Known for its fruity, sweet and tropical notes, this strain, a favourite amongst Lift & Co. users, is reported to help uplift and enlighten. Its THC levels can range from 12% to 22%.
Master Kush
This is a popular indica known to have a highTHC profile ranging between 20% and 24%. Its flavour profile is earthy with hints of sweetness. It originated from Amsterdam as a cross between Hindu Kush and Skunk
Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a lauded American cannabis activist, who was also known as the Emperor
of Hemp, or the The Hemperor, thanks to his book The Emperor Wears No Clothes. So it’s not surprising the man who fought hard to decriminalize the hemp plant would have a strain named after him. This sativa-dominant, high THC strain, originally created in the Netherlands in the mid-1990s, is reported for its uplifting effects and a sour, spicy flavour profile. Frequently high in THC, it can range from 19% to 24%.
Bubba Kush
This indica-dominant is predominantly known for its sedative effects. With a flavour profile that elicits sweet and earthy notes, it’s been reported to combat insomnia, anxiety and pain. Its THC levels are usually in the mid-teens, between 15%-16%.
Fire OG
The name of this strain doesn’t mislead—it’s smoldering. An indica-dominant hybrid, Fire OG has been hailed as one of the powerful OG Kush strains out there. With notes of citrus, pine and fuel, it’s been reported to help with pain and insomnia. It’s reportedly high in THC, up to 20%.
Cannatonic
This high-CBD hybrid is popular with Lift & Co. users looking to relieve migraines, stress and pain relief, especially for arthritis sufferers. Flavour-wise, it gives strong notes of pine, earth and citrus. Its THC percentage is low, around 2%, but high in CBD, between 14% – 24%.
Skywalker OG
An indica-dominant hybrid reported to help with pain relief, it evokes a relaxing effect that can help soothe body aches and subdue muscle spasms. A THC-count that can range from 17% to 23%, its flavour profile is pungent, with sweet and earthy notes.
Top Cannabis Strains for Anxiety, as Reported by Lift & Co. Users
Sour Tangie (DNA Certified) – Tweed
Sour Tangie is a sativa certified by DNA Genetics, the world-renowned Dutch cannabis breeders who have won more than 125 Cannabis Cups. The strain is a cross between East Coast Sour Diesel and Tangie, and the terpene profile of this strain is famous for its stellar citrus notes, with 15.7% THC and 0.07% CBD
Balmoral – Tweed
This earthy, spicy, herbal and pungent strain is also known as UK Cheese, and is roughly equal parts indica and sativa. Many Lift & Co. users who identify as patients with depression, stress, insomnia, and pain report that Balmoral is relaxing but not overly sedative, which makes it appropriate for daytime use. It ranges from 15%-21% THC.
Wabanaki – OrganiGram
Loosely translated as “People of the First Light,” Wabanaki is the name of a First Nations confederation of five Algonquian-speaking nations near the Eastern seaboard. The strain is sativa-dominant and Lift & Co. users report clear-headed, creativity-boosting effects. With high levels of pinene, caryophyllene and myrcene, Wabanaki has earthy, woodsy aromas reminiscent of fresh pine and the forest floor. It yields 18% THC and 0.07% CBD.
TWD Lot #6 – Tweed
TWD Lot #6 is an indica-dominant proprietary strain, only available from Tweed. Its main terpenes are myrcene and caryophyllene, giving it a unique aroma. You might notice hints of citrus and berry, with an underlying sharp tartness. It’s commonly used by medical patients to treat pain, depression and insomnia. This strain has 20.4% THC and 0.07% CBD.
Super Lemon Haze – Delta 9
Popular with Lift & Co. users, this anxiety-reducing sativa-dominant hybrid is a blend of Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze. The smell is sweet, citrusy and a little sour on opening. The airy buds are medium and large-sized and have a grass green colour. This one has a high THC count: 26.6% and between 0.01-0.05% CBD
Top Cannabis Strains for Arthritis, as Reported by Lift & Co. Users
Banana Kush (DNA Certified) – Tweed
Banana Kush is an indica-dominant strain by Dutch company DNA Genetics. The lush, green flowers are highlighted with apricot-hued pistils and covered in trichomes. Banana Kush is fruity and sweet, with a high CBD count of 70% and 13.1% THC.
Balmoral – Tweed
This earthy, spicy, herbal and pungent strain is also known as UK Cheese, and it’s roughly equal parts indica and sativa. Many patients with depression, stress, insomnia and pain report that Balmoral is relaxing but not overly sedative, which makes it appropriate for daytime use. THC ranges from 15%-21%.
Penelope – Tweed
This strain is well-loved by the Lift & Co. community. It won third place for Best Sativa at Ontario’s Treating Yourself Expo in 2013. The aroma and flavour are of spicy cedar wood alongside tones of citrus, pine and peppermint. It yields 8.04% THC and 5.9% CBD
TWD Lot #6 – Tweed
TWD Lot #6 is an indica-dominant proprietary strain, only available at Tweed. Its main terpenes are myrcene and caryophyllene, giving it an unique aroma. You might notice hints of citrus and berry, with an underlying sharp tartness. It’s commonly used by Lift & Co. users who identify as medical patients to treat pain, depression and insomnia. This strain has 20.4% THC and 0.07% CBD.
Moonbeam – Leafs by Snoop
Moonbeam was personally selected by Snoop Dogg during his tour of Tweed Farms in October 2016. It’s an indica-dominant strain with fruity, sweet-smelling flowers. The buds are lighter green, dense and medium-to-large in size. Most prefer Moonbeam in the afternoon and evening. It’s has 20.7% THC and 0.07% CBD.
Top Medical Cannabis Strains, as Reported by Lift & Co. Users
The Lift & Co. community powers tens of thousands of reviews of medical cannabis strains each year. Our incredible users earn loyalty points in return for their detailed thoughts on their wins, losses and everything in between as they embark on their medical cannabis journey. Here are some of the top reviewed strains by Lift & Co. users to treat anxiety, insomnia and other health issues.
Top Cannabis Strains for PTSD, as Reported by Lift & Co. Users
OG Kush – Tilray
Despite its name, this mostly sativa hybrid is not truly a “Kush,” although it does possess some indica traits. It’s a popular strain for pain and stress relief, and it has a pungent, woodsy flavour, with 13% THC.
Sunset – Leafs by Snoop
If you want an indica that relaxes the body and has sedating effects, Sunset could be for you. Based on user reports, it leaves you feeling positive and euphoric, and it has a dank, spicy flavour. It yields 23.7%THC and 0.07% CBD.
Texada (Super Lemon Haze) – Broken Coast
Texada (Super Lemon Haze) is a sativa-dominant hybrid of Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze. It won two Cannabis Cups in 2008/2009, and it has a strong citrus-lemon, spicy aroma with reportedly strong, energizing effects. The THC count is between 19 – 24%.
Balmoral – Tweed
This earthy, spicy, herbal and pungent strain is also known as UK Cheese, and it’s roughly equal parts indica and sativa. Many Lift & Co. users who identify as patients with depression, stress, insomnia and pain report that Balmoral is relaxing but not overly sedative, which makes it appropriate for daytime use. It ranges from 15%-21% in THC.
Sour Kush (DNA Certified) – Tweed
Sour Kush an indica-dominant strain certified by DNA Genetics. It has a sharp, sour scent thanks to this strain’s unique terpene profile. It yields 18.6% THC and 7% CBD.
Top Cannabis Strains for Insomnia, as Reported by Lift & Co. Users
TWD Lot #6 – Tweed
TWD Lot #6 is an indica-dominant proprietary strain, only available at Tweed. Its main terpenes are myrcene and caryophyllene, giving it an unique aroma. You might notice hints of citrus and berry, with an underlying sharp tartness. It’s commonly used by Lift & Co. users who identify as medical patients to treat pain, depression and insomnia. This strain has 20.4% THC and 0.07% CBD.
Sunset – Leafs by Snoop
If you want an indica that relaxes the body and has sedating effects, Sunset could be for you. It reportedly leaves you feeling positive and euphoric, and it has a dank, spicy flavour. It yields 23.7%THC and 0.07% CBD.
Sun-Grown Red No. 4 – Spectrum
Sun-Grown Red N°4 is a high-THC indica-dominant strain, and it has fruity flavours, like berry and citrus. It’s commonly used in the evenings to treat pain, insomnia and PTSD. It has 17.3% THC and 0.07% CBD.
Star Killer – Broken Coast
Also known as Stryker, Star Killer has a heavy, almost narcotic scent. Lift & Co. users like this indica dominant strain in the evenings to relax, and it has deep, kush aromas with lemon-pine and peppery notes. The THC percentage ranges from 20% – 25%.
Positive Effects of Cannabis, as Reported by Lift & Co. Users
Different strains evoke different feelings, often with positive effects. This is because cannabis can spike dopamine and/or serotonin, the chemicals associated with pleasure and reward in our brain and mood stabilization, respectively. Here is a list of some common, positive sensations cannabis users have reported they have experienced:
Relaxation
Cannabis is known to help users unwind, freeing them from tension and anxiety.
Happiness
Bouts of giggles are a frequent occurrence when cannabis is consumed.
Uplifting
It’s not uncommon for a cannabis to give moods a boost.
Euphoria
Way upwards. Often, cannabis can make the user feel a buzzy sense of excitement.
Increased Appetite
A heightened appetite, also known as “the munchies,” is a one of the most infamous side-effects of consuming cannabis.
Energy
A wave of energy is a familiar feeling to experiences associated with marijuana. That’s likely why there’s a whole subculture of athletes who enjoy performing their sports after consuming.
Creativity
Don’t be surprised if a wave of ideas suddenly hits. Lift & Co. users state cannabis has been known to work when it comes to inspiration—just ask luminaries like Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg and Rihanna.
Focus
Certain strains can help the user get centered, and even inspire productivity. Start writing those lists!
Sleep
Many patients rely on cannabis to help them with sleep issues like insomnia. While not all strains lead to sleepiness after consumed, some work effectively to help inspire some zzzzz.
Benefits of Medical Cannabis, as Reported by Lift & Co. Users
Research into the medical effects of cannabis is not as commonplace as other health-related testing. Funding medical research is challenging since cannabis has historically been classified as an illicit drug. However, the research conducted into the medicinal effects of the drug often shows promising conclusions. Here’s what’s known:
Depression and Anxiety
A study out of the University of Washington found that adults who experience depression reported a decrease in symptoms with a single puff of medicinal cannabis that was high in CBD and low in THC. It also noted that two puffs of cannabis of any level of CBD or THC could lead to a decrease in anxiety. The same study also found that long-term use of medicinal cannabis may actually worsen symptoms of depression.
Arthritis
Medicinal cannabis has been a legal treatment option for Canadians with arthritis, as it’s reported to relieve swelling and inflammation, since 2001. Different cannabinoids in cannabis have benefits for arthritis: THC can help as a pain reliever and CBD is reported to help with inflammation; CB2 receptors are found in unusually high levels in the joint tissue of arthritis patients; and cannabis is shown to fight inflammation in the joints by activating the pathways of the CB2 receptors.
PTSD
Research shows that people with PTSD have lower levels of anandamide, a cannabinoid compound made within the body. Anandamide has a similar structure to THC and triggers the same cell receptors. With PTSD, the body stops producing enough endocannabinoids to fill these receptor sites, which is where cannabinoids found in marijuana play a therapeutic role. When replenishing these missing endocannabinoids with cannabis, PTSD patients may find relief from side effects such as fear, anxiety, anger issues, irritability, and depression. Cannabis may also work by removing associations to painful memories, eliminating flashbacks triggered by what they smell, hear or see that’s associated with the traumatic event.
Insomnia
How’s this for a night cap? Many Lift & Co. users consume cannabis to help them fall asleep, though efficiency depends on the strain. A 2017 study found that CBD may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia, while THC may decrease sleep latency but could impair sleep quality long-term.
Pain
A systematic review of 28 randomized clinical trials of cannabinoids as pharmacotherapy found the “use of marijuana for chronic pain, neuropathic pain and spasticity due to multiple sclerosis is supported by high-quality evidence.“
Migraines
A 2016 study from the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado found “the frequency of migraine headache was decreased with medical marijuana use.” Most patients in the study used more than one form of cannabis daily for prevention of migraines. Positive effects were revealed by 39 per cent of the 121 patients surveyed. It also found the most positive effects came from smoking, and edibles were reported to cause more negative effects.
Multiple Sclerosis
The effect of medicinal cannabis on MS symptoms is complex. When it comes to cognition and cognitive function, several studies found patients with MS who smoke cannabis are more cognitively impaired than non-consumers. However, oral cannabis/extract have proved to have a positive effect on muscle stiffness and spasms.
Cancer
Medicinal cannabis is often prescribed to cancer patients to help with side effects from chemotherapy treatment such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and pain.
Glaucoma
While cannabis is proven to help with eye pressure associated with glaucoma, it’s often not recommended as treatment. Since the relief only lasts for three or four hours, the patient would need to ingest it intermittently throughout the day. However, cannabis is a viable option for late-stage glaucoma, when treatment is specifically targeted at managing pain.
