Overwhelmed by Cannabis Flavors? Here’s How to Choose the Best Ones for You

Thanks to its legalization all over the United States, marijuana is becoming the most popular recreational substance around. Shoppers at their local San Diego dispensary can expect to find a variety of flavors waiting for them to try. If you’re new to the cannabis scene or are looking to increase your exposure, there’s a lot to learn about new developments in flavor profiles. Understanding how weed gets its taste can be your guide to finding tasty new ways to enjoy your favorite pastime!

Terpene Truths

While many people know about the compounds in marijuana that produce medicinal and psychoactive effects, it’s only recently that connoisseurs have begun to understand where weed gets its flavor. Labels on products in the local San Diego dispensary will likely list a few chemicals called terpenes as well. These aromatic compounds give plants specific smells and flavors, such as:

  • Limonene: A common terpene that gives off a lemony scent. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
  • Linalool: Found in lavender, linalool’s aroma produces a calming effect as well as provides some relief to anxiety and depression.
  • Pinene: Bringing out the spicy scents of pine, basil, and rosemary, pinene can act as a bronchodilator that opens up the lungs to more fresh air.
  • Beta-caryophyllene: This terpene can be found in black pepper and cloves. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and some chronic pain.
  • Myrcene: Lemongrass, thyme, and hops all benefit from this compound’s fresh aroma. Studies indicate some success in treating osteoarthritis.
  • Humulene: Earthy ginger and hops aromas stem from humulene, which may be an effective asthma treatment and anti-inflammatory.

While it’s a good idea to use terpene flavors as a baseline, don’t rely on listings to give you an accurate representation of the weed’s flavor. After all, a lemon meringue pie and lemon drop both get their flavors from the same source but provide drastically different experiences!

Sativa Vs Indica

Marijuana strains are mainly categorized by the kind of high they produce. While it doesn’t directly have to do with the flavor profile of your weed, differences between the sativa and indica strains make it a key point in your purchase. You’ll probably notice how prominent those labels are when shopping at a San Diego dispensary. Understanding these distinctions will help you to manage your experience.

Sativa

These strains tend to create a more uplifting and cerebral effect. Many people turn to sativas when searching for a more creative or energetic high. It has been shown to increase focus and reduce anxiety and stress. It is commonly used during the day when smokers need to be more alert.

Indica

Producing a more relaxed effect, people have termed the high associated with these strains as “couch-locked.” Indicas have shown a lot of success in treating insomnia and can make the entire body feel at ease. People use indicas for chilling out at the end of the day or listening to music and zoning out.

Hybrids

Indica and sativa strains are cross-bred form hybrids that have some effects from both parent plants. Some hybrids lean more towards one type of high over another. Discuss the potency and effects with the staff at your San Diego dispensary to learn more about a specific strain’s effects.

Food Pairings

Because vaping and smoking in public have become less of an issue, marijuana is becoming much more mainstream. As with other intoxicants such as beer and wine, connoisseurs have begun joining different flavor profiles and strains with foods to compound their sensory experience. Pairing weed with a meal is quickly becoming a great way to enjoy a night out! Some strain and dinner combinations include:

  • Sour Diesel: One of the most popular strains on the market, Sour Diesel produces a more alert high with earthy aromas and flavors that pair well with savory dishes such as steak and garlic mashed potatoes.
  • OG Kush: A great all-around indica, the OG has a broad flavor profile that goes well with most dishes but stands out with more pedestrian pizza and burger fare.
  • Tangie: Lovers of Asian fusion will flock to these citrus flavors that pair well with orange chicken and Pad Thai.
  • Blue Dream: The sweet flavors of Blue Dream go great with spicy curries and chorizos, and is great for combatting the upset stomach you’re bound to get from dinner!
  • Kosher Kush: The strongest of these strains, its fruity and savory notes compliment milder pork and chicken dishes, though its strength may have you canceling any post-dinner plans.

It’s important to remember that, just like pairing alcohol with meals, you should prepare your evening with a ride home just in case you’re too high to get behind the wheel.

The Weed You Need

No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, marijuana’s many strains and flavor profiles will be perfect for you. Try different terpenes and experiment with sativas and indicas to learn what you enjoy firsthand. If you still have questions about flavors and types of high, don’t be afraid to consult your local San Diego dispensary staff. They can help you find the right smoke to make your night a memorable one!