Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid
Sativa
Potential Effects/Benefits: Known for its uplifting and energizing qualities, sativa strains may help ease stress and anxiety while boosting focus, motivation, and creativity. Users often report an increase in mental clarity and daytime productivity.
Typically associated with: “Daytime” or active-use strains.
Indica
Potential Effects/Benefits: Indica strains are often chosen for their calming and sedative effects. They can support better sleep, help reduce nausea, and stimulate appetite while easing tension and promoting full-body relaxation.
Typically associated with: “Nighttime” or wind-down strains.
Hybrid
Potential Effects/Benefits: Hybrid strains combine characteristics of both sativa and indica. The effects depend on the genetic balance of the parent strains — those with dominant indica genetics tend to be more relaxing, while sativa-leaning hybrids may offer a more uplifting experience.
Typically associated with: Balanced effects that vary depending on lineage.
THC vs. CBD
Psychoactive
Common Uses: Psychoactive cannabinoids are often used to aid sleep, ease pain, stimulate appetite, and reduce nausea or muscle spasms. They may also help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and tension.
Possible Side Effects: May include dry mouth or eyes, increased heart rate, impaired coordination, temporary memory issues, or heightened anxiety in sensitive users.
Non-Psychoactive
Common Uses: Non-psychoactive cannabinoids are typically valued for their therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, pain-relieving, and anti-tumor properties. They may also support mood balance and act as natural anti-depressant or anti-psychotic agents.
Possible Side Effects: Some users may experience appetite fluctuations, tiredness, lightheadedness, mild weight loss, or digestive discomfort such as diarrhea.
Terpenes
The cannabis plant consists of a wide variety of chemicals and compounds. About 140 of these belong to a large class of aromatic organic hydrocarbons known as terpenes (pronounced tur-peens).
Terpenes have been found to be essential building blocks of complex plant hormones and molecules, pigments, sterols, and cannabinoids. Terpenes are responsible for the pleasant, or not so pleasant, aromas of cannabis and the physiological effects associated with them. Although not permitted in Pennsylvania, patients will often ask to smell the cannabis when selecting their medicine. The idea is that certain aromas help identify different strains and their effects. Strains with relatively high concentrations of specific terpenes are easier to identify by their smell.
For example, the smell of musk or of clove is detected when there is a high level of the terpene myrcene. A piney smell is usually indicative of a high level of the terpene pinene and a lemony smell indicates a high level of the terpene limonene. Our online menu provides the terpene content, if available, of each product which may vary by batch and grower even for the same strain.
Common Terpenes
Myrcene
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Antibacterial
- Sedative
- Appetite Stimulant
- Muscle Relaxant
- Antifungal
Strains: AK, Blue Dream, Harlequin, OG Kush, Pineapple Express, Triangle Kush x FPOG
Caryophyllene
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Antibacterial
- Antioxidant
- Sleep Aid
- Muscle Relaxant
- Anti-Anxiety
Strains: Chemdawg, Gelato, GG#4, GSC, Sour Diesel, Star Tribe, THC Burst
Pinene
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Antibacterial
- Bronchodilator
- Anti-Cancer
- Counters short-term memory impairment associated with THC
Strains: Blue Dream, Harlequin, Jack Herer, OG Kush, Space Monkey, Strawberry Cough
Limonene
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Antifungal
- Anti-Anxiety
- Antacid
- Antibacterial
- Anti-Cancer
- Immuno-stimulant
Strains: Banana OG, Dosi-Do, Extreme Cream, Jack Herer, Jet Fuel, MAC, Sour Diesel
Linalool
- Anti-Seizure
- Neuroprotective
- Sedative
- Muscle Relaxant
- Pain Relief
Strains: Amnesia Haze, Cinderella 99, DosiDo, Granddaddy Purp, Lavender, Purple Z
Terpinolene
- Pain Relief
- Anti-Cancer
- Antifungal
- Antibacterial
- Antioxidant
- Provides cognitive clarity
Strains: Black Widow, Durban, Golden Goat, Jack Herer, Lilac Diesel, Purple Z, Trainwreck
Humulene
- Appetite Suppressant
- Antibacterial
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Anti-Tumor
- Antifungal
Strains: GG#4, GSC, Headband, OG Kush Skywalker, OG Sour Diesel, White Widow
Ocimene
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
- Antibacterial
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Anti-Nausea
- Decongestant
Strains: Chocolope, Golden Goat, Sour Diesel, Strawberry Cough
Bisabolol
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain Relief
- Anti-Irritant
- Antioxidant
- Anti-Seizure
Strains: ACDC, Chemmy Jones, Gelato, GG#4, Harle-Tsu
