6 Steps To Find The Perfect Cannabis Strain For You

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the countless cannabis strains available today? Whether you're new to cannabis or a seasoned enthusiast, finding the best strain for your needs can feel like a daunting task. With so many options, names, and brands, succumbing to the overwhelm and putting off the discovery process is easy.

Luckily, we made this guide to help walk you through 6 actionable steps to help you discover the ideal cannabis strain that suits your lifestyle, health conditions, and desired effects without all the guesswork.

STEP 1: REFLECT ON YOUR PAST CANNABIS EXPERIENCES

The best place to start this discovery process? Reflecting on any of your previous encounters with cannabis.

Whether the last time you tangoed with cannabis was last night while binging Netflix or back in your college days, reflecting on your past experience with different strains and environments can help narrow down and guide you to your ideal strain.

Some key things to reflect on: 

• What types of cannabis (indica, sativa, hybrid) have you tried? If you can’t remember specifics, try thinking of the side effects you experienced - they could indicate which strain you were interacting with.
• How did you feel during those sessions? Were you relaxed, anxious, focused, or sleepy?
• Which effects did you enjoy or dislike?
• In what context did you use cannabis, and did the cannabis enhance or detract from the experience?

STEP 2: SET CLEAR INTENTIONS FOR YOUR CANNABIS EXPERIENCES

Before diving into the world of cannabis strains, setting clear goals and intentions for your cannabis experiences will make it easier to identify your most desirable strain qualities and narrow down the search for your ideal strain in the future. 

Set clear intentions for your cannabis experiences by considering: 

• What do you hope to achieve with cannabis—stress relief, relaxation, pain management, sleep aid, focus?
• How do you want to feel during these experiences—energized, calm, sleepy, motivated?
• What flavors and aromas do you enjoy? 

Pro tip: Use these questions as journal prompts to record your responses for the future! The KookiJar app’s “Journal” feature is perfect for this!

STEP 3: LEVERAGE AI TOOLS TO FIND YOUR IDEAL STRAIN

With your intentions for your cannabis experiences and strains in mind, you can begin to research and find options that work best for you. 

If sorting through thousands of strains, forms and vendors feels overwhelming, consulting an AI tool can help simplify the process and remove the guesswork from the equation. 

KookiJar’s Personal AI Budtender in-app feature is a groundbreaking AI tool that provides cannabis enthusiasts with a curated list of new strains to discover based on their preferences, goals, and tastes to help them find their new favorite strain!

STEP 4: UNDERSTAND THE CANNABIS TYPES - INDICAS, SATIVAS & HYBRIDS

Once you have a curated list of cannabis strains to choose from, knowing the different cannabis types and their properties will help narrow down which strain(s) you’d like to try. 

Here’s a brief cannabis cheat sheet to help decide between strains: 

• Sativas have energized and uplifting properties, are perfect for daytime use, and boost creativity, focus, and social interaction.
• Indicas have calming and relaxing effects, making them ideal for nighttime use. They ease stress, anxiety, and pain and promote sleep.
• Hybrids are a balanced mix of sativa and indica effects, offering a versatile experience suitable for any time of day. Each strain has unique effects.

With the different properties and effects of each cannabis strain in mind, you can narrow down and confidently choose strains that align with your desired effects! 

STEP 5: CHOOSE YOUR STRAIN IN YOUR PREFERRED CANNABIS FORM 

Now that you know which strain is best for you, you can purchase your strain in your preferred form for consumption. 

Whether you like to enjoy cannabis with flower, concentrates, edibles, or anything in between - your ideal strain can most likely be found in your preferred form at different legal dispensaries. 

The KookiJar App is an essential tool that allows you to find your strain in your favorite form and connect directly to dispensaries for easy purchasing!

STEP 6: TRY YOUR STRAIN AND RECORD YOUR EXPERIENCE 

This is where the fun begins! Now that you’ve found the perfect strain, you can finally test out and experience your cannabis in all its glory.

Here are a few tips for optimal comfort and enjoyment while testing your strain: 

• Choose a safe, comfortable environment! This could be at home, on the couch, at the cabin, or wherever you feel safest.
• Have a friend or trusted person nearby or accompanying you.
• Engage in the activities that match your intentions when choosing your strain (relaxing, working, exercising).
• Keep your creature comforts nearby—blankets, snacks, music, etc.
• Stay hydrated!

Pro-tip: Document your experience! Keep a notebook nearby or use the “Journal” feature in the KookiJar App to record your thoughts, feelings, and any adjustments you might make for future sessions!

YOUR PERFECT STRAIN AWAITS

Finding the right cannabis strains is a personal journey, and it’s all about discovering what works best for you, your goals and intentions for each session.

Though this discovery process can feel intimidating, don’t be afraid to experiment with different strains and consumption methods. Each experience brings you closer to understanding your preferences so you can create a routine that enhances and supports your life!

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, creativity, productivity, or something in between, the perfect strain for your needs is out there.

Trust your instincts, start slow, and enjoy the discovery process.

Happy exploring!