What Are The Benefits of Strain-Specific CBD Extracts?

For many folks, CBD isn’t their first experience with cannabinoids. Hemp’s not-so-distant cousin, cannabis, has been a classic option to relieve pain and soothe the body for centuries, dating back to ancient times. 

In recent times, these two plants have been selectively bred for favorable traits: their colours, flavours, and effects. Many of the factors cultivators look for in cannabis, all trace back to two primary chemical characteristics: cannabinoids and terpenes. 

With over hundreds of unique phytochemicals produced in cannabis and hemp oils, there are endless combinations of these compounds. Each plant that exhibits a unique profile is given a strain name. This strain signifies both the flavour and effect of that plant’s oils. 

CBD brands are now hopping onto this trend, offering consumers a non-psychoactive alternative that still provides the benefits and signature flavours of cannabis. In this article we will explore just what makes these strains so unique, the current trending strains, and how to select your perfect pick! 

How terpenes enhance the effects of CBD 

At the heart of strain-specific extracts are terpenes, the natural aromatic compounds that give plants their distinct scents and flavours. In cannabis and hemp, terpenes do more than just provide a pleasant taste. These aromatics interact with cannabinoids like CBD to create the so-called “entourage effect”. This means that the effects of CBD are amplified or modulated by the specific terpenes present.

For example, limonene (common in strains such as Lemon Haze) is known for its uplifting and energising properties, while myrcene (found in Mango Kush) is often associated with calming, sedative effects. By choosing a strain-specific CBD concentrate, you’re not just choosing a flavour profile, you’re also choosing how you want your CBD to feel.

Types of CBD extracts

Strain-specific products can come in a variety of forms, each with its own benefits and uses:

• Full-spectrum oil: Retains all cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds from the hemp plant, minus THC.
• Wax or crumble: A concentrated form that offers high potency and is often used in dabbing or vaping.
• Distillate: A purified CBD extract that is versatile and can be used in edibles, vapes, or tinctures as it carries little to no terpenes and is essentially flavourless.
• CO2 extract: Known for its clean extraction method that preserves plant compounds. This is an extract similar to distillate but less refined, so it contains minor cannabinoids like CBG and aromatic compounds. 
• Isolate: Pure CBD, free of other cannabinoids or terpenes.This is as close to pharmaceutical grade CBD as you can get. 
• Shatter: A brittle concentrate with high CBD content and strong flavours. Shatters are often produced using solvents, and when done properly are very clean and safe. These concentrates often hold the highest abundance of natural terpenes. 

Beyond concentrates, many CBD producers are infusing tinctures, topicals, and even edible CBD products with strain-specific flavours. This offers a unique and healthy alternative to smoking cannabis. 

What is a strain?

Strains are essentially unique cultivars of the cannabis or hemp plant, bred for particular cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Traditionally, these are categorised into three broad types:

• Sativa: Typically energising, associated with creativity and daytime use.
• Indica: More relaxing and calming, often used in the evening.
• Hybrid: A blend of both, offering balanced effects.

Phenotypes and cultivars matter too. Even within the same strain, environmental factors such as light, soil, and temperature can influence how a plant develops. Modern strain-specific CBD extracts are usually created by infusing CBD with the terpene blends associated with popular cannabis strains, giving you the flavour and aromatic experience without the THC.

How do strain-specific extracts feel?

The experience depends on the cannabinoids and terpenes in the blend. For example, a concentrate inspired by Sour Diesel might feel more energising, while something like Wedding Cake may feel more relaxing and grounding. These extracts allow you to tailor your CBD use to specific moods, times of day, or wellness needs.

The 16 most popular CBD infused strains to try 

If you’re curious about experimenting, here are some of the most popular strain-specific CBD flavours on the market:

Indica Strains

Gorilla Glue #4

A sour, earthy, piney, and diesel heavy indica-dominant hybrid, known for its sedative, euphoric, and relaxing effects. 

Watermelon OG

A mysterious and delicious indica strain with juicy flavour and known for its stress relieving qualities. 

Zkittlez

An indica-dominant hybrid known for its sweet and candy-like flavour. Breeders created this strain utilizing Grape Ape and Grapefruit. 

Purple Punch

A classic indica-dominant hybrid, Purple Punch comes from parent plants Larry OG and Granddaddy Purple and exhibits a sweet and fruity flavour with notes of grape and vanilla. This is soothing and stress relieving strain promoting sleepiness and relieving chronic pains. 

OG Kush

The king of indica-hybrids, OG Kush is a pungent and satisfying cross between Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Hindu Kush. Breeders have used this strain as a parent variety to many well-known hybrid strains. 

Wedding Cake

Another indica-dominant hybrid, with a signature tangy, peppery, and vanilla sweet flavour profile. Breeders crossedTriangle Kush and Animal Mints to make this strain. It delivers significant pain relief, and may even support symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Mango Kush

This indica-dominant hybrid is a powerhouse when it comes to managing nausea, insomnia, and suppressed appetite. It’s a truly relaxing and sweet strain with top notes of garlic and herb. 

Sativa Strains 

Amnesia

Unsurprisingly based on its namesake, Amnesia is a heavy hitting sativa dominant hybrid that offers an uplifting buzz that can brighten your mood and make you forget your stressors. This strain comes from a cross between Cinderella 99 and Jack Herer, providing a gasoline forward but sweet and fruity flavour. 

Sour Diesel

Originating from parent plants Chemdawg and Super Skunk, Sour Diesel is a sour and sweet variety that’s considered a sativa-dominant hybrid. This strain will offer mild but distinct uplifting and energizing effects. 

Orange Dream

A sativa-dominant hybrid made from Orange Crush and Blue Dream, this variety boasts a distinct orange and sweet lemon flavour. It’s great for elevating your mood and creativity. 

Lemon Haze

One of the more classic sativas, Lemon Haze offers an energizing and mood balancing effect that keeps your mind sharp and alert. This strain is bold, lemony, and sharp with pine. 

Hybrid Strains

Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)

A world famous hybrid strain, with notes of mint, cherry, and lemon. This pungent and dessert-like variety is a fast-acting pleasant strain that is both relaxing and cerebral. 

Runtz

Another hybrid variety, Runtz is an uplifting and balanced strain that comes from a cross between Zkittlez and Gelato strains. 

Mimosa

A mid-range hybrid strain, known for its sweet and citrusy notes. This variety comes from Clementine and Purple Punch. Mimosa is a great choice for day-time relief and can even inspire creativity and enhance social engagement. 

Gelato

A mid-range hybrid strain made by combining Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, Gelato has been a cult classic in the cannabis community for years. This strong spicy and citrusy strain enhances relaxation and mental clarity. 

Kushmint

This balanced hybrid comes from a cross between Animal Mints and Bubba Kush offering a potently relaxing experience and sharp minty taste.

Each strain carries its own unique blend of terpenes and cannabinoid ratios, creating a distinct flavour and effect profile.

How to choose the right strain-specific flavour

Choosing your perfect strain-specific CBD extract depends on two key factors: cannabinoid ratios and flavour preferences. If you’re looking for focus and energy, a sativa-inspired strain like Lemon Haze or Sour Diesel could be a great choice. For winding down in the evening, something indica-dominant like Purple Punch or Mango Kush might serve you better.

Flavour is another big consideration. Do you prefer something fruity, citrusy, earthy, or dessert-like? Strains like Zkittlez and Mimosa cater to sweet tooths, while strains like OG Kush and Gorilla Glue #4 offer more herbal, gassy, and earthy notes.

Ultimately, the right extract should combine the effects you’re looking for with a flavour you genuinely enjoy.

Explore and enjoy 

So, what are the benefits of strain-specific CBD extracts? 

In short, they deliver a tailored experience that combines cannabinoids and terpenes for a distinct wellness experience. Whether you want to boost energy, relax deeply, or simply savour the flavours inspired by classic cannabis strains, there’s a strain-specific extract to suit your needs.

For seasoned CBD users and beginners alike, these extracts provide a flavourful, functional way to personalise your wellness journey. With so many exciting strains to choose from, now is the perfect time to explore what works best for you.