It’s not always about choosing a sativa, indica or hybrid strain of cannabis to get through a stressful, tiring Thanksgiving celebration. It’s more about the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. Of course, you should keep in mind that cannabis strains may react differently in your body than a description suggests.
If you just need a little help getting through the day, whether it’s increasing your appetite, increasing energy, decreasing depression or subduing anxiety for the day, there’s a cannabis strain for that. These are the cannabis strains we suggest for Thanksgiving. Also keep in mind that not all of these will be available in Arizona, and we can’t predict which will be since our dispensaries don’t release their menus in advance.
Sativa Classifications
Sativas generally aid with mood, energy and help uplift the mind and spirit. But, sativas can do other things too. For some, sativas are relaxing. Some might fall asleep no matter what cannabis strain they use.
If you’re not quite in the Thanksgiving spirit and have trouble just being in a crowded, noisy house, a sativa may work for you. It’s best to test these strains out, as with any strain, before heading out to your Thanksgiving celebrations to see how you’ll react to the strain. Try to do this at least 2 days in advance so that you have time to grab something else if you don’t prefer the effects of a strain.
Try these sativas to promote a happy mood, reduce stress, increase energy and stay clear headed:
- Jamaican Lion (I’ve only seen this strain once in Arizona and it was amazing)
- Blackberry Diesel
- Maui Wowie
- Royal Haze
- Sour Diesel
- Green Crack
- White Widow (popular in AZ)
- Moose & Lobsta (also works great for pain)
These strains should be used once you’ve reached your destination or if you have a sober driver.
Hybrids
Hybrids are kind of a toss-up when it comes to the effects. Some can be 50/50, some can be sativa-dominant and some can be indica dominant. The effects are combined, so it is important to review the strain information to see what the information suggests that you should expect. If a strain does not have an accurate description with a full effects profile – just avoid it.
Try these hybrids to make Thanksgiving a little more manageable this year:
- Jenny’s Kush
- Mother’s Helper
- Orange Diesel (rare in AZ)
- Rolls Choice (doesn’t come around often but has been offered more frequently via Sunday Goods)
- Sour Lemon OG
- Blue Dream (super popular in AZ)
- Pineapple Express (pretty common in AZ)
- OG Kush (popular in AZ, but is often categorized as an indica and not a hybrid)
- Mob Boss (there has been some great Mob Boss floating around)
Mother’s Helper and Jenny’s Kush are great when you need a little extra motivation to finish cooking, clean up after dinner and preparer for that dreaded Black Friday shopping. Rolls Choice might make you want a 2nd or 3rd dessert.
If your appetite is suffering, Mob Boss, Orange Diesel, Rolls Choice and Sour Lemon OG should help you out.
Indicas
Most people associate indicas with the phrase “in-da-couch”, but not all indicas produce couchlocking effects. Many just help you remain cool, calm and collected. Many prefer indicas for pain relief as well. Granddaddy Purple is known as the daytime indica, so if you microdose this strain you should avoid needing to take a nap but you will likely make a 2nd plate of food.
When you’re home for the day and need to relax fast from the stress, these are the strains to turn to.
Try these indicas:
- Northern Lights (very popular in AZ)
- Granddaddy Purple (available now in AZ)
- Wedding Cake (popular right now in AZ, is a hybrid but often classified as an indica since it does lean more toward indica and most phenotypes haven’t shown much for the sativa effects)
- 9 Pound Hammer (have your pillow ready, this will knock you out)
- Any Afghani strain
- Vanilla Kush
Microdose these if you need to stay awake for a while. It wouldn’t hurt to have a cup of coffee, iced tea or a caffeinated soda with these. Caffeine can help counteract some of the effects of indicas and might help you stay awake a little longer.
Closing Thoughts
We hope that you find a few of these strains to help you get through your Thanksgiving. We’re giving you this list in plenty of time to hunt some of these strains down at your favorite dispensaries. If one or more of these are new to you, try a gram first and see how your body reacts to it – you can always go back for more if you like the strain’s effects but check inventory by calling the dispensary first.
We wish you a safe, filling and happy Thanksgiving!