Guidelines To Help You Choose Cannabis Seeds

Are you new to growing cannabis? Or maybe you're an experienced cultivator looking for fresh genetics? Here, we present three fundamental categories to focus on when looking for a new strain. Then, we delve deeper into the details of weed varieties perfect for different situations, from wake and bake to parties and relaxing evenings at home.

If you’ve ever shopped around for cannabis seeds, you know how confusing things can get. Use the guide below to make finding your favourite strains easier than ever—regardless of where you're at in your cannabis growing journey.

Making Sense of Cannabis Strains

There are thousands of cannabis strains available. Some of them make you feel relaxed, whereas others stimulate you. Many strains offer sweet tastes of fruit and candy, but an equally large share are more earthy and floral. Then there are those highly productive strains that peak at 3m tall, and those that are small enough to grow in a cupboard.

To make shopping for cannabis strains a simple task, you need to consider your desires, circumstances, and tastes. Below, we’ve highlighted the major factors you should consider before browsing cannabis seeds. Once you’ve selected your favourite traits, head to the bottom of the page to discover the easiest way to narrow down your search.

Choosing Cannabis Seeds Based on Taste, Aroma, or Effects

Every cannabis strain features a long list of unique traits. However, it helps to keep a broad view when starting your search. Taste, aroma, and effects are the most important trio. Once you choose a cultivar that ticks all of these boxes, everything else—including size and yield—will fall into place easily.

As one of the most important traits of any strain, taste has a large impact on how much you’ll enjoy a particular batch of buds. Even if you love the effects of a particular strain, if you don’t value the taste, it's unlikely you'll enjoy the overall experience.

Cannabis flowers are full of phytochemical complexity, and a specific set of molecules, known as terpenes, underpin the taste of each toke. These aromatic hydrocarbons are found all throughout nature, and are responsible for the tastes of citrus peels and the unique flavours of different herbs and spices.

Pay close attention to the terpene profile of each strain when shopping for seeds. If you like a peppery and savoury taste, scout out high levels of caryophyllene. Perhaps you prefer fresh, earthy notes? If so, look out for pinene and myrcene. Many smokers prefer fruity and sweet cannabis strains, which are loaded with terpenes such as linalool and limonene.

Keeping these terpenes in mind will give you a broad understanding of how a strain will taste. But, you’ll want to get more specific once you’ve narrowed down your search. Although most strains feature high levels of a particular terpene, they all feature a unique blend of dozens of these flavour molecules. Here’s an idea of the specific tastes available in each strain:

Aroma forms the second crucial pillar of cannabis strain preference. Terpenes also underpin how a cultivar smells, but they smell and taste slightly different. In other words, the pungent smell of fresh or dried cannabis flowers doesn’t exactly determine how they taste.

Why? Well, terpenes are volatile molecules. Following exposure to a flame, they change in structure. Plus, they light up nerves in the tongue and nose differently.

It’s important to love the smell of the weed you grow. Not only because you and your friends will be blazing it for the next month, but because your grow tent and garden will quickly fill up with smelly terpenes during the flowering stage.

Thankfully, modern growers have technology on their side. Carbon scrubbers and extractor fans do a great job at removing terpenes from the air. However, some still get through.

As well as purchasing strains based on your aromatic preferences, you should also consider your circumstances. If you are growing in the middle of nowhere, or in a legal country or state, you can choose the stinkiest bud around. You can enjoy the full force of aromatic varies such as:

In contrast, those growing in busy metropolises or illegal regions should try and select less smelly varieties. Thankfully, some strains are much more subtle in their aromas, including:

As the third pillar of strain selection—and the most important for many smokers—every cannabis user should carefully consider the effects of a strain before buying and sowing seeds.

In the same way that each strain smells and tastes different, they also have distinct effects. Although most varieties produce high levels of THC, CBD, or both, they are still capable of producing wildly different sensations.

Cannabinoids create the foundation of every high, but terpenes contribute unique and powerful effects of their own. For example, the terpene myrcene brings a stoning sensation to the table, often associated with indica genetics. In contrast, limonene creates a cerebral and energising high often attributed to sativa genetics.

Different chemical profiles in cannabis are more suitable for different occasions. Some are ideal for kick-starting your day, some are perfect just before bed, and others bring you to life during social situations.

Check out the best strains for each scenario below.

• Wake and Bake

Starting your day with cannabis can go one of two ways: perfect or unfortunate. The outcome of blazing before you even get out of bed largely depends on the strain you choose to smoke. Some varieties will make you want to put your head back on the pillow, whereas others will prompt you to throw off the sheets, jump in the shower, turn on the coffee machine, and smash all of your goals for the day.

To obtain that morning glory, you’ll need to choose a strain rich in energising and motivating terpenes. Lemon Shining Silver Haze does a superb job at enhancing the senses and catalysing creative thoughts. Her THC level of 21% and citrus terpenes work as a herbal espresso to turn on the mind in the morning.

Sour Diesel also works wonders at motivating the mind just before breakfast. She exerts a clear-headed high that gets you in the mood to work, without overwhelming the senses or sending your mind to the cosmos.

• Wake and Bake

Starting your day with cannabis can go one of two ways: perfect or unfortunate. The outcome of blazing before you even get out of bed largely depends on the strain you choose to smoke. Some varieties will make you want to put your head back on the pillow, whereas others will prompt you to throw off the sheets, jump in the shower, turn on the coffee machine, and smash all of your goals for the day.

To obtain that morning glory, you’ll need to choose a strain rich in energising and motivating terpenes. Lemon Shining Silver Haze does a superb job at enhancing the senses and catalysing creative thoughts. Her THC level of 21% and citrus terpenes work as a herbal espresso to turn on the mind in the morning.

Sour Diesel also works wonders at motivating the mind just before breakfast. She exerts a clear-headed high that gets you in the mood to work, without overwhelming the senses or sending your mind to the cosmos.

• Socialising

Much like cannabis can wake you up or put you to sleep, the herb works in one of two ways when it comes to socialising. Some varieties can make you more introverted and confined to your own head, and some can really help you open up.

Before heading to a party, load up a bowl of Euphoria for a warm and gentle feeling that will enhance connections with both friends and strangers. This sociable strain packs an equal quantity of THC and CBD. The psychotropic cannabinoid puts the mind in a bubbly and talkative state, while CBD takes the edge off any feelings of nervousness.

• Socialising

Much like cannabis can wake you up or put you to sleep, the herb works in one of two ways when it comes to socialising. Some varieties can make you more introverted and confined to your own head, and some can really help you open up.

Before heading to a party, load up a bowl of Euphoria for a warm and gentle feeling that will enhance connections with both friends and strangers. This sociable strain packs an equal quantity of THC and CBD. The psychotropic cannabinoid puts the mind in a bubbly and talkative state, while CBD takes the edge off any feelings of nervousness.

• Inspiring

Whether you plan on spending the afternoon painting, writing, or playing music, cannabis can enhance the creative process. Tap into deeper flow states and lose yourself in moments of blissful creativity with the help of the herb.

Chocolate Haze never fails to hit the mark before entering the zone of creativity. This tasty cultivar harnesses a THC level of 20% and sweet, sugary terpenes to catapult the mind into a state of focus, motivation, and immense creativity.

• Inspiring

Whether you plan on spending the afternoon painting, writing, or playing music, cannabis can enhance the creative process. Tap into deeper flow states and lose yourself in moments of blissful creativity with the help of the herb.

Chocolate Haze never fails to hit the mark before entering the zone of creativity. This tasty cultivar harnesses a THC level of 20% and sweet, sugary terpenes to catapult the mind into a state of focus, motivation, and immense creativity.

• Relaxing & Sleepy

Sometimes, you just need to kick your feet up, sit back, and treat yourself to some downtime. Life gets busy, and, if we’re not careful, we can find ourselves lost in a world of worry. The right cannabis strains can ground us and help us feel at peace.

When you’re in the mood for some rest and relaxation, take a bag of Northern Light buds into the forest and string up a hammock. Blaze up and feel your muscles melt as the weight of the world is lifted off your shoulders.

Alternatively, snuggle up on your couch, put on your favourite film, and roll a big cone of Royal Gorilla. It only takes a couple of tokes from this strain to feel your worries wash away. With a THC level of 27%, you’ll find yourself melting into a puddle of bliss before you get halfway down that joint.

• Relaxing & Sleepy

Sometimes, you just need to kick your feet up, sit back, and treat yourself to some downtime. Life gets busy, and, if we’re not careful, we can find ourselves lost in a world of worry. The right cannabis strains can ground us and help us feel at peace.

When you’re in the mood for some rest and relaxation, take a bag of Northern Light buds into the forest and string up a hammock. Blaze up and feel your muscles melt as the weight of the world is lifted off your shoulders.

Alternatively, snuggle up on your couch, put on your favourite film, and roll a big cone of Royal Gorilla. It only takes a couple of tokes from this strain to feel your worries wash away. With a THC level of 27%, you’ll find yourself melting into a puddle of bliss before you get halfway down that joint.

• Munchies

While the munchies occur as a side effect of smoking weed, some people actually blaze up just to feel this sensation. Not only does food taste ten times better after a joint, but getting creative in the kitchen while high is an excellent way to connect with friends!

Pineapple Kush descends from legendary parent strains Pineapple and OG Kush. Her indica-dominant genetic profile and high quantities of THC will endow you with an appetite you’ve never experienced. Get ready to raid the fridge.

Somango XL also sends hunger through the roof. Sure, her stoning high fuels the appetite, but the very taste of her fruity terpenes will instantly make you crave a refreshing smoothie or a bowl of juicy melon and mango.

• Munchies

While the munchies occur as a side effect of smoking weed, some people actually blaze up just to feel this sensation. Not only does food taste ten times better after a joint, but getting creative in the kitchen while high is an excellent way to connect with friends!

Pineapple Kush descends from legendary parent strains Pineapple and OG Kush. Her indica-dominant genetic profile and high quantities of THC will endow you with an appetite you’ve never experienced. Get ready to raid the fridge.

Somango XL also sends hunger through the roof. Sure, her stoning high fuels the appetite, but the very taste of her fruity terpenes will instantly make you crave a refreshing smoothie or a bowl of juicy melon and mango.

• Soothing

Cannabis can soothe both the body and mind. Whether you’re feeling agitated and full of nerves or super sore after a hard workout, several strains can help you feel great in no time.

Stress Killer Automatic CBD soothes the soul and brings about a very real sense of peace. After a hard day of work, make yourself comfortable and fire up these flowers in a joint or vape. Feel a wave of relaxation wash over your mind, eliminating rumination and replacing it with contentment.

Royal Highness helps to soothe the muscles and relax the body. Much like soaking in a warm bath, this strain reduces tension, increases bodily awareness, and offers an incredible option before a stretching session to really tap into that mind–muscle connection.

• Soothing

Cannabis can soothe both the body and mind. Whether you’re feeling agitated and full of nerves or super sore after a hard workout, several strains can help you feel great in no time.

Stress Killer Automatic CBD soothes the soul and brings about a very real sense of peace. After a hard day of work, make yourself comfortable and fire up these flowers in a joint or vape. Feel a wave of relaxation wash over your mind, eliminating rumination and replacing it with contentment.

Royal Highness helps to soothe the muscles and relax the body. Much like soaking in a warm bath, this strain reduces tension, increases bodily awareness, and offers an incredible option before a stretching session to really tap into that mind–muscle connection.

Other Ways To Pick Cannabis Seeds

Hopefully, the tips presented above will help you narrow down your search and select a compatible variety. However, things might still seem complicated if you’re completely new to cannabis. If you’ve never smelled, tasted, or experienced the effects of a cannabis strain, use the options below to find the right cultivar for you.

• Use Our Seedfinder Tool

If you find yourself struggling to get started, the RQS Seedfinder tool will help you find the perfect strains. We developed this weed strain finder based on information collected by our professional growers. Simply follow the linear process to find strains made for you. The tool filters through our catalogue based on your preferences, including growing environment, plant height, photoperiod vs autoflowering, taste, and effects. At the end of the process, we’ll present you with a bundle of seeds that are perfectly compatible with your desires and situation.

• Search Our “Top Lists” for Inspiration

Instead of hunting down obscure and specific varieties, stick to tried and tested favourites. Thousands of people all over the world love these cultivars and grow them year after year. The numbers don’t lie!

Check out our top 10 lists for every category you can think of, including high-THC strains, giggly strains, best-tasting strains, and many more.

• Purchase a Mixed Cannabis Seed Pack

If you still can’t choose, let us choose for you! At Royal Queen Seeds, we’ve been breeding cannabis and providing high-quality seeds to growers for years. It’s safe to say we know a thing or two about cannabis!

While designing our products, we keep the novice and indecisive grower in mind. We created our mixed cannabis seed packs precisely for these customers. It allows you to cultivate several varieties at the same time and experience each one's unique effects. From here, you can determine your favourites.

Our Feminized Mix provides 5 of our finest seeds, including:

Feminized Mix

Feminized Mix

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If you prefer more of a mellow and clear-headed experience, grow our CBD Mix consisting of:

CBD Mix

CBD Mix

4.5/5 (115)

Buy CBD Mix

• Ask Other Growers for Their Suggestions

Finally, asking other cannabis growers serves as one of the best ways to find genetics that suit you. Ask your green-fingered friends about their favourite strains. As well as suggesting suitable varieties, they can also give you growing tips and let you know where they succeeded and failed.

We also recommend browsing the internet. Join growing forums on sites like Reddit, and check out forums and diaries for detailed breakdowns on how to grow almost every strain available. These in-depth accounts will help you select strains that suit your circumstances and preferences down to every last detail.

Which Cannabis Seed Is Right for You?

Ultimately, experience trumps browsing. To really get a grip on your favourite strains, you need to experience them first hand. Use the tips and guidance above to point you in the right direction. If you can’t choose between 3–4, grow them all and give them each a try!

The diversity of cannabis genetics continues to expand. Many high-CBD strains are now available, and other cannabinoids are starting to appear on the market. Chances are, even after finding some strains you love now, you’ll add many more to the list in the coming years!

Part. 1: Choosing Outdoor Seeds To Grow In Your Climate. What kind of cannabis you choose to cultivate and where you sow the seeds will dictate your outdoor crop’s performance.

Part. 2: How To Choose A Strain When Growing Indoors. You need to select a variety that will fit in your grow space, provide a good yield, taste delicious, and be ready to harvest in the desired time frame.