How to Choose a Strain for the Effect You Want

(a state-first approach)

1. Start with the question: what state are you aiming for?

A strain doesn’t act “on its own”. It simply amplifies the direction your mind and body are already leaning toward.

Cannabis can support different internal states:

• relaxation

• emotional lift

• social openness

• focus

• rest and winding down

• easing discomfort

• reducing internal tension

The key is not “what strain to smoke”, but what state you want to enter.

Examples:

• I want to release inner pressure → see Relaxation

• I want to fall asleep → see Sleep

• I want to socialize → see Sociality

• I want to focus → see Focus

• I want less discomfort → see Pain

Example

Situation: tired, tense, mind won’t slow down **Desired states: relaxation, stabilization, gentle unwinding **Suitable strain: Banana Hammock RBX1 **Why: its profile with Myrcene, Caryophyllene and Linalool supports softness and body calm.

2. Look at the strain’s intended direction

Strains generally hint at their tone:

• Daytime profiles: light, clear, gently stimulating

• Evening profiles: grounding, slower, body-oriented

• Hybrid profiles: depend strongly on dose, mood, and environment

These are not strict categories. They’re intentions of the cultivar, and your body will tell you if the direction fits.

3. Terpenes set the “emotional tone”

Different terpenes shape how the experience feels:

• Limonene, Pinene → clarity, uplift, light engagement

• Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Nerolidol → grounding, body calm

• Linalool, Bisabolol → softness and reduced inner tension

• Terpinolene, Ocimene → creativity and “sideways thinking”

If terpene names are unfamiliar, follow the described effects in each strain profile.

4. Know your own sensitivity

People respond differently to similar profiles.

• For softer, more stable states → AC/DC CBD, Blueberry Bang Bang

• For deeper, more pronounced states → Grandmaster Sexy

The stronger the profile, the more important mindful dosing becomes.

5. Use the “Effect → Strain” map

The OG Lab Strains × Effects map helps match the state you want with strains that support it. If unsure, start with broad categories like Relaxation, Anxiety, Euphoria, Focus, Sleep.

Summary

There is no “best” strain. There is only the strain that aligns with your intention and your state right now.

You’re not choosing a strain. You’re choosing a state, and the strain helps you tune into it.