Why Choosing the Best Strains of Weed Is So Subjective

When it comes to cannabis, the idea of the “best strain” is almost impossible to define universally. What works wonders for one person may not land the same way for someone else. That’s because the cannabis experience is deeply personal. From flower and dabs to vapes and concentrates, how cannabis interacts with your body depends on far more than the label or product category.

Let’s explore why the search for the perfect cannabis strain is so individualized - and how your own body, background, and access to products all shape what “best” means for you.

The Science Behind Why Cannabis Hits Everyone Differently

At the heart of this subjectivity is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This internal network, present in all humans (and many animals), includes CB1 and CB2 receptors that interact with compounds in cannabis - like cannabinoids and terpenes.

• CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system.
  

• CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and peripheral organs.
  

Together, these receptors influence how your body processes cannabis compounds. Each person's ECS is unique, which explains why one person might feel alert after consuming a particular strain, while someone else might feel drowsy with that exact same product.

The Role of the Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is a widely discussed theory suggesting that cannabis compounds may have a more pronounced impact when they work together rather than in isolation. For instance, products that include multiple cannabinoids and terpenes from the original plant - such as full-spectrum concentrates - are often considered to offer a more complete cannabis experience than products made with isolated THC.

That said, how the entourage effect expresses itself still varies widely from person to person. Your reaction depends on your biochemistry, consumption method, and even recent diet or hydration levels.

Why Budtender Recommendations Vary

When you ask a budtender for the “best” strain for a specific use case, they’ll likely provide suggestions based on personal experience or customer feedback—not hard science. There’s no universal metric for cannabis performance, and while lab testing can tell you what compounds are in a product, it can’t predict how you’ll react to it.

So when one budtender recommends Biscotti and another suggests Gelato, it’s not because one is right and the other is wrong. They’re each drawing from unique experiences and interactions, which might or might not align with yours.

Tolerance Makes a Big Difference

Your cannabis tolerance is shaped by how often and how much you consume. A new consumer might feel the effects of a low-THC product quickly, while a seasoned user may need a higher dose or more frequent consumption to notice any change.

This is another reason recommendations can be hit-or-miss. What feels overwhelming to one person might be considered “mild” to another. Tolerance is not fixed either - it changes over time based on use habits, breaks, and even stress levels.

Product Availability and Regional Access

Even the most hyped strain can only be your “favorite” if you can actually get your hands on it. Access to cannabis products varies dramatically by state and region. A consumer in California will have a different selection than someone shopping in Arizona, New York, or Michigan.

This has a huge influence on how people form opinions about what’s “best.” For example, someone who swears by Purple Punch may have only encountered a local cut that performed well for them. Meanwhile, another consumer might dislike that same strain because they only had access to a poorly grown version.

The Trial-and-Learn Approach to Finding Your Favorites

Finding your ideal cannabis strain is often a matter of trial, observation, and repetition. Keep track of what works for you. Pay attention to:

• The strain name and lineage
  

• The terpene and cannabinoid profile (when available)
  

• The consumption method
  

• The brand and grower
  

• Your mindset and environment at the time of consumption
  

This approach can help you better understand which products align with your preferences, so you can make more informed choices down the line.

Consumer Tip: Start with Reputable Brands

While individual reactions vary, one universal truth remains: quality matters. Choosing brands with a strong track record of consistency, transparency, and innovation will give you the best starting point for your journey. At STIIIZY, we focus on delivering premium cannabis products that are carefully curated from high-quality flower and developed in industry-leading facilities.

Until we are scientifically able to quantify effects and suggest cannabis strains based on their specific amount of compounds and dosage, the game of choosing the best weed strain can only be a personal mission of trial and error. The only fact involved is that the best weed strains can only come from reputable brands and stores that prioritize customers over profit.