I’m not a huge gamer
But I do enjoy playing games on my computer from time to time.
I mostly enjoy role playing games (been playing Baldur’s Gate 3 recently) and strategy games (Age of Empires is my all time favorite).
No matter the game, I enjoy it a lot more with a little THC. Or a lot of THC.
Weed and gaming just go together.
But some strains definitely lend themselves better to gaming than others.
It also depends on what type of game you are playing.
Keep reading for a list of the best strains for gaming, depending on the type of effect you’re looking for.
Contents
Cannabis And Gaming
Cannabis has long been intertwined with recreational activities, including in recent times, gaming. With its ability to alter perception, mood, and cognitive functions, cannabis can significantly influence your gaming experience.
Just as different strains offer varied effects on mood and cognition, they can also impact gaming performance and enjoyment in different ways.
By understanding the properties of each strain and how they interact with your body and mind, you can optimize your gaming sessions for maximum fun and immersion.
Understanding The Effects
When you consume cannabis, cannabinoids such as THC and CBD bind to receptors in your brain and body, influencing various functions including mood, focus, and coordination.
Understanding how these different cannabinoids affect your gaming abilities in differing ways can help you choose the right strain for your next gaming marathon.
THC Vs CBD Content
THC is known for its psychoactive effects, which can enhance creativity and immersion in gaming. On the other hand, CBD offers more subtle effects, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety without the intense high.
Depending on your tolerance and preferences, you may opt for a high-THC strain for a more intense gaming experience or a balanced THC:CBD ratio for a calmer effect.
Terpene Profiles
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its flavor and scent. They also play a role in the effects of each strain. For gaming, terpenes such as limonene and pinene may promote focus and alertness, while myrcene can induce relaxation.
Indica Vs Sativa Vs Hybrid Strains
Cannabis strains are usually split into three main types based on their effects. Indica strains typically produce a relaxing body high, which may be ideal for unwinding after a long gaming session or enhancing immersion in story-driven games.
Sativa strains tend to offer more uplifting and energizing effects, which can help maintain focus and stamina during extended gaming marathons. And hybrid strains combine characteristics of both Indica and Sativa, offering a more balanced experience.
Top Strains For Video Game Marathons
Next, let’s take a look at some specific strains that work especially well when gaming. If you want some suggestions for good games to play, read my article on the best video games to play when stoned.
Energizing Strains
Sour Diesel (Sativa)
Sour Diesel originated in the early 1990s and quickly gained popularity for its uplifting effects and pungent aroma reminiscent of diesel fuel. This sativa-dominant strain is known for providing a burst of energy and creativity, making it a favorite among gamers seeking to stay engaged and focused during extended gaming sessions.
Green Crack (Sativa)
Originally named “Cush” by its breeder, Green Crack was renamed by rapper Snoop Dogg for its energizing effects. This sativa strain offers a potent cerebral high, characterized by its sharp focus and euphoria. Green Crack is ideal for gamers looking to maintain alertness and stamina for prolonged gaming marathons.
Jack Herer (Sativa)
Named after the renowned cannabis activist Jack Herer, this sativa-dominant strain is a tribute to his advocacy efforts. Jack Herer is celebrated for its uplifting and cerebral effects, providing users with a clear-headed high that enhances motivation and mental clarity. It’s an excellent choice for gamers seeking inspiration and focus during gameplay.
Focused Strains
Durban Poison (Sativa)
Originating from the port city of Durban in South Africa, Durban Poison is a pure sativa strain known for its energizing and clear-headed effects. It has been cherished for generations for its sweet and spicy aroma, as well as its ability to promote focus and productivity. Durban Poison is perfect if you are aiming to maintain concentration and alertness during intense gaming sessions.
Super Lemon Haze (Sativa-dominant Hybrid)
A cross between Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze, Super Lemon Haze is a sativa-dominant hybrid that combines the best of both worlds. It boasts a zesty citrus aroma and delivers a potent cerebral high that enhances creativity and focus. Super Lemon Haze is favored by gamers seeking an uplifting and mood-boosting experience during gameplay.
Blue Dream (Hybrid)
Blue Dream is a beloved hybrid strain that originated in California. It’s a cross between Blueberry and Haze, resulting in a well-balanced hybrid known for its relaxing yet euphoric effects. Blue Dream offers a gentle high that promotes relaxation without being overly sedating, making it suitable for long gaming sessions where maintaining mental clarity is important.
Relaxing Strains
OG Kush (Indica)
OG Kush is a legendary indica strain that has become a staple in the cannabis community. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but it’s believed to have emerged in Southern California in the early 1990s. OG Kush is cherished for its potent and calming effects, which induce a deep sense of relaxation and euphoria. It’s an excellent choice if you are looking to unwind and de-stress after intense gaming sessions.
Northern Lights (Indica)
Northern Lights is a classic indica strain that hails from the Pacific Northwest. It’s renowned for its resinous buds and tranquilizing effects, which provide users with a blissful and sedating high. Northern Lights is perfect if you are seeking to melt away tension and anxiety, allowing for a more laid-back and enjoyable gaming experience.
Granddaddy Purple (Indica)
Granddaddy Purple, also known as GDP, is a renowned indica strain that traces its lineage back to California in the early 2000s. It’s a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud, resulting in a visually stunning strain with vibrant purple hues and a sweet, fruity aroma.
Granddaddy Purple delivers a deeply relaxing and sedating high that soothes both body and mind, making it an ideal choice if you are looking to wind down and immerse yourself in more leisurely-paced gaming experiences.
Honorable Mentions For Gaming Marathons
Pineapple Express (Hybrid)
This strain is so famous, it has one of the most famous stoner movies named after it. Pineapple Express is a cross between the Trainwreck and Hawaiian strains. It offers a balanced high with uplifting and euphoric effects, perfect for enhancing mood and creativity during gaming sessions.
Trainwreck (Hybrid)
Known for its potent and fast-acting effects, Trainwreck delivers a powerful cerebral high that promotes focus and mental clarity, making it suitable for intense gaming marathons.
AK-47 (Hybrid)
Named after the Russian Kalashnikov rifle, AK-47 is a hybrid strain with a diverse genetic background. It provides a mellow yet energizing high, ideal for maintaining stamina and motivation during long sessions with your favorite game.
Weed For Gaming: Final Thoughts
I love smoking while gaming, but some strains definitely lend themselves better to gaming than others. But which ones are best does depend on the situation, especially the type of game you are playing.
I generally prefer a strain that relaxes me and provides some focus, as opposed to one that gives me a lot of energy. But that’s because I enjoy playing games that require thinking clearly, like strategy games and RPGs. When I play more action-packed games, like first-person shooters, I do prefer something that will give me a bit of energy.
That is why I wanted to provide a number of different options above. That way you can choose a strain that gives you what you are looking for when you game. And if you’re not sure, try a few different ones. I loved that part, when “researching” this article!
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