With cannabis becoming legal both for recreational and medical use in more states, you might be thinking of visiting a dispensary soon. But there's more to cannabis than simply buying a pack of weed and smoking it. There are many different strains of weed, each of which has its own benefits. Over time, you can experiment with different strains to see which you like best. Before your first visit to the dispensary, you'll really only need to know a few basics -- including the differences between indica and sativa, the two categories into which weed strains are divided.

What Are Indica Strains?

You'll find numerous Indica strains in most dispensaries. Some common strains in this category include Northern Gold, Raphael, and Arghani. Indica cannabis plants, when they grow, are really short and bushy. Since they are so bushy, they have a high yield of weed buds per plant, which makes them really popular among growers who want to maximize their profits. Indica strains may be less expensive for this reason.

Don't just buy these strains based on price, though. There are certain medical conditions that are best treated with indica. These include nausea, acute pain, loss of appetite, and anxiety. You can expect to feel relaxed and at-ease when you smoke an indica strain. Some people find that these strains make them feel to tired or "slow" to function in the daytime.

What Are Sativa Strains?

Sativa cannabis strains are often priced a little higher, since these plants are taller with narrow leaves and fewer buds. But the price is worth it if you are trying to treat severe, chronic pain or low mood. Users of sativa strains love how they feel more uplifted and positive when smoking this type of cannabis. If you want to be able to smoke while still getting work done, opt for a sativa strain.

There are many sativa strains on the market since many users prefer them. Look for Jack Herer and Happy Feet -- two favorites.

Of course, there are also some hybrid strains made with a blend of indica and sativa cannabis. If you need to fight pain and don't mind feeling tired, for example, you may want a blend. Still, each blend and each strain is different, so your best bet is to smoke a few different strains, see which ones you enjoy most, and continue to buy those same strains.