Cannabis Cup aware winning strain, potent with high THC levels.
Because it’s such a well-balanced strain, people can expect pretty even head and body effects. Great for afternoons into evenings.
Here at Vireo Health, much of the work we do in crafting our best-in-class cannabis remedies is quiet and behind the scenes. So believe us when we say it’s a very special pleasure getting to share a cannabis type that’s earned itself worldwide acclaim: Ice.
Since winning the prestigious Cannabis Cup in 1998, this hybrid strain has won legions of fans for its balanced head and body effects, not to mention the growing base of evidence supporting medical cannabis for taking on such symptoms as anxiety and stress to chronic pain and insomnia.
While there may be other strains that share its name, such as Dry Ice or Ice OG, there is only one Ice. Boasting a notably diesel and spice-scented aroma, Ice comes from an exalted lineage. A cross between the Pure Afghani, Northern Lights, and Skunk #1 strains, the Ice strain delivers an admirably even balance of subjective effects including a relaxing body high and a gentle energy boost that can take the edge off of feelings of anxiety or stress.
As with all strains, most of the Ice’s effects are thanks to the major cannabinoids, THC and CBD. As we’ve shared previously, these compounds can be characterized as the major “active ingredients” in cannabis. The Ice strain typically contains a fairly healthy percentage of the intoxicating cannabinoid THC, testing out in the 16% – 20% range.
Then there’s the topic of indica vs sativa. We’ve written about these terms before, and about the long tradition in using them to describe different types of cannabis. Though some cultivators feel these labels are no longer technically accurate, here at Vireo Health, we believe they provide value by helping our customers predict the effects of any given strain.
For instance, classic indica strains are typically associated with a powerfully relaxing “body high” that can help melt away aches, pain, and stress. In comparison, sativa strains tend to be associated with cerebral stimulation and a noted euphoric uplift.
And since the Ice strain is a balanced hybrid, people can expect both a cerebral lift alongside relaxing body effects. Many of these effects can be traced to this strain’s genetics. The variety’s “parent strains” include:
Those diesel and spice aromas we mentioned a moment ago come mainly from Ice’s terpene profile, which includes:
As we’ve shared previously, terpenes are a highly varied family of “essential oils” found in cannabis as well as countless other natural products including trees and even some insects and animals.
In this strain, the dominant terpene is myrcene, a compound that’s been shown to have potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic (or anxiety-reducing) effects. And caryophyllene, another dominant terpene in the Ice strain, has been shown to function as a natural anti-inflammatory.
A strain that adapts well to both indoor and outdoor grow environments, Ice plants prefer a Mediterranean-type climate. If you’re new to growing cannabis, it’s a great beginner strain that will reward you with medium (outdoor) to high (indoor) yields come harvest day. Offering up frosty buds dense with trichomes, Ice’s flower cycle lasts for about 9-11 weeks. These plants are also resistant to common cannabis pests and diseases.
If you can’t tell, we’re especially thrilled to be offering the Ice strain to our patients. If you’re interested in learning more about this or any of the other cannabis strains we feature, visit our Cannabis Library to explore our database of sativa, indica, and hybrid varieties.
Need help getting your medical card? Start here. You can also explore the strains we currently have in stock at your nearest Vireo Health dispensary.
Do you have questions about Ice or any of the other cannabis products we offer? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help.