Mints Strains: The Complete Guide | NuggMD (2024)

Cannabis strains are classified into various categories based on their genetics. These categorizations help consumers quickly identify strains based on their unique but often shared characteristics. Of the many categories of cannabis plants, mint strains stand out as one of the exceptional groups.

What are Mints Strains?

Mint(z) strains are a classification of cannabis cultivars known for their aroma and flavor, which live up to their name. These terpene-rich strains offer a varying degree of mint in each strain and are often easily identified with a quick sniff or inhale.

The Mintz strain lineage began with the crossing of Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) with Blue Power, which created SinMint Cookies. From there, the Mints family grew, SinMint Cookies was crossed with Animal Cookies to make Animal Mints, and Animal Mints was crossed with Bubba Kush to create Kush Mints, and so on. In the years since, mints have taken off, creating a lush ancestry of strains. Many feature heavy hints of mint, while others showcase the ability to elevate a strain with more subtle minty hints.

Mintz cultivars stand out for not leaning too heavily one way or another for most customers. With an average reported THC level in most flower the mid-to high-20s, mints strains typically pack a punch that compliments its pleasurable flavor and aroma.

What are the Reported Effects of Mints Strains?

Mintz flowers are known for their minty flavors and aromas. However, their effects are equally, if not more so, noticeable to an array of recreational and medical cannabis consumers.

Some of mintz strains' most commonly reported beneficial effects include:

• Increased relaxation
• Uplifted moods
• Appetite increase
• Feelings of sleepiness

Unfortunately, not all experiences are positive, with some consumers reporting less-than-desirable side effects, including:

• Dizziness
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

The various effects in mints strains are common across cannabis.¹ Each consumer will respond differently to a cannabis strain and its unique compound profile. While mints are often associated with sedative effects, usually driven by the terpene myrcene, some consumers will not feel a decrease in energy or similar effects like a loss of alertness.

By understanding a strain's terpene profile more deeply, consumers can better gauge what potential effects they may experience.

What Conditions Do Mints Strains Help With?

Mintz strains are frequently regarded by patients for producing a range of beneficial effects. Through its variety of results, medical patients report possible relief from symptoms such as

Anxiety

Reports suggest that low doses of THC could help alleviate anxiety through its beneficial interaction with the brain's CB1 receptors. However, higher doses of THC have been linked to increased anxiety.²

Sleep

Select studies have found that low doses of THC can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep while also increasing deep sleep. Higher doses have been linked to disrupted sleep patterns.³

Pain Management

THC and CBD have been linked to delivering relief for some severe pain symptoms when used together.⁴

Appetite

THC has been linked to enhancing levels of the hormone ghrelin, which may prove beneficial in conditions where patients experience decreased or suppressed hunger.⁵

Migraines

Certain cannabis strains rich in terpenes like β-caryophyllene and β-myrcene have been considered beneficial for migraine and headache relief, both serving as examples of potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory relievers.⁶

Despite the beneficial effects of THC, consumers need to monitor their dosage for the best possible outcomes. With such uncertainty around dosage, consumers are recommended to start at a low THC level, between 2.5 mg and 5 mg, and gradually increase the dosage over time, spanning several hours or several days of gradually increasing the dose.

Keep in mind that the plant's entire profile plays a role in its effects. Certain cannabinoids and terpenes have been linked to various results, showcasing how the plant's multiple compounds produce various outcomes.

Main Terpenes in Mints Strains

Terpenes play an essential role in plant life. In cannabis, these compounds shape each strain's flavor, aroma, and effects.

Mintz strains cover a wide array of options, each with a unique plant profile. However, a few terpenes are commonly found, helping link this plethora of minty options.

Prominently found terpenes in Mints include:

Myrcene

A terpene often linked for its earthy aromas, myrcene is also regarded for producing relaxing effects that may benefit individuals with anxiety and insomnia.⁷

Limonene

Offering up sharp citrus notes, limonene is also associated with stress relief and mood enhancement, which could aid those suffering from depression symptoms.^8,9

Caryophyllene

With a spicy, peppery aroma, caryophyllene is also linked to relieving physical pain relief, such as anti-inflammation properties, and potential depression relief.¹⁰

Terpinolene

Terpinolene offers a pine-herbal aroma, which may be linked to relaxing, sedative effects, as well as potential pain relief.^11,12

Linalool

Linalool features a floral meets lavender aroma profile helps produce relaxation effects that may help those suffering from mental pains, such as anxiety and depression, physical pain, and appetite loss/suppression.^13,14,15,16

The Top 5 Mints Strains

A multitude of mints strains await consumers, from prominently minty strains to those more subtly scented.

If you're beginning your exploration of mints strains, consider some of the following favorites as a jumping-off point:

Kush Mints

The result of crossing Bubba Kush and Animal Mints, Kust Mintz is regarded for its balanced, relaxing effects, backed by mint and earthy flavors of aromas.

Triangle Mints #23 (aka Wedding Cake)

A highly beloved strain in today's consumer circles, this strain is the result of crossing Triangle Kush and Animal Mints. It delivers potent effects along with mint, sweet vanilla, and earthy undertones.

Thin Mints

A GSC phenotype, this sweet, minty strain is regarded for its ability to often relax consumers while uplifting their spirits.

Mint Chocolate Chip

A crossbreed of SinMint Cookies and Green Ribbon BX, this strain lives up to its name, flavor, and aroma, often delivering calming, uplifting effects.

Gelato Mints

This Gelato and Animal Mints cross is known for producing rich, sweet, minty flavors accompanied by a euphoric high.

References

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