We recently called on The Trim community to share their favourite strains (a.k.a. cultivars) to substitute alcohol in social settings. The response was overwhelming and points to a significant movement in the cannabis space: many are looking to ditch booze for a more pleasurable, elevated buzz without the uncomfortable after-effects of a hangover.

In fact, Forbes reports some studies have shown weed is effective in curbing binge drinking behaviour. What's more, it's been said a "cannabis diet" can be cleansing. However, don't forget that cannabis isn't for everyone! Some prefer a strong cocktail over a joint, which is A-OK.

Out of our readers' suggestions, we've selected cultivars our team has tried in social situations with success. Many are available on the regulated market (check with your provincial retailer). Do note that everyone’s endocannabinoid system is unique; effects will differ based on one's physiology and plant biology. Final THC content and terpene profile maturity are all dependent on a wide range of factors, including environment (indoor or outdoor), type of nutrients, medium (hydroponic, coco, soil, etc.), and the grower’s experience level.

The floor is always open – add your recommendations in the comments below!

Girl Scout Cookies

A very popular cultivar, Girls Scout Cookies is a crossbreed of Durban Poison and OG Kush. Durban Poison is a landrace sativa (meaning it's a naturally occurring cultivar) with OG Kush (a hybrid). Hybrids are great for social situations, as the energizing sativa effects are tempered by the sedative terpenes found in OG Kush.

Girl Scout Cookies is one of our favourites due to its overall balanced effects, delivered both mentally and physically. We feel relaxed, yet stimulated enough to be engaged and social. Never a shortage of laughs.

Gorilla Glue

This complex hybrid is a crossbreed of three cultivars: Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. It has many phenotypes; most are familiar with #4, which is considered sativa-dominant.

Every time we’ve had the opportunity to try Gorilla Glue #4, it’s always been a heavy-hitting experience. It’s extremely useful if you're looking to release all tension at the end of a busy week, while also boosting appetite.

Blue Dream

Chances are, this is one of the first cultivars you heard of when learning about cannabis. Blue Dream comes from a strong lineage of Silver Haze and Blueberry, and has similar qualities to Girls Scout Cookies. The bodily relaxation from Blueberry pairs nicely with the invigorating Silver Haze, so you won't feel too sedated or anxious.

Blue Dream never fails to put us in a good mood. It’s a great accompaniment for watching movies with your friends, and having lively discussions afterwards.

Pineapple Express

Beyond sharing a name with the stoner flick, this is a bold cultivar in its own right. A cross between the sativa-dominant hybrid Trainwreck and sativa Hawaiian, Pineapple Express boasts fruity aromas, with woody and pine notes.

We experienced significant cerebral effects. It helped shake off any lingering stress, allowing creativity to take over. Try this Pineapple Express next time you have writer’s block or need a fresh perspective in your artistic expression.

Acapulco Gold

A landrace sativa from the Acapulco region of Mexico, Acapulco Gold is considered a premium cultivar by many connoisseurs. It has a pungent, sweet and earthy aroma with some citrus notes.

A true antidote to fatigue, it’ll keep you going for a night of dancing. You’ll have so much pep that a simple 1-2-step might escalate into a full body workout. Make sure to stay hydrated!

Red Congolese

This powerhouse is a descendant of African, Mexican, and Afghani landrace genetics, and is reported to have strong sativa properties. Red Congolese is not well-known for its terpene profile, but makes up for that in effects.

Are you looking for your second wind? Good, because Red Congolese is going to pull you off your couch with a boost of clear-headed energy. We felt focused, talkative, and overall, emotionally uplifted. You won’t need any extra caffeine, trust.

Northern Lights

A fan favourite, Northern Lights is a hearty cross of the landrace cultivars Afghani and Thai. It's considered indica-dominant, boasting heavy physical properties. However, it has just enough stimulating sativa influence from Thai genetics to bring feelings of emotional bliss. There's a pleasant muskiness in its aroma and taste, making for an enjoyable sesh.

Depending on your experience level, Northern Lights can either help you shift gears from week to weekend, or catch up on sleep. Its ability to soothe sore muscles and provide full-body relaxation is great for pain relief. Next time you treat yourself to a bath, try NL instead of a glass of wine – it'll work wonders for erasing tension.

Island Pink

A descendant of OG Kush and one of Pink Kush’s many varietals, Island Pink is indica-dominant. Pink cultivars are famously known for their robust floral-earthy aroma and taste, and Island Pink delivers on that with a hint of sweetness from its mysterious crossbreeding.

Pink cultivars are also popular for their sedative, pain-relieving qualities, but that doesn’t mean it'll put you to sleep; Island Pink can help take off the edge from a sore body and give it the relief it needs to properly dance. Indicas also slow down the mind, allowing you to really feel the music.

Lemon Haze

This popular sativa-dominant hybrid is known for its powerful terpene profile of limonene (citrus) from Lemon Skunk, and pinene (pine) from Silver Haze.

The effects are definitely on the livelier side – not recommended if you’re already feeling on-edge! Lemon Haze is a great companion for more energetic and creative pursuits.

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is an indica cultivar with lineage including Afghani and OG Kush. It has very similar properties to Northern Lights, and is considered by some to be a phenotype of it.

After a night of sativa consumption, puffing on a Bubba Kush joint gently slows our wired brains, allowing for more thoughtful responses as you wind down the evening. As a night cap, we love how Bubba Kush sends our bodies off into a relaxed physical and mental state as we drift off to sleep.