Medicinal cannabis strains refer to marijuana (or marijuana-derived products) intended for use in the treatment of medical symptoms and conditions. Recreational cannabis, on the other hand, is used specifically for the purpose of pleasure. Both recreational and medical cannabis originate from the very same plant species, Cannabis sativa. Nevertheless, the medical marijuana strains are commonly prescribed to a patient by a physician or used in a treatment regimen to relieve a specific condition and symptom. Marijuana has received much more attention from the medical industry in recent years. It is because of new research that shows that cannabinoids (substances found in marijuana plants) such as CBD and THC have particular effects that can be helpful in a medical context. To help you understand more about medicinal cannabis strains and we will also feature some of the best medical marijuana strains.
Difference Between Medical Sativa and Indica Marijuana Strains
The marijuana herb is divided into 3 subspecies: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. But since ruderalis plants are tiny and inefficient for medical uses, they’re usually not preferred by cannabis breeders, patients, or growers. Once you purchase for marijuana, your choices are always split up between Indica and Sativa varieties and also Indica-Sativa hybrids. In order to better understand how the Sativas differ from the Indica, it is important to acknowledge how cannabinoids function. Cannabinoids are influential chemical substances that have been found in marijuana. The famous cannabinoids are cannabidiol or CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
THC is a psychoactive substance that is accountable for the “high” associated with marijuana. While CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical that might also give specific medical properties such as inflammation relief and anxiety relief. Sativa strains are reported to have high THC content and low CBD content. Indica strains are recognized to have high levels of both CBD and THC. Additionally, the effect of marijuana are affected by fragrant plant oils (terpenes) that communicate with cannabinoids, and increase specific medical properties. These connections create what is popularly called as the entourage effect.
Indica Strains for Medical Purposes
Although there are exceptions to every rule, the standard Indica plant is bushy and short and with wide leaves. And it grows faster unlike Sativa plants and also has a higher yield. Since these plants have much more CBD and much less THC unlike Sativa, they are famous to have more effect on the body than on the brain. The higher concentration of CBD may help to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, resulting in a less cerebral effect and more physical. The best medical marijuana strains of Indica are Bubba Kush, Blueberry Kush, Northern Lights, Skywalker, and Platinum Kush. The common medicinal uses of Indica are Nausea relief, Pain relief, Sleep disorder, Relaxation, and Muscle tension relief.
Most of these effects are suspected to be directly related to CBD. For example, research appears that CBD can provide relief for anxiety, insomnia, arthritis, inflammation, and other physical conditions. Indica is often advised for use in the night due to its potential to promote sleep. This kinds of strain may also be suggested if you are using medical marijuana best strains in the conditions like Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Anxiety Disorders, Cancer, Epilepsy, Inflammation, Lupus, Crohn’s Disease, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Attacks, Parkinson’s Disease, PTSD, Multiple Sclerosis, and Sleep Apnea.
Sativa Strains for Medical Purposes
Sativa cannabis plants usually have thin leaves and are tall. They take longer to develop unlike Indica, and that they need more light. Because they’ve only detected percentages of CBD and THC high concentrations, they appear to have a more cerebral impact. THC is indicated for helping to promote feelings of euphoria, that may prove in part why Sativa are uplifting, mental state-elevating, and sometimes preferred for daytime use.
Famous medical Sativa strains:
And the usual medicinal uses of Sativa are Increased energy, Depression relief, Increased focus, Increased appetite, and Relieve chronic pain. Also, Sativa might also be advised if you are using medicinal cannabis under one of these conditions, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Alzheimer’s Disease, Depression, HIV/AIDS, and Glaucoma.
Hybrid Strains for Medical Purposes
Many marijuana growers are crossbreeding Indica and Sativa strains to produce special hybrids. Hybrid medicinal marijuana strains might contain a 50:50 ratio of Indica to Sativa, or could be 60:40 or 90:10. And if one of these strains is strong, the effects of the strain will become more obvious. Cannabis breeders sometimes develop hybrid strains with the hope of developing a “best from both worlds” situation that allows the user to deserve the great characteristics of both parent strains. For instance, a hybrid such as White Widow is distributed evenly between Indica and Sativa, built to ease inflammation and at the same time increase mood. Hybrid strains such as Pineapple Express could help to alleviate nausea, but without abandoning the consumer sluggish or tired. Patients who really need to diagnose during the day may prefer a Sativa-dominant hybrid throughout the morning for energy but also swap to an Indica-dominant hybrid in the evening for sleep all while treating the very same symptoms.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the right type of medical marijuana strains, the smartest thing you could do is talk to your physician. They will be able to make particular recommendations based on the findings of your situation. Once you contact a dispensary or clinic to buy your medicine, you may also obtain professional advice plainly by becoming candid about the outcome that you aspire to accomplish.
