Indica or Sativa
There are two main varieties of cannabis. So, the choice begins with — indica or sativa? Indica strains are usually associated with dense buds with a fruity or sour aroma and the stereotypical “couch potato” effect, commonly referred to as, a body high. This makes it favorable by patients looking for sedative effects, and also effective for appetite stimulation, muscle spasms, pain, and anxiety.
Sativa strains are associated with less dense buds and a spicy, sometimes, earthy, aroma. Sativa strains are known for their euphoric and energizing effects, and are preferred by patients suffering from nausea and other abdominal complaints (IBS, Crohn’s, etc.). Sativa’s are effective for treating symptoms of depression, due to their uplifting, euphoric and energetic characteristics.
It is difficult to find strains that are 100% indica or sativa. The medical cannabis genetics breeding has steadily moved towards literally thousands of available hybrid strains. These hybrids were created by combining the different effects of the two traditional varieties (Sativa and Indica) into different ways for the most effective treatments. You can now pick a specifically bred strain that treats your specific ailments and symptoms. When choosing a strain, it is possible to find precisely what its genetic lineage is, and which ailments and symptoms it is best likely to treat. Do your research because it is worth the effort to find the perfect strain for your medical needs.
THC or CBD
Another factor to consider when deciding which strain is best for you, is to examine its cannabinoid profile. There are different types of cannabinoids within each strain of medical cannabis. The amount of each cannabinoid that is present in the product you are consuming will determine how effective it is as a treatment for your specific ailment and symptoms.The two main components of cannabis are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). so, do you use THC or CBD, or both? THC gives cannabis its psychoactive effect — the high — but it also has important medical properties, including, but not limited to, pain relief, reduction of vomiting and nausea, suppression of muscle spasms, and appetite stimulation.
THC was first thought to be responsible for all cannabis effects. The current research shows that is now untrue. The medical benefits of CBD and other chemical components of cannabis like CBN, are believed to outnumber those of THC.
Currently, it is easy to obtain strains with a guaranteed ratio of at least 1:1 CBD to THC. And often a lot higher. This is news for medical cannabis users because – first, it gives patients a greater variety of strains and medicinal effects to choose from, and, if you don’t want your medicine to get you high, it doesn’t have to.
Since every patient is different, and everyone reacts differently to different strains, it is best to try a few different strains to determine which strain suits you. You may even find you prefer one for daytime use, and another for night time. Don’t just try one and give up when it doesn’t work for you. There are medical professionals to advise you ahead of your use. We are not medical professionals and don’t know your medical history, however, your doctor does and may be able to offer advice, and all advice is worth listening to at the very least.
Experimenting with various strains can help you find the perfect one for your medical needs. Last Chance Asylum recommends the following cannabis strains.
High-CBD Strains
High-CBD strains have analgesic, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cream & Cheese CBD 1:1
- Pink Kush CBD 30:1
- Bubblelicious
High-THC Strains
High-THC strains are good for pain relief, reduction of vomiting and nausea, and appetite stimulation
- Northern Lights
- Gorilla Cookies
- Blue Dream
Indica Dominant Strains
Indica-dominant strains of medical cannabis are preferable for pain and anxiety related conditions.
If you want to grow your own medical cannabis, use Sunny Cultivation for the world’s finest seed genetics.