In today’s day, where the field of medical cannabis is expanding, more than a thousand strains of cannabis have been bred. Each of these strains has its own unique characteristics in terms of how it affects people. It is important for patients to be aware of the effects of the different strains, in order for them to be able to choose the right strain for their ailments and diseases.
The cannabis plant has three subspecies, namely, indica, sativa, and ruderalis. Due to ruderalis’ limited medicinal qualities and its lack of potency, it is not of much use to patients seeking treatment in the form of medicinal cannabis. Indica and Sativa, on the other hand, have various medicinal benefits which would be discussed in this article.
Indica vs. Sativa
Cannabis Indica are short, bushy plants with wide leaves. Indica plants generally grow faster than the sativa ones. CBD levels are higher than the THC levels in the indica plants. Indicas are associated with certain full-body effects such as: mental relaxation, relief from acute pain, increase in appetite, muscle relaxation, reduction in nausea, etc. Due to its higher CBD levels, Indica does not produce the traditional ‘high’ and is extremely helpful in reducing inflammation as well. It is the best strain for treating pain, and beneficial for patients with conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and cancer. Purple kush, bubba kush, granddaddy purple, afghan kush, etc. are some of the most consumed indica strains for medicinal purposes.
Cannabis Sativa, on the other hand, are tall and thin plants with narrow leaves. These are also lighter in colour than the indica strain. Sativa strains require more light and take longer to grow than indica. These contain lower CBD levels, and higher THC levels. Due to this, it produces a ‘mind high’ and has a more energizing effect on people. These strains have various medicinal benefits such as: it helps treat chronic pain, increases focus and creativity, etc. Sativa strains provide a better treatment for psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Maui Waui, Acapuculo Gold, Sour Diesel, etc. are some well-known sativa strains used for the aforementioned conditions.
What are hybrids?
Hybrids are new strains that are bred as a mix between different types of cannabis strains. It is a cross of any two strains, which produces a new strain with the desired effect. Hybrids are beneficial since they possess the medicinal qualities of both the strains they are a mix of. For particular diseases such as Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, and lupus, new have been created which provide the best possible effects to the patients.
Any two strains can be mixed to make a hybrid. Indica and sativa are often mixed into hybrids which have varying effects such as “alert mellowness”, and increase the productivity of the patients. In a similar fashion, two indicas and two sativas can be mixed together. Some hybrid strains have miraculous abilities all together such as killing pain, fighting inflammation, and yet not inducing drowsiness in patients. Patients who want to treat nausea and pain generally opt for sativa-dominant strains. Indica dominant strains are generally used in order to provide maximum pain relief.
Some well-known hybrid strains are:
Blue dream: This strain has a higher THC content, and helps treat pain, cramps, inflammation, PTSD, insomnia.
Golden Goat: This is a hybrid strain which helps with depression, anxiety, mental fog, and low energy. It has a higher THC level.
White Widow: Helps treat mental fog, social anxiety, and low mood. It is sativa dominant since it contains higher THC level.
Pineapple Express: This hybrid treats acute pain, and social anxiety.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, we can see that sativa and indica strains have their own benefits associated with them. If you feel that marijuana could treat your medical condition, it is advised that you consult a medical health professional and get a prescription for the appropriate strain that would serve your purpose.
