Finding the Right Medical Marijuana Strain for You
Written by Chris Weatherall on Feb 19, 2018How to Find the Perfect Marijuana Strain for You
If you have recently received your medical marijuana permit, you may wonder how to choose the right medication for you. Kind Meds in Arizona carries a vast array of medical marijuana products in a variety of forms and of many different strains. Choosing the best strain for your marijuana experience can seem overwhelming at first, but we’re here to help.
Different Strains for Different Medical Conditions
No two strains of marijuana are exactly alike. In fact, unless the marijuana grows in a very carefully controlled and monitored environment, simple factors like air quality, wind and sun exposure can alter the potency of a growing plant.
Generally speaking, marijuana grows in one of three main strain types: indica, sativa or a hybrid of these two.
Each type has different properties, making them more effective for different ailments. Consider which medical conditions you experience to help you find the right strain.
Indica Marijuana
Most medical marijuana professionals consider indica strains ideal for aiding sleep and helping with some psychological conditions. Indica strains generally have less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than sativa strains, but contain more cannabinol. Cannabinol is a known sleep aid that produces a heavy, numbing feeling that can help with conditions like insomnia.
Indicas also contain higher levels of myrcene, a molecule that produces a musky, fruity scent. Typically, the pungency of this scent is a good indicator of the potency of the plant’s effects.
Indica strains are ideal for:
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety
- Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Sativa Strains
Sativa strains generally contain higher percentages of THC than indica plants, making them perfect for:
- Promoting energy and creativity
- Combating the symptoms of psychological conditions like depression and attention deficit disorders
Sativa strains generally do not produce the same sedative effects as indica strains, making them ideal for patients who require medication for work or everyday tasks. Some sativa strains also produce fast-acting pain relief, making them a fantastic choice for people suffering from:
- Chronic pain
- Migraines
- Symptoms of glaucoma
Hybrids
Some medical conditions require a blend of the properties found in indica plants and sativa plants. Medical marijuana growers produce hybrid plants by mating indica plants with sativa plants. Hybrids tend to be more potent than pure indicas or pure sativas, so it’s vital for anyone considering a hybrid to do some research on the available hybrid strains.
Medical marijuana dispensaries generally classify hybrids as “sativa dominant,” “indica dominant” or balanced so consumers will know what to expect from using them.
Cannabinoid Content
Choosing a strain isn’t just a choice between indicas, sativas, and hybrids. What truly matters is the cannabinoid content of a strain. THC is just one of the active compounds found in marijuana. Others include cannabidiol (CBD), a compound that produces the pain relief effects of marijuana without the “high,” and variations or combinations of CBD and THC.
THC is a fantastic choice for people who need help sleeping or managing anxiety-related disorders and symptoms. This chemical compound can reduce the occurrence of nightmares and help users fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
THC is also the go-to compound for:
- Stress relief
- Appetite stimulation
- Relaxation
- Relief from the symptoms of depression (in small doses)
CBD is preferable for individuals who want localized pain management or who do not want to worry about the euphoric effects of THC strains. CBD helps eliminate pain sensations and has a slight effect on mood, but isn’t considered psychoactive.
However, CBD has antipsychotic properties and can help manage the symptoms of:
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Muscle spasms
- Many other conditions
Getting the Best of Both Worlds
Choosing a hybrid strain can be tricky, but finding the right one can greatly enhance a medical marijuana patient’s experience. For example, a hybrid that is indica-dominant with a high CBD count will produce reliable pain relief without the typical soporific effects of THC-heavy indica strains.
Finding a hybrid with a balanced blend of THC and CBD will generally produce enhanced effects of both compounds. This can be a fantastic option for patients requiring anti-inflammatory or severe pain relief, or who are worried about the potential of paranoia and anxiety from THC-dominant strains.
Choosing How to Take Your Medicine
Many medical marijuana patients are content with the effects of smoking marijuana in the usual fashion, but some may worry about the effects of the carcinogens present from burning plant matter. Other patients may have respiratory conditions that make smoking unpleasant or even impossible. Luckily, there are a wide variety of options don’t involve smoking.
The first alternative is vaporizing your medical marijuana. “Vaping” has already become a leading choice for smokers looking to quit, and vaping devices are available with an immense variety of device and flavor options. When it comes to medical marijuana, vaporization produces effects similar to smoking marijuana, but without actually burning anything.
Instead, a vaporizer’s heating element super-heats the dried plant matter until it vaporizes, delivering the medicine without the added carcinogens.
Edible Options
When it comes to choosing edibles, keep the differences between the different strains in mind as you decide. For example, if you want pain relief but still want to be able to go about your day without a profound high, a CBD-heavy edible would be ideal for you. If you’re looking for stress relief, a THC-dominant edible is a perfect choice.
Kind Meds in Mesa, Arizona offers a wide variety of edibles made from all medical marijuana types. We also offer many options for customers with specific dietary concerns, such as vegan and gluten-free needs. Visit Kind Meds in Mesa today to see everything we have to offer, and ask our staff for help finding the right products for you.
