Anyone who gets into medical cannabis quickly realises that not all cannabis is the same. The wide variety of different cannabis strains can sometimes lead to patient confusion. Targeting the right cannabis flower is of great importance for therapeutic benefit. Our paper provides an orientation to the species-rich world of medicinal cannabis, its wide range of effects and the possible applications of different varieties.
Cannabis strains (in this context) refer to certain types of female cannabis plants. (1) They are often selectively bred to promote a particular combination of characteristics. Weighing the components THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) is particularly important for the medicinal use of cannabis. However, other elements also influence the medicinal potential of each cannabis strain. These include compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. (2)
Traditionally, cannabis strains are divided into two main types. These are called Indica and Sativa. Strains that have both indica and sativa characteristics are called hybrids. As this applies to most cannabis flowers, the distinction between indica and sativa is not always useful. However, it does offer a guide to help you navigate the wide range of different cannabis strains and differentiate between the different effects. However, for therapeutic benefit, it is advisable to look at the exact profiles of the cannabis strains available and not rely solely on the indica and sativa classification.
Cannabis strains listed as indica are primarily associated with sedative and pain-relieving properties. These include strong effects on bodily sensations, making it easier to fall asleep and reducing nausea. Indica-based preparations are therefore sometimes useful to combat sleep problems, to accompany chemotherapy or to relieve chronic pain. Visually, Indica strains have a relatively short growth habit, a thick trunk and relatively broad leaves. (3) We have provided three examples of common indica strains.
Rainbow Runtz flowers are known for their stress relieving, sleep inducing and appetite stimulating properties. They are based on a cross between Skittlez and DoSiDos.
These flowers are one of the most popular varieties of cannabis. Patients report a pain and anxiety reducing effect. The earthy and piney taste is due to the terpenes myrcene and caryophyllene, among others. (4) Northern Lights is based on a cross between two indica strains, Afghani and Thai.
Bubba Kush has a high THC content (5) and a taste described as coffee-like. The flowers of this variety are thought to promote sleep and have a strong sedative effect.
Unlike Indica varieties, Sativa flowers have more psychological effects. They are considered uplifting, stimulating and promote creativity. However, Sativa also has pain-relieving properties and can be used in various cannabis therapies. Sativa varieties also have the potential to alleviate seizure disorders such as epilepsy and anxiety disorders. Since Sativa is less likely to cause fatigue, the concentration-enhancing effects of some flowers are used to treat ADHD symptoms. Sativa plants tend to grow taller than Indica and have long, thin leaves. (3) Two popular cannabis strains in the Sativa category are Jack Herer and Charlotte's Web.
Native to Holland, these sativa flowers are described by patients as relaxing, anti-anxiety and pain relieving. They have been cultivated for medicinal purposes since the 1990s.
Charlotte's Web has gained popularity due to reports of its effects on reducing epilepsy. This strain of cannabis is high in CBD and relatively low in THC. As a result, it doesn't produce a high and focuses on a primarily calming effect.
By far the largest proportion of cannabis varieties are sativa and indica hybrids. This is due to breeders' efforts to combine certain characteristics of the two main species in favour of a corresponding desired product. Given the diversity of hybrid varieties, it is difficult to make a statement about the spectrum of effects in this category. However, it is clear that medicinal cannabis can have a particularly high therapeutic potential with strains that have been optimised through breeding. Some hybrid strains can help with sleep problems, have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, while others alleviate depression, promote sociability and in some cases increase concentration. (3) Examples of hybrid cannabis strains are Gelato, Juliet and Wedding Cake.
Gelato is a balanced hybrid of indica and sativa characteristics. The flowers have a high THC content. (5) They are said to have a euphoric and relaxing effect.
The Juliet strain is a sativa-dominant hybrid. It is said to be stimulating and uplifting, improving mood and relieving depression and anxiety. It also has a pine-like smell and a fruity taste.
The wedding cake is primarily composed of indica and has a high THC content. This leads to a very strong effect that leads to a deep relaxation after a strongly euphoric phase. True to its name, Wedding Cake has a taste similar to vanilla.
When choosing a strain of medical cannabis, it is important to consider both your symptoms and treatment goals. Sedative cannabis strains are extremely unsuitable for the apathetic, while stimulant sativa flowers are ideal for alleviating sleep problems etc. Consult with your medical practitioner when choosing the appropriate cannabis strains. It is not only a matter of eliminating unwanted side effects, but also of optimising the medical potential and, where appropriate, matching it with parallel therapy methods. (6) However, finding the right product may require several attempts. MYCANNABIS supports you with a wide range of products and relevant expertise.
Cannabis is a prescription drug. It can be a prescription approved by health insurance (in the case of serious illness) or a private prescription. In principle, all treating physicians can issue the necessary prescription if they consider cannabis treatment to be useful (7).
If you have a prescription for medical cannabis, you can register for free on MYCANNABIS and enter the details and the desired cannabis variety for your product in our offer form. We will then send you our offer by email. If you agree, all the usual payment options are available to you. Now send us the original of your prescription by post. Once we have received your prescription, we will discreetly send the product to you as a DHL shipment. You can choose between standard free shipping within three days and express shipping by noon the next day.
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