The cannabis flower is the part of the female cannabis plant that has the highest concentration of Cannabinoids. These are responsible for the medicinal and psychoactive effects of cannabis. Cannabis flowers are therefore used as a base for medicinal preparations or as carriers of active substances for direct consumption by smoke or vaporisation. Cannabis flowers can have different varieties and different flavour profiles, aromas and effects depending on the specific cannabis plant and the underlying growing conditions. (1) This article offers an introduction to the topic and provides a brief overview of the different types of flowers and their spectrum of effects.
Cannabis flowers relevant for medical use grow only on female specimens of the cannabis plant. Three main types can be distinguished: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. They differ in appearance, growth patterns and chemical composition. For example, Cannabis sativa tends to grow tall and slender, while Cannabis indica tends to produce short and stumpy plants. However, there are many subspecies and genetic hybrids that only partially match the typical characteristics of a particular main species (2).
Every cannabis flower has trichomes. These are hair-like structures that cover their surface. Trichomes produce and carry the resin of the female cannabis plant and are therefore primarily responsible for its medicinal and psychoactive effects. They also contribute significantly to the aroma and taste of the flower variety. The higher the density of the trichome, the stronger the effect (3).
The cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are important messengers for the effects of medical cannabis. The ratio of THC and CBD determines the spectrum of effects and varies depending on the type of flower. THC is responsible for the psychoactive and partially stimulant effect (so-called high), while CBD has a more relaxing, pain-relieving and antispasmodic effect. It follows that some flowers - depending on the weight of THC and CBD - are better suited to treating certain ailments than others. (2)
Terpenes are chemical compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. Among other things, they contribute to the smell and taste of the plant in question. Terpenes in cannabis flowers not only offer different odour and taste profiles, but also have potential synergistic effects with THC and CBD.
Through the entourage effect, terpenes proportionally influence the action of cannabinoids, which may result in weakening or strengthening of certain effect profiles. Some strains of medicinal cannabis are specifically bred for a specific terpene structure to optimise their therapeutic effects (4).
Scientists around the world are working to uncover the potential benefits of terpenes so that they can focus on their complex interaction with cannabinoids for medical therapy.
Indica flowers are associated with relaxation, calming, pain relief and a sense of peace. Sativa flowers, on the other hand, are known for their stimulating, uplifting and sometimes concentration-enhancing effects. They stimulate creativity and sociability. However, most flower varieties are hybrid variants that combine the properties of indica and sativa.(2) Therefore, accurate testing of the respective effect profile is essential for therapeutic use.
More reliable information on the spectrum of effects of cannabis flower is provided by its CBD and THC content. Cannabis flowers high in CBD are used as a pain and sleep aid (5), to reduce seizures in epilepsy and spasticity (6), and as a treatment for nausea (7), cramps and migraines. Nevertheless, CBD can alleviate anxiety and have a mood stabilising effect in cases of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. (8) The high THC content also indicates a strong sedative effect, which is why the corresponding flowers are used in palliative medicine. However, THC increases the feeling of hunger and is therefore used in the treatment of eating disorders and as an adjunct to appetite suppressant therapies. THC can also reduce intraocular pressure, making it an effective treatment for glaucoma (9).
You need a prescription to buy medical cannabis flowers. They must consider your illness to be severe enough and cannabis therapy to potentially relieve your symptoms. In principle, however, doctors are not bound to any fixed catalogue of diseases when prescribing cannabis. Serious illnesses are only necessary if the cost is covered by health insurance (10).
If your doctor has prescribed medical cannabis, you can use it to order the desired product from MYCANNABIS. To do this, register on MYCANNABIS and enter your prescription information into our contact form. We will then send you a quotation by email. Once the offer is accepted, all the usual payment options are available to you. Now send us the original of your prescription by post. Once we receive your prescription, you can choose from two shipping options. With our free standard shipping, you will receive your product within three days via DHL delivery. However, if you choose express shipping, your product will arrive immediately the next day within 12 hours at the latest.