Medical marijuana is not a single, uniform product. It is now available in various forms and different strains. If you are a patient who is considering taking medical cannabis, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the different strains of cannabis available in the market.With legalization in many states, medical marijuana is no longer a risky product to obtain.
You can now go to legitimate stores and buy organic medical cannabis. The most important thing you need to keep in mind when buying cannabis for treatment purpose is to avoid buying it from uncertified dealers – it is dangerous and illegal.
Places like California have some of the best medical marijuana sellers in the entire country. If you are looking for a San Francisco Cannabis dispensary – Mission Organic Center is considered as one of the top sellers and is stocked with a very wide spectrum of products.
Now let’s find out more about the different strains of medical cannabis, its pain relieving qualities and the research surrounding it.
The Strains of Medical Marijuana
When we discuss medical marijuana that is available at most dispensaries, the terms Indica, Sativa, and hybrid get thrown around a lot. Let us delve deeper:
Indica and Sativa Strain
Indica and Sativa marijuana plants are very distinctive from each other – from the size of the shrub to the shape and color of the leaves. Sativa plants are taller than Indica plants and the leaves of the former are light green compared to the darker tone of the latter. The chemical composition or arrangement of cannabinoids in the respective plants is quite different, resulting in unique properties.
The Sativa strain is believed to be energizing in nature which is why it is recommended for daytime use. Its anti-depression properties have been observed by users across the country. Sativa has high CBD levels. On the other hand, Indica has high THC levels and this gives it the nature of a sedative. It helps relax the mind and is recommended for nighttime. Indica is good for those with small appetites – it makes you want to eat more. It is also used as a pain relief medication.
The Hybrid Strain
The hybrid strains are the most commonly found variety of cannabis; they merge the different features of the Indica and Sativa varieties of marijuana. Hybrid medical marijuana can have various sets of combinations. Before you buy a hybrid marijuana item, you are advised to spend some time on research. Check which is the dominating trait of that particular product.
It is quite possible to experience different stages of reactions when you are consuming or smoking a hybrid medical marijuana product. You may experience the high of an Indica plant while also remaining alert – something associated with Sativa.
Pain Relief Properties Of THC And CBD
Let us first understand how medical marijuana works as a pain medication. THC, which is one of the compounds found in cannabis, has similar properties like certain chemicals that are found in the human body. It stimulates particular receptors in the brain that produce the ‘high’ sensation. THC is also related to how the body controls the pain level – it reacts with the reward system of the brain (whenever there is an activity that addresses pain or stress) and lowers the discomfort. Delta-8 THC, a compound from the hemp plant that is similar to the Delta-9 found in full-strength marijuana, can be found in products from places like Area52.com in the form of gummies, oils, and capsules. Delta-8 THC does produce a ‘high’ – albeit milder than a Delta-9 THC ‘high’ – but this is worth taking into account if you are looking for a cannabis product, but are looking to avoid any psychoactive effects.
CBD is the other major compound (out of many) that is found in a typical medical marijuana product. It does not produce a ‘high’ like THC, but studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain.
The USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) has given approval to medical marijuana to be used to treat certain types of extreme epilepsy. Synthetically manufactured THC is also found in USFDA approved drugs that are used for HIV patients and those undergoing cancer treatments.
What Do The Studies Say About Medical Cannabis?
Medical marijuana’s role in modern treatments is quite new. Because it was a regulated substance for so long, its research history is also very short. On the other hand, marijuana has been used in societies across the world for centuries and its medical qualities are well-documented, albeit more as historical and cultural records.
In the last few years, researchers are aggressively trying to discover more proof about medical marijuana and its pain relieving qualities. Apart from some inconclusive studies, a lot of research has yielded positive findings. Studies can be concentrated on a single part of the plant – as an example – the use of CBD oil in medication. There are other studies that focus on the consumption of the whole plant – observing the collective effect of the many complex compounds.
A 2016 research related marijuana use to a reduction in opioid use and another research on cancer patients it was noted that 70% of the patients experienced a reduction in painful symptoms after using marijuana. There were studies done on chronic migraine sufferers and it was found that many used marijuana effectively to reduce the pain.
While the medical research community is getting busier discovering the many things medical marijuana can and cannot do, it is impossible that we do not use marijuana products without basic research and consulting with an expert.
Medical Marijuana Access
States like California have made it very easy for people to acquire medical marijuana but it is also natural that there are certain safeguards in place to prevent abuse of the product. To avail medical marijuana, you first need to be at least 18 years old. Apart from possessing a valid ID, you also need to have a recommendation for medical marijuana use given by a certified medical practitioner.
Nowadays, you can choose from so many marijuana products so smoking is not the only option. Marijuana edibles are very popular and you can also but oils, tinctures, and creams. Delivery services seven days a week have also added to the convenience.
Medical marijuana is helping people find relief from some of the worst symptoms possible. From physical pain to mental stress, this resilient and multi-faceted plant is providing solutions with minimal side effects – unlike many synthetic drugs. Exercise your right to use medical marijuana but do it in an informed manner with the guidance of experts. Be responsible.
To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.