There is nothing more controversial than marijuana. It’s a gateway drug to millions of Americans, a substance for lawlessness and addiction. But it’s a useful medical tool for millions of others.
Nearly 4.4 million Americans use medical marijuana across 40 American states and territories. Doctors prescribe several types of medical cannabis for a variety of medical conditions, including psychiatric ones.
The legalization of medical marijuana has come entirely within the last 25 years. Its rapid rise has left many people confused.
What are the different types of medical cannabis? What are the pros and cons of medical cannabis?
You can get the answers to these questions right here. Here is your guide to medical cannabis.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are not a type of medical cannabis. They are chemical compounds found within plants, and each has its own effects.
They are important to know in their own right since you can take many cannabinoids on their own. Many dispensaries distinguish different types of medical cannabis from each other based on chemical compounds.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most infamous cannabinoid. This is the chemical compound that creates the high in marijuana.
There is no oil or gummy that contains THC on its own. Some products may have THC because cannabinoids have an entourage effect. The effects of one cannabinoid get stronger when another cannabinoid accompanies it.
Some people experience a sense of euphoria while taking THC. They may also perceive certain colors or visuals in stronger detail. Others experience hunger or fatigue.
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC) is a type of THC. It does bind to CB1 receptors in the brain, creating a psychoactive experience. But in this case, Delta-8 THC binds with CB2 receptors as well.
The binding reduces nausea, anxiety, and pain. Patients with cancer can take Delta-8 to mitigate their post-chemotherapy symptoms.
Cannabidiol (CBD) does not have a psychedelic effect. It causes some of the strongest medical benefits of cannabis. The body produces neurotransmitters that bind to CBD in the nervous system, reducing pain.
You can take CBD for many kinds of pain. A study in rats found that injections of it reduced pain after surgery. Studies in humans have found positive effects for multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Terpenes
Terpenes are another kind of chemical compound in medical marijuana. They have their own health effects and benefits, as well as their own scents and flavors.
They do not create a psychedelic effect. They do interact with chemical receptors in the body, relieving pain and stress. But the body absorbs terpenes in a different way from cannabinoids.
Limonene has a citrusy odor. It gives lemons and oranges their distinct smell, and it is also found in certain cannabis strains. It has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing pain in IBS and arthritis.
Linalool is found in lavender, giving that plant its rich odor. It is neuroprotective, insulating nerve cells from damage and deterioration.
Caryophyllene is a peppery and spicy compound. It can reduce anxiety and ease clinical depression.
Most dispensaries will list the terpenes found in their strains of marijuana. Find the ones that fit your medical conditions the best.
Indica
Indica strains are among the most common ones on the market. Their buds contain high CBD, but low THC.
The most common use of indica is for sleep. It can allow patients to follow asleep fast and stay asleep for long periods.
Indica is best for nighttime use when a patient will not be receiving further treatments. Some people can fall asleep within an hour after taking it.
Many patients take indica to relieve psychological stress. Indica can increase levels of dopamine, a hormone that facilitates happiness. It can work for patients with depression or PTSD.
Indica may provide relief from seizures and spasms. Scientists will need to conduct further research before determining the full effects of it.
Indica comes in several strains. Hindu Kush is the most famous. It has a sweet aroma and flavor, which may help with relaxation and sleep.
Northern Lights is sweet yet has a skunky odor. If you don’t want to fall asleep after taking indica, Northern Lights may help to keep you awake.
Granddaddy Purple looks purple, and it tastes grapey and earthy. Blueberry smells and tastes like blueberries, creating a relaxing experience. If you want a “natural flavor,” you can select either strain.
Pure Indica
Some indica plants are crossed with other plants, sometimes accidentally. Pure indica is lineages of plants that are 100 percent indica. They are short and dark green plants with broad leaves.
Pure indica strains offer full doses of CBD. They create maximum relaxation with strong odors and flavors.
But they are hard to come by and tend to be more expensive. Indica is often grown overseas, in harsh climates like Afghanistan and Nepal. You will need to wait to receive shipments and pay extra for handling.
Yet if you need strong sleep and/or pain relief, the expense can be worth it. In addition to relaxing you, pure indica can stimulate the appetite. This can make post-chemo recovery easier, as many cancer patients struggle to eat.
The high potency may cause feelings of extreme tiredness or “fuzzy” thinking. Take pure indica at night unless you need to sleep during the day.
Odors and flavors may be too extreme. Sample small amounts to see if you can handle bigger treatments. Adjust your plan if you cannot.
Many strains of pure indica have the same names as strains of mixed indica, like Northern Lights. Do your research to make sure you are buying pure varieties.
Sativa
Sativa plants have high THC and low CBD. They are psychoactive and often used for recreational purposes. But they can have medicinal benefits as well.
Most patients who take sativa take it for anxiety and depression relief. A person can increase their focus and creativity as well.
Some plants can increase serotonin, a hormone that stabilizes the mood and increases happiness. This can provide a burst of energy and stimulation. Some strains may increase appetite, though indica tends to do a better job of that.
Sativa does not induce sleep as much as indica does. You can take it during the day and receive further treatments afterward.
As with indica, there are many different strains of sativa. As the name suggests, Sour Diesel smells like diesel fuel. The pungent odor creates an energizing effect, which high levels of caryophyllene also provide.
Durban Poison has a sweeter smell. The plant contains a high level of THC, which creates an energetic and psychoactive effect. It works well when taken at the start of the day.
Amnesia Haze tastes like citrus. This creates an uplifting effect that energizes the patient. It contains a lower amount of THC than Durban Poison, which makes it best for people who want to limit their high.
Pure Sativa
Pure sativa is rarer than pure indica. It is difficult to grow, especially in the United States and Canada. There is not as much medical research on it, making its effects hard to gauge.
Pure sativa has high levels of THC. Very high THC can cause paranoia and irregular heart rhythms. Do not take pure strains of sativa if you suffer from heart disease or psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia.
The most popular strain is Jack Herer. It has a strong spicy odor akin to black pepper mixed with pine. It is a highly energetic strain with a large dose of THC.
G13 Haze has a sweet aroma with a smooth mouthfeel. It can give you a very long high, so avoid it as you are starting out with cannabis.
Panama Red has a low amount of THC. In exchange for a psychoactive effect, it offers a smooth feeling that can inspire creativity. Panama Red is best for people with psychiatric conditions, not bodily pain.
Hybrid
Hybrid plants contain elements of indica and sativa. Dispensaries indicate the combination of seeds that produce each hybrid strain. The goal is to mix the positive effects of indica and sativa into each plant.
You can buy 50/50 strains or hybrids that are dominant with one kind of cannabis. 50/50 strains provide the pain relief of indica with the relaxation of sativa. They produce a mild psychoactive effect, though one that can be overwhelming to a beginner.
Indica-dominant hybrids provide pain relief with a mild relaxing feeling. If you suffer from minor pain during the day, you can consider taking an indica-dominant product. They are great for patients with autoimmune diseases, which can cause chronic pain during the day.
Sativa-dominant hybrids provide a strong high with pain relief for the body. If you want cannabis that offers all-around benefits, you should select a sativa-dominant hybrid.
There are a few hybrids that focus on cannabinoids. Dispensaries advertise them as “CBD-dominant.”
These hybrids do contain high levels of CBD, but they are not necessarily indica-dominant. They provide strong pain relief and can induce sleep quickly. Read the description carefully, as the CBD-dominant product may still produce a psychoactive effect.
Landrace
Landrace strains are rare but incredibly powerful. They are plants that evolved within their native environments. They inbreed with themselves, creating strong indica or sativa.
Some strains may contain unique components that promote health. For instance, Pure Afghan is a landrace from Afghanistan. It works well for relaxation and sleep assistance.
Given how rare they are, very few dispensaries have landrace products. Some claim to have landrace, but they are actually grown in the United States.
These are called “heirloom strains.” They are derived from landrace plants, but they lose some unique characteristics because they are not in their home environment. They may be more powerful than other strains, so read reviews of them.
Forms of Medical Cannabis
You can take medical cannabis in several forms. The most common way to consume it is through dried flowers or buds. You can put them in a pipe, bowl, or cigarette.
Edibles are also commonplace. You can eat buds in cake, cookies, and, most famously, brownies.
The cannabis must receive heat for its acids to produce THC. It will take longer to receive an effect from eating than smoking.
Powdered cannabis is called kief. You can smoke kief in a pipe or with cannabis buds.
Dispensaries can infuse cannabis into cooking oil or butter. You can then use the substance to cook with. Like with edibles, you need high heat to activate the chemical compounds in cannabis.
You can apply cannabis topicals onto the skin. Cannabinoids can interact with skin cells, creating pain relief and reducing inflammation. The effects are limited to the area you apply the topicals to, but topicals are a great option for quick pain relief.
Salves contain cannabinoids mixed with coconut oil and beeswax. You can apply them to cuts, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Creams have cannabinoids mixed with shea butter. You can apply cream onto a joint for arthritis relief.
The FDA has proved two medications that contain cannabinoids. Dronabinol is a capsule that treats nausea and vomiting that arises post-chemotherapy. It contains THC but no other compounds.
Sativex is a mouth spray. It contains THC and CBD, and it can alleviate MS and cancer pain.
The Essential Types of Medical Cannabis
There are several ways to think of the types of medical cannabis. Cannabinoids and terpenes are chemical compounds within cannabis. They can differentiate types.
Indica contains high CBD and low THC. It is best for managing physical pain. Sativa contains high THC with low CBD, which is better for psychological support.
Hybrids provide all-inclusive support, while pure varieties provide potent doses of CBD or THC. You can take medical cannabis in several ways, though ingesting or smoking it is best for beginners.
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