Choosing the Right Strain for You

Choosing the right medical marijuana strain is important when it comes to getting the maximum benefit for each individual patient. As Medical Marijuana affects each patient differently, it’s important to find the optimal strain for each individual’s needs and condition. Ideally, an MMJ regime should be geared towards what will most benefit the patient and is based on their health, needs, and body chemistry.

Medical Marajuana strains vary due to distinctions in both flavor and scent. Cannabis, itself, is comprised of a variety of chemicals and compounds. The resinous, aromatic flower produces a number of active compounds that can instantly affect a patient’s body chemistry. Additionally, these compounds can be tweaked to accentuate or lessen the desired effects during the growing process – this is what is known as strains.

Strains are classified into three groups: Sativa, Indica, Hybrids

Sativa

Sativa is known for its energizing, anxiety-reducing effect. Sativa-dominant strains help patients feel productive via a stimulating effect. The typical CBD to THC ratio in sativa is often lower doses of CBD with higher doses of THC – thus the feeling of a mild energetic effect high such as drinking a cup of coffee. Due to the more cerebral properties of THC, Sativa is the optimum choice for treating mental and behavioral problems. It can also stimulate the appetite. Ultimately sativa is known for elevating mood and increasing energy. In many patients, it has the effect of also promoting creativity and focus.

This strain is used to treat conditions such as: Chronic Fatigue, Migraines, Glaucoma, Depression and Anxiety, and ADHD. It lends itself to greater focus and concentration and some patients use it for both Pain Relief and stimulating the appetite.

Indica

Indica is known for its intense relaxing effects – inducing sleep, relieving anxiety and stress, and reducing nausea. Indica strains usually have higher levels of CBD though many also have abundant THC content. It’s important to understand the CBD to THC ratio in each particular batch of Indica. On average, however, Indica plants are usually more CBD heavy. A 2012 study showed that most indicas have a higher CBD content. This makes Indica most effective at treating insomnia, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.

It may also help reduce nausea and pain while acting as a muscle relaxer and helping to increase appetite. Importantly, indica weed is known to decrease inflammation.

Indica is commonly used to treat: chronic pain, muscle spasms, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Hybrid

Hybrid strains are comprised of the best qualities of both Sativa and Indica. This strain balances a mixture of energizing and calming properties. Though Hybrid cannabis plants are grown in order to increase THC, each type has a unique ratio of both TCH and CBD. Hybrid strains are ideal for MMJ patients who need to use their product regularly and are in need of these more balanced effects that they can tolerate on an ongoing, and in many cases, daily basis.

Hybrid strains are ideal for treating chronic pain, reducing sedative effects and maintaining clarity, uplifting mood and managing depression as well as reducing anxiety and stress and easing the symptoms of chemotherapy or radiation.

Medical marijuana strains available in Florida are wide and varied and can be overwhelming. While it’s important for a patient to understand the various effects of each strain, a knowledgeable physician like Dr. Fernando Fandino-Sende and his team, at Miami’s LifeCannMD, can help patients navigate the available options. A trained physician familiar with local dispensaries can point patients in the right direction to guide them to optimum health and determine which strain is best for each patient.

Florida’s top-rated medical marijuana referral clinic has served over 5,000 satisfied patients. For more information, please visit www.lifecannmd.com, email monika@lifecannmd.com or call (833) 543-3226.