When choosing a medicinal cannabis strain, it is useful to have a basic understanding of the differences between Indica strains and Sativa strains in terms of their medical applications. All psychoactive cannabis contains the active compounds known as cannabinoids, but the proportions of the two main cannabinoids in the various strains create different effects when they are ingested.
In terms of measurable effects on the body, and research into those effects, the two main cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and CBD (cannabidiol).
In most medicinal cannabis strains, THC makes up the majority of the active ingredients, while CBD represents a much smaller fraction. For instance, a potent strain may be measured at 15% or even 19% THC, but will typically contain less than 1% CBD. Nevertheless, this comparatively small proportion can have noticeable influence on the way the cannabis affects a patient. While CBD is not considered psychoactive in itself, it can impart many of the medicinal benefits of cannabis and can also moderate the effects of THC.
In this context, a CBD content of around 1% could be considered comparatively high, while a strain with low cannabidiol content would contain 0.6% CBD or less.
Indica strains of cannabis generally have a medium to high THC content as well as a comparatively high CBD content. Sativa strains normally have medium to high THC and a relatively low CBD content.
Varieties of cannabis with very high levels of CBD are being developed and some, such as Ruderalis strains and Bediol® (>6% THC : 7.5% CBD) already exist. These strains allow patients to experience the benefits of medicinal cannabis without experiencing a strong psychoactive effect.
The relationship of the two main cannabinoids goes some way to explaining the different effects of the numerous strains, and also the exceptionally wide range of conditions which can be treated with medicinal marijuana.
Many people choose to medicate with a combination of different strains. The ‘high’ effects of Sativa strains make them a better choice during the day, when wakefulness is desirable, whereas the relaxing effects of Indica varieties often make them more suitable for evening and nighttime use. Hybrid strains can offer the best of both worlds to many patients but may be less suited to others.
The type of condition being treated is good guide to whether an Indica or a Sativa strain is more appropriate . Assessing the type of symptoms the patient seeks to relieve is generally the best starting point for selecting the most suitable type of medicinal cannabis for their individual condition.
It is also important to remember that just as every person’s physiological make-up is slightly different, the subjective experience of using cannabis medicinally is also different for everyone. You may have to experiment with different strains until you find one that provides the desired effects.
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