Medical marijuana patients can choose from a wide variety of marijuana strains. There is a wide variety of strains, each with its distinct characteristics. Marijuana strains, from a botanical perspective, are the particular forebears of individual cannabis plants. A marijuana strain's unique qualities can be deduced from its family tree.
Though many still use it, the term "strain" has fallen out of favor in recent years in favor of "cultivars" and "chemovars." Due to its familiarity, the word "strain" will be used consistently throughout this piece. The effects of cannabis vary depending on the strain used. There are many different types of cannabis, and each has its potential impact on the user.
Find out what you're looking for in a marijuana strain by studying the botanical science behind it.
How to Define Cannabis Strains
The chemotype (chemical profile), phenotype (physical appearance), and therapeutic potential of a marijuana plant are all defined by its strain. Cultivars, chemovars, chemotypes, and variations are all names used to refer to different cannabis plants.
The number of strains of cannabis currently recognized by scientists is between 700 and 800, but there may be thousands more that have yet to be found or are relatively unknown.
Cultivators can create infinite cannabis strains by crossing and grafting individual plants.
The Cannabaceae family of plants is the source of all cannabis varieties. Although some people believe Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa are distinct species, many researchers classify them as two different subspecies.
Growers choose a set of characteristics in a strain's offspring that will lead to the desired outcomes. This is quite similar to how dog breeders manipulate their offspring's traits.
Indica, sativa, and hybrid strains of cannabis are common categories of description. The term "hybrid" is used to describe cannabis strains resulting from crossing indica and sativa.
Different Types of Marijuana Strains
Sativa, indica, and hybrid strains make up the foundation of the marijuana family tree. It's important not to generalize about the effects of cannabis, as each strain has its unique characteristics (such as stimulating or relaxing effects). You might expect different effects from different cannabis strains depending on your weight, general health, and how often you use the drug.
Here are some broad descriptions of sativa, indica, and hybrid varieties of cannabis.
Sativa
Sativa strains are renowned for their stimulating properties and large concentrations of the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Sativa plants, characterized by their tall stature and narrow leaves, emit fruity, flowery, and spicy terpene scents and flavors.
Indica
Some Indica strains have more CBD and less THC than their Sativa counterparts. The calming effects of these strains can be traced back to their origins in the mountains of India and the surrounding region. People with trouble sleeping frequently turn to indica due to its calming properties. Recent research has shown that indica is preferable to sativa for treating sleeplessness and discomfort. The increased THC content may be responsible for this impact.
Hybrid
Hybrids or crossbreeds between sativa and indica make up most cannabis strains. However, most "indica" and "sativa" strains are actually a hybrid! Instead of relying on whether a strain is sativa, indica, or a hybrid, cannabinoid, and terpene concentration is a more accurate indicator of its effects.
Depending on their chemotype, hybrids can have a greater concentration of either THC or CBD. Hybrid strains' effects are more likely to fluctuate than pure sativa or indica plants.
Cannabis ruderalis, a third strain, has been cultivated for its psychoactive properties in recent years. It's primarily utilized for medical purposes due to its low THC content. Also, hybrid strains exist that combine characteristics of the two main species.
Those that smoke marijuana select a strain based on the desired effects they seek. While each has a distinct impact, the actual result can vary widely from person to person. The effect of a given weed strain might differ significantly depending on whether it is smoked or consumed orally.
How to Pick the Right Marijuana Strain
Before picking a strain of marijuana, think about how much experience you have using it. If you're just getting started with cannabis, it's a good idea to select a strain that has a higher CBD-to-THC ratio. For first-time users, strains with a CBD: THC ratio of 80:20 are recommended; when tolerance to THC decreases, you may move on to 50:50 or 1:1.
The next step is to select a strain that will produce the desired results. Try some Blueberry, which is high in indica, to help you unwind. Jack Herer, a Sativa strain, is a good option if you need to stay awake and focused for an upcoming test.
Think about cannabinoids outside CBD and THC, too. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) has a calming effect and can reduce anxiety when combined with cannabinol (CBN). Terpenes are another option; myrcene, linalool, and pinene are all renowned for their calming effects.
Finally, think about how you prefer things to taste and smell. Pineapple OG has the potential to make you feel like you're on vacation in the tropics, while Gelato may take you to an Italian ice cream parlor.
Make sure you buy your cannabis strains from a legitimate store (or grow them yourself, as several states now permit medical marijuana patients to do). Review the product's composition, lab test results, and other quality indicators. Follow the dosage directions for your specific cannabis strain very closely if you have a medical marijuana prescription.
Get Ready for Medical Marijuana in Georgia
Medical cannabis is potentially beneficial for those who struggle with substance misuse. Even though this is still being investigated, it might be an affordable, safe option for people to work toward recovery.
Despite some delays, Georgia will soon have access to medical marijuana! To give patients the relief they deserve, we hope Georgia dispensaries should open their doors in 2023.
If you are still determining if you qualify, we can help! Just give us a call.
You can reserve an evaluation online today with one of our compassionate cannabis doctors, and we'll make an appointment as soon as possible. Feel free to ask any questions in the meantime!
You and your new doctor will discuss your conditions and whether you qualify for a Georgia Marijuana Card. And if you make your reservation online today, you'll save $25 off your evaluation!
Feel free to call us at (866) 781-5606, and we can help answer your questions about getting medical marijuana in Georgia.
It is essential to be ready to acquire safe, legal medication when the time comes so you don't have to wait any longer for the relief you need. If you want to stay current on Georgia's medical marijuana laws, sign up for our email and read our weekly blogs.
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