Medical marijuana’s benefits for one’s health are becoming increasingly understood and accepted among the general public. In recent polls, an amazing 83% of Americans now support allowing doctors to treat their patients with medical marijuana prescriptions. And as of this year’s Election Day, nearly half the country — 23 states along with Washington, D.C., has made medicinal marijuana use legal for residents with applicable health conditions.
But medicinal use of marijuana isn’t a one-solution-fits-all health treatment. Different medical marijuana strains are effective at treating different illnesses and health conditions.
Because of this, it’s important for any doctor or patient treating an illness with medical marijuana to understand which type of marijuana strains are best at treating which conditions. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
Indica strains
Indica strains of marijuana are known for having a more sedating effect on users — they make you sleepy. Because of their relaxing properties, medical marijuana patients use Indica strains to treat anxiety, as well as related conditions like chronic insomnia, pain and muscle spasticity.
Sativa strains
On the other end of the spectrum are Sativa strains, which are associated with boosts in creativity and focus and improving patients’ mood. That makes Sativa strains like Sour Diesel and Lemon Haze good for treating patients with depression, chronic fatigue, mood disorders and attention deficit disorder.
Hybrid strains
Some patients want to get the benefits of both Indica and Sativa strains, which is how hybrid medical marijuana strains came about. Hybrid strains won’t make patients feel too active or too drowsy, giving a pleasant balance between the two opposite ends of the strain spectrum. Hybrid strains can feature more of the traits of Indica or Sativa strains, depending on the user’s preference — as marijuana strains exist on a spectrum, not in separate categories.
Have any questions about the different medical marijuana strains out there? Feel free to ask us in the comments.
