CANNABIS 101

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The two main types of cannabis strains, Sativa and Indica, are used for a number of medicinal purposes. Interestingly, one of the most important differences between the two strains is how they influence one's levels of energy and productivity.

Sativa strains are known to enhance mood, increase focus and creativity, and have energizing effects. They are also known to relieve migraine headaches and reduce awareness of pain. Therefore, Sativa strains are recommended for Daytime Use. Remember, Sativa = Stimulating.

Sativa strains generally have a higher THC to CBD content when compared to Indica strains; therefore, they tend to produce a more intense Cerebral High or Euphoria. They are useful for patients who need to medicate during the day without feeling sedated.

• Uplifting and improved mood to alleviate depression
• Increased energy and alertness
• Improved focus and creativity
• Reduce awareness of pain
• Relieving Migraine Headaches 

[See list of Sativa strains]

Indica strains are typically associated with calming effects and produce a heavily sedating, Full-Body High. Indica strains are commonly used for relaxation, stress relief and treating insomnia. Therefore, Indica strains are recommended for Nighttime Use. They tend to have a higher CBD to THC content than Sativa strains and the higher CBD concentrations are responsible for many of the medicinal benefits of indica strains, including: 

• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Relieving anxiety 
• Promoting restful sleep 
• Muscle relaxation to relieve tension and spasms 
• Stimulating appetite 
• Controlling seizures

Remember, Indica = "In Da Couch."

[See list of Indica strains]

Hybrid strains are cannabis plants that exhibit characteristics of both Indica and Sativa strains. Due to extensive cross-breeding by growers in an attempt to increase levels of THC, it is rare for a strain to exhibit entirely Pure Sativa or Pure Indica effects. Therefore, Hybrid strains are classified as being Indica-Dominant or Sativa-Dominant.

Patients should view Indica-Hybrid-Sativa categories as a SPECTRUM with most plants falling within the two extremes. Therefore, some mild Sativa strains are known to treat Anxiety Disorder and not every Indica strain will have a Sedative Effect.

[See list of Hybrid strains]

Cannabinoids: Cannabis plants contain many chemical compounds known as cannabinoids.  These naturally occurring compounds are responsible for producing many of the effects — both positive and negative — of cannabis use.  Many cannabinoids are still under investigation and poorly understood, although researchers have identified two main cannabinoids — Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), as well as, several less common compounds.  These include:  

• THC: THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis plants. It’s responsible for the “marijuana high” or state of euphoria associated with cannabis use. Levels of THC have increased greatly as growers create more hybrids with a higher THC concentrations.

• CBD: CBD is non-psychoactive or non-euphoric. However, it is associated with many physical benefits, including reducing inflammation, relieving pain and nausea, preventing seizures, and easing migraine headaches. 

• CBN: Cannabinol (CBN) is used to ease symptoms of neurological conditions including seizures and uncontrollable muscle spasms and stiffness.

• THC-A: Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THC-A) is similar to THC, although does not  cause euphoria. Its potential benefits include reducing inflammation caused by arthritis and autoimmune diseases. It may also help reduce symptoms of neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease . 

• CBG: Cannabigerol (CBG) is thought to help reduce anxiety and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and depression.

• THC-V:  THC-V is currently being studied for its properties as an appetite suppressant. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that purified THC-V,  administered in doses of 5 mg twice daily for 13 weeks — decreased fasting plasma glucose and improved pancreatic beta-cell function, adiponectin, and apolipoprotein A in people with type 2 diabetes (Link).

* Please Note: Many in the cannabis industry have moved away from the terms Sativa, Indica and Hybrid strains and began classifying different strains as Chemovar Types:   

• Type I: high THC                                                         
• Type II: THC/CBD combined                                                          
• Type III: high CBD 

In other words, the strain type, Indica or Sativa, may not be the best indicator of potential effects. Chemovars are distinguished by the plants cannabinoid and terpene profile. This information will help patients determine which chemovar is best suited for their needs.