The cannabis used for medicine comes into three varieties – Cannabis Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis. Each of these cannabis varieties gives a different medicinal effect thanks to the different cannabinoid profile in each. Again, each variety has a long list of strains. The observable difference between the two main types of medical marijuanas is that Indicas feature more chlorophyll than Sativas. The Indicas also grow faster.
Besides the two main medical marijuana varieties, scientists and farmers have crossbred the two to come up with hybrids. The medicinal effect of hybrids depends on the percentage of each variety that goes to the hybrid and, therefore, the cannabinoids in it. Read on to learn more about what types of weed are there.
Types Of Medical Marijuanas
Hybrid Indica Dominant
The hybrid indica dominant stands as the most popular cannabis types. Medically, they offer the best value as they have a wide variety of cannabinoids. Again, they grow and mature faster than other strains, making them great for farmers. To get hybrid indica dominant, indica is bred with cannabis ruderalis – this gives a higher CBD content to the resulting strain. Thanks to the high cannabinoid content, the strain is ideal for people with sleeping issues, injury, and inflammation.
Ruderalis
While cannabis ruderalis is not as popular as indicas and sativas, it has a cannabinoid profile that makes it very unique. Unlike other strains, ruderalis has minimal THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which means it is not used for recreational purposes. Among all other major types of medical marijuanas, ruderalis offers the most CBDs for medical use. Unlike other strains, ruderalis flowers at a specific age and not depending on the light cycle.
Pure Indica
Pure indicas are among the popular cannabis types for recreational and medical purposes. The short, dense plants produce darker green leaves. Thanks to its short nature, the plant is ideal for indoor growing. In between 6 and 8 weeks, the plant will start flowering with thick, dense flowers that produce varying flavors. If you need a relaxing/sedating effect, consider indicas. You can use it to manage insomnia and severe pain.
Hybrid Sativa
Hybrid Sativa strains are of better medical quality than pure Sativa or Sativa dominant strains. When cross-pollinated, different Sativa strains produce exotic smells, tastes, and a stimulating effect of dominant Sativa but without the feeling of paranoia associated with the “high” of Sativa.
The hybrids are medically used to manage depression, anxiety, and lack of appetite. They give an energetic and uplifting feel that is only good for daytime smoking.
Pure Sativa
Among other marijuana varieties, pure sativas are rare. The plants are large and not easy to grow indoors or outdoors. Again, it is not easy to find the seeds of pure sativas since vendors like to stock seeds of popular cannabis varieties. The plants can grow up to 20 feet high and feature thin features. They also take up to 16 weeks to fully mature, which is way longer than other types of medical marijuanas.
Medically, pure Sativa might induce paranoia and irregular heartbeats. This way, unless cross-pollinated with other strains, pure sativas are not common in medicine. However, when used for medical purposes, the sativas give an uplifting feel that can manage depression, fatigue, pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Even though they are rare, breeders still use their stable nature to create stable hybrids.
Examples of Cannabis Hybrid Strains
- Maracuya
This cannabis hybrid is the cross of two strains, which are the Orange Bud and the Sweet Pink Grapefruit. Most Maracuya consumers love its THC level, which has the ability to feast aside from how inviting it is. It also boosts the mind and it usually increases your focus on your daily work, motivation, as well as creativity.
- Monkey OG
Monkey OG, which is best to consume during night, is a great option for cultivators that are looking for a great flavor with a soaring high feeling. This cannabis hybrid strain energizes the mind, giving waves of a boosting euphoria. Then, it quickly flows with a great feeling that’s excellent to ignite an artist’s creative ideas and skills.
Ways Medical Marijuana Gets Used
Vapes
Vaping or vaporizing involves converting your herbs into vapor. Unlike smoking, you only need to suck in the vapor and push it out without first holding it in your mouth. If you travel a lot, consider an affordable vape pen, which only costs about $20. For experienced vapers who need an in-house vaping experience, a high-quality vaporizer will work best. Whichever vaporizer you use, you only need to insert a cartridge, press a button and take a hit.
When you insert the cartridge into the vaporizer, you will see how much marijuana it carries – mostly 150, 200, or 300 milligrams. If it is your first-time vaping, two puffs are enough. Take to hits/puffs and wait for about ten minutes for the effects to set in. If you feel “high,” stop at that point. A person with moderate tolerance needs between 10 and 20 mg of marijuana, about 5 to 7 puffs depending on the amount your vape gives in one puff.
Here’s how to clean a vape device:
By using water and soap, vape pens and vaporizers are easy to clean. Clean the vape tank by washing the components in warm water until it’s clean. You can add a few drops of dishwashing soap to remove stubborn dirt. Make sure to dry your vape using a paper towel and let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tinctures
Tinctures refer to types of medical marijuana in liquid form. The liquid comes in a bottle where you suck up the liquid with a dropper and administer that under your tongue. In 5 minutes, you will feel the effect of cannabis.
Tinctures do not have good taste. For your first time, only take a few drops, like two, and wait for ten minutes to feel the effect. Oral sprays are the same; they come in a bottle, and you only need to spray them into your mouth – they give a burning sensation.
Here are the advantages of using tinctures:
- It’s a discreet way of taking cannabis in liquid form.
- You can conveniently bring it anywhere.
- The effects are almost instant, providing quick pain and stress relief.
One-Hitters and Other Smoking Devices
Smoking is the oldest way of consuming marijuana. Smoking gives effects in five minutes or less. You do not have to hold in the smoke to get the feeling, especially when you are using one-hitters or other smoking devices. For smoking, take one or two puffs and wait for your first time. Those with moderate can take up to 10 puffs.
Edibles
With edibles, you can buy a specific does. Starters can take up to 6mg of cannabis, while those with moderate tolerance can take up 20mg. With edibles, you have a vast collection of choices from sweet foods, sugar-free edibles.
Check out the advantages of consuming cannabis edibles or cannabis-infused foods and drinks:
- It’s a fun and exciting way to consume cannabis because it’s infused with your favorite foods and beverages.
- Cannabis edibles, like gummy and cookies, are widely available in local dispensaries and online stores.
- Edibles provide long-term and sustained cannabis effects because of lengthy digestive tract absorption. The effects can last for several hours after cannabis edible consumption.
Topically
Topical wax is rubbed on the skin. If you have pain or swelling in a particular area, using topical wax will work well for you. If the cannabis varieties you choose for topical wax contains THC, it will still get you high. The topical application takes about an hour to work.
How To Access These Cannabis Types
Ensure Cannabis Is Legal In Your Area
Before searching for marijuana varieties or wondering what types of weed are there, you need to ensure the weed is legal in your area. Some countries allow medical marijuana and not recreational marijuana. In other countries, such as the U.S., marijuana is legal in some states and not others.
Visit Your Primary Care Physician With Information About Your Symptoms
Even though medical marijuana may be legal, you still need to get diagnosed by a physician before you get medical marijuana.
Take Your Diagnosis To A Marijuana-Prescribing Doctor
A marijuana-prescribing doctor needs to diagnose you before prescribing marijuana.
Fill Out The Necessary Paperwork
Enter your details in a form, including your details and symptoms, and then take the prescription from your doctor.
Visit Your Dispensary Of Choice With Your Prescription
Now that you understand what types of weed are there please choose the type recommended by the doctor and buy it from your local dispensary.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana is still not legal in most countries; you need to ensure you are not breaking the law by getting your medication dose. Again, if you are taking cannabis for medical (and not recreational) purposes, always consult with your physician.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. The writer will not be liable for how you use the information. Consult a doctor before smoking weed or essential herbs and consider the state or federal laws of your country of residence.