Cannabis strains are classified into three distinct groups: indica, sativa, and hybrid
Indica strains are considered to provide more of a physically sedating effect and are more suitable for relaxing. The Indicia is considered very strong due to the harsh climate it is grown in. It also comes in various flavors. It is most commonly found in countries like Nepal, Lebanon, Morocco, and Afghanistan. Indica is the plant that contains higher amount of resin. It is a stronger sedative and this quality of the medical use of marijuana should be considered based on the symptoms it will be prescribed to treat.
Sativa strains are considered to provide more invigorating, uplifting cerebral effects that is more in line with physical activity. It is believed that Sativas is able to enhance creativity and also comes in various flavors. Sativa is usually in places like India, Thailand, Nigeria, Mexico, and Colombia. Sativa is known for a high ratio of THC to CBN, the two primary active ingredients in cannabis.
Sativa dominant strains are higher in the THC cannabinoid. This makes it less likely to be used for medicinal purposes, but it is still common in some medicine applications.
Hybrids usually fall somewhere in between the indica-sativa chart. Their effect is closer to the strains they originate from. Hybrid indicates the mixing of seeds from different geographic locations around the world where cannabis is grown. Hybrids can deliver the best of both worlds due to the fact that they are combinations of marijuana plants with different characteristics.
Usually breeders put in a good amount of effort to create multiple marijuana hybrids, so they can cater to a wider variety of user needs. One of the purposes of hybrid cannabis is to combine positive characteristics from different strains of marijuana.
Medical patients using cannabis to treat their symptoms and conditions may also consider the different types of cannabis based on these classifications.
Ultimately you should consult with your local dispensary for exact evaluation and expert opinion on how to use medical marijuana, what type and in what dosage.
Most of the medical marijuana that is on the market today is a hybrid.
Cannabis Ruderalis is less discussed type of marijuana. It is more similar to Indica in its properties. This plant is usually found growing in northern countries of the world. It is rarely mentioned in studies because it has less of a psychological effect on the user.
Industrial hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. It is generally used for fiber and textile and animal feed. Its growth in the USA ended with the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act. According to the USDA, hemp has a low THC content and doesn't produce a good product for medical marijuana use.
It is worth mentioning that the main substances that are found in cannabis are THC and CBD.
THC provides the medical marijuana user with more psychoactive effects which affect the brain more than the body.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a psychoactive substance that is more frequently used in medical marijuana. The CBD could strengthen or weaken certain effects of THC. Suppressing the psychedelic effects makes it suitable for use as a medicinal form of marijuana.