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Strains of Medical Marijuana: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid

What are the Different Types of Medical Marijuana Strains?

The cannabis plant has tremendous potential as a treatment option for a wide variety of different medical conditions. One characteristic that makes marijuana so promising as a medicinal resource is the vast variety of strains that growers have created all over the world. Each strain of cannabis has its own profile of terpenes and cannabinoids that work with the body's endocannabinoid system to produce unique effects.

 

Researchers can now engineer specific types of marijuana that have specific medicinal characteristics associated with them, and Kentucky medical marijuana dispensaries are offering more and more products for targeted effects.

 

In order to take advantage of the natural relief that comes with cannabis, you need to have a valid Kentucky marijuana card. Learn how to get a medical marijuana recommendation from a doctor by clicking this link.

 

Keep reading to learn about the difference between indica marijuana strains, sativa marijuana strains, and hybrid marijuana strains.

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What Does Indica, Sativa, And Hybrid Marijuana Mean?

At the most basic level, there are three different types of cannabis plants:​​​

Cannabis Indica

The Basics

  • Cannabis indica plants are produced with higher CBD and lower THC concentrations, meaning that indica medicinal strains are best used for increased mental relaxation, muscle relaxation, decreased nausea, decreased acute pains, increased appetite, increase of dopamine levels, and to aid with insomnia. Indica plants are typically shorter and bushier plants with wide leaves, in comparison to the sativa plant.

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Cannabis Sativa

  • Cannabis sativa plants are produced with higher THC and lower CBD concentration, meaning that sativa medicinal strains are best used for anti-anxiety, anti-depression, treatment with chronic pain, increased focus and creativity, and increased serotonin. It is most often used during the day, as sativa marijuana strains are generally known to have an energizing effect. Sativa plants are typically tall and thin plants, with narrow leaves, and they are generally a lighter shade of green compared to the indica plant.

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Hybrid Cannabis Strains

There is a wide range of cannabis strains that fall between indica and sativa. These strains are known as hybrids and can be broken down into four basic categories:

  • Sativa-Dominant Hybrids
    Sativa-dominant hybrids are known to create a cerebral high with a relaxing body effect. These strains provide physical and mental relief.

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  • Even Hybrids (50/50)

  • Even hybrids, also known as 50/50 strains, are ideal for patients seeking a perfect balance between head and body relief.

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  • Indica-Dominant Hybrids
    Indica-dominant hybrid strains provide full-body pain relief, with a relaxing head high. Recommended for nighttime use to go to sleep, or daytime relief from minor pain, these strains are perfect for patients who suffer from all types of autoimmune diseases as well as insomnia or depression.

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  • CBD-Dominant Cannabis Strains

  • Some strains available in Kentucky dispensaries will have a dominance of the cannabinoid CBD, rather than THC. In these strains, the psychoactive effects are milder and less pronounced. This is because CBD inhibits the uptake of THC by cannabinoid receptors, helping to minimize the impairment that THC causes. For this reason, CBD-dominant products are ideal solutions for patients wishing to avoid the psychoactive effect of THC while still obtaining the powerful relief of the entourage effect.

Sativa, Indica or Hybrid: Which Type of Cannabis Strain is Right for You?

Everyone's body responds a little differently to the chemical compounds found in cannabis, and sometimes it takes a bit of experimentation to find the right balance for you (but that's part of the fun, right?). When considering the effects of sativa, vs. indica, vs. hybrid strains of medical marijuana, a good rule of thumb to remember is that sativas are more energizing, indicas are more relaxing, and hybrids have a balance of effects.

 

The best way to develop a medical marijuana treatment plan, is to start by talking to a marijuana doctor who can help you understand the way that cannabis will work with your body to treat your symptoms. Start with lower doses, work your way up to the sweet spot, and keep a cannabis journal along the way to track what works and what doesn't.

How to Purchase Marijuana in Kentucky

If you qualify for one of the medical conditions approved for medical marijuana use in Kentucky, call us at (833) 781-6360 to set up an appointment. One of our friendly patient support experts will assist in answering any questions you may have. Or you can simply schedule an appointment online for a medical marijuana evaluation. We make getting your marijuana card affordable, and our doctors can help you create a cannabis treatment plan that works for you!

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