Which Marijuana Strains Are Best for Me?
With all the different Marijuana Strains, varieties and forms for consumption, it’s easy to get lost or confused about what to medicate with. There are a wide variety of ailments or conditions that greatly benefit from the use of cannabis. Whether your condition is curable or marijuana eases the symptoms, there’s plenty of different strains for your use. Here’s a look at a few different conditions and what works best for them.
Anxiety
When it comes to treating anxiety, low doses of THC are recommended to ease your symptoms. Research has shown that chronic stress or trauma will drop your endocannabinoid production, leading to a down mood and anxiety. THC reduces anxiety by stimulating CB1 receptors in the amygdala and replace phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids derived from plants) for the missing endocannabinoids.
When taken in low doses THC reduces anxiety, but it may have the opposite effect when used in large doses. Using high levels may lead to a reduction in the efficiency of your cannabinoid receptors. Going with a low THC, high CBD strain such as Harlequin or a high CBD tincture.
Chronic Fatigue/Lack of Energy
If you find yourself with a lack of energy, motivation, or creative juices a high THC sativa may be what the doctor ordered. Sativa strains are normally packed with a higher THC content then hybrids or indicas. This higher THC content promotes an uplifting and energetic state of being that allows patients to achieve the get up and go they’re looking for.
Sativa strains are also very beneficial for creating a social environment at a party or gathering. Sativas are known to promote conversation so long it isn’t overly medicated. Blue Dream, Ghost Train Haze, and Jack Herer are all great strains to promote an uplifting energy.
Insomnia
There are multiple factors that contribute to the soporific, or sleep-inducing, effect of marijuana. One of which is how Indica-dominant the particular strain is. Marijuana strains that favour Indica characteristics will therefore cause a much more predictable sleepy sensation which can be used to treat insomnia and sleep apnea.
Another factor to consider when searching for the best strains for sleep is the presence of the cannabinoid, cannabinol (CBN). CBN, known for promoting sleep, is a product of cannabis degeneration and can therefore be created by allowing your favorite strain to dry out a bit in the sun. This will cause the THCa (which is usually converted to THC with heat) to transform into CBNa which will transform into CBN when it becomes heated.
Lab tests can help determine if a product contains CBN and to which degree. Using a process known as High Performance Liquid Chromatography, licensed testing facilities can determine exactly how much of each cannabinoid is present in a product and will often indicate the results online.
To find the best marijuana strains for sleep, you could therefore consult the most recent lab tests or r
ely on traditional go-to strains for sleep like Bubba Kush which features a sweet, earthy flavor and a powerful head and body high; BC God Bud which features a sweet yet musky flavor and a slow-starting, long-lasting body high and head buzz; White Rhino, known for its sweet flavor, high potency and intense high; and Granddaddy Purple, popular for its powerful full-body high and sweet, fruity flavor.
Pain Management
When dealing with pain management, there are a plethora of different components in cannabis that ease pain. THC has show to bind with pain sensing receptors in the body. Along with THC, CBD has a huge role in diminishing symptoms of pain.
CBD is an amazing anti inflammatory and pain reducer without any psychoactive effects.
Though some might prefer CBD-only products such as pills or patches in order to avoid an unwanted “high”, the best analgesic effects will typically come from strains that contain a variety of pain-relieving cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN and CBG).
Be Patient and Diligent
There are so many avenues to go down that everyone will have a different path to a healthy lifestyle. What may work for your sister or mail man might not for you and vice versa. Keep a journal or log of all the different strains you try and record how well they help using your own charts. This will greatly help your accuracy in medication!