Taking a closer look into the makeup of medicinal cannabis is an excellent way to ensure that you are using the strain that best suits your needs. There are thousands of different types of medicinal cannabis available today, each one differing just slightly from the next. This can cause confusion and a higher chance of misinformation.
By breaking down medicinal cannabis strains into their most basic components, we are then able to sub-categorize which strains would likely yield which results. By taking a closer looks at the cannabinoids (THC and CBD) we are gaining a better understanding of which strains would work best for our needs.
While more research is still being done every day on the subject, the ongoing evidence has shown some generalized traits of both THC and CBD strains. From this clinical evidence, we have been able to deduce which strains will have which effect on an individual. It is important to note that the effect of the strain itself will have a lot to do with the individual themselves.
There is a misconception that anything with THC as the main cannabinoid is “bad” and those who use THC strains are using it only to get “high”. THC is not necessarily bad. In fact, there are a number of conditions that see a benefit from higher THC strains. THC is merely one of the cannabinoids that can be found in cannabis.
That being said, there is some truth to the misconception. THC is a cannabinoid that causes euphoria. It has a psychoactive effect on the individual using it. THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is found in marijuana. Thanks to modern technology, growers are now able to control the amounts of THC and CBD in different strains of cannabis, customizing strains for specific uses. Because THC causes a euphoric or “high” feeling, THC is historically what brought the popularity to cannabis through the times.
The mind-altering effects of THC have come to somewhat over shadow the medical benefits of THC for a variety of medical conditions. While higher THC strains are certainly not suited for everyone, THC does hold benefit for some.
THC is a known sleep aid for those who suffer from insomnia or other sleep conditions. It has also been known to work as an analgesic, a muscle relaxant and can help increase appetite. Many patients who are suffering side effects from chemo therapy and radiation have been known to find higher THC strain of cannabis helpful. There are also studies that have shown that THC can help to reduce spasms in patients with MS.
Most individuals who are using THC dominant strains are advised to use them in the evening if possible due to its drowsy and euphoric effects.
It is worth noting that most physicians will advise against the use of THC products if you suffer from certain mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia. Some people have an increase in symptoms of anxiety and paranoia when using THC strains.
CBD on the other had can often be the polar opposite of THC. CBD is also a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is found in cannabis. CBD has long lived in the shadow of its THC counterpart until the medical community had taken a closer look at CBD as a separate entity from THC.
CBD does not have the same effect that THC has on the mind. For this reason, it has been deemed “useless” for recreational use. However, from a medical standpoint, the benefits that CBD holds for a number of conditions is worth noting. CBD has been known to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with pain that is caused by inflammation. It has also been said to help with nausea, anxiety and depression.
It has also been said that CBD has the ability to reduce the effects of THC. This is the reason that you will find a variety of cannabis strains that will have an equal or a balanced blend of THC and CBD. This allows for the benefits of a THC strain as well as the benefits of a CBD strain, without extreme side effects.
While it is difficult to say for certain which strains are best suited for which conditions, many studies and research are still being done at this time to shed more light on the subject.
Both THC and CBD have an effect on the body as a whole and both can be used for a variety of conditions. The strain, and the individual themselves will determine the outcome and benefits of any strain of medicinal cannabis.
