Medical cannabis strains

Cannabis is a complex plant that is made up of hundreds of chemical entities including components known as cannabinoids. The most recognisable compounds which are present in medicinal cannabis are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). To get a comprehensive understanding of medicinal cannabis it is necessary to be familiar with the types, the different strains that exists, and the impact that certain strains that are currently being used for medicinal purposes.

What is a medical cannabis strain?

There are two main species of the cannabis plant known as cannabis indica and cannabis sativa. A third species named cannabis ruderalis plants exists but is not grown for medicinal purposes. We are also seeing a dramatic increase in the number of hybrid strains where growers combine indica and sativa to create new strains. The basic characteristics (appearance and flowering) of the strains are outlined below:

Cannabis Indica

Indica plants have a stubby appearance and a thick a wood-like trunk. They tend to grow no more than 2m in height and have wide leaves. This allows them to absorb high levels of sun which in results in flowering in less than two months. Upward growth slows once flowering begins and instead becomes bushier with branches and leaves fanning outward. The average lifespan of this species ranges from 3-4 months.

Cannabis indica characteristics:

• Short and stubby with a woody trunk
• Grow up to 2m outdoors and 1m indoors
• Distinct fat fingered leaves that absorb sun and accelerate growth
• Form flowering after 7-9 weeks
• Lifespan of 3-4 months
• Grows faster than sativa, produces more buds and higher levels of CBD.

Cannabis Sativa

It is not difficult to distinguish between the two popular strains. Cannabis sativa plants are significantly taller than indica and can grow beyond 4m in height - more than double the size of cannabis indica. A fibrous trunk produces coarse and stringy stems along with long leaves. Interestingly, cannabis sativa uses less chlorophyll during the vegetation process than indica. As a result, sativa strains have light green leaves that take longer to mature. It takes over two months for flowering to begin and sativa plants continue to grow with a life cycle that can last 6 months.

Cannabis sativa characteristics:

• Coarse and stringy stem
• Long and narrow leaves
• Uses less chlorophyll than indica
• Light green leaves
• Can take 10-12 weeks for flowering to begin
• Continue to grow during flowering and can double in size
• Life cycle up to 6 months

What are the different types of medical cannabis strains and what they do?

When referencing medical marijuana, strains fall under one one of three categories; indica, sativa, or hybrid. The components contained in each strain varies, as does the number of cannabinoids. Below is a definitive breakdown of the categories of strains along with a look at some of the most recognisable strains.

Pure Indica

Due to their faster growing time and ability to absorb sun, pure indica strains are well suited for growth in cooler climates. The relaxing and calming effect of indica makes it suitable for treatment of numerous medical conditions including insomnia, stress, inflammation relief and chronic pain. Examples of pure indica strains are Hindu Kush, Deep Chunk, Afghan Kush, Green Kush and Purple Kush.

Pura Sativa

Pure sativa strains are synonymous with certain geographical regions including South East Asia and equatorial parts of South America. They are native to tropical climates and have a higher level of THC than indica strains. Medically, sativa based products can be beneficial to patients who require treatment for depression, anxiety and appetite among other illnesses. Notable strains include Aceh, Nepalese and Thai.

You will notice that many pure strains are named after the region that they are grown in. Any strain of pure cannabis that is cultivated in its natural environment is also known as a landrace strain.

Hybrid Strains

The level and types of cannabinoids contained in the two main species (indica and sativa) vary. As a result, producers crossbreed multiple cannabis plants or specific strains to create hybrids which possess the desired characteristics. A hybrid strain with be either sativa dominant or indica dominant.

Sativa dominant strains: As sativa is recognised as an energizing strain, sativa dominant strains are associated with being uplifting. Cannabis products which provide medical benefits such as reduces anxiety will skew further toward being sativa based.

Indica dominant strains: Despite growing shorter than their counterparts, indica dominant strains produce significantly higher levels of THC and generally lower levels of CBD. Most strains will contain the word ‘kush’ in the name.

Medicinal cannabis for specific conditions

The medical uses of cannabis are increasing and will continue to do so in the future following more definitive cannabis research. Medicinal cannabis products are currently being prescribed to treat the following specific conditions:

Epilepsy: Can reduce frequency severity of seizures and muscle spasms

Chronic pain: Anti-inflammatory properties of the cannabis sativa plant can provide pain relieving effects including pain reduction.

Nausea and vomiting: Suitable to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other medical conditions. Also being prescribed to stimulate appetite and weight gain for patients with eating disorders.

Multiple Sclerosis: The TGA has approved products for treating spasticity symptoms suffered as a result of multiple sclerosis.

Cancer Patients: In addition to assisting with nausea and vomiting as mentioned above, Cannabis is being prescribed to relieve symptoms such as severe pain and depression.

Terminal Illnesses: Can help patients in palliative care suffering from neuropathic pain, mental illness issues and sleep disorders.

How is medical marijuana different to recreational marijuana?

There are fundamental differences when it comes to medical marijuana including the production, purpose, and manner which the products is consumed.

Production

Medical marijuana products in Australia are tested and scrutinised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) prior to being approved. There are strict medicinal manufacture guidelines that must be adhered to when producing any products.

Purpose

It is important to understand that there are significant difference between cannabis used for medical and recreational purposes. More often that not, recreational marijuana users are looking to get a high. Purchased illegally, users are unaware of the content of the cannabis strain they are consuming and there are instances where people grow their own cannabis plants. Popular marijuana strains for recreational users are hybrids.

In complete contrast, medical marijuana users are using cannabis products as an alternative to traditional medicines. The cannabis plant contains more than 80 cannabinoids and hundreds of other chemicals that can help with medical conditions including the following:

• Chronic pain: relieve pain, reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms
• Mental illness: stress relief, reduce anxiety
• Sleep disorders: relieve insomnia, improved sleep quality
• Eating disorders: stimulate appetite and weight gain
• Skin and nerve function: reduce symptoms, relieving muscle spasms

Product Consumption

Recreational use of cannabis is mostly consumed by smoking it in a cigarette or water pipe. This is not the case for medical users. Below is a list of medicinal cannabis products and how they are consumed:

• Oils (most common): liquid form consumed in mouth
• Vapes: smoked using a vaporizer
• Sprays: mouth and nasal sprays
• Cosmetics: patches, gels, creams
• Pills/Edibles: consumed by swallowing in mouth

What do you need to know before using medical cannabis?

By visiting Everything Green you have already take the first step which is cannabis research. It is beneficial to understand the difference between THC and CBD, the different strains and the varying effects which they provide. Many medical marijuana products are well known for their pain relieving properties, but it is essential to talk to a healthcare professional. They are aware of the different compounds and associated effects on individuals. They will be able to determine the right strain and most suitable cannabis product for your condition.