James Mash

Medical cannabis is available in many strains, with each varying cannabis strain producing different effects. This means each strain is suitable for treating various types of medical conditions.  There are three main types of cannabis strain.  The two most widespread strains of the marijuana plant are cannabis Sativa and cannabis Indica. It is easy to tell them apart by their different appearances, but there are also chemical differences. Knowing the differences between how these two plants interact with the body and their unique properties will help you determine the best for your health needs.  How Can Cannabinoids from Cannabis Help The Body? Cannabis is a complex plant, and research indicates it has over 400 chemical compounds. Of these, there are many different compounds referred to as cannabinoids. When found in plants, we can describe these as phytocannabinoids, and they provide the plant with protection for many things, such as insect attacks to UV protection. The human body produces its own type of cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids. These are produced by the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) and help the body regulate essential functions such as mood, pain control, sleep, and immune response.   When there is an imbalance in human endocannabinoid production, phytocannabinoids from plants like cannabis can fill the gap. These phytocannabinoids can help by replacing what the body can't or isn't producing sufficient quantities of.   When we consume cannabis, the various cannabinoids can bind to different receptors. These play different roles in our bodies, which isn't fully understood yet, and a lot more research is still required.   How many Cannabinoids are there? We don't know for sure, but so far, over 113 have been identified. The two most well researched are THC and CBD, but these are just the tip of the iceberg.  All the cannabinoids can be divided into different subgroups such as Cannabichromenes, Cannabicyclols, Cannabidiols (the most common is CBD), Cannabielsoins, Cannabigerols, Cannabinols and Cannabinodiols,  Cannabitriols, Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinols, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinols (of which THC and THCA belong), and many miscellaneous others yet to be classified. As many of these are yet to be studied, we don't know what their exact role is when taken in the body. Cannabinoids are only one set of the compounds found in plants, terpens and flavonoids are also present, and these account for the flavor and smell. However, they seem to have medical qualities as well.  Many of these cannabinoid compounds in the raw cannabis plant have an extra carboxyl group attached. For example, tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) is not intoxicating as it is in the wrong form for the body to consume. So a method of decarboxylation is used through heating the compounds, which in the case of THCA converts it to THC, allowing the full effects to be felt.  Cannabis Sativa Medical Uses Sativa strains of cannabis are known for the energizing and uplifting effects. They typically contain higher levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than cannabinoids. This means they deliver greater euphoric and cerebral stimulation than Indica cannabis strains.  Because of this high, they are often better used in the day time. They help boost creativity and relieve symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, stress, and physical pain. This makes Sative good for treating the following illnesses. Mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorders.  ADHA HIV/AIDS Glaucoma Alzheimer's Disease.  Cannabis Indica Medical Uses Indica strains are most known for their soothing and sedating effects. They typically have a higher cannabinoid level than Sativa strains, which is the reason behind the relaxation effect.  Indica strains can help treat symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, headaches, seizures, nausea, physical pain, and muscle spasms.   Indican strains are commonly used to treat the following illnesses.  Cancer Multiple Sclerosis Fibromyalgia Lupu Sleep Apnea Anxiety disorders like OCD, PTSD, and panic attacks.  Arthritis PMS Crohn's Disease Epilepsy Hybrid Strains Medical Uses By crossbreeding different strains of Indica and Sativa, their properties can be mixed. The new plant will inherit a mix of properties from each of the two parent plants, so it will have a mix of properties and fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to Sativa and Indica strains.