If you’re new to medical cannabis, dispensaries and collectives can be a bit overwhelming. How do you know what strains will help your specific condition the most? Ultimately, every person is different and will respond best to some types of cannabis over others. To help get you started, here are 10 best medical cannabis strains for you to consider.
1. Avidekel
Hailing all the way from Israel, Avidekel was bred exclusively for the medical cannabis market. Recreational herb isn’t legal in Israel, but the state is rapidly expanding its medical cannabis program. As it should, too. Israel is home to the father of THC, Raphael Mechoulam.
This is high-CBD strain was created by Tikun Olam, a leading medical cannabis supplier in Israel. Avidekel features a THC content 1% and a CBD content of 15-20%. As an indica, Avidekel is great for nighttime use.
2. Charlotte’s Web
By this point, you probably have already heard of Charlotte’s Web. This strain is named after Charlotte Figi, a young girl with Dravet Syndrome. Dravet is a rare form of epilepsy that causes hundreds of seizures each month. Charlotte had tried standard pharmaceutical treatment to no avail. Then she found the Stanley Brother’s and a special high-CBD strain that they had cultivated. It worked like a charm. In her first week of treatment with this strain, her seizures dropped from triple digits down to about 1 or 2. Charlotte’s Web features a CBD content of 20% and a THC content of 0.5% or less.
Charlotte had tried standard pharmaceutical treatment to no avail. Then she found the Stanley Brother’s and a special high-CBD strain that they had cultivated. It worked like a charm. In her first week of treatment with this strain, her seizures dropped from triple digits down to about 1 or 2. Charlotte’s Web features a CBD content of 20% and a THC content of 0.5% or less.
3. Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies is quickly becoming a favorite of medical patients everywhere. If you’re suffering from pain, migraine, or just really need the strong stuff, this strain is for you. GSC is a sativa dominant hybrid, giving it energizing and electric effects. It typically features a THC content of up to 24% and is commonly available in dispensaries and collectives.
4. One to One
This strain is unique. It features a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC, making it extremely practical for a wide variety of medical conditions. In fact, GW Pharmaceutical’s drug Sativex features a 1:1 ratio as well. So, One to One is a great choice for those with muscle spasticity who cannot access the pharmaceutical drug. Though contents may vary slightly in the plant version, you can expect this strain to produce fairly consistent results.
Though contents may vary slightly in the plant version, you can expect this strain to produce fairly consistent results.
5. ACDC
This high-CBD strain was specifically bred for dietary cannabis. The abbreviation “ACDC” stands for Alternative Cannabinoid Dietary Cannabis. While you can vape or heat this high-CBD strain, it also works wonders when consumed raw. To use raw cannabis correctly, aim for fresh uncured bud and avoid heating.
Both heat and aging transform cannabinoid acids into their active form. For example, when heated, THC transforms into a psychoactive. While some people do not respond well to activated cannabis, they may respond very well to the raw version of the herb. Find more info on dietary cannabis here.
6. Afghan Kush
Afghan Kush is one potent indica. This strain will knock out pain and insomnia alike. Need something that will very quickly help you calm down and take the edge off of anxiety? Afghan Kush will do the trick. This pure indica is incredibly pungent and features a THC content of around 20%. As a warning, this strain will very quickly put you to sleep. Not the best choice for daytime medication.
7. Strawberry Cough
This high-THC strain is wonderful for patients who respond well to the psychoactive. The effectiveness of this sativa helped it quickly rise to stardom among West Coast dispensaries. With a distinct strawberry flavor and a unique, pleasant, and uplifting high, Strawberry Cough is great for those who require daytime medication. This easygoing lady features a THC content up to 18%.
8. Harlequin
This strain has a consistent 5:2 ratio of CBD to THC. If you are looking for pain relief without the high, you might really enjoy Harlequin. The distinct CBD/THC ratio is also great for mental health concerns, such as anxiety and clinical depression. Oils made using the Harlequin strain also make for potent and effective medicine for muscle spasms and a variety of related medical conditions.
9. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is another favorite among medical patients. A high-THC hybrid, Blue Dream’s effects are energizing and clear headed. Yet, due to a little indica in the mix, this strain acts as a mild muscle relaxer. Choose this strain when you’re in need of some daytime medication.
10. Stress Killer
Bred by Royal Queen Seeds, Stress Killer is a high CBD strain with low to moderate amounts of THC. The THC content rests at about 11%. This train is perfect for those who need a little THC boost, but don’t want anything too over the top. This strain will produce a very mild, sedative high and is a good choice for daytime medication.
As mentioned earlier, everyone responds differently to medical cannabis. Working closely with your doctor and access point will help you find what works best for you. Yet, the one way to find out for sure is to try a little of each kind and track how well it manages your symptoms.
What’s your favorite medical cannabis strain? Share your story with us on social media or in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
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