The two primary strains of the cannabis plant utilized for medicine are Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. Both types have numerous original landrace genetics that originate from different regions of the world. There are numerous distinct strains, each with a particular cannabinoid profile and therapeutic benefit, present within each of those types.
Indica strains grow and mature more quickly than Sativa strains because they contain more chlorophyll. Hybrids are produced by mating Indica and Sativa strains, or by combining them. According to the indica/sativa ratios that each phenotypic possesses, the resulting hybrid strains will develop, mature, and differ medically.
The advantage of hybridization is that it allows the breeder to try to develop strains that are tailored to the demands of patients and growers. Since most strains have been crossed at some point, hybrid strains currently predominate the market.
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Pure Sativa
In the medical marijuana industry, pure Sativa cannabis is uncommon because it’s difficult to grow these strains, particularly inside and outdoors in the northern hemisphere (Canada). Since retailers prefer to stock popular strains and pure Sativas aren’t all that common, it can be difficult to find seeds of these kinds.
Sativas are typically grown in more tropical areas (Colombia, Mexico, and Southeast Asia). Light green in hue, they develop into tall, slender plants with narrow leaves. In comparison to Indica strains, they develop more swiftly and can grow up to 20 feet tall in a single growing season.
They can take anywhere between 10 and 16 weeks to fully develop once flowering has started. The flavors range from fruity and sweet to earthy.
The effects of pure Sativa frequently cause psychosis and erratic heartbeats. Pure Sativa is therefore an uncommon choice when it comes to medical products. The effects of consuming too much pure sativa can be comparable to those of consuming significantly too much caffeine.
Sativas have to elevate properties that could help with depression, exhaustion, hunger stimulation, discomfort, and nausea. The strains that were most widely used and easily accessible in North America in the 1960s and 1970s were sativa.
Pure sativa strains are extremely sought-after by breeders, who harness their genetic stability to produce designer hybrid strains despite how uncommon they are.
Read More: Beginner’s Guide to Marijuana Strains
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
These are sativa strains that a breeder has cross-pollinated to meet certain requirements, including exotic tastes and odors and the stimulating qualities that sativas are renowned for. These hybrids frequently have some indica traits but are more sativa dominant in appearance.
Due to their motivating qualities, which frequently come without the psychosis associated with pure sativa strains, hybrid sativa dominant strains are highly sought-after as medical marijuana.
Sativa-dominant strains are ideal for daytime use since they are energizing, and energetic, and provide an “intellectual” high. These kinds are excellent medicines since they contain antidepressant and appetite-stimulating properties.
Pure Cannabis
Original pure Indica strains originated in hash-producing nations including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Tibet. They are compact, short plants with broad leaves that frequently turn a darker green due to higher chlorophyll content and lower accessory pigment levels (accessory pigments protect the plant from excessive sunlight).
They reach maturity in 6 to 8 weeks after flowering begins and are better suited for indoor growth because they don’t get as tall as sativas. The dense, thick blossoms will have a variety of smells and fragrances, from skunky, and pungent, to sweet and delicious.
By far, indica plants have the most numbing, sedative, and calming effects. Because indicas have a potent, hazy high, patients typically use them later in the day for sleeplessness and severe discomfort. Patients seeking medical treatment highly value their potent sedative and pain-blocking properties.
Indica Hybrid Dominant
These are the best and most well-liked medical benefits. The most well-known of these today is unquestionably the “Kush” strains. The bulk of medical marijuana is hybrid indica since it tends to have numerous characteristics that both growers and patients find appealing.
Since they were bred with Cannabis Ruderalis, they have higher CBD concentrations, which makes them useful as a sleep aid for people with injuries, insomnia, or severe inflammation.
Ruderalis
Like Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Ruderalis is a subtype of the cannabis plant. It comes from Central Russia and has some extremely distinctive and distinguishing characteristics. Ruderalis is hardly ever grown for recreational use and has extremely little THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) concentration.
It is becoming more and more common to use it as a breeding stock for therapeutic strains due to its high CBD (Cannabidiol) content. The fact that Ruderalis blossoms according to age rather than the light cycle makes it quite intriguing. It’s known as autoflowering.
This implies that it will naturally begin to develop blooms on its own genetic schedule even if cultivated indoors with 24 hours of light. Therefore, it will be very likely to cauliflower and have a higher CBD content when it is crossed with an indica or sativa.
Additionally, Ruderalis is not easily harmed by pests or illnesses. The genetic/medical benefits of Cannabis ruderalis have fundamentally altered how geneticists and seed breeders create strains. It is currently one of the least utilized base genomes, but things are changing very quickly across the board.