The Top 5 Different Strains Of Cannabis That You Can Access With A Utah Medical Marijuana Card
Experts estimate that there are over 700 different strains of cannabis in existence. Others estimate that there are over a thousand, each with its own effects.
The sheer number of medical cannabis strains can be overwhelming, especially when you are just starting out.
Different cannabis strains may produce almost similar effects, or they can be opposites. But how do you know which one you should buy for your condition?
Since you can’t try them all, one way to predict the effects of different strains of cannabis is by determining what type or category they fall under.
Still, too many variables are at play for us to accurately predict how a strain will make you feel.
However, by evaluating your symptoms, a qualified medical practitioner may be able to suggest some strains that may provide the desired results.
But before you start choosing strains, you need an issued medical marijuana card in Utah to access the dispensaries in the state.
Wondering if you qualify for a medical marijuana card in Utah? Book your appointment with our highly compassionate physicians and get approved in 30 minutes.
Medical Cannabis Strain Types
As we mentioned above, one of the best ways to predict the effects of different strains of cannabis is by determining their type.
But what is a cannabis type and strain, and what are the differences?
The terms’ cannabis strain’ and ‘type’ are often used interchangeably, but they don’t refer to the same thing.
There are only four known types of cannabis, although at most cannabis dispensaries, you are likely only to find three.
They include sativa, indica, hybrid, and ruderalis. There are different strains of cannabis under these categories. So, what are strains?
The term strain refers to a specific variety or cultivar within a cannabis type. There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of different cannabis strains available in the marijuana industry today.
While a group of strains with closely related genetics, physical features, and effects can be grouped under one cannabis type, they may have slightly different purposes when it comes to medical marijuana.
New strains are created through selective breeding, where a breeder uses genetics from two different plants to create offspring with more desirable characteristics.
Now that you know the differences between cannabis types and strains, let’s take a deeper look into the four types.
The 4 Types of Cannabis Strains
Historically, strains have been classified into three primary types: sativa, indica, and hybrid.
However, there is a fourth, albeit less known, type called ruderalis. Sativa, indica, and ruderalis are considered species or subspecies of cannabis.
But what does this classification mean for a medical cannabis patient?
1. Cannabis indica
This refers to different strains of cannabis indigenous to the Hindu Kush region of Southern Asia. Indica plants are typically shorter with a bushy appearance.
They have broader leaves, and the buds are small and dense. Indicas have a fast flowering cycle.
Indica strains are known for their relaxing, body-soothing, and often sedative effects.
2. Cannabis sativa
Sativas are known to do well in warmer climates. They often grow naturally in Eastern Asia, some parts of Africa, and Mexico.
This type of cannabis is known for its lanky appearance, narrow leaves, and longer flowering cycles. Sativas grow taller than indicas, which is why most are cultivated outdoors.
Sativa strains are associated with cerebral-focused, energizing, uplifting, and creativity-boosting effects. Because of the nature of their effects, Sativas are mostly used during the day.
3. Cannabis hybrids
As the name suggests, hybrids are created by crossing indica and sativa plants. They offer effects that are in between the two types.
Hybrids are bred to produce specific effects; for example, some are crossed to provide energizing and body-soothing benefits in one plant.
Some hybrids are bred to increase THC yields, and some to achieve a specific THC: CBD ratio.
Depending on the indica-to-sativa ratios of hybrids, they can be classified as sativa-dominant, indica-dominant, or evenly balanced.
It’s important to note that after decades of crossbreeding, most of the strains sold today are hybrids, even some of those classified as indica or sativa by dispensaries.
4. Cannabis Ruderalis
This is a less common subspecies of cannabis. It is indigenous to Central and Eastern Europe and Russia.
This type has unique characteristics that distinguish it from indicas and sativas. It has low THC and higher CBD content and is auto-flowering.
Auto-flowering means it starts flowering based on age as opposed to light cycles. This type of cannabis is uncommon and rarely used for medical or recreational purposes.
Now that you know the types, what are the different strains of cannabis?
Top 5 Medical Cannabis Strains in Utah
Note that to access cannabis strains in Utah, you need a state-issued medical marijuana card. Wondering if you qualify?
Schedule your appointment, consult with one of our qualified medical providers, and get approved in no time.
Here are different strains of cannabis and their effects.
1. Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is one of the most popular medical cannabis strains in the USA. It was bred by the Stanley Brothers in Colorado.
Originally named ‘Hippie’s Disappointment’ because of its low THC and high CBD content, it was renamed ‘Charlotte’s Web’ after Charlotte Fiji, a young girl whose severe seizures were said to have been calmed by CBD oil.
This strain has around 1% THC and over 20% CBD content, making it one of the best medical cannabis strains for those who want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC.
This strain’s effects include a soothing relaxation and a lifted, calming sensation. Consumers also suggest that it provides substantial relief for a range of conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, fatigue, seizures, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety.
2. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a slightly sativa-dominant hybrid strain. It’s a cross between two different strains of cannabis, Haze and Blueberry.
This strain boasts of an average of 17% to 24% THC content and 2% CBD, which in regular marijuana hybrids can be considered high.
Being slightly sativa dominant, the strain has an immediate onset of energizing cerebral effects that consumers describe as uplifting and motivating.
Being a hybrid means you may also experience relaxing and soothing effects. Medical cannabis consumers recommend this strain for conditions such as chronic pain, chronic stress, depression, and sleep disorders.
3. Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a pure indica strain. It is an inbred descendant of the original Afghani strain, making it a popular choice for breeders and medical cannabis consumers.
This strain’s THC levels range between 16% and 21%, making it beginner-friendly. But don’t let the mid-level THC content fool you, the effects kick in hard and heavy.
Being a pure indica, its effects include physical relaxation and euphoria.
Consumers recommend this strain for conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain, appetite problems, and anxiety.
4. Jack Herer
Jack Herer, also known as Platinum Jack or Premium Jack, is a sativa-dominant hybrid with a sativa-to-indica ratio of 80% to 20%.
This strain is named after popular American cannabis rights activist and author Jack Herer.
It was created through a cross between three different strains of cannabis: Haze, Shiva Skunk, and Northern Lights #5. So, what effects can you expect from this strain?
Medical cannabis consumers claim that this strain produces clear-headed euphoria accompanied by improved motivation and a boost of energy and creativity.
It doesn’t affect focus, especially when used in low doses, making it one of the best medical cannabis strains for use during the day for people who like to stay active.
5. Purple Kush
Purple Kush is a 100% pure indica strain created through a cross between Hindu Kush, a landrace indica, and Purple Afghani, a hybrid.
This strain is said to be one of the most powerful despite having a mid-level THC average of 22%. So, what are the effects of this strain?
Consumers report that this strain produces a warming, numbing sensation that spreads throughout the body, soothing muscles, relaxing limbs, and easing tension.
This strain goes further, leaving you completely relaxed and utterly sedated.
Medical cannabis consumers report that Purple Kush then lulls you into a deep sleep that lasts for several hours.
As such, this strain is best used during the evenings when there isn’t much left to do but get ready for bed.
Purple Kush is recommended for conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain, muscle spasms, stress, anxiety, and more.
Now that you know the effects of different strains of cannabis, how can you access them in Utah?
Get Approved for a Utah Medical Cannabis Card and Access Different Dispensaries
The effects of different strains of cannabis are mainly determined by whether they are sativa, indica, or hybrids.
Some are better for specific conditions, some for different times of day, and others do a little bit of everything well. But how can you access these medical cannabis strains in Utah?
The state has a medical marijuana program for patients with qualifying conditions as recommended by qualified medical providers in the state.
To get a medical cannabis card, you have to be evaluated by a highly compassionate physician who, depending on your condition and symptoms, may recommend you for the program.
At the Green Team Doctors, we are a coalition of local physicians with more than 300 years of combined experience practicing medicine.
We are passionate about optimizing patient experiences while fighting opioids and other pills that may be harmful in the long run.
To get approved for a marijuana card in Utah, book an appointment with one of our highly compassionate, qualified medical providers and get approved within 30 minutes or cash back!
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