3 Important Things to Consider When Picking a Strain of Medical Marijuana

When you’re looking for a natural alternative to traditional pharmacueticals, medical marijuana is probably one of the most promising things you’ll come across. The research into its potential as a treatment for a multitude of conditions has pushed legalization along, helped to end stigma and most importantly, helped patients in need find relief for the first time in years.

However, if you’re new to the world of medical marijuana it can be overwhelming – and even if you know how you want to consume your medicine (vape, edibles, tinctures, topicals, etc.) the question still remains, what strain will be best suited for your needs? These three questions can help you narrow that down some – and from there it’s simply a matter of trial and error and your own personal preferences.

What Condition Are You Treating?

The biggest question you will need to answer is what conditions are you treating? This will play a major factor in the qualities you are looking for in a strain. For example, someone looking for pain relief would need a strain that is known for it’s muscle relaxing and analgesic effects, while someone looking to treat depression would find something more euphoric is going to be more beneficial.

Once you have determined what symptoms you are trying to treat – pain, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, anxiety, depression, tremors, spasms or any number of things – then you can consider strains based on their known effects.

Do You Need to Stay Alert and Active?

After determining what you are trying to accomplish with your medical marijuana treatment you will need to consider whether you can afford to use a more sedating strain. If you’re medicating in the evening this is less of an issue – but if you are medicating to start or throughout your day then you may want to consider a strain that will keep you more active and alert while still providing the same relief you’re looking for.  

Are You Prone to Paranoia?

One of the downsides to cannabis is that there is a slight potential for increased paranoia – especially in those who already have high anxiety. If this sounds like you, then you may want to consider a high CBD strain, or at least one with a slightly lower THC content or a more balanced THC to CBD ratio. This is because CBD will counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, making the paranoia less prevalent while still allowing the THC to work for you.

After answering these questions and understanding what you are looking for in a strain you can start narrowing down your options. Remembering simple key facts – like indica’s are more sedating and sativa’s are more energizing (but more likely to induce paranoia), while hybrids can usually help you find a solid balance of the two.

Evergreen Organix and Fleur Brands offer a variety of cannabis products and strains for adult consumers 21 and older and patients with a valid medical marijuana ID card. Evergreen Organix vapes, edibles, topicals and Fleur Brands flower can be found in licensed dispensaries using WeedMaps.com!