Marijuana is the most popular recreational drug around the world. Made from the dried leaves and buds of the cannabis plant. Medical marijuana is used to treat various common circumstances. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved the use of the plant worldwide for medicinal purposes, still many states have legitimated marijuana for medical use.
Two major types of marijuana plants are Sativa and Indica. The simplest way to differentiate between both plants is by looking at them.
Sativa types originate from Asia and the Indian subcontinent. They can grow up to 6 or 7 meters long and this growth is more salient during the flowering stage in favorable conditions. Sativa has slender and taller leaves. Their leaves are also much lighter.
Indica plants are shorter, their leaves are broader and thicker. Absorbing more sunlight, causes their leaves to have a deep color. Indica plants mainly grow in dry or less temperate climates like the Middle East, Turkey, India, and Pakistan.
According to stats, it has been found that about 158.8 million people around the world use marijuana, which is more than 3.8% of the whole world’s population.
Effects:
Like physical differences, both types have quite different effects on users. Each strain has its own range of effects on the body and mind. Effects often depends on the THC(tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD ratio. Resulting, in a wide range of medicinal benefits also. Generally, Indica strains provide a feeling of deep body relaxation. While, Sativa strains tend to provide a more energizing experience.
Effects of Sativa strains:
Sativa specializes in treating mental and behavioral issues. It has the main psychoactive constituent, high density of THC which produce more of a ‘head high’. This high density of THC induces energy and creativity as it releases cerebral parameter. Furthermore, a mild amount of Sativa as be known for:
- Energizing the user
- Increase focus and creativity
- Conducting optimism in user
- Promoting the sense of well-being
- Reports show that sativa strains have been studied as a dynamic treatment for many situations such as cancer-related weakness, weight loss, chronic pain, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia. Most popular Sativa types are Durban Poison, Jack Herer, Green Kush, Super Sour Diesel, Black Widow, Super Jack.
Effects of Indica strains:
Indica mainly effects the body. Indica strains have the higher level of CBD and CNB than Sativa strains, so medicine produced from Cannabis Indica plants have higher CBD and lower THC counts. This gives a more relaxing and sedative feeling. Also known as the “Couch-locked” effect. Indica is known for:
- Muscles relaxation
- Increase appetite
- Migraine Relief
- Decrease nausea
Increase the amount of dopamine which helps to control the brain’s reward and pleasure center
Two approved drugs from Indica are Dronabinol and Nabilone. Both are made from synthetic forms of ingredients found in marijuana. They are now legally prescribed for the treatment of nausea and vomiting. Dronabinol might also be used for the treatment of anorexia which associates with weight loss, as well as fibromyalgia, lupus, glaucoma, asthma, auto-immune diseases. Most popular Indica types are Northern Lights, Blueberry Kush, Dark Star, OG Kush, Bubba Kush.
