Navigating the world of natural health options doesn’t have to be filled with confusion. At My Green Medical, we’re all about cutting through the noise and getting straight to what matters most: finding you the right holistic solution that vibes with your current lifestyle requirements and health needs.

With a seemingly endless array of natural therapies out there, each promising relief and wellness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide is about laying out your choices in plain language, highlighting the benefits without getting lost in the weeds. Whether you’re new to the world of plant based medicine or looking for new options, we’re here to help.

Understanding Different Plant Strains

When we talk about strains, we’re talking about the plant’s family tree. Each strain is like a distinct sub-cultivar, carefully selected and cross-pollinated over time to bring out certain desired traits — think of it as the horticultural equivalent of selecting for the juiciest apples or the spiciest chilli peppers.

These traits can range from the intensity of the effect it produces (potency), to the scent and taste (aroma and flavour), and, crucially, the kind of therapeutic benefits it might offer, often influenced significantly by the terpenes present.

The strains fall into several main categories: landrace, ruderalis, sativa, indica, and hybrids. Each of these categories has its own unique set of characteristics, shaped by genetics, growing conditions, and cultivation practices, and each category’s unique terpene profiles play a pivotal role in defining their distinct aromas, flavours, and therapeutic effects.

Landrace Strains: The Original Plant

From the mountainous regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan (home to the famous Indica strains like Afghan Kush) to the vibrant landscapes of Mexico and Colombia (where iconic Sativas like Acapulco Gold and Colombian Gold originated), Landrace strains have woven themselves into the very fabric of their local ecosystems.

Unlike hybrids that are the result of intentional crossbreeding to enhance certain traits, landrace strains have evolved through natural selection, untouched by human intervention. This evolutionary process has imbued them with a genetic simplicity and stability that is rare in today’s strains, making them highly valued for their unadulterated profiles of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Landrace Characteristics

Landrace strains are typically classified by their geographic origin, such as Afghani (Indica) from Afghanistan or Durban Poison (Sativa) from South Africa. These strains have not been crossbred with other varieties, retaining their original genetic properties.

Landrace Therapeutic Benefits

The pure genetics of landrace strains offer unique therapeutic benefits. For example, Indica landrace strains are renowned for their relaxing and sedative effects, making them ideal for treating anxiety and insomnia. Sativa landrace strains, on the other hand, are valued for their energising and uplifting effects, which can help alleviate depression and fatigue.

Landrace Compounds

The cannabinoid and terpene profiles of landrace strains are distinct and less altered by breeding, providing a unique spectrum of effects. Myrcene, a common terpene in many Indica landrace strains, is known for its sedative properties, while limonene, found in Sativa landrace strains, has mood-elevating effects.

Ruderalis Strains: The Auto-Flowering Variety

Originating from Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, Ruderalis strains are the hardy survivors of the cannabis world. Their claim to fame? The unique auto-flowering trait. Unlike other cannabis strains that require specific light cycles to begin flowering, Ruderalis plants automatically flower after a certain period of growth.

The resilience and genetic traits of Ruderalis have a special appeal in the development of medicinal varieties. With typically lower THC levels and higher CBD content, Ruderalis based hybrids can offer therapeutic benefits without the intense psychoactive effects associated with higher THC strains.

Ruderalis Characteristics

Ruderalis plants are small, hardy, and have a robust growth cycle. They typically contain lower levels of THC but can be high in CBD, making them an excellent option for medicinal users seeking relief without intense psychoactive effects.

Ruderalis Therapeutic Benefits

The high CBD content in ruderalis strains offers potential benefits for patients seeking anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain-relief properties without the strong high associated with THC-dominant strains.

Ruderalis Compounds

Besides CBD, ruderalis strains may also contain other beneficial cannabinoids such as CBC and CBG, as well as terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene, contributing to their therapeutic potential.

Sativa Strains: The Energizers

Cannabis Sativa strains are known for their invigorating, uplifting effects that can boost creativity, focus, and energy. Originating from equatorial regions like Thailand, Colombia, and Mexico, these strains are ideal for daytime use.

Sativa Characteristics 

Sativa plants are tall with narrow leaves and typically take longer to mature than Indicas. They are known for their high THC content and low CBD levels, contributing to their stimulating effects.

Therapeutic Benefits 

Sativas are often recommended for their ability to alleviate symptoms of mood disorders, fatigue, and attention deficits. Their energising effect can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with depression or chronic fatigue.

Sativa Compounds

Terpenes such as pinene and limonene are prevalent in Sativa strains, offering additional benefits like enhanced alertness and stress relief.

Hybrid Strains: Best of Both Worlds

Hybrid strains are cultivated by crossing Sativa and Indica plants, aiming to combine the most desirable traits of both. This breeding process has led to the creation of strains that offer a balanced spectrum of effects, tailored to specific therapeutic needs.

Hybrid Characteristics

Hybrids can be Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, or balanced, allowing patients to select strains based on the desired effect, whether it be relaxation, euphoria, or a combination of both. The physical characteristics of hybrid strains can vary widely, depending on their parentage.

Hybrid Therapeutic Benefits

The versatility of hybrid strains makes them suitable for a broad range of conditions. Indica-dominant hybrids may be effective for pain relief and insomnia, while Sativa-dominant hybrids could be better suited for managing anxiety, depression, and lack of appetite. Balanced hybrids offer a middle ground, potentially easing multiple symptoms with a more moderate effect.

Compounds

Hybrids tend to have a diverse cannabinoid and terpene profile, combining the therapeutic properties of both Sativa and Indica strains. For instance, a hybrid might feature linalool for its anxiety-reducing effects and caryophyllene for its anti-inflammatory properties, alongside a balanced THC and CBD content.

How To Choose a Strain

Selecting the ideal cannabis strain for medicinal purposes involves more than just picking a name off a list; it’s about understanding the components that make each strain effective for various conditions and symptoms. The right choice can significantly impact your therapeutic experience, offering relief and improving your quality of life. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the critical factors in choosing a strain that aligns with your health needs:

Assessing THC and CBD Content

The balance between THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) in a strain is pivotal in shaping its effects. Strains with a higher concentration of THC tend to be more psychoactive, which might be beneficial for conditions requiring pain relief or nausea reduction. On the other hand, strains rich in CBD are less likely to induce intoxication, making them suitable for treating anxiety, inflammation, and seizures without the intense high.

Identifying Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its scent and flavour, but their role extends beyond just sensory experience. They also have therapeutic effects, such as limonene’s potential stress-relief and myrcene’s sedative qualities. Understanding which terpenes resonate with your symptoms can lead you to the most appropriate strain.

Considering Other Cannabinoids 

While THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, others like CBN and CBG also offer unique benefits. CBN is gaining attention for its potential to promote sleep, whereas CBG may help with inflammation, pain, and even neuroprotection. Considering a strain’s full cannabinoid profile can provide a more comprehensive approach to symptom management.

Remember, what works well for one person might not have the same effect on another, so it’s important to approach this process with an open mind and a willingness to follow medical guidance.

Learn More at My Green Medical

At My Green Medical, we’re dedicated to offering expert advice and support tailored to your individual requirements. Our clinic, located within ChemPro chemists in Annerley, Brisbane, and soon in Nerang and Surfers Paradise, provides a holistic approach to health and well-being. 

Focusing on plant-based medicine as a viable option for those where conventional treatments may have fallen short, we invite you to book an appointment with us. Together, we can navigate the path to wellness with confidence, armed with knowledge and the compassionate support of My Green Medical Clinic.