9+ Best Medical Marijuana Strains of All Time

Numerous individuals use medical marijuana strains to manage different health conditions.

Still, many patients can experience difficulty deciding what kind of marijuana strains to utilize for easing chronic disease symptoms.

Explore some of the best medical marijuana strains, whether you’re dealing with pain, PTSD, cancer, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, or many others.

When discussing the finest medical marijuana strains, the first and foremost variety that comes to our mind is the Sour Diesel cannabis strain; visit the official website to buy these seeds.

Cannabis, which we also know as marijuana, weed, pot, or dope, is the condensed flowers and leaves of the plant. This beautiful plant contains psychoactive compounds like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and additional active compounds like CBD (cannabidiol), which are not mind-altering.

When selecting the right medical marijuana strains to improve your medical condition, it’s essential to understand the types of weed and how it tends to be useful for you as a patient.

Hybrid marijuana comes in Indica- and Sativa-dominant hybrid types. You will see that they organize seeds or buds by Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid in dispensaries. A hybrid is a mix of both weed species, which can provide many medicinal health benefits.

Every patient has a unique endocannabinoid system that helps their body process the cannabinoids like THC and CBD to accomplish the medicinal effects. Every patient’s ECS uniqueness may explain why some react differently to every cannabis type’s widespread impact.

Thus, a patient new to medical marijuana strains should be mindful to start slowly and cautiously consuming each strain to find the one that helps appropriately.

How does Medical Marijuana Work?

Breeders use the whole weed plant to obtain medical marijuana benefits, or they utilize its extracts to manage symptoms for many conditions.

Although the FDA has not permitted marijuana strains for medical use, two medications that comprise cannabinoid chemicals have been approved by the FDA as of late.

Prescriptions and Effectiveness

Patients can take it to treat nausea and improve appetite, and THC is effective in doing it. Despite this, the FDA does not approve marijuana for numerous reasons.

Marijuana can create multiple adverse effects that often outweigh its health benefits. Marijuana also tends to change between strains, making its strength and impact differ significantly.

Pain and Medical Marijuana

Individuals look to medical marijuana strains essentially to treat pain. Cancer, long-term headaches, and other chronic conditions such as nerve pain or glaucoma are some of the most ordinary conditions that the best cannabis strains can treat.

Medical marijuana refers to cannabis strains or cannabinoids as medical treatment to manage disease or alleviate its symptoms. Cannabinoids can be administered orally, sublingually, or topically; they can be smoked, inhaled, blended in with food, or made into tea. You can take it in the natural extract by isomerizing cannabidiol or synthetic product.

Medical marijuana may also be useful for various health benefits, such as reducing multiple sclerosis symptoms, Crohn’s disease, seizures, and other chronic diseases. 

Forms and Side Effects

Medical marijuana might be useful in an assortment of ways. It might be smoked, vaporized, eaten, or taken as a fluid extract. Some cannabis strains can create diverse effects, and because of differences in intensity, these can range in severity. Users may have severe effects such as drowsiness, short-term memory loss, dizziness, euphoria, and anxiety.

Function of Cannabinoids

We can feel the effects of medical marijuana by its substance compounds in the cannabis plant, including 400 different cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), allowing its drug to have various psychological and physiological effects on the human body.

Other marijuana plants contain different and often unpredictable THC concentrations, different cannabinoids, and hundreds of different molecules with pharmacological effects.

Thus, we cannot foresee the final net influence. Intense effects while impaired can include euphoria and anxiety.

Cannabinoids are an assortment of substances located in the medical marijuana plant. The most prevalent psychoactive elements in cannabis are cannabinoids, primarily THC. You can yield as much as 34% THC with careful selection and growing.

Another psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis Sativa is Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), but it is just found in small amounts and is a cannabinoid antagonist.

There are similar aggregates in medical marijuana that do not display psychoactive response but are essential for its usefulness: Cannabidiol (CBD), an isomer of THC; Cannabivarin (CBV) is an analog of Cannabinol (CBN) with a different side chain, Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is an analog of CBD with another side chain, and cannabinol acid.

How these other composites interact with THC is not entirely understood. Some clinical researchers have proposed that CBD is a balancing agent to regulate the strength of the psychoactive THC.

On the THC and CBD symmetry, CBD regulates THC’s effect by inactivating cytochrome P450, an important class of enzymes that utilize drugs.

Experiments in which babies got treatment with CBD followed by THC showed that CBD could increase THC’s brain concentrations and its primary metabolites, most likely because it decreased THC’s clearance rate from the body.

Conditions Medical Marijuana Can Manage

Sativa and Indica strains are the two main medical marijuana species with many subspecies or strains. Sativa strains hold high THC than CBD and CBN, while Indica strains contain high CBD and CBN than THC level.

These cannabinoids are beneficial compounds in cannabis strains that deliver medical and psychoactive effects.

Medical marijuana strains containing cannabinoids may help treat certain uncommon forms of epilepsy, nausea, vomiting with chemotherapy, and appetite loss and weight loss associated with AIDS.

Some proof suggests the modest benefits of different strains or cannabinoids for back pain and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms. Cannabis isn’t useful for glaucoma. Research on medical marijuana and cannabinoids for various conditions is in its beginning phases.

Limited research suggests that with moderate to high THC and CBD, some of the most popular and finest medical marijuana strains might help with the following health conditions:

Chronic Pain Reliever: Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid?

Numerous essential oils made from Indica strains, Sativa strains, or hybrid strains have the same healing benefits as marijuana buds. Furthermore, some high-CBD flowers have been used from time to time to make some popular tinctures and oils. Both can be beneficial as lotions, topical creams, and massage oils.

Moreover, you can also ingest it in teas, coffees, butter, cookies, or tinctures. Sativa and Indica types have been proven equally important over time for manufacturers to produce the best effect and flavor.

Furthermore, some popular essential oils have the additional benefit of being ready to be used as an aromatherapy. The effect, smell, and flavors of numerous oils have the best healing qualities, such as Lemon demulcent giving you the best-uplifted feeling. Purple Kush or similar flavors help with relaxation sleep.

We’ve just sprung to rediscover its healing qualities. But to be honest, this has to do with psychoactive properties and how most governments were unwilling to legitimize it.

Hybridized cannabis may treat various medical conditions. Today, cannabis experts perceive marijuana as perhaps the best treatment alternative for pain management, whether they are Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid strains.

Indica Strains

For Cancer Patients who experience nausea, appetite loss, sleeping difficulty, and depression, an Indica strain can help users eat, sleep, rest, and give a euphoric boost to assist the patient with the miserable stresses of dealing with cancer.

The plants of Indica strains can grow broad, dense, and generally a lot shorter than the Sativa dominant hybrid marijuana plant. Besides, an Indica strain type has a more sedative impact on the patient.

Moreover, Indica strains are perfect for alleviating the symptoms of patients suffering from insomnia and pain. They can also alleviate symptoms of different diseases and disorders, such as Anxiety, Arthritis, MS, Parkinson’s disease, Anxiety, and Chronic Pain.

Sativa Strains

Unlike Indica strains, Sativa strains will have a more cerebral, pain-relieving, and psychoactive effect and less full-body sedating effects. Some Sativa strains have low THC potency.

Therefore, they are ideal for daytime use. You will get to enjoy an energetic body-high effect with Sativa strains that come in many flavors and fragrances.

The plants of Sativa cannabis strains can reach up to 20 feet. One of the best traits of any Sativa strain type is managing symptoms while allowing a patient to pass the time without feeling too tired.

Patients can use Sativa dominant medical marijuana strains to treat several disorders like nausea, depression, appetite, glaucoma, AIDS, headaches, and chronic pain.

With its sweet berry flavor and penetrating effect like sedation, Blue Dream Sativa hybrid is one of the most popular medical strains for managing depression, nausea, and pain. Several people only prefer Blue Dream to get relief from their medical conditions.

Hybrid Strains

The cross of Indica and Sativa, Indica and Indica, or Sativa and Sativa produce a new hybrid weed strain. Along with Sativa and Indica strains, breeders also use Ruderalis strains to make it autoflower type. It can render the best therapeutic effect on some patients.

Hybrid cannabis is a blend of two or more strains, allowing the patient to get the coveted effects of Sativa and Indica in a single hybrid strain. For instance, let’s say a patient has arthritis pain but needs to sedate before work every day.

A hybrid strain would allow the patient to receive the soothing effect of Indica strains without becoming too tired.

Even though we perceive marijuana strain as a moderately new medical herb, records indicate that individuals have been using marijuana for thousands of years!

In other words, we often relate it to cancer, but there are other medical conditions where this plant can be useful. For example, White Widow Sativa hybrid is one of the most popular medical marijuana strains that can overcome the loss of appetite, depression, or anxiety. Moreover, White Widow is the one to get that perfect morning kick that renders an energizing Sativa effect.

Utilizing Medical Marijuana Strains

To use medical marijuana, you can apply the following methods:

• Put a few drops of a liquid under your tongue.
• Apply it to the skin as a lotion, oil, or cream.
• Make marijuana edibles to eat, such as coffee, brownie, or butter.
• Inhale it through a vaporizer.
• Smoke the marijuana of your choice.

Most cannabinoids are lipophilic (fat-soluble) compounds that are easily stored in fat. Thus, it yields a long elimination half-life compared with other recreational drugs.

According to Redwood Laboratories, the THC particle and related compounds are detectable in drug tests from 3-10 days. Long-term users can deliver positive results for a few months after quitting. You can explore more about THC detox on Cannabis drug testing and body cleansing (THC detox).

Is Medical Marijuana Safe?

If you are facing problems with smoking marijuana regularly, you should take a tolerance break. Moreover, if you are undergoing uncomfortable signs or side effects of medical practice, primarily pain and illness, talk with your physician about all your options before utilizing cannabis.

Doctors may weigh medical marijuana in limited dosage as an option if other methods don’t work. However, we need further research to clarify this topic, but the possible side effects of medical marijuana may include the following symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Impaired concentration and memory
• Negative drug-to-drug interactions
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Addiction
• Slower reaction times
• Vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Withdrawal symptoms

The Importance of Lab Testing

Lab testing lets you recognize what’s in your strain. It also enables you to realize that the cannabis you’re consuming is safe. Various characteristics make up individual strains. To effectively choose a weed, you must understand what those elements are, where lab testing comes in.

For any cannabis you purchase from a legal dispensary, you must go through lab testing to ascertain a strain’s cannabinoid and terpene profile. It also examines whether the plant holds unsafe fungicides, pesticides, or harmful chemicals.

Lab testing lets you recognize what’s in your strain. It can assist you in deciding which strains to try. However, it also enables you to realize that the cannabis you’re consuming is safe.

CBD and Physiology

Before the FDA authorized Epidiolex (a purified CBD product) as a medication, studies assessed its effectiveness. Some participants had side effects, mostly loose bowels or sleepiness, and some created liver capacity abnormalities.

In some instances, study participants were required to discontinue Epidiolex due to liver problems. Besides, Epidiolex is also associated with some of the common drugs these individuals were taking.

We can manage problems like this in patients taking Epidiolex because they’re using CBD under medical watch. Individuals who use CBD all alone don’t have this kind of knowledge. They may not even understand how much CBD they utilize.

A 2017 analysis of 84 CBD products found that 26% held substantially less CBD than the label showed, and 43% had significantly more.

Has the FDA Approved Medical Marijuana?

The cannabidiol Epidiolex is legal for treating seizures associated with epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome. The FDA has also approved dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros) and nabilone (Cesamet) to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

Another problem is that the FDA doesn’t manage medical marijuana like it does prescription medicines. Although the united states drug administration controls and regulate sales in the states, they usually don’t have various resources. That indicates that medical marijuana’s strength and components in medical marijuana can vary significantly depending on where you purchase it. 

To get medical marijuana, you require a written reference from a licensed doctor in the united states where it is legal. It would help if you had a disease that qualifies for medical cannabis applications. Each state has its listing of qualifying medical conditions. Once you get a medical card, you can acquire buds from any dispensary.

Is Cannabis a Mind-altering Plant?

Some of the unfavorable health impacts of cannabis could be long-lasting, especially for hefty users and young individuals, developing proof points specifically to THC’s risks. When you ingest or inhale cannabis, THC joins to cannabinoid receptors, leading to memory fluctuation, mood changes, appetite, and pain perception, among several influences.

In hefty users, those effects might linger even after the intoxication has finished. Studies shift in the definition of ‘weighty’ use. Still, the term generally refers to individuals who use cannabis three times a week, usually every day, and habitually for years.

In a 2016 review of 105 subjects, Solowij and colleagues stated that numerous users performed worse after 12 to 24 hours of abstinence than non-users and less-regular users on verbal learning and memory tasks.

Several weeks of abstinence can prompt some recovery of cognitive capacity. Studies suggest that widespread use is connected with longer-lasting alterations to the brain’s strength.

Psychosis is another central zone of concern. Researchers determine that cannabis can inflate the risk of psychotic symptoms in those predisposed to the illness, especially with high-THC plants’ daily use.

In her review for the Canadian government, Clement found that individuals who used cannabis frequently had a higher risk of developing schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms than those who never used it.

Top 10 Best Medical Marijuana Strains

Well-known Medical Marijuana Sativa-dominant Strains

#1 – Green Crack

Green Crack medical marijuana buds assist you to relax without feeling inactive or tired. This Sativa-dominant strain type makes it ideal for those seeking remedial health benefits without having to slow down.

The relaxing Indica properties of this medical marijuana strain reduce tension, relax tissue, soothe tired areas, and reduce chronic pain. This herb is one of the best strains that renders a remarkable energy boost, keeping you focused on whatever you do. GC is undoubtedly one of the best medical marijuana out there.

#2 – Jack Herer

Jack Herer is one of the most calming medical marijuana strains, making it fitting for those experiencing high anxiety levels caused by stress. This Indica-Sativa cross strain carries mood-altering qualities that help manage everyday aches and pains or even stress-induced headaches.

If you generally need to feel good, the Jack Herer strain can direct you towards some relief. Besides, it is a glorious morning cannabis strain because it tends to be stimulating while also placing individuals in the right attitude. For those lacking energy (or inspiration), this cannabis strain can give you reasonable satisfaction.

#3 – Pineapple Haze

Cancer patients can advantage significantly from Pineapple Haze medical marijuana and derivatives. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments will cause headaches, fatigue, and nausea, which leads to loss of appetite. This Indica-Sativa cross cannabis strain holds numerous medicinal advantages that can help with numerous conditions.

This medical marijuana strain can improve appetite, takes away nausea, helps with fatigue, treats headaches, and eases pains. There are medicinal health benefits of Pineapple Haze cannabis strain that help with chronic, debilitating psychological issues. Some of these including Depression, Stress, Insomnia, Nausea, ADHD, Anxiety, and PTSD.

#4 – Sour Diesel

Just about every strain holds unique health benefits, Sour Diesel strain is no different. Having said that, Sour Diesel is an excellent strain for stress relief, appetite boosting, anxiety, pain, insomnia, and many more.

The increasing demand for Sour Diesel strain in the medical community indicates that it is useful in managing several conditions. You can relax without feeling heavy head with a spicy mixture of fuel, skunk, and citrus flavor of Sour Diesel strain.

That’s what makes this Sour Diesel medical marijuana strain so great for people suffering from mental issues and depression.

#5 – Super Lemon Haze

As an energizing medical marijuana strain, it’s one of the most popular strains among users who want to fight fatigue throughout the day. It produces a perceptive cerebral high, so the strain may keep you inspired while actively fighting off fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

This Sativa-dominant hybrid is also beneficial for people who live a high-stress life. With a little sweet-like, zesty, and citrusy flavor, it not only reduces pain but also makes you comfortable and uplifts your mood. This popular strain keeps different problems at bay, like back pain, migraines, and joint pains.

Well-known Medical Marijuana Indica-dominant Strains

#6 – Blueberry

Unlike energized Sativa strains, Blueberry is a sweet, relaxing, pain-relieving, and Indica-heavy medical marijuana strain. Although the effect of this Indica strain may not make you stick to the couch, it’s the one to smoke if you need a restful sleep at night.

For those who endure difficulty relaxing, this Indica-dominant hybrid can encourage them to get the required comfort thanks to its delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. However, this strain does not include high CBD content.

Regardless of whether it’s stress, anxiety, or unease, this sweet and juicy Indica strain type is good at boosting the mood so that you can enjoy your day. Numerous individuals can opt for this marijuana to manage everything from everyday pain such as headaches and muscle spasms to lifelong migraine and anxiety issues.

#7 – Bubba Kush

Being one of the most highly-rated marijuana strains globally, this Kush reflects all the essential traits like a strong and sweet flavor of chocolate, gasoline, and coffee, and the potent soothing effect.

The “high” generated from this Kush is calming and long-lasting, but take care of the dosage as this hybrid Kush contains a high level of the psychoactive compound THC. Besides, it holds an 81:1 THC to CBD ratio, so do not expect high CBD content from this strain type.

However, the THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) level in this Kush tops nearly 18%, generating euphoric effects if taken in high dosage. Thus, it’s one of the many Kush strains that can take you to an intensely high level. This cross Sativa-Indica Kush strain is also suitable for alleviating muscle tension, making it one of the most desirable hybrid strains of all time.

#8 – Northern Lights

Northern Lights is 70% Indica, 20% Sativa, and 10% ruderalis. The amount of THC psychoactive compound remains moderately-high at 15.08% in this marijuana type. Besides, the CBD content is nearly 0.9% which’s not as high as one might necessitate.

Northern Lights autoflower marijuana seeds have been one of the most well-known strains available. With 20% Sativa, the Northern Lights render a remarkable high that leaves the body feeling great and the mind refreshed throughout the day. As a Cannabis Cup winner marijuana strain, this weed type can indeed provide you pain relief and a comfortable feeling of happiness.

#9 – Platinum Cookies

Platinum Cookies (or Platinum Girl Scout Cookies) medical cannabis is best to consume in the daytime. It is one of the most popular and intense strains of marijuana, with THC concentration topping nearly 18%. This marijuana strain type descends from two parents: the classic OG Kush and Durban Poison.

Given its balanced (50-50) Indica-Sativa genetics combined with high THC levels and 1% CBN content, Platinum Cookies is useful in pain relief and makes for a great evening strain.

Platinum Cookies hybrid strain can do many miracles, restricting migraines or headaches, chronic anxiety, nausea, and stress. This marijuana type is one of the most robust and popular healing strains, proving its many different usefulness from time to time.

#10 – Skywalker OG

This Indica-dominant hybrid strain is one famous type in the medical community as it provides significant pain relief with relaxing body high. You will get to enjoy intense flavors of sweet pine, spice, and bold earthiness that not many different strains can render.

Skywalker OG might be one of the best strains to alleviate pain for patients suffering from joint and back pain or muscle spasms. If you are a lady looking to reduce pain from cramps, you’ll get instant relief from this strain.

Insomnia, anxiety, and depression may go away by consuming Skywalker OG as well. With the effect of an Indica dominant mix, you’ll get adequate sleep at night.

Future Cannabis Research

Cannabis is indeed one of the most versatile plants we ever know. First, it serves as an incredible source of nutrients, not just to humans but also to animals.

Next, it is a rigid industrial material that gave almost everything individuals required in the past. Also, it is a customary intense drug that helps some individuals relax. Finally, with the assistance of current science, cannabis is turning out to be the drug of choice for some ailments.

The banning of cannabis was a big reason why most individuals have not known all these great uses. But with the assistance of research, the present society finally gives value to this plant. In essence, cannabis is turning out to be a multi-purpose plant. Lastly, it has not just shaped the past but will also influence what’s to come.

More studies will find the potential pain-relieving properties and mechanisms of cannabis strains, including minor cannabinoids and terpenes. These elements give the plant its strain-specific properties like fragrance and taste. These studies expect to strengthen the proof regarding cannabis components and whether they have potential pain management roles.

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in the USA?

US federal law forbids the use of a complete plant or its derivatives for any purpose. High CBD obtained from the hemp plant (with less than 0.3% THC) is legal under federal law to use.

Many states provide THC usage for medical objectives. Federal law governing marijuana replaces the laws of states. Thus people may still be arrested and charged with possession in states where cannabis for medical practice is legal.

You can utilize medical cannabis in US states where it is legal; they are:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, West Virginia

Below are the states that legalize recreational use include:

Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington

The below-mentioned states only allow restricted usage of cannabis:

Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Thoughts:

Every patient has a unique endocannabinoid system that assists their body process THC and CBD to achieve the medicinal impacts. Choosing the right strain of marijuana is most effective when the patient uses a process of experimentation.

Most dispensaries have knowledgeable staff that can enable patients to pick what is right for their symptoms. Before using cannabis to manage your health condition, make sure to consult with your doctor first.

Write your comments below, and we would be pleased to assist you in exploring the suitable medically beneficial strains for you.