Mind & Body

The World Of Cannabis: Finding The Right Type For You And Your Health

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It wasn’t long ago that Cannabis had a bad reputation. And there’s a long history of officials tarnishing its name. But thanks to a u-turn of social perception and a greater understanding of its benefits, Cannabis is socially accepted. And experiencing a period in the sun. 

The industry is booming. And Cannabis is a versatile form of medication. That’s partly thanks to the many different forms it can come in. So finding the variety to fit your specific needs can be a minefield. But they all have benefits for your health.

Before you dive into the world of Marijuana, always check its legal in your State. Here’s a brief overview of Cannabis types and which one might be the right fit for you and your health. 

Are Cannabis And Marijuana The Same?

The names Cannabis and Marijuana tend to be used interchangeably. But they’re not exactly the same thing, although they are similar. Marijuana refers to the dried stems, leaves, seeds or flowers of the Cannabis plant. Whereas Cannabis refers to cannabis products in a general sense.

 

Hemp is another specific type of Cannabis. Hemp and Marijuana are part of the same family but have different characteristics. Legally, Hemp is anything that contains 0.3% of THC or less. So anything over that is Marijuana and still illegal on a federal level. 

Cannabinoids: What Are They?

To be able to choose the right Cannabis product, you need to know what it’s made up of. There are more than 100 different cannabinoids that have been found in Cannabis. However, THC and CBD (cannabidiol) are the primary ones. 

THC is the main active ingredient. It’s the cannabinoid that gives Cannabis the psychoactive effects it’s well known for, such as altering mood and cognitive functioning. CBD is just as important but doesn’t have the psychoactive effects of THC, which has made it more socially accepted. CBD contains all the relaxation effects weed is known for and is the cannabinoid that relieves pain. 

Potent weed has much more THC than CBD. But strains that have a more even ratio of the two can counteract the effects of THC. So it’s essential to understand both chemicals as they determine the impact Cannabis has on you. 

Cannabis Classification: Strains And Types

Getting into the strains and types of Cannabis can get pretty confusing. So it’s best to start with the basics to determine which type will be right for you. There are 2 main types of weed. And they come from two different species: Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa.

Indica

The Indica plant has larger amounts of THC and relatively low levels of CBD. Because of this, it’s considered a strong Cannabis plant that tends to be very relaxing with a ‘body high’ perfect for evenings. Its strong relaxation effects mean it’s an excellent plant for people who struggle with insomnia.

Sativa

The lower levels of THC and higher levels of CBD give Sativa plants an energizing effect. Great for the morning, Cannabis Sativa is said to help people focus and be more creative. It’s been touted as a great plant for people with depression and other mood disorders because of these mood-lifting effects. 

Other Types

More recently, a third strain has been identified and used to make weed. Known as Cannabis Ruderalis, this type has low levels of THC and is used for medical Marijuana. There are also hybrid mixes of these strains to create Cannabis that can help in various situations. 

The ever-changing world of Cannabis also means that new cannabinoids can be created synthetically. The most notable being THC-O Acetate. What is THC-O? This new compound is a synthetic form of Delta 9 THC. But it’s 3 times stronger. Synthetic cannabinoids should be considered with care as they are much stronger, but they can be great options for those not wanting to smoke. 

Other Forms Of Cannabis On The Market

Thanks to a greater understanding of the plant and more social acceptance, there is a feast of Cannabis products on the market now. They’re particularly great if the world of Marijuana is new to you and you just want to dip a toe and make the most of the medicinal effects. 

A huge variety of edibles are available, and you can choose the ones that work for you. For example, CBD oil is a brilliant option for anyone wanting to steer clear of weeds psychoactive effects. But still want to make the most of Cannabis for pain relief and relaxation. 

All forms of Cannabis need to be approached with care, responsibility and a great deal of research. But thanks to the internet, that’s easier than ever. 

 

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