Medical marijuana use is on the rise in the U.S., and Florida is no exception since it became legal in 2016. This “miracle plant” is proven to have major health benefits, which is why more and more people are starting to use it. Medical marijuana can alleviate pain, manage nausea, promote sleep, and help reduce symptoms of certain diseases and ailments.
Dr. Kim Zipper, the founder and owner of Fountain Of You, provides medical marijuana prescriptions to qualifying patients in the Melbourne, Florida area. Many of our patients have questions about medical marijuana, and we would like to cover the different types of cannabis in today’s blog.
Strains of Medical Marijuana
The most popular strains of marijuana are indica, sativa, and hybrids. Each strain contains similar chemical compounds like THC, which is the chemical associated with the “high” feeling marijuana produces, and CBD, which is non-psychoactive and has more long-lasting health benefits. But, there are notable differences between the strains of marijuana.
Indica
Indica, or Cannabis indica, is thought to be native to India and grows in the Hindu Kush mountains. The indica plants are shorter and bushier than sativa plants and generally have a higher ratio of CBD to THC. Indica provides a soothing, relaxing experience and is associated with a “body high.” This strain helps combat insomnia, anxiety, and pain and is generally best used in the evening.
Sativa
Sativa, on the other hand, generally has an energizing effect and is known for the “head-high” it provides. It promotes focus and creativity and can be used to treat depression and nausea. Sativa usually contains more THC than CBD and is more suitable for daytime use. The Cannabis sativa is believed to have originated in eastern Asia, and its plant appears taller and thinner when compared to C. indica plants.
Hybrids
There are also hybrids that have been cultivated to combine properties from both indica and sativa. They are often grown with the goal of increasing THC content, making certain hybrids more psychoactive than other strains of marijuana. Some hybrids contain more indica properties while others resemble sativa more closely.
If you qualify for a medical marijuana prescription in Florida, you will be able to obtain the type or types of marijuana to best suit your needs from legal dispensaries. If you are not a fan of the “high” feeling that THC elicits, that’s fine! You could benefit from CBD oil, which has great health benefits and isn’t psychoactive, so it doesn’t produce that “high” feeling. If you don’t like the traditional “smoking” method of ingesting marijuana, that’s also fine! Medical marijuana comes in a variety of forms including tinctures, concentrates that you can put in food, oils, and even topical creams.
If you’re interested in how medical marijuana can help you, make an appointment with Dr. Kim Zipper at Fountain Of You medical spa. We also offers anti-aging and aesthetic services like laser therapy, lip injections, face fillers, and Botox. Call 321-574-5376 today to find out if you are a good candidate for medical marijuana.
