Choosing the right strain of medical cannabis can be confusing at first with so many different and occasionally unusual names - the strain names are not always representative of the desired medicinal effects. This being said, it is much easier to decide what your desired effects are before you decide which strain to go with. To make things easier we have split the effects into two categories: HEAD and BODY.
Most cannabis strains effect your HEAD or brain within minutes after medicating. The effect either consists of a heavy and foggy feeling, or a clear and active feeling and can be classified on a scale of 1-7. with number 1 being heavy and foggy, and 7 being the clearest and most active . Head effects may start sooner than body effects, but tend to wear off quicker.
The BODY or physical effect usually creeps in about 5 to 15 minutes after the “head effect”. This effect can vary from being relaxing and sleepy, to being uplifting and energetic. We can also apply the 1-7 scale to the “body effects”, with 1 being the most relaxing and 7 being the most uplifting. Body effects usually take longer to set in but tend to last longer than head (mental) effects.
Types of Strains
Here are some examples of how to use our system. To simplify things we have made seven categories of the most common kinds of medicinal relief provided by cannabis: 1 being the heaviest Indica and 7 being the clearest Sativa. Depending on which category, or desired effect you wish to achieve, you can use the scale to find out which type of medicine you are looking for and suggested strains of that kind.
Type 1: Long lasting physical relief with a heavy and intense head effect. This kind of medicine is known as Heavy Indica, and is recommended for sleep, relaxation and pain related issues. Here are some examples of some strains with Heavy Indica attributes: MK Ultra, Grand Daddy Purple, Peak 19, Romulan, Ogre, Hash Plant and Afghani Goo.
Type 2: Long lasting physical relief with a clear and easy to function on head effect. This kind of medicine is known as Clear Indica, and is recommended for day time physical relief. Here are some examples of some strains with Clear Indica attributes: Sensi Star, Blackberry Kush, Northern Lights, Morning Star, Bubba Kush, Snow Cap and Shiva.
Example
Type 3: A physical and mental balance that is more on the heavy side. This kind of medicine is known as a Heavy Hybrid, and is recommended for patients seeking pain relief or relaxation that is not too drowsy. Here are some examples of some strains with Heavy Hybrid attributes: Sage and Sour, Blueberry, White Rhino, Grape Ape, Champagne, Purple Kush and Cotton Candy.
Type 4: An even balance of Head and Body effects. This kind of medicine is known as a Even Hybrid, and is recommended for patients who don’t want to be too active or too drowsy. Here are some examples of some strains with Even Hybrid attributes: S.A.G.E., Northern Lights X Haze, Purple Skunk, Cali-O, Bubblegum, Silver Haze and Cherry Pie.
Type 5: An even balance of head and body effect which is more on the clear side. This kind of medicine is known as a Clear Hybrid, and is recommended for patients looking for a balance of Head and Body that is a little bit more on the clear side. Here are some examples of strains with Clear Hybrid attributes: Blue Dream, Cali-O, Odyssey, Bubbleberry, Super Silver Haze, AK-47 and White Widow.
Type 6: An uplifting body effect alongside some strong physical and mental relief. This kind of medicine is known as Heavy Sativa, and is recommended for patients looking for an Intense and uplifting Body with a Heavy head effect. Here are some examples of strains that have Heavy Sativa attributes: OG Kush, Cheese, Trainwreck, Sour Diesel, Headband, Jack Frost and Skunk #1.
Type 7: An uplifting and clear effect without a physical side to it. This type of medicine is known as Clear Sativa and is recommended for patients who are looking for a Clear Head with little or no Physical effects that is easy to function on. Here are some examples of strains that have Clear Sativa attributes: Kali Mist, Strawberry Kush, Old Mother Sativa, Durban Poison, Jack Herer, Purple God and Power Plant.
One very important factor in choosing the right medicine for yourself is that each strain has a ceiling or limit to the amount and type of cannabiniods that can be received by your body at a certain time. This is why you gain a tolerance faster to certain strains and others seem to medicate the same way for longer. By choosing to use different strains, about three of four, that you can rely on, it is easier to keep your cannabiniod receptors fresh and ready to be activated by the next type of medicine you are using. This will help you conserve your medicine and get the maximum effect from it. Having a few strains to medicate with can also help to reach the desired cannabiniod balance you are looking for. It is also worth mentioning that accurately estimating cannabis effects must be treated with some subjectivity. Each patient has an individual reaction to each type of medicine tried, and experimentation with different types of strains is essential for the new patient.
We are learning so much more about this wonderful plant all the time. We now know other aspects of cannabis such as the flavor (terpenes and flaviniods) also contributes to the effect. Remember, “the nose knows” - So trust your instincts and keep a personal cannabis journal to note how certain strains affected you. In very little time, you’ll be a pro at finding the strains that suit.
We love feedback and would appreciate a patient testimonial of your experiences so that we can compile our findings and be able to provide even more accurate details on our medicine. Email: testimonials@berkeleypatientscare.com
[…] System One of my favorite additions to the label, inspired by PCC Berkley’s excellent ‘Beginner’s Guide to Medical Cannabis‘ the amount of leaves signify where it falls on there Varietal Type scale. It is worth your […]
Thanks for insite. No one has broking it down to this leave for me. This will help me on my road to treatment.
I’m so glad we could help Shadow!
This is such a great article having MS and being so overwhelmed by “too much info” this has definately broken it down for me in a way that I can understand and comprehend. THANK YOU SO MUCH for writing it for us in the dark new bies
Great to hear Gabi! We posted these guides specifically for new patients and folks who need to get to grips with the basics first. Please check out our other “Beginners Guides”, and feel free to share with others! 🙂
ok question here, supose I don’t want to go with a hybreed but would rather use an uplifting energetic form for daytime function. yet have a different stock for nighttime/need to sleep be away from pain (not only have MS but also osteoarthritis)
how would I go about picking from the various sativa/indica plants. FYI I have always been VERY supseptable to medication affects and I would not want something too strong or too weak. Cost is a VERY important factor in my decision making process I am by no means well off enough so that I could afford to “tinker” with a large amount of medicinal cannabis varieties what would you suggest would be a “first timers” selection?
Are kind caps smokeable
Hey Nick,
I actually had to Google “Kind Caps” because we don’t carry those pills at the dispensary. According to the info. I found online, I would say NO to smoking the Kind Caps. They seem ingestible only, an they recommend you take with plenty of water and food.
Not being a booger but you said
. Head effects may start sooner than body effects, but tend to ware off quicker.
its wear not ware
Thank you so much for this. I’m a young adult from a conservative household, so all I have been told is “Weed is bad”. After going through a lot of stuff, and realizing that pills don’t help, I tried pot and realized it was natural, and worked better than anything else. While I am still fighting to get a medi card, I’m printing this out and putting it on my wall. Thank you so much!
When ever your wants to peace instantly get Blue Cheese Weed. May be it not work first time but don’t worry when you take it second tine you will feel high and peaceful environment that’s why people love it too much.
Wow Emily, this is the kind of comment we wrote this whole article for! THANK YOU for reading and best of luck gaining access to medical cannabis!
Hahaha! Thanks, we will correct it immediately! 🙂
Awesome advice, will spread the word.
i was on kind caps sativa and had a panic attack and threw up, I dont know what happened but everytime i take one that happens. Help?
Hi Sarah,
Some times if you have a medical cannabis edible or too much of an edible, your body can react strongly and uncomfortably. The uncomfortable effects should wear off within a few hours, especially if you can eat something startchy. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down if possible. If you keep having this uncomfortable reaction, try a different medical cannabis edible or a smaller dose.
Hope this helps!
I’m a new “cannabis patient ” having several types of health issues ranging from degenerate. disk disease, to pancreatis, irritable bowel, sarcoidosis, constant severe pain due partially to osteo-arth.. Now, I k ow what’s avail, since I’ve been out of the loop since 1975. I’m a 58 yr old and I am ONLY Interested in edibles or drops, ointments. I’m on oxygen 24/7, and can’t smoke. Thanks for a very helpfull site.
Have not used cannibis before I have horrible back nerve pain I dont want to smoke or vaporize but would try eating it I don’t want to get high or feel ditzy I just want to be able to function normally without pain. Any suggestions on where I should start , regular pain meds put me to sleep so dont want to start out to strong. Thanks
Hi Linda,
There are a range of edible cannabis medicines available at most medical cannabis dispensaries. Most of these will be made using cannabis infused butter but there are also edibles made with hash (concentrated cannabis extract), oils or tinctures. Most edibles affect patients strongly, with a potent psychoactive effect, because they contain high doses of THC. It sounds like that would be a unwanted side effect for you so you should look out for edibles that are “High CBD” or “CBD rich” (CBD = Cannabidiol). CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid which has massive pain-killing effects. Although these edibles may still contain some THC and have a slight head effect, they are a lot more functional than their high THC counterparts, and VERY medicinal. High CBD edibles can be harder to find and you might have to shop around different dispensaries to find a good, reliable product. Trial and error is important when you are trying cannabis medicine for the first time. Proper testing of a new edible should be done at home, with no plans to drive, or important appointments, using a very small starter dose/amount. You can also eat your edible just before bed, so you sleep through the head effects.
Here at PCC, we carry a selection of CBD rich edibles based on availability. You can always check our online menu here to see what’s currently in stock. berkeleypatientscare.com/menu
Hope this helps!
Marina @ PCC
This is really a great article. It seems that I favor Master Kush. What strains would be similar to it and what “type” would you rate it under your rating system?
This piece of writing is really a good one it assists new web viewers, who
are wishing for medical cannabis.
[…] https://pccberkeleycare.xyz/2011/03/12/beginners-guide-to-medical-cannabis-choosing-the-right-st… […]
It is sad that most people will never care to find out enough about the medicinal uses of marijuana and its amazing benefits to a patient in need.
Hi, I slipped a disc, that is herniated, pinched some nerves, causing muscle spasms and sciatica.. with a myxoid syst wrapped around my spinal cord.. I suffer from insomnia due to the pain, I want something that will calm my nerves, the pain, act as a muscle relaxant but not make me want to do nothing and feel completely stupid, can you help me out please I’ll be out of Texas to where medical Marijuana is legal soon, thanks.
We need a “Medical Marijuana for Seniors” book! 😉 For those of us who are returning to weed for medication, as opposed to recreation, it’s a strange, new world. We thought we knew all about weed, only to discover that we know nothing at all. New terminology, different “delivery” systems, and it’s a bit scary when you have to rely upon the word of a pimply-faced kid behind the counter of the dispensary as to what will help with [fill in name of condition]. It’s not easy to find dispensary personnel who are “real” patients. These new laws were created explicitly for “medical” use but all the magazines and websites are targeted towards recreation; not medication. I realize that there is not a lot medically-related knowledge for weed, so that’s why we have to keep pushing to get info that’s relevant to “us”. Thank you for your attempt to fill this gap. You’re the first place I’ve seen that even gives a nod to this type of info.
Thank you for this article. I’m a 60 year old guy who hasn’t slept decently in more than 15 years and have been rotated through all of the insomnia medications. I’ve decided to try medical mj and have been trying to figure out what is best for some restful sleep without being too zonked out in the morning to get up and function. This article is very helpful. Thanks.
What is the best strain for severe nerve pain?
if your information is from the 70ies you are right. till then they used the botanical taxonomy from Linne from the 1800′. But since genetic science florished, this distinction is not any longer an option. Have a look at the actual THCene article from Sensiseeds about genetics.
“Cannabis: Evolution and Ethnobotany” , Robert Connell Clarke und Mike D. Merlin
Hi….I have Fibromyalgia and sleep issues. I take Ambien for sleep, and 1/2 vicodin 3x a day, occasional naproxen. I am considering an alternative as now my doctor wants to try Cymbalta for pain….I tried it for two days and had horrible stomach side effects. But I’m worried the pot will space me out, I have a high stress job, multi-tasking a lot. Anyone out there replaced Ambient with medical pot with success? And fibro pain. I was a pot head for many years in the 70’s but haven’t smoked in over 30 years. Don’t want to get too stupid on it…. Thanks
Thanks for sharing this great article! That is very interesting. I love reading and I am always searching for information like this.
Great Article! ! Thank you very much for this information! Now I known what can I choose! #
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It’s a crying shame that COPD is never on any list of helpful strains. Asthma is as close as it gets and there’s almost nothing on that either. Don’t people with lung conditions ever use MMJ? You’d think not with the dearth of info about it.
I am a bit confused as to the right balance of affect. on the head side a 7 on clear function.. On the body side I am looking to get relief from cronic pain. I am aware that muscle tension makes it worse in the long term even as it protects in the short term. I find many of the head affects counter productive. But the pain relief when it works is most welcome.
I envy you guys that you can just walk into a dispensary with a great selection of buds and rely on professional advice. In our part of the world we have to grow weed ourselves from seeds. If you decide to do the same please visit my site http://reviews.kanna.biz and find there reliable info on hundreds of commercial seeds varieties. Thank you.