Indica vs Sativa
Different Strains For Different Pains
In the Medical Cannabis world, quite a bit of effort is being invested in helping patients identify the exact cannabinoid profile, milligram, and strain that should work for their condition. Some researchers are even suggesting that genetic testing be done to match strains and cannabinoid profiles to patients and conditions.
While we applaud these efforts and are optimistic about the future of cannabis science, after working with thousands of medical cannabis patients, we know something important: these efforts are often a waste of time.
Patients may encounter certain dispensaries that believe choosing your products based on Sativa or Indica strains is no longer viable due to the cross breeding or “hybridizing” of strains. In our experience, despite some variability, we’ve found that the effects most patients experience from an Indica or Sativa strain are consistent about 95% of the time. In rare cases, patients find Indicas to be stimulating while Sativas are sedating. If you’re one of these rare people, just flip the common suggestion and enjoy the results!
Start Low, Go Slow
In regards to Medical Marijuana dosing, some suggest a specific “milligram per X pounds of body weight” model. While this may be effective some of the time, the advice we’ve seen deliver the most consistent results is simpler: “start low and go slow.”
Case in point: we have some Medical Marijuana patients who are barely over 100 lbs and require 100-200 mg+ of THC to find pain relief, while some 250 lb+ men can barely handle 10 mg! These differences in tolerance throws any body weight calculations out the window.
Another rare example: a multiple sclerosis Medical Card patient in her 60’s who took a 1:1 capsule one day and got great results. The next day, she experienced a more significant high. While this is uncommon, it’s not unheard of and is “cause for pause” for anyone seeking a scientific “prescription” for their Medical Cannabis needs. Additionally, it also shows why we’re very cautious with capsules for new patients!
When utilizing a “start low and go slow”, methodology Medical Marijuana patients can “micro-dose” THC via vape or sublingual and utilize CBD as a “brake pedal” to safely neutralize the high effects of THC. With this program, Medical Card patients can safely experiment to find the best dose, strain, and products for their needs.
With that being said, everyone is different. This means that you must safely experiment with different strains and dispensaries. Speak with your Medical Marijuana Doctor about how to balance psychoactivity with CBD and which strains of Medical Cannabis are right for you. Please, always medicate responsibly.
Finding “The Minimum Effective Dose”
In a study with opiate-treated cancer patients that was published in The Journal of Pain, three groups were given three different amounts of THC and CBD: 21 mg per day, 52 mg per day, and 83 mg per day, respectively.
The results of this study may surprise you! The group that received 21 mg of THC experienced significant improvements in pain levels, more so than the 52 mg group. Even more interestingly, the group that received 83 mg daily got the worst results!
How could that be possible? We’re just barely coming to understand the endocannabinoid system and how it maintains balance in our bodies. Recent studies have shown that at high doses, the receptors that pull the cannabinoids into our bodies can actually invert themselves and retreat into cells. This prevents any new THC from taking effect. When this happens, the effects of cannabis naturally decline.
This “micro-dosing” approach recommends dosages that are below the “perceptual level” and can’t be noticed consciously, but can help cells restore homeostasis and unlock significant benefits.
These doses typically range from 1 to5 mg, and Medical Marijuana patients frequently report benefits that include better mood, reduced anxiety, improved focus, enhanced resilience to stress, less pain, and other benefits–all without overwhelming feelings of “psychoactivity.”
When balanced with CBD, these “microdoses” are often able to deliver significant results without the fears of “getting high” coming anywhere close to true.
This is a recommendation, not a prescription. There is no scientific data regarding specific dosing. We are only providing you with the maximum dose per day. Start low and slowly increase your dose to avoid adverse reactions.
