Discussing cannabis, people say "sativa" and "indica," but since controversy is swirling around these two, it always seems confusing. If you are one of them, like the rest of us, you may hear that sativa is consumed by day, while indica should only be used when relaxing or going to bed. Now, that might be the general assumption, but the reality is a little more complex than that. So, let's dive into the science and see what's actually going on between sativa and indica and how they're being used, particularly in the world of medical cannabis.
Understanding the basics of sativa and indica
Let's start with the basics: Cannabis plants generally come in two broad groups, namely Sativa and indica. Each has their own characteristics, and understanding what these are will help you to decide what would be best for your needs. Sativa varieties are typically known by their uplifting, energising effects. They're commonly associated with increasing creativity and focus, thus ideal for day use. These varieties tend to have more THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) composition and less CBD (cannabidiol) composition. THC is the psychoactive part of cannabis that causes the "high" sensation felt by the majority of patients.
But indica strains are typically found to be relaxing and soothing. These strains are typically used in the evening or before bed to cause relaxation or sleep. Indica's tend to contain more CBD and less THC, so they're associated with more relaxing effects compared to the euphoric high that saliva's cause. But things get tricky here. The sativa vs indica debate is no longer as cut-and-dry as it once was. The lines between the two have been blurred by hybrid strains, which are cannabis plants bred out of both indica and sativa stock. So, of course, you can say that a strain is predominantly sativa or predominantly indica, but much of the cannabis out there today is a mix of both.
The debate: Are sativa and indica really that different?
While the "sativa gets you high, and indica gets you stoned" myth is prevalent, it doesn't quite hold up to scientific scrutiny. It seems that the variation in effects between sativa and indica isn't so much a function of plant variety. Rather, the actual effects are due to the presence of individual cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, and terpenes, which is pungent molecules found in cannabis. These drugs interact with the body's endocannabinoid system in distinct ways, producing different effects.
Studies have shown that the ancient sativa-indica dichotomy isn't perhaps as specific as once thought. Sativa and indica types of cannabis can contain varied arrays of cannabinoids and terpenes that produce effects not necessarily what you would find in a sativa or an indica. This implies that although sativa strains are typically characterised as more energising, and indica strains as more sedating, it's more useful to look at the specific strain's chemical make-up in an attempt to better predict its effects.
Cannabis for medicinal use: A game changer in healthcare
Arguably the most exciting new trend in the cannabis business has been its use as medicine. For centuries, cannabis has been utilised for medical treatments, and in recent decades, scientific research has confirmed its therapeutic value as a treatment for all manner of afflictions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and even epilepsy. As cannabis gains more traction as alternative or adjunct medicine, the demand for stable, reliable medical cannabis strains is likely to rise.
Medical cannabis has been legalised in the UK for use under strict controls since 2018. Patients with a range of conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and severe epilepsy, can now be prescribed UK medical cannabis strains products such as oils, capsules, and flowers as part of their treatment plan. Not all types of cannabis are suitable for medicinal use, however, so being aware of the right strain for a specific condition is important.
The application of CBD and THC in medical cannabis
When discussing medicinal cannabis, the application of CBD and THC must be considered. While THC is psychoactive, CBD is not psychoactive and has an array of therapeutic effects, ranging from anti-inflammatory, reduction of anxiety, and seizure suppression. Medical cannabis strains are often bred to produce a specific ratio of these cannabinoids depending on the patient's condition. High-THC strains, for example, may be utilised to treat pain in cancer, while high-CBD strains may be more effective at treating conditions like epilepsy or anxiety.
Releaf, a UK company, is doing a great job of de-stigmatising medical cannabis. Their strategy is not just about offering high-quality, effective products but also about educating the public regarding the science of cannabis and its medical uses. They realise that a lot of people are still apprehensive about using cannabis for medical use, because of past negative connotations or ignorance. Through offering information as well as easily accessible products, Releaf is helping pave the way for more understanding of cannabis as an acceptable treatment.
Concluding reflections
The indica versus sativa conundrum sounds simple enough at first glance, but the fact is that marijuana is much more complicated than what those two monikers can attribute to. Medicinal purposes are best served with an understanding of the complex dance between cannabinoids, terpenes, and the endocannabinoid system your body contains.
Leave a Reply