Sativa Marijuana
Knowing what kind of marijuana to use is the first problem that confronts every medical marijuana patient. One visit to a pharmacy alone shall provide him/her such a wide array of strains to choose from. Prices vary, names vary, the whole thing can be overwhelming.
To keep things simple just remember that there are two types of marijuana: Indica and Sativa. Within these two types are several specialized and exotic strains and blends. Think about tobacco; there are only 3 types (regular, menthol and light) but there are various blends and strains such as Camel, Marlboro and Winston, to name a few.
To the marijuana patient, the Sativa strains are more of a stimulant, and are effective in stimulating appetite, relieving depression, migraines, pain and nausea. We are now aware of specific strains, or “brand names” that are effective for particular symptoms and conditions. The sativa high is said to be mental in nature. But if you want a more specific piece of advice, ask your pharmacist.
Colombia, Mexico, Thailand as well as Southeast Asia are said to be the origins of Sativa. Flavors range from earthy to sweet and fruity. Compared to Indica plants, Sativa plants mature longer and have a longer flowering cycle. In addition, they can be less full but taller compared to the other type. These facts, that is, longer growing period and lower yield, result to most pharmacies having low stocks of Sativa. All these being said, it’s then a good idea for patients to start growing their own.
GROWERS CHOICE: SOUR DIESEL
We recommend Sour Diesel partly for its medicinal effect and partly for its relative convenience in growing compared to other Sativas. Also, bear in mind that throughout its flowering, drying and curing stage, Sour Diesel has high pungency. The buds have a strong smell too. The leaves near the buds are extremely sticky.
Other brand names of Sativa are Big Fatty, Swiss Miss, Blue Heaven, Durban Poison, Hawaiian Sativa, Train Wreck, Lamb’s Bread and White Widow.
To further illustrate the differences among strains and blends, read on the following testimonials from the patients themselves:
I’m legal here in MI, and I medicate (vaporize) using the heavy Indica strains. My primary medicine is the old school UBC Chemo which is an 80/20 Indica/Sativa and literally melts away the terrible muscle cramps I get with this MS.
I have a friend who has been into bouts of depression for years and was taking the strains recommended by the pharmacies to no avail. The meds only deteriorated his health further. He uses a sativa to make cannabutter. He includes that in his food; this is what he is using in lieu of the antidepressants. I know several people who tell of nearly miraculous tales from cannabis. I’ve also read that children with autism also benefit highly from taking medical marijuana.
I realized that Indicas are great if I want to get pain relief and take a rest; Sativa, on the other hand, is helpful if I need to feel energized and have pain relief. Personal experience tells me that Indicas help me sleep at night while Sativas are great for daytime use – when I need to feel energized. Both help with my pain. They’ve also helped with my swelling.
