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.