It’s no secret that cannabis is a popular drug. People in every corner of the world are using it for medical and recreational purposes. Nevertheless, there are a lot of different strains of cannabis, and finding the one that’s right for you can be quite challenging. So how do you know which strain is best for you? Learn how to select cannabis strain for you. There are many options in the market, from cannabinoids to terpenes here; you will know which suits you.
Best cannabis for sleep
It should have relaxing properties to get the most out of your bud before bedtime. The reason why marijuana may cause people to fall asleep faster is THC’s ability to relax muscles in the body, so the mind becomes relaxed. Since this plant contains many compounds with sedative qualities, using it just before going to bed could give you some much-needed rest. The best cannabis for sleep is usually indica varieties like Thai and Hindu Kush (these have been known to help people who struggle with insomnia). These types of weed contain high amounts of both THC and CBD, along with other cannabinoids such as CBG or CBN. However, if relaxation isn’t what you’re looking for, try smoking a Sativa hybrid instead. They combine the effects of a Sativa (relaxed) with those of an indica (sleepy), resulting in a balanced experience.
Best cannabis for pain
Using cannabis to deal with pain has been around since man began experimenting with plants. Scientists theorize humans were probably first exposed to the plant through its use against inflammation. For example, ancient Egyptians would rub oil on their joints and bodies due to the plant’s anti-inflammatory benefits. This medicinal usage continued into the modern-day, where doctors prescribed marijuana to their patients who were suffering from chronic pain. Most research indicates that cannabinoids reduce pain by interacting with receptors within our endocannabinoid system.
The best cannabis for pain includes two subtypes – Indica and Sativa varieties. These both tend to lessen acute forms of pain, but only Indicas work to decrease chronic pain. Both subgroups bring relief via binding to cannabinoid 2 receptors, thereby triggering anti-narcotic responses in our brains. On the flip side, THC also interacts with cannabinoid 1 receptors, causing us to feel high. Therefore, this type of cannabis makes users more likely to crave sweets after consumption. To find the best fit for your personal pain management plan, talk with your doctor about getting tested for the CNR2 gene polymorphism. If you already suffer from chronic pain, ask your physician whether it’s safe for you to consume this kind of cannabis.
Best cannabis for anxiety
While not everyone experiences severe anxiety when they smoke weed, research suggests that cannabis may be able to relieve mild cases of stress. Specifically, studies point to cannabidiol (CBD). What exactly does CBD do to alleviate anxiety? Although researchers aren’t entirely sure yet, it seems to interact with parts of our brain involved in thinking patterns, emotional responses, memory, mood regulation, and even fear response. For these reasons, the best cannabis for anxiety includes CBD-dominant varieties and hybrids like CBD sativas or CBD ruderalis.
Moreover, CBD is thought to interfere with processing negative emotions, including anxiety. Thus, while consuming CBD is not recommended for heavy or frequent users, those who want to ease their anxiety would benefit from it. Even though regular doses won’t produce euphoria, CBD might provide relief by regulating certain neurotransmitters within the brain. Studies suggest that CBD can help alleviate symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorders, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. At least four clinical trials support this observation. Additionally, CBD works synergistically with THC to boost the psychoactive effect of each one. For instance, CBD may dampen the anxious feelings caused by the psychotropic compound. Therefore, a joint filled with CBD+THC will make you feel less anxious than one filled with THC alone. It bears mentioning that some strains are advertised as having calming effects.
Best cannabis for sex
Although some people experience enhanced libido after smoking weed, others report feeling tired or lazy. It turns out scientific evidence isn’t consistent regarding the potential impact of cannabis on an individual’s ability to get busy during lovemaking. While some studies show that a small amount of THC improves sexual desire, other research finds no improvement. And then, some studies indicate that heavy pot smokers have worse performances during sex. Given all this uncertainty, experts recommend talking to your doctor before using cannabis to enhance your erotic performance.
Some folks believe that the body’s natural endocannabinoids stimulate libido. Thus, cannabis supplements designed to deliver CBG or CBD could improve your sex life. Because THC binds to CB1 receptors, it tends to inhibit dopamine activity in our brains. Dopamine plays a role in enhancing arousal and pleasure sensations during lovemaking. As such, cannabis with high levels of THC may diminish the intensity of orgasm and cause users to feel tired afterward.
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids all compounds that affect how our bodies function at a molecular level. Of course, humans possess cannabinoid receptors in almost every organ system. But we also have specific receptors located in our brains that play a crucial role in memory, cognition, motor skills, appetite, sleep, pain perception, energy balance, and more. So when scientists explore medical marijuana’s healing properties, they’re often looking at its interactions with our endocannabinoid system, which creates a whole new layer of complexity.
