Medical marijuana strains are varieties of cannabis cultivated for their therapeutic effects. They differ in cannabinoid ratios, terpene profiles, and growth characteristics, which together shape how they ease pain, inflammation, anxiety, and other conditions.
Patients often treat cannabis like a pharmacy: the wrong product can leave you drowsy, anxious, or simply ineffective. The key variables are:
Matching these attributes to your condition is the secret sauce behind successful self‑medication.
Blue Dream is a sativa‑dominant hybrid with a 60/40 THC/CBD split. Its sweet berry aroma comes from high myrcene and pinene levels. Patients report relief from neuropathic pain, depression, and migraine without overwhelming sedation.
Harlequin leans toward CBD at a 5:2 THC‑to‑CBD ratio. Its earthy, citrusy scent is driven by limonene and caryophyllene, which many users say eases anxiety while keeping the mind clear.
Girl Scout Cookies packs a punch with 18‑28% THC and a modest 0.2‑0.5% CBD. Its sweet, earthy profile is rich in humulene and caryophyllene, which together amplify anti‑inflammatory action.
ACDC is a CBD‑rich phenotype (up to 20% CBD, <1% THC). Its faint pine flavor comes from pinene and terpinolene. Patients love it for seizure control and inflammation without any “high”.
Granddaddy Purple is an indica powerhouse, THC often hits 22‑27%. Its deep grape aroma is due to high myrcene and linalool, both sleep‑inducing terpenes.
Jack Herer balances 15‑20% THC with 0.5‑1% CBD. Its peppery‑pine scent is high in terpinene and beta‑caryophyllene, offering an energizing lift that counters fatigue.
Myrcianthes, a classic Thai landrace, is famed for its sky‑high myrcene content (often >1.5%). This terpene is a natural muscle relaxant, making the strain a go‑to for spasticity.
CBD Therapy Oil delivers 20‑30mg of CBD per milliliter, extracted with the full‑spectrum of terpenes. The oil form guarantees precise dosing, crucial for conditions like epilepsy or severe inflammation.
Critical Mass is an indica‑dominant strain with THC hovering around 20‑22% and a modest 0.5% CBD. Its heavy earthy taste is dominated by humulene, known for appetite suppression - but paradoxically, many patients feel a strong “munchies” effect thanks to linalool.
White Widow blends 18‑22% THC with 1‑2% CBD. Its frosty appearance comes from trichome density and a terpene mix of limonene and pinene, which can boost mood and appetite.
| Strain | THC % | CBD % | Dominant Terpenes | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Dream | 17‑24 | 0.1‑0.5 | Myrcene, Pinene | Pain, Mood |
| Harlequin | 4‑7 | 8‑15 | Limonene, Caryophyllene | Anxiety, Mild Pain |
| Girl Scout Cookies | 18‑28 | 0.2‑0.5 | Humulene, Caryophyllene | Chronic Pain, Nausea |
| ACDC | <1 | 12‑20 | Pinene, Terpinolene | Seizure, Inflammation |
| Granddaddy Purple | 22‑27 | 0.1‑0.3 | Myrcene, Linalool | Insomnia, Muscle Spasms |
| Jack Herer | 15‑20 | 0.5‑1 | Terpinene, Beta‑caryophyllene | Fatigue, Depression |
| Myrcianthes | 12‑18 | 0.2‑0.6 | Myrcene | Spasticity, Anxiety |
| CBD Therapy Oil | <0.3 | 20‑30mg/ml | Full‑spectrum | Epilepsy, Inflammation |
| Critical Mass | 20‑22 | 0.5 | Humulene, Linalool | Insomnia, Severe Pain |
| White Widow | 18‑22 | 1‑2 | Limonene, Pinene | Appetite, Depression |
Keeping a simple journal-note the strain, dose, time, and how you feel-lets you fine‑tune your regimen over weeks.
Even medical strains can cause unwanted reactions. Common issues include dry mouth, mild dizziness, and temporary anxiety if THC spikes too high.
Indica strains usually have higher myrcene and THC, producing a more relaxing, body‑centric effect. Sativas tend to have higher pinene and limonene, keeping the mind active and uplifting. Choose based on whether you need calm or energy.
Generally no. High THC can heighten anxiety in sensitive users. Opt for a CBD‑rich strain like Harlequin or ACDC, or keep THC below 5%.
Inhalation effects peak within 10‑30minutes and fade after 2‑4hours. Edibles (including oils) take 30‑90minutes to start and can last 6‑8hours.
Full‑spectrum retains terpenes and trace cannabinoids that boost the entourage effect, often delivering stronger relief than pure CBD isolate.
In NewZealand, any cannabis product exceeding 15% THC requires a specialist prescription. CBD‑only products (<0.3% THC) are sold over the counter.
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