Cannabis is not a uniformly homogeneous substance — far from it. Choosing the right form among the various types of medical marijuana can be a science unto itself. The Cannabis sativa plant comes in different strains. Depending on where and how the plant is grown, it will develop a unique composition of compounds that can affect people in different ways. Medical cannabis is also available in different mediums, which provide for different routes of administration. This includes smoking it, vaping it, applying it superficially, or ingesting it.
Identifying the best type of medical marijuana for your body and condition can take a bit of experimentation. The information we’ve compiled here is a good place to start.
Table of Contents:
- Understand Cannabinoids and Terpenes
- Discover the Different Cannabis Strains
- Look into the Different Types of Administration Routes for Medical Marijuana
- Familiarize Yourself with the Process To Access Medical Cannabis
- Sign up with Texas 420 Doctors for Easy Access to Medical Cannabis
- Shop CBD and Delta-8 THC Products Online
Understand Cannabinoids and Terpenes
In order to understand how cannabis varieties differ, it’s important to understand the plant’s chemical makeup. Cannabinoids are natural compounds present in the cannabis plant. The two most well-known ones are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the main psychoactive component of the plant and is responsible for its psychotropic effects. On the other hand, CBD is believed to help moderate some of these effects. Different types of medical marijuana formulations contain varying ratios of these two compounds.
Terpenes are another category of compounds in cannabis, thought to be responsible for the flavor, aroma, and even color of the plant. Terpenes work together with cannabinoids to create the effects people associate with different strains. This explains why sometimes two different strains of cannabis with the same THC content can result in different experiences.
Discover the Different Cannabis Strains
When you visit a dispensary, you’re likely to find two dominant types of medical marijuana strains — sativa and indica. You may also find hybrid strains, which combine the properties of the two. The best medical marijuana products will often list the exact composition of strains and compounds present in them.
Sativa
Types of medical marijuanas like Sativa are believed to produce an energizing effect or a “head high.” They typically contain a higher THC content. Sativa is often the go-to strain for people who want to boost productivity during the day due to its purported effects on focus, clarity, and creativity.
For ease of access, most users prefer a portable medium such as a vape to carry around conveniently through the day. Sativa medical cannabis strains are generally not used for night-time dosage since they are not believed to be sleep aids. While they may help with relaxation, it’s not likely to leave you feeling drained of energy.
A 2021 study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that participants were more likely to use sativa in the morning or afternoon and that they perceived feeling “alert,” “energized,” and “motivated” after using it.
Indica
The Indica strain is among the types of medical marijuanas most often used by people for sleep assistance and powering down. This makes rechargeable vapes a safe choice for night-time use as they eliminate the fire hazard of conventional joints.
Typically, Indica has higher CBD content in relation to THC. Its associated calming and relaxing properties make it a favored strain for people looking to manage chronic pain. Some also use it as an antiemetic to help with nausea.
In the study referenced earlier, the same participants indicated a greater preference for using Indica in the evening or when they wanted to sleep. In general, they were more likely to perceive feeling “relaxed” or “sleepy/tired” after using this strain. As such, Indica continues to be a highly sought-after choice among medical cannabis strains, especially for people looking to take care of themselves through restful sleep and pain management.
Hybrid
Hybrid medical strains of cannabis are a popular type of medical marijuana product. They can be either sativa-dominated, Indica-dominated, or balanced strains. These types of strains are cultivated by professional marijuana growers for specific properties that offer specific medical effects.
Usually, most hybrid strains tend to contain more THC. A blend continuing 1:1 ratio of CBD:THC is a balanced formulation. Given the tailored results these strains are capable of, they’re favored by medicinal users, particularly by patients who are new to cannabis.
With their unique composition and adaptable nature, hybrid medical strains of weed can provide support for a variety of health conditions.
Look into the Different Types of Administration Routes for Medical Marijuana
The way medical marijuana is used has a lot to do with the types and quality of the effects produced. When smoked or vaped, it’s likely to start affecting you within a few seconds to a few minutes of inhaling. These methods usually plateau within 30 minutes. When ingested as an edible, it can take up to two hours for the full effects to manifest. The effects typically last longer when cannabis is consumed than when it’s smoked.
Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that the reported effects of different strains and forms of cannabis are broad generalizations. People with similar symptoms may sometimes experience different effects with the same product. If you’re new to cannabis, please consult a qualified physician about the best type of medical marijuana for you.
At the moment, the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) has only approved certain types of medical marijuana. These include tablets, capsules, topical treatments, and tinctures or drops. Other edible or smokable varieties, such as whole flower, are not permitted. However, hemp is entirely legal in Texas. Cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% THC are categorized as hemp. CBD gummies, Delta-8 THC vapes, Hybrid Moon Rocks, and other hemp-derived products can be bought over the counter without a prescription.
At Texas 420 Doctors, we offer the best medical marijuanas in various forms to cater to your unique needs. Common types of administration methods for patients include:
Inhalation (Vape Pens)
One of the quickest ways to experience the effects of medical marijuana is through inhalation. Our superior vape pens provide a convenient way to consume different types of medical marijuanas.
Oral (Tinctures and Gummies)
Our accurate THC and CBD tinctures enable precise dosing, while our delicious gummies offer discreteness when consuming the best medical marijuana strains as food. Ideal for an active lifestyle, these oral administration methods provide gradual and enduring relief.
Topical
Use creams and lotions for localized pain or inflammation. Our CBD treatment is topical, allowing for non-invasive administration. Collaborate with a healthcare provider to choose top medical marijuana strains and methods of use tailored to your lifestyle and health condition.
Familiarize Yourself with the Process To Access Medical Cannabis
With the availability of online dispensaries such as Fluent, it has become convenient to access medical marijuana in Texas, given that you are a Texas resident and have a qualifying medical condition. Additionally, patients under 18 years old will need their legal guardian to act as a caregiver.
Presently, more than 200 conditions qualify for access to medical marijuana in Texas. These include autism, spasticity, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, all forms of cancer, over 100 neurodegenerative diseases, and more. If you suffer from one of these conditions, you can get evaluated by a physician registered with the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas.
If they agree to provide you with a prescription, you can order medical cannabis online or by phone from any Texas dispensary, such as Texas Original or Goodblend.
Sign Up with Texas 420 Doctors for Easy Access to Medical Cannabis
Finding the right fit among the different types of medical marijuana can be a bit of a maze, especially if you’re new to cannabis. At Texas 420 Doctors, we’ve simplified the whole process for you.
Simply book an appointment with one of our doctors at a time that works for you. Each of our doctors is a board-certified, CURT-registered physician. You can discuss your condition and symptoms with your doctor, and they’ll recommend a type of medical marijuana that best suits you. You’ll also receive your approval letter to legally buy medical cannabis in Texas. Then, you can order your cannabis medicine as quickly as 24 hours from the time of your initial evaluation.
When you register for our annual cannabis services, you can access a host of benefits, including follow-up consultations with your doctor for the whole year. We also offer free virtual cannabis education.
Shop CBD and Delta-8 THC Products Online
Browse through our range of holistic CBD and Delta-8 products. These are top-quality formulations, created from all-natural, American-grown hemp and physician-approved for safety. All our hemp derivatives are over-the-counter, non-prescription products that you can use to supplement your cannabis routine.
Products like our Deluxe Pre-Roll and CBD Full Spectrum Tincture are popular choices for their convenience. Get a 10% discount on these and other products when you sign up for our cannabis services.
Texas 420 Doctors is proud to help eligible Texans quickly and easily access the medicine they need. Keep up with our blog to learn more about the different types of medical marijuana. Have more questions? Feel free to contact us for more information on the best way to access medical marijuana in Texas.
