Ingesting marijuana for medical purposes is rapidly becoming legal in more and more countries in the world. Data from new research are steadily validating efficacy of marijuana as part of a medical treatment plan in several serious conditions like epilepsy among children, nausea among chemotherapy patients, appetite stimulation among HIV/AIDs patients, and chronic pain, to name a few. Different countries have different laws that regulate purchase. If you are a registered medical marijuana patient, here are a few features to look for when buying marijuana.
Check Strains
The cannabis plant has over 8,000 strain varieties growing worldwide. Generally, choices are narrowed down to three, namely: Indica, Sativa, or Hybrids. Indicas grow smaller; below 6 ft. Indica leaves are deep green and are best for indoor growing; they have higher THC content and are best used at night because of its calming and relaxing effect. They are usually recommended to treat muscle spasms among multiple sclerosis patients, nausea for chemotherapy, insomnia, and chronic pain.
Sativas grow taller than 6 ft. and best suited for outdoor planting. Sativas have higher CBD levels. They trigger creative energies, giving an uplifting and cerebral high. Sativas are best used during the day. Because of CBD’s anti-psychotic properties, Sativas are recommended for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and epileptic seizures.
Hybrids are crossbreeds of Indicas and Sativas but usually have dominant leanings towards either one of the strains. All strains are able to stimulate appetite. This is particularly helpful in treating HIV/AIDS patients with serious weight concerns.
5-Sense Check
Check out the quality of the marijuana product you are buying by simply using your five senses. Look at the buds. Good buds have lots of flowers covered with crystals that look like sugar. Color ranges from green, red, orange, purple and brown. Orange and red hairs around the buds indicate good stuff. Be extra careful to distinguish the crystals from powdery mildew. Smell. Do not get marijuana that smells moldy or grassy. Feel. They should feel slightly sticky, not slimy or damp. Listen. You should hear a sharp snapping sound when you break off a bud. And finally, taste. Good marijuana could have flavor notes that are earthy, fruity, piney or skunky. They should not taste like chemicals, mold, or hay.
When deciding on your medical marijuana purchase, you must first decide on what effect you want to experience and the condition you have to treat. It is always best for you to buy from legal sources like government-monitored dispensaries and pharmacies to ensure access to good quality marijuana. Build a trust relationship with the “budtender.” Share your story with them. They would appreciate knowing your condition and your usage habits. Being an expert, the budtender will be able to guide you into making the best purchase for your needs. And more importantly, log down the different marijuana strains or brands you have used. This way, you can always re-purchase what works best for your needs.
A MarijuanaNewsOnline.com Feature
