Medical Marijuana: Indica vs. Sativa

The properties and resulting effects of marijuana Sativa and marijuana Indica are very different. For those PRC member-patients that have had little to no experience with both strains, the following information may be used as a guide for selecting particular strains for specific medicinal purposes.

Note: at PRC, our chief goal is to address the health conditions and needs of our member-patients by maintaining a wide variety and selection of high-quality marijuana and cannabis-product medicines that have been shown to consistently provide relief for symptoms of a number of afflictions and diseases that are marked by extended periods of nausea, pain, spasticity, appetite loss, wasting, and other debilitating or painful symptoms.

There are two major types of marijuana plants that are commonly used for medicinal purposes: Sativa and Indica. Each strain or hybrid of a particular strain has a unique effect (or profile) that is specific to the plant. When these profiles are known to member-patients and growers, the properties inherent to each strain or hybrid can be easily applied to a number of different maladies as a medicinal.

Sativa: This strain has what patient-cultivators at the dispensary call an “active profile.” Sativa is typically more stimulating than other strains, in that the resulting effect is one that stimulates appetite, reduces nausea and associated pain or depression. As Sativa stimulates the mind and elevates the emotions, this particular strain can also be used to improve overall mood and well-being. Some member-patients medicate with Sativa to remedy migraine headaches, lack of focus, loss of appetite, and tension.

Indica: The Indica strain has what patient-cultivators at the dispensary call a “sleepy profile,” in that this strain produces an all-over relaxation effect, reduces anxiety, pain, nausea, stimulates appetite, helps with sleep, reduces muscle spasms and tremors. Some member-patients medicate with Indica to remedy headaches, seizures, stress, and problems with inflamed tissues caused by Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis.

If you have further questions about Sativa and Indica marijuana medicinal products available from PRC, please feel free to confer with one of our patient-cultivators during your next visit.