The first choice confronting the medical marijuana patient is what kind of marijuana to get. A visit to a medical marijuana pharmacy will confront the patient with an immense selection to choose from. Prices vary, names vary, the whole thing can be overwhelming.

To keep things simple just remember there are two types of marijuana: Indica and Sativa. Within these two types are many specialized and exotic strains and blends. It’s very similar to tobacco which comes in regular, menthol and light types which are available in various strains and blends like Winston, Marlboro, Camel, etc.

For the marijuana patient, the Sativa strains are more of a stimulant, and are effective in appetite stimulation, relieving depression, migraines, pain and nausea. We are now aware of specific strains, or “brand names” that are effective for specific symptoms and conditions. In other words, the sativa high is mainly mental in nature. Your medical marijuana pharmacy can offer you more specific advice.

Sativa is wide ranging in origination; native to Colombia, Mexico, Thailand and Southeast Asia. Flavors range from earthy to sweet and fruity.  Sativa plants take longer to mature and have a longer flowering cycle than Indica plants. They tend to be taller and less full as well. Because of the extended growing period and lower yield, most pharmacies have much more Indica than Sativa in stock. For this reason, the patient could do well to consider growing their own.

GROWERS CHOICE: SOUR DIESEL

We chose Sour Diesel to recommend partly for its medicinal effect and partly for its relative easy in growing compared to other Sativas. Sour Diesel is known for its high pungency during flowering and throughout the drying and curing process. The buds have a strong smell too. The leaves around the buds are extremely sticky.

Some additional Sativa “brand names” are Swiss Miss, Big Fatty, Blue Heaven, Durban Poison, Hawaiian Sativa, Lamb's Bread, Train Wreck and White Widow.

Here are some patient testimonials found online that illustrate the differences between strains and methods of using medical marijuana: I'm legal here in MI, and I medicate (vaporize) using the heavy Indica strains. My primary medicine is the old school UBC Chemo which is an 80/20 Indica/Sativa and literally melts away the horrible muscle cramps I get with this MS.

A good friend spent years fighting depression and went through the entire arsenal of big pharm's offerings to no avail. The pills only deteriorated his health further. He uses a sativa to make cannabutter. He cooks it in his food every day and is currently taking no prescription antidepressants at all. I know many people who tell of nearly miraculous benefits from cannabis. I read that they're getting great results with cannabis therapy in children with autism.

It seemed the Indicas were better for treating pain with a sedative property, and the Sativa was better for use when I didn't want to get tired. I have found in my own personal use that the Sativas are better for the daytime, whereas the Indicas help me sleep at night. Both help with my pain. They also have helped with my swelling.