There are actually three distinct and different strains of medical marijuana plants, with a fourth strain, consisting of hybrids, which is also commonly used. Each strain also contains a variety of specific plants, all with the major characteristics of the strain. Marijuana is now grown worldwide, however not all marijuana is suitable for medical uses. There is ongoing study about producing and monitoring the consistency within strains of medical marijuana plants to help physicians and patients best select a strain and plant type most suited to their needs.

Cannabis Ruderalis

This strain of cannabis plant is perhaps the least common and lesser known of all. It is typically grown in Eastern Europe, most commonly in Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic. It is most often found growing in a wild state and is not generally cultivated as a crop. Unlike other varieties of marijuana, this plant flowers based on the age of the plant not on the number of daylight hours available. As such, it is well suited to colder climates with shorter growing periods. While not used as a strain of medical marijuana on its own, the plants of the Cannabis Ruderalis can be used in cross breeding to produce hybrids that flower more consistently, producing a higher yield crop over the life of the plant.

Cannabis Indica

This strain of medical marijuana originates in the middle-eastern to eastern areas of Afghanistan, Tibet and Morocco. It has long been used in medicinal treatments in those areas and produces leaves and seeds with high CBD (cannabidiol) count, and a corresponding lower THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) count. CBD is reported to slow down the activity of the limbic system and decrease social anxiety and isolation. It is also used in countries that have legalized marijuana to treat schizophrenic symptoms, multiple sclerosis and to control chronic pain conditions. Research also shows promise for this strain to help with inhibiting cancerous cell growth in specific types of cancer. Plants of the Cannabis Indica strain have thick stalks and their wide leaves are typically a darker green color when in their pure state. They are fast growing and do well in cultivated growing situations.

Cannabis Sativa

This medical marijuana strain is the opposite of the Cannabis Indica in almost all attributes. It has a low CBD count and a high TCH count and is generally used to treat chronic pain conditions and digestive problems. The TCH stimulates hunger and relaxation, and research is ongoing about its possible use in managing aggression and aggressive tendencies found in specific mental health and brain trauma conditions. The plants of the Cannabis Sativa strain of medical marijuana are more difficult to grow than those of the Indica strain. It is a tall, thin plant with thin, sparser leaves that are lighter green in color. The plant itself is very slow to mature and requires significantly more light than other varieties of cannabis to produce flowers.

Cannabis Hybrids

Cross breeding the various strains of marijuana provides the opportunity to create various levels of CBD and THC to suit different medical treatment needs. In addition, hybrids often produce more usable leaves and seeds in a much shorter time period, allowing more consistent production as new varieties of medical marijuana are developed.

It should be noted that this article is for information purposes only and should not, under any circumstances, be accepted as legal or health advice.