The two basic cannabis strains are Indica and Sativa. The majority of medical cannabis today is a hybrid that contains characteristics of both Indica and Sativa strains with one or the other being dominant.
An Indica dominant hybrid could be used for pain relief and have a Sativa part that can help with a person’s energy level whereas a Sativa dominant hybrid could be used to stimulate a person’s appetite and have a Indica part that can help with pain relief.
Since relaxation, getting to sleep and easing other sleep disorders is a priority, you would most likely want an Indica dominant hybrid.
Two medical components of cannabis you want to look at are Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). In the most basic terms, THC is the high and CBD in the medical component that relieves nausea, inflammation and anxiety.
An Indica dominant hybrid will be lower in THC but higher in CBD. The effects are a couch locking, body buzz that is a heavier, sleepy high. It is good for a late evening smoke as it induces relaxation, reduces stress and gives the user an overall calm and serenity.
Other benefits of an Indica dominant hybrid include:
- Good for easing insomnia symptoms
- Provides anxiety relief (but not for depression)
- Provides pain relief
- Relaxes the muscles
- Reduces nausea
- Relieves headaches and migraines
- Has an inflammation reduction quality
- Relieves spasms and reduces seizures.
Some of the top Indica strains are Afghani, Northern Lights, G-13, Granddaddy Purple and Hindu Kush.
A Sativa dominant hybrid will be higher in THC and lower in CBD. The effects are a more cerebral, energetic, uplifting head buzz. It is a good for daytime use as you are kept more energetic and sociable as it reduces depression, anxiety and nausea.
Other benefits of a Sativa dominant hybrid include:
- Increases feeling of well-being and optimism
- Relaxes muscles and relieves pain
- Energizes and stimulating
- Uplifting
- Promotes creativity
- Increases focus and creativity
- Stimulates the appetite
- Relieves headaches and migraines
- Reduces nausea
Some of the top Sativa strains include Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, Headband and Purple Haze.
You can basically view Sativa medication as useful during the day and Indica being better for evening use. Vaporizers are also excellent for reducing the smoke that’s inhaled.
You should talk with a knowledgeable person who can guide you to the strain that will help ease your condition. And cannabis, like all other drugs legal or not, should not be used by people with psychological problems. If you’re not right in the head, cannabis isn’t going to help you and maybe mess you up even more.
I have used cannabis for my insomnia but I do so only occasionally opting to concentrate my efforts on improving good sleep habits. One of the techniques I have been using lately with great results is to set my alarm for the morning then place a towel over the clock so I can’t see what time it is. Kind of a set it and forget it method.
What strain have you tried to ease your insomnia? Leave a comment below.
I use mainly Indicas to induce my sleep as I have chronic sleep aponea. Works a treat…. Legalize!!!
Interesting that in Central America and Mexico they are looking at legalization and control of distribution because the war on drugs has been a huge failure. The cost in these countries has been a 1000 times worse than in the US or Canada but here these two backward thinking republics refuse to listen to any reason and the US wants to continue to support the merchants of death in the armament industries. Canada of course is nothing but the US’s bitch and will blindly follow along.
Just started experimenting with medical pot for sleep. Suffer from CFS which means non restorative and fragmented sleep. Tried Granddaddy Purple and for two nights I slept better than i have in years BUT had an all day hangover the next day. Don’t mind a getting up in the AM hangover where some coffee clears it but this was longer lasting. Third night didn’t sleep as well. So, continuing experiment but any advice about the unwanted hangover or alternate strains gratefully appreciated.