Cannabis Strains: How Many Different Kinds Are There?
Cannabis is a plant just like any other on planet Earth. It grows in a wide array of strains, varieties, and types. Much like choosing between red delicious, gala or granny smith apples at the grocery store, there are a ton of medical marijuana options available to choose from. There are currently at least 779 cannabis strains that have been named and recognized by the marijuana community. And the number of notable strains is only going to increase. With continued research, there are sure to be even more medical advancements in treating various ailments using particularly prescribed strands of marijuana.
Why Are So Many Cannabis Strains Important?
Hundreds of strains of cannabis are important for several reasons. First, it allows professional growers to experiment with ‘hybrid’ combinations. Growers are constantly discovering new strains as they experiment with cannabis cultivation. When there are more viable strains, there is better genetic differentiation within the plant species as a whole. Various strains may be more resistant to droughts or they might grow faster. Since every new strand is developed differently, each one provides its own unique compound ratios. Enhanced research allows more and more experimental cultivation, creating more effective treatment options for any given medical condition. Because growers create new strains from indica, sativa or hybrid varieties, it’s difficult to establish a concrete number of existing strains.
Experimentation Leads to Results:
Cannabis affects everyone differently. The same strain might alleviate one person’s PTSD while it helps another person’s digestive issues. In the same fashion, certain cannabis strains could help a person’s migraines while a different strain doesn’t help at all.
The more stains that are available, the better the chances for more accurate treatments for MMJ patients. One strain with a higher concentration of THC might help someone’s dementia, while a strain with lower THC levels could alleviate depression. It’s always important to note that various types of cannabis contain different concentrations of THC and CBD. Experimenting with these levels can help doctors prescribe a more precise medication that targets the main symptoms of a myriad of conditions.
Market Forces:
There is no standard for cannabis strains. If one grower experiments with a strain and it becomes a popular choice, that particular strain might take off and become marketable. Due to the complexity of the growing process and the knowledge required, most new strains cultivated by amateurs become failures. It isn’t until an experienced professional produces a one-of-a-kind product that it gains enough notoriety in the marijuana community. Once the word has spread, the product is then named and recognized as a legitimate cannabis strain.
Humans have cultivated marijuana for generations, involving centuries of traditions in the production process. Add modern technology, current agricultural practices and access to further cannabinoid research and what do you get? You get a multitude of ways to regain your health and live the way you’ve always wanted to…pain and symptom-free. So when it comes to the list of cannabis strains, just remember, the more the merrier!
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