For quite some time tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was the super-star cannabinoid found in marijuana. Responsible for the psychoactive component of the plant which most people are interested in.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a less-known cannabinoid in marijuana, but it is extraordinary in many ways.
Why Cannabidiol (CBD) Is So Important
Cannabidiol is remarkably effective for relieving pain, found to be as effective or more effective than opioid painkillers in many cases. CBD also helps ease muscle tension, reduces inflammation and even has some antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits as well.
With no psychoactive component in cannabidiol, it is much easier for the government to support as a useful and safe medicine. The wide variety of conditions that CBD can help with is very promising, especially considering there are no harmful side effects or risk of overdose.
Cannabidiol pills, creams and oils are all available, but not many places carry them or fully understand the benefits. If you don’t mind the psychoactive ‘high’ from smoking marijuana, you can opt for certain strains that are bred to have very high cannabidiol levels.
Here are a few strains you can look for at your local dispensary with high CBD levels.
High CBD Sativa Strains
Hawaiian Dream
Crossing Blue Dream with Hawaiian produced this high CBD strain. This uplifting sativa strain is great for relieving pain, inflammation and anxiety without knocking you out.
CBD Mango Haze
Born from Mango Haze with some added CBD for good measure, released by the CBD Crew in 2013. The CBD:THC ratio ranges from 1:1 to 2:1, making this a cannabidiol heavy strain perfect for medical users.
MediHaze
Another strain released by the CBD Crew, crossing Super Silver Haze and Neville’s Haze along with some super-secret CBD heavy genetics. A sativa dominant strain with a fragrant aroma and fresh taste.
Swiss Gold
CBD:THC ratios often reach around 2:1, making Swiss Gold a great CBD heavy strain. Even though it is classified as a sativa, users report some potent indica effects.
Jamaican Lion
A great strain for beginners because of its low THC content. Jamaican Lion offers a mild psychoactive high, giving users an uplifting, creative high coupled with the effects of a high CBD strain.
High CBD Indica Strains
CBD Shark
An indica dominant strain with very similar THC to CBD ratios. Users report a very mild cerebral high with potent pain relieving qualities. A great strain for medical patients who don’t want to be overly ‘stoned’.
Afghani CBD
Descending from the Afghani Indica landrace strains, Afghani CBD is a potent indica with very high CBD levels. Often used for treating chronic pain, elevated stress levels and insomnia.
Dark Star
Crossing Purple Kush and Mazar-I-Sharif gave birth to Dark Star, a hard hitting indica with huge CBD levels. Expect a deep cerebral calming high coupled with potent pain relief, great for patients with anxiety or stress.
Remedy
A cross between Cannatonic and Afghan Skunk, Remedy is a true to form ‘medical strain’. With a 15:1 CBD:THC ratio, this is a very unique strain. Don’t expect a hard hitting high by any means, this is a strain for instant relaxation and pain relief without the cerebral high accompanying most other strains.
Critical Mass
Here is a high THC indica strain bred by crossing Afghani and Skunk #1. Critical Mass got its name because of its extremely high yields, sometimes snapping the stems due to the weight of the dense buds. A highly cerebral strain with all the desired CBD heavy indica effects.
High CBD Hybrid Strains
Purple Cheese
Indica dominant hybrid bred from Purple #1, Blue Cheese and Lowryder. High CBD levels and less of that stinky Blue Cheese aroma, Purple Cheese is a super tasty strain. Expect a powerful body-high great for relieving pain but without the sedative quality that will knock you out early.
Zen
Crossing Mexican Sativa, Afghani and Lavender gave birth to this aromatic hybrid. Balanced in THC and CBD, Zen is often used to help quell digestive issues and increase appetite.
OG Ringo
Expect a long-lasting cerebral high from this indica dominant hybrid. High THC and CBD levels make OG Ringo a good strain for pain & stress relief.
Sour Tsunami
Bred specifically for a high CBD content and low THC level, Sour Tsunami is a cross between Sour Diesel and NYC Diesel. A Sativa dominant hybrid with minimal cerebral effects, due to a THC content under 10% in most cases. Similar to Remedy but with a bit more kick.
Cannatonic
Offering very little in terms of a psychoactive high, Cannatonic generally has no more than 14% THC. With CBD levels skyrocketing at up to 23%, this is a true medical marijuana strain. Parents of the Cannatonic strain are MK Ultra and G13 Haze.
source: leafly.com