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Writer's pictureJim Jones

Top 22 Medical Cannabis Strains for Therapeutic Benefits

Updated: Oct 17

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For far too long, and until very recently, everyone’s favorite plant was demonized, with shouts of ‘Reefer Madness’ heard far and wide. Before that, our ancestors had been cultivating and using cannabis as medicine for thousands of years, but this all came to a spectacular end in the mid 1920s thanks to the powers that be, or at least the powers that were.

The war on drugs has been nothing short of a disaster. Starting as a way to essentially target marginalized communities quasi-legally, this misguided campaign has resulted in the (debatably unjust) incarceration of millions and has simply done more harm than good. Black market drug lords bring in billions each year, with no quality control in place, and no benefit to society.

But fortunately, change is in the air.

The rising tsunami of legal medical cannabis is slowly but surely sweeping across the globe. Researchers are finally being granted the type of access they need to explore this intriguing, fascinating plant. And the results are, at times, eye-opening – even for long-term cannasouiers.

As cannabis, both medicinal and recreational, becomes increasingly accepted and normalized, we thought the time was right to have a proper, in-depth look at the very best therapeutic weed strains now available.

But first…

How Does Medical Cannabis Work?

It mostly comes down to a neurochemical marvel we all have tucked away inside us, but only discovered in 1988: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Endocannabinoid… Cannabinoid… Cannabis…

Coincidence? Not at all.

What is the endocannabinoid system, and how does it relate to cannabis?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the body’s largest and most sophisticated neurotransmitter network, with its receptors spread throughout the brain and body. This signalling system helps regulate a wide range of bodily functions, such as pain perception, immune response, mood, stress, inflammation, appetite, sleep – the list goes on.

Our endocannabinoids (naturally occurring compounds which act as ECS signalling molecules) bind to the ECS receptors CB1 and CB2. When these receptors are activated, they help restore homeostasis (balance) in the body by modulating the activity of various biological processes.

The compounds found in cannabis, called cannabinoids (THC, CBD CBG, THCV, etc.), have a chemical structure surprisingly similar to our own endocannabinoids. This allows some of them to also bind to ECS receptors.

CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system. When THC activates these receptors, it produces the psychoactive and euphoric effects of cannabis, along with a range of therapeutic benefits.

CBD doesn’t produce this “high” because it cannot bind to CB1 receptors, but it can bind to other receptors in the ECS, producing a variety of therapeutic effects. This includes the TRPV1 channel, which is involved in pain perception and inflammation, as well as the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A, known to regulate mood.

What about other cannabinoids?

The vast majority of research so far has focused on the big two – THC and CBD – but there are over 100 other cannabinoids in cannabis, and many of them have their own unique therapeutic potential. In the coming months and years, expect to start hearing a lot more about CBG, CBN, THCV, and more.

The Top 22 Medical Cannabis Strains

While the Sativa/Indica debate is somewhat outdated, with researchers now showing that the actual cannabinoid and terpene profiles of a strain are far more important when it comes to predicting effects, for simplicity’s sake, we’ll still categorize strains as either Indica-dominant, Sativa-dominant, or Hybrid.

There are CBD-heavy options scattered through both the Sativa and Indica categories, but most are in the Hybrid section below. If you are looking for a balanced CBD to THC ratio, there are more than a few to now choose from.

Sativa-dominant strains

Pure Sativa land race strains are pretty hard to come by in the modern cannabis landscape. There are only a couple left, and while they do offer a truly unique adventure, most medicinal users are looking for a slightly more well-rounded experience.

Thankfully, Sativa dominant cultivars are everywhere and offer a great combination of cerebral, energizing effects with uplifting and mood-brightening properties. The following list covers all of the best Sativa dominant options for medical cannabis patients.

Amnesia Haze

stock photo similar to Amnesia Haze

Amnesia Haze is the true epitome of Amsterdam gold.

First hitting the scene in 1998, it’s a Sativa-dominant hybrid that is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. A cross between Southeast Asian, Jamaican, Hawaiian, and Afghani land race strains, Amnesia Haze has an earthy, citrus aroma with hints of pine and lemon. It was first targeted at the recreational market (like most on this list), but quickly gained a reputation as one of the best strains for treating depression and anxiety.


Primary Effects: Euphoria, energy, creativity, uplifted mood, focus


Therapeutic Benefits: Stress relief, depression alleviation, fatigue reduction, pain management, anxiety relief


Flavor Profile: Citrus, earthy, sweet


THC/CBD Content: THC: 20-25%, CBD: <1%

Blue Dream

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One of the first big names in medical marijuana, Blue Dream is just that, a true dream.

A Nor Cal legend through and through, this cross of Blueberry and Haze has been winning awards and hearts since it first emerged from the Emerald Triangle in the 1990. Thanks to its well-balanced high, it’s larger than most range of therapeutic benefits, and how easy it is to grow, you’ll find Blue Dream in pretty much every legal market around the world.


Primary Effects: Relaxation, euphoria, creativity, happiness, focus


Therapeutic Benefits: Stress relief, depression alleviation, pain management, anxiety relief, nausea reduction


Flavor Profile: Sweet berry, blueberry, earthy


THC/CBD Content: THC: 17-24%, CBD: 0.1-0.2%

Chocolope

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Developed by DNA Genetics in the early 2000s, Chocolope (also known as D-Line) hailed in a new era of medical cannabis breeding.

A cross between Chocolate Thai and Cannalope Haze, the breeders were originally looking to recreate the chocolaty flavors that dominated the 80s weed scene. They did so, but they also gave birth to a strain with incredibly therapeutic effects.


Primary Effects: Euphoria, energy, focus, happiness, creativity


Therapeutic Benefits: Stress relief, depression alleviation, fatigue reduction, anxiety relief, pain management


Flavor Profile: Coffee, earthy, sweet


THC/CBD Content: THC: 18-22%, CBD: <1%

Green Crack

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Originally named Cush, West Coast legend Snoop Dogg coined the term “Green Crack” after finding the effects to be almost overwhelmingly stimulating.

This led to it being a somewhat controversial name in the cannabis world, and breeders have attempted to rebrand it as “Green Cush”. Despite its divisive moniker, Green Crack remains a popular strain for treating fatigue and lack of appetite, as well as a host of symptoms relating to mental health conditions.


Primary Effects: Energy, focus, euphoria, happiness, creativity


Therapeutic Benefits: Fatigue reduction, appetite stimulation, depression alleviation, anxiety relief, pain management


Flavor Profile: Citrus, earthy, sweet


THC/CBD Content: THC: 15-25%, CBD: <1%

Jack Herer

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Named in honor of cannabis activist and author Jack Herer, this strain was developed by Sensei Seeds in the Netherlands in the 1990s.

A pure cross of Northern Lights #5, Shiva Skunk, and Haze, Jack Herer is as close to a true Sativa land race strain as they come in the hybrid market. It has won numerous awards for its uplifting and cerebral effects, which have made it popular among medical users seeking relief from depression and fatigue.


Primary Effects: Energy, euphoria, focus, happiness


Primary Effects: Euphoria, creativity, energy, focus, happiness


Therapeutic Benefits: Stress relief, depression alleviation, fatigue reduction, pain management, anxiety relief


Flavor Profile: Pine, earthy, citrus


THC/CBD Content: THC: 18-24%, CBD: <1%

Indica-dominant strains

Indica-dominant cultivars are perfect for medical weed patients looking to wind down, relax, and get some much-needed rest.

Hailing from the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, Indica strains have a reputation for offering powerful relaxation effects with a healthy dose of pain relief.

In the current market, you can now find a huge range of Indica hybrids that offer a more balanced cannabinoid profile for medical users seeking relief without over-the-top stimulation.

Afghan Kush

stock photo similar to Afghan Kush

Afghan Kush is one of the few true land race Indica offerings still with us today.

When we talk about the history of medicinal cannabis, Afghan Kush is always one of the first names to crop up. A pure Indica strain from Afghanistan, its genetics have been used in countless cross and back cross hybrids to improve its potency, yield, and disease resistance. Therapeutically, it’s known for its sedative effects, making it a popular choice among medical users seeking relief from insomnia and chronic pain.


Primary Effects: Relaxation, sedation, euphoria, sleepiness, hunger


Therapeutic Benefits: Insomnia relief, pain management, stress relief, anxiety alleviation, appetite stimulation


Flavor Profile: Earthy, spicy, pine


THC/CBD Content: THC: 16-21%, CBD: <1%

Bubba Kush

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Another Nor Cal classic, Bubba Kush is a direct descendant of the above strain, and takes the kush name to the next level.

First gracing the bowls and papers of California medical users in the mid-1990s, Bubba Kush quickly became renowned for its powerful relaxation and painkilling effects. It’s since become a staple strain in many dispensaries around the world.


Primary Effects: Relaxation, sedation, euphoria, sleepiness, happiness


Therapeutic Benefits: Insomnia relief, pain management, stress relief, anxiety alleviation, appetite stimulation


Flavor Profile: Earthy, sweet, coffee


THC/CBD Content: THC: 14-22%, CBD: <1%

G13

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Stoners love a conspiracy, and G13 is a conspiracy strain that tops the rest.

It’s rumored to have been developed by the US government in the late 70s as part of a project to create the ultimate Indica cannabis strain. Despite its questionable origins, G13 has become a popular choice among medical users seeking powerful relaxation effects without feeling too overwhelmed or sedated.


Primary Effects: Relaxation, euphoria, sedation, happiness, sleepiness


Therapeutic Benefits: Pain management, insomnia relief, stress relief, anxiety alleviation, appetite stimulation


Flavor Profile: Earthy, pine, sweet


THC/CBD Content: THC: 20-24%, CBD: <1%

Grandaddy Purple (GDP)

GDP-strain

GDP-strain


One of the best strains from one of the best breeders of all time (Ken Estes), Grandaddy Purple is a real one of a kind.

Originally developed in 2003, GDP quickly gained a reputation for its potent physical relaxation and painkilling effects. A cross of Purple Urkle and Big Bud, this huge yielding, bag-appealing potency queen has been used by cancer and HIV/AIDS patients for more than two decades to help manage symptoms related to the side effects of treatment.


Primary Effects: Relaxation, euphoria, sedation, happiness, sleepiness


Therapeutic Benefits: Pain management, insomnia relief, stress relief, anxiety alleviation, appetite stimulation


Flavor Profile: Sweet, berry, grape


THC/CBD Content: THC: 17-27%, CBD: <1%

Northern Lights

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Any cannoisseur worth his (or hers) weight in bud is well acquainted with Northern Lights.

One of the most awarded strains of all time, this cross of Afghani Indica and Thai Sativa has set the bar for potency and taste since it first appeared in Holland in the late 1980s. With a sweet, earthy flavor profile and powerful physical effects, Northern Lights remains a popular choice among medical users seeking relief from chronic pain, insomnia, and muscle spasms.


Primary Effects: Relaxation, sedation, euphoria, happiness, sleepiness


Therapeutic Benefits: Insomnia relief, pain management, stress relief, anxiety alleviation, appetite stimulation


Flavor Profile: Sweet, spicy, earthy


THC/CBD Content: THC: 16-21%, CBD: <1%

Hybrid Strains

Hybrid strains are all about giving the people what they want.

In this section, you will find cultivars that are very well balanced between Indica and Sativa effects, and also a range of high CBD options. With so many different hybrid strains available, it’s important to research and test out which ones are right for you and your medical needs.

ACDC

stock photo similar to ACDC

Less a ‘Highway to Hell’, and more a ‘Highway to Heaven’, ACDC might be named after one of the most popular rock bands of all time, but this hybrid strain is anything but intense.

With a CBD to THC ratio of around 15:1, this pure medicinal strain first arrived in 2012. This was when CBD was really making a name for itself, and ACDC helped usher in a new wave of CBD-rich strains that were perfect for medical users looking for therapeutic benefits without a heavy high.


Primary Effects: Relaxation, focus, calm, uplifted mood, happiness


Therapeutic Benefits: Pain management, anxiety relief, epilepsy treatment, inflammation reduction, stress relief


Flavor Profile: Earthy, woody, pine


THC/CBD Content: THC: 1-6%, CBD: 20-25%

AK-47

stock photo similar to AK-47

A strain that needs no introduction, AK-47 took the world by storm in the early 90s thanks to its diverse and potent effects.

A hybrid of Colombian, Mexican, Thai, and Afghani genetics, AK-47 offers a balance between Indica and Sativa that hadn’t been seen before, but that hasn’t stopped breeders trying to beat it ever since (and mostly failing). With a sweet and sour taste and uplifting effects, AK-47 is a great all-day option for those needing a boost of energy and motivation.


Primary Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, creativity, happiness, uplifted mood


Therapeutic Benefits: Stress relief, pain management, depression alleviation, anxiety relief, fatigue reduction


Flavor Profile: Earthy, pungent, sweet


THC/CBD Content: THC: 16-20%, CBD: <1%

Cannatonic

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Cannatonic was one of the first almost balanced CBD/THC hybrid strains to appear on the market, and it remains one of the best.

While it leans a little more Indica than Sativa, Cannatonic is perfect for medical users seeking an option that won’t rock the boat too much. With a relatively low THC content and high CBD levels, this strain offers gentle relaxation and pain relief without the intense psychoactive effects.


Primary Effects: Relaxation, focus, uplifting, happiness, calm


Therapeutic Benefits: Pain management, anxiety relief, muscle spasm reduction, inflammation reduction, stress relief


Flavor Profile: Earthy, woody, citrus


THC/CBD Content: THC: 6-7%, CBD: 6-17%

Charlotte’s Web

stock photo similar to Charlotte's Web

Charlotte’s Web changed how we all saw weed, no two ways about it. Along with ACDC, this strain revolutionized the way we think about CBD and its potential medical benefits.

Named after Charlotte Figi, the young girl with severe epilepsy whose story and successful treatment with CBD oil sparked a global movement, this strain offers high levels of CBD and very low levels of THC. With less than 1% THC, this strain will not produce any noticeable ‘high’, but can provide significant relief for a range of medical conditions.


Primary Effects: Relaxation, focus, calm, happiness, uplifting


Therapeutic Benefits: Epilepsy treatment, anxiety relief, pain management, inflammation reduction, stress relief


Flavor Profile: Earthy, woody, floral


THC/CBD Content: THC: <1%, CBD: 15-20%

Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)

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One of the most popular strains on the market, and one of the best new-school strains to ever be released for mass consumption, Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) is a true powerhouse.

A cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison, this balanced hybrid offers both physical and mental effects that have earned it multiple awards and a devoted following. With a sweet, earthy taste and potent effects, GSC is perfect for managing pain, anxiety, inflammation, and can do a lot for all the insomniacs out there.


Primary Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, creativity, happiness, uplifted mood


Therapeutic Benefits: Stress relief, depression alleviation, pain management, anxiety relief, nausea reduction


Flavor Profile: Sweet, earthy, minty


THC/CBD Content: THC: 18-28%, CBD: <1%

OG Kush

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OG Kush is the mother of all hybrids. Before this strain, there were very few true hybrids, with most cultivars leaning heavily towards Indica or Sativa.

But OG Kush changed all of that when it first appeared in the early 1990s, quickly becoming a favorite among recreational and medical users alike. By crossing Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and a Hindu Kush strain, this earthy and piney hybrid offers a classic high that is both relaxing and euphoric.


Primary Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, stress relief, happiness, uplifted mood


Therapeutic Benefits: Stress relief, anxiety relief, pain management, depression alleviation, insomnia relief


Flavor Profile: Earthy, pine, woody


THC/CBD Content: THC: 19-26%, CBD: <1%

White Widow

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Rounding out today’s list is White Widow, which is a ‘top 3 of all time’ prescribed medical cannabis strain.

Its origins are mostly shrouded in mystery, but most now agree it’s a mix of a Brazilian Sativa land race and a South Indian Indica. Either way, The numerous High Times Cannabis Cup awards, and the level at which it is still prescribed by doctors across the globe, speak for themselves. With a sweet and spicy aroma and potent effects, White Widow is known for its ability to alleviate pain and boost energy.


Primary Effects: Euphoria, energy, relaxation, happiness, creativity


Therapeutic Benefits: Stress relief, depression alleviation, pain management, anxiety relief, fatigue reduction


Flavor Profile: Earthy, woody, spicy


THC/CBD Content: THC: 18-25%, CBD: <1%

The Wrap Up!

So, there we go. All of the most prescribed medical cannabis strains, right here, in one place.

We’ve covered the most famous, some of the lesser-known but highly potent options, and even thrown in a few classics for good measure. But, it is important to keep in mind that what works for one patient may not work for another. Cannabis-based medicine is a very personal and individual experience. So many factors can (and do) influence the effects of a given strain.

This points to how important it is to always seek out an experienced and knowledgeable medical professional before self-medicating with cannabis. Look for a doctor who is well-versed in prescribing both medical cannabis and conventional options for your specific health needs, and always start with a small dosage to see how your body reacts before diving right in.

Good luck and happy healing!

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