The Top 10 Medical Cannabis Strains

The world of medical marijuana is blooming. Thanks to the legalization of cannabis in various places around the world, we are finally beginning to rediscover the potential of this ancient medicinal plant.

Whether you’re already using cannabis grown from medical cannabis seeds or haven’t yet decided if it’s right for you, use this article as a source of general information on some of the best medical-grade strains currently on the market.

WHAT IS MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

Medical marijuana, as the name suggests, refers to cannabis (or cannabis-derived products) designed to be used to treat medical symptoms and/or conditions. Recreational marijuana, on the other hand, is taken solely for the purpose of enjoyment.

Both medical and recreational marijuana come from the same plant species, Cannabis sativa. However, medical marijuana is usually prescribed to a patient by a doctor and used in a treatment plan designed to alleviate a specific symptom or condition.

Marijuana has received a lot more attention from the medical community in recent years. This is due to new research which shows that cannabinoids (chemicals found within the cannabis plant) like THC and CBD have certain effects that could be beneficial in a medical setting.

Cannabis contains hundreds of different cannabinoids, as well as unique, aromatic terpenes that produce its varied effects. While a lot of research is focussing on the individual properties and effects of these compounds, our knowledge of cannabis and how it affects our bodies is still in its infancy.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MEDICAL MARIJUANA STRAIN?

There are hundreds of different varieties of marijuana. These are known as “strains” and boast different concentrations of cannabinoids. They also produce different effects.

Indica strains, for example, are known to induce deep relaxation and sedation. Sativa strains, on the other hand, usually catalyse a more uplifting sense of euphoria. Both indicas and sativas contain the same cannabinoids, albeit in different concentrations.

Picking the right strain of medical marijuana largely depends on the symptoms a patient is looking to treat, their individual response to cannabis, as well as the severity of their condition.

THE TOP 10 MEDICAL MARIJUANA STRAINS

If you’re considering using cannabis medicinally, here are 10 high-quality cannabis strains worth checking out in more detail.

1. Joanne's CBD

No happy accident, Joanne's CBD from Royal Queen Seeds boasts some impressive cannabidiol content, courtesy of her equally impressive parentage. Derived from Sessions and Juanita la Lagrimosa, she's a strain set on easing mind and body without any psychotropic effects.

With an average CBD level of around 15–18% and <1% THC, Joanne's CBD is ideal for use anywhere and at any time of day. She provides lucidity and can easily be enjoyed whether smoked or vaporised.

She's a 50/50 sativa/indica hybrid that provides some impressive citrus, fruit, and hash flavours. Combined, this delightful blend only adds to her already outstanding profile. Growers looking to harness Joanne's CBD abilities from the comfort of home will be surprised to learn that this reasonably short plant (often reaching heights of around 120cm indoors) will provide 500–550g/m² with ease. 

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Joanne's CBD (Royal Queen Seeds) Feminized

(10)

Parents: Session x Juanita la Lagrimosa

Genetics: 25% Indica / 75% Sativa

Flowering Time: 7-8 weeks

THC: 0-1%

CBD: 15%

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

2. FAST EDDY

Royal Queen Seeds is a leading European seedbank from Spain. This strain, Fast Eddy, is one of their best-selling medical varieties.

Combining Cheese, Juanita la Lagrimosa, and ruderalis genetics, this strain is a fast-flowering auto with varying levels of CBD and roughly 9% THC.

The real potential of this strain lies in its balanced effects. With only 9% THC, Fast Eddy doesn’t produce the strong psychoactive effects associated with most recreational strains. Instead, it’ll leave you completely functional and capable of dealing with your regular responsibilities.

This strain is really ideal for patients who medicate during daytime hours or multiple times during the day; it still has enough power to produce lasting relief from various symptoms without involving an overwhelming high.

Fast Eddy is also a great option for anyone looking to grow their own medicine at home. Despite only growing to about 60-100cm, it flowers automatically, producing decent harvests of up to 450g/m² in just 8-9 weeks from seed to harvest.

Fast Eddy also produces very aromatic flowers, which’ll probably even attract recreational users looking for a mellow, relaxing smoke after a long day.

3. Y Griega CBD

From the team at Medical Seeds comes a strong and highly capable medical marijuana strain. As a hybrid CBD cultivar showcasing both indica and sativa genetics (40/60 respectively), she provides soothing qualities to those that try her. With a touch of THC, she's not entirely psychotropic but enough to offer up a slight buzz.

Well known in the medicinal cannabis, skincare and beauty communities, Y Griega CBD has long been harnessed for use in topical creams, tinctures and a whole host of other CBD-laden products. However, she's also ideally suited to a relaxing smoke or vape. Boasting a blend of sweet citrus flavours, there's little wonder as to why this strain is so popular.

Taking 9–10 weeks to flower is just another string to her bow, and when grown in the best possible conditions, has the potential for yields of up to 400g/m². All things considered, Y Griega CBD is ideal for your next home growing project.

4. CBD FIX AUTO

CBD Fix Auto serves up a high dose of 7–15% CBD alongside minimal levels of THC at around 0.8%, striking an average CBD:THC ratio of 9:1. This high concentration of the medicinal cannabinoid makes this strain particularly effective. A loaded vape hit will cause a clear-headed and subtle effect to sweep across the mind and body, making the user feel at ease. The low THC content makes this strain non-psychotropic, which means it's viable to use throughout the day whilst remaining fully productive and alert.

CBD Fix Auto was developed by breeding Northern Lights Auto with a CBD-rich clone. She is an easy strain to grow, and features a rapid life cycle of approximately 70 days from seed to harvest. Plants grown indoors under strong lights will grow to between 60–100cm in height and yield around 325g/m². Plants cultivated outdoors grow to slightly taller heights of 80–120cm and offer 120g/plant.

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CBD Fix Automatic (Zamnesia Seeds) Feminized

(127)

Parents: CBD rich clone x Northern Lights Auto

Genetics: Indica-dominant

Flowering Time: 10-11 weeks from seed to harvest

THC: 0-1%

CBD: 20%

Flowering Type: Autoflowering

5. SWEET NURSE AUTO CBD

Sweet Nurse Auto CBD is a popular medical marijuana strain from the famed Sweet Seeds, a renowned seedbank founded in Valencia.

It is a fast-flowering auto variety, going from seed to harvest in roughly 55 to 60 days. It boasts a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio, making it another great option for patients looking for a nice balance between these two cannabinoids.

Sweet Seeds produces a wide variety of cannabis strains, and this is one of their flagship medicinal varieties. It produces subtle effects, leaving users feeling relaxed and calm. For some users, the relaxing effects of this strain may also help soothe the mind. 

It’s important to remember that some phenotypes of Sweet Nurse Auto CBD may boast slightly higher concentrations of THC. These phenos will produce notably stronger psychoactive effects, although most users do not find them overwhelming.

6. CBD RENÉ

House Of The Great Gardener is a cannabis seedbank dedicated to creating a variety of medical and recreational cannabis seeds. CBD René, a powerful indica-dominant strain, is one of their most popular varieties, offering balanced, yet soothing effects.

CBD René boasts a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio, usually clocking it at roughly 6%. This makes for an extremely balanced strain that provides relief without any overpowering psychoactive effects. The potential of a well-balanced strain like this is huge. 

CBD René has won numerous cannabis awards, including:

• Highest CBD Flower, 2014 High Times Cannabis Cup Amsterdam
• 1st Place CBD Flower, 2016 Lift Cup Toronto
• 1st Place CBD Flower, 2015 Harvest Moon Cup Vancouver
• 3rd Place BC Dispensaries, 2014 Canadian Cannabis Awards

7. Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a superbly flavourful strain favoured by those seeking a reliable medicinal cultivar. She makes up for what she lacks in CBD (<1%) with THC, packing a potent punch at roughly 19%. Even with her euphoric moments, make no mistake, Blue Dream still offers up some relaxing and soothing moments.

Derived from Blueberry x Haze, she's a strain that's not shy about showcasing her rich flavours. With a sweet berry taste and hints of earthiness, she's a strain that you can enjoy in many different ways and settings.

Blue Dream is a hugely popular choice for home growers, thanks to her fantastic attributes. With some sizeable yields, plenty of users are making their Blue Dream a reality.

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Blue Dream (Zamnesia Seeds) feminized

(112)

Parents: Blueberry x Haze

Genetics: 20% Indica / 80% Sativa

Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks

THC: 19%

CBD: 0-1%

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

8. Dance World

Dance World is another strain from Royal Queen Seeds that shows great promise. A 75% sativa-dominant hybrid combining genetics from Dancehall 20 and Juanita la Lagrimosa, Dance World has been carefully bred to boast a consistent 1:1 THC:CBD ratio. 

Clocking in at 12% THC and 12% CBD, Dance World is ideal for individuals who need to dose throughout the day, but don't want to deal with the strong psychoactive properties of a THC-dominant variety. Its effects are mild and only slightly intoxicating, producing subtle relaxation while offering long-lasting soothing effects.

On average, Dance World plants grow to be 100–120cm tall and need roughly 8–9 weeks to flower. Come harvest time, Dance World will reward you with respectable yields of up to 500–550g/m² indoors and roughly 400–450g/plant outdoors.

9. CBD BLUE SHARK

CBD Blue Shark is a medicinal strain created by Barney’s Farm and CBD Crew, two well-known seedbanks with a variety of strains already under their belts.

This is another indica-dominant strain, this time with a highly sought-after CBD:THC ratio of 1:1. Both cannabinoids clock in at roughly 6.5%, making it another phenomenal medical strain for any patients seeking well-rounded effects.

Most users cherish this strain because it doesn’t produce strong psychoactive effects, and can be used during the day, without interrupting any commitments you’ve made.

10. SHARK WIDOW CBD

Shark Widow CBD is the last of our top medicinal strains and is brought to us by Advanced Seeds. This is another indica-dominant variety with a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio, usually clocking in around 6%.

This is a very pungent strain which flowers in record time of only 55 days. It grows to manageable heights and can easily flourish both indoors and outdoors. It also produces generous yields, which even the occasional recreational user might be willing to try.

The effects of this strain, once again, are very balanced. With only 6% THC, this strain won’t produce much of a “high.” At most, users report feeling “pleasantly relaxed.” 

All in all, this is a really versatile strain that any patient looking to embrace the medicinal properties of cannabis will cherish.

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Shark Widow CBD (Advanced Seeds) feminized

(2)

Parents: Indica Selection High CBD

Genetics: Indica-dominant

Flowering Time: 7-8 weeks

THC: 6%

CBD: 6%

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

FIND MORE MEDICAL STRAINS AT ZAMNESIA TODAY

We’ve done our best to feature some of our top medical cannabis strains. However, remember that our database is loaded with hundreds of other medical varieties, all with their own unique effects.

For more advice about the medical properties of cannabis, consult your healthcare professional.

Steven Voser

Steven Voser is an independent cannabis journalist with over 6 years of experience writing about all things weed; how to grow it, how best to enjoy it, and the booming industry and murky legal landscape surrounding it.

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