Cannabis is the botanical name of a group of annual flowering plants, belonging to the Cannabaceae family. Cannabis plants come in different variations or strains. Pure or hybrid breeds are the most medicinal strains; originating from either the Indica or Sativa species.

Of all the species of Cannabis, Indica and sativa produce relatively large quantities of a compound called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is merely one of the sixty-six cannabinoids identified within the cannabis plant, that interacts within the human body to promote health in different areas.

Because of the draconian federal laws toward cannabis, research has only scratched the surface into understanding the medical benefits of these many cannabinoids.

Of the more studied types:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): psychoactive, euphoric, stimulant, muscle-relaxing, anti-epileptic, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, appetite stimulating, bronchiodilating, antidepressant, analgesic effects, provides neuroprotection.

Cannabidiol (CBD): Those that experience the more schizophrenic like symptoms from cannabis may want to find a strain with higher CBD/THC RATIO. Limited research has shown CBD to help with convulsions, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and slows down cancer cell growth. It is also a neuroprotective antioxidant. So for many who suffer these particular symptoms and would only like to treat these disorders, it would be ideal for breeders to develop strains with the greatest CBD content.

Cannabinol (CBN): the main result of THC degradation. The fresher the plant is, the less CBN. THC degrades with exposure to light and air and thus creates more CBN. CBN is helps lower intraocular pressure and is an anti-epileptic.

Cannabichromene (CBC): Medical research suggests it may aid as an anti-inflammatory and overall analgesic. It can alleviate pain without loss of consciousness.

Cannabigerol (CBG): Shown to lower blood pressure in rats. It also seems to have a sedative affect and offers antimicrobial properties.

There are many other cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, hopefully soon more studies will show the wonderful benefits of medical cannabis.