When it comes to cannabis, you may have heard of the terms Indica, Sativa, Ruderalis and Hybrid. These terms have generally been used to describe the phenotype (look and appearance) of cannabis by leaf shape, plant height, aroma and what sort of feeling or effect it has on you. As a rule, it has been said that Sativa is uplifting and energetic (plants with tall and thin leaves) whereas Indicas are said to be more relaxing, calming and stress relieving (short plants with broad leaves) with Hybrids as a combination between the two. Ruderalis is rarely mentioned for therapeutic use.
Recent research has shown that describing cannabis using these terms is inaccurate. There have been generations of cross breeding where some Sativas have a more relaxing effect with some Indicas giving a more energetic and uplifting feeling. This is the opposite of what the Sativa and Indica terms traditionally suggest, respectively. Science is showing that terpene content and ratio have more influence over effect.
World recognised and respected Dr. Ethan Russo explains “There are biochemically distinct strains of Cannabis, but the sativa/indica distinction as commonly applied in the lay literature is total nonsense and an exercise in futility. One cannot in any way currently guess the biochemical content of a given Cannabis plant based on its height, branching, or leaf morphology. The degree of interbreeding/hybridization is such that only a biochemical assay tells a potential consumer or scientist what is really in the plant. It is essential that future commerce allows complete and accurate cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles to be available.”
Strains can be considered another way of classifying cannabis with specific names given to cannabinoid profiles and terpenoid content. Some well-known examples include Afghan Kush, Blue Dream, Gorilla Glue, Sour Diesel, Girl Scout Cookies etc. Although more specific in terminology, unless you are sure of the source of the seeds and genetics, some strains may be quite similar in appearance and indistinguishable especially to the untrained eye.
A more accurate way of categorising cannabis is by chemovar. It distinguishes cannabis by a more scientific approach using potency of cannabinoids present, terpene profile, flavonoids as well as fats, lipids and wax molecules. Chemovar classification is more encompassing of the complexity of the cannabis plant and is more representative of a specific type of cannabis. When it comes to cannabis medicine, being specific and consistent is paramount.
Chemovars
Type I– THC-dominant with a concentration of >0.3% and CBD content of <0.5%.
Type II– a mixed ratio profile with CBD and THC in varying moderate concentrations, almost always presenting as CBD-forward.
Type III– CBD-dominant with low THC content
Type IV– High in CBG, low THC content
Type V– Little to no cannabinoid content
Importance Of Genetics
The genetics of a chemovar are important. They dictate the potential a plant can reach when it comes to aroma, flavour, effects, growth attributes, yield, cannabinoid content, terpene profile as well as many other elements. Although environmental factors such as growing conditions, lighting, nutrients as well as harvesting time have a great impact on final contents of a plant, the underlying genetics are the foundation of what is possible and probable. Selective breeding can increase a variety’s potency but is genetics and environment that will determine the ceiling of that potency range. This is a key factor for developing medicinal cannabis that is designed to help a specific range of medical conditions.
The Right Chemovar For Your Condition
When choosing a strain, it is important to work with your cannabis prescriber to understand the symptoms you are looking to relieve. Before identifying what strain may be beneficial for you, it’s vital to understand the compounds which exist within your chemovar to achieve your desired effect.
Cannabis contains more than 100 active compounds called cannabinoids, each have their own unique effect on the body. The two cannabinoids most referenced are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While THC and CBD both come from the cannabis plant, both produce very different effects on the body & mind. While THC is best known for its euphoric effect, CBD can allow patients to experience the benefits of medicinal cannabis without experiencing a strong psychoactive effect. In addition, the terpenes present within your choice of chemovar include potentially beneficial effects to treat your specific condition.
It is important to remember that just as every person’s physiological make-up is slightly different, the experience of using cannabis medicinally is different for everyone. Whilst selecting a chemovar based on cannabinoids and terpenes ratio is key, most beginners will likely need to go through a phase of trial and error.
Australian Produced Cannabis Chemovars
Local Australian producers, Australia Natural Therapeutics Group (ANTG), have specialized in the cultivation of domestically grown, high-grade cannabis products with a strong research focus for patients in Australia. Their range of medicinal cannabis products consist of a variable ratio of CBD and THC allowing treatments to be tailored to individual patients.
ANTG has a site in NSW that is dedicated to research. This strong research focus partnered up with best in class cultivation and extraction systems allows us to produce exclusive, pharmaceutical grade, Australian cannabinoid-based medicines for patients worldwide.
ANTG has established research partnerships with the CSIRO, University of Newcastle and University of Western Sydney to unlock the potential of cannabis in the fight against cancer, dementia and inflammation.
To date, Australian Natural Therapeutics Group has four medicinal cannabis flower strains available on prescription. Below we discuss the ideal strain for your specific condition.
EVE CANNABIS – Type 3
CBD Dominant Strain (13-14% CBD & less than 0.5%THC)
Other cannabinoids: minor amounts of CBG
Strain heritage: 70:30 ‘Indica’ dominant hybrid
Terpenes: terpinolene, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene.
To date, the Eve strain has been used in R&D trials to explore its anti-cancer properties of the plant and also how it may help with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Suitable for Anxiety, Depression, Seizure and Inflammatory Control, Movement Disorder, IBS & IBD.
MARIPOSA CANNABIS – Type 1
Medium strength THC Dominant strain (12-19%) THC & less than 0.1% CBD)
Other cannabinoids: minor amounts of CBG
Strain heritage: 70:30 ‘Sativa’ dominant Afghan/Kush.
Terpenes: myrcene, beta-caryophyllene,limonene
Suitable for Chronic Pain, Insomnia, PTSD, Cancer Pain, Migraines, MS & Palliative Care.
SOLACE CANNABIS – Type 1
THC Dominant Strain (20-25 % THC & less than 0.1 percent CBD.
Other cannabinoids: <1 percent CBG
Strain heritage: 60:40 ‘sativa’ dominant
Terpenes: Myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, humulene
Suitable for Chronic Pain, Insomnia, PTSD, Cancer Pain, Migraines, MS & Palliative Care.
ROCKY CANNABIS – Type 1
THC Dominant Strain (30 % THC & less than 0.1 percent CBD)
Other cannabinoids: <1 percent CBG
Strain heritage: ‘indica’ dominant
Terpenes: Limonene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool
Suitable for Chronic Pain, Insomnia, PTSD, Cancer Pain, Migraines, MS & Palliative Care.
