Legalized marijuana is almost nationwide, available medicinally, recreationally, or both. The stigma behind cannabis was significantly reduced when it became decriminalized. But the federal government gave states the right to decide how to handle the regulations.
In Ohio, weed is only “legal” with a medical marijuana (MMJ) card. Possession without an MMJ card isn’t criminal as long as you have less than 100 grams, but it is a minor misdemeanor with a $150 fine. You can learn more about getting your MMJ card in Ohio in this article by Veriheal.
Selling Weed By the Strain
Just as the legalities vary by state, so do the types of marijuana strains available. The cannabis plant has over 700 strains broken down into Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid categories. Each strain has a distinct terpene and cannabinoid profile.
The ratio of terpenes to cannabinoids determines the result on the body. Medical marijuana dispensaries in Ohio mostly sell strains that have medicinal effects, available only as lotions, creams, patches, oils, tinctures, edibles, or plant material. Smoking or combusting marijuana is prohibited, as is selling it in any form that attracts children.
When you head to a licensed dispensary in Ohio to shop for your medicinal cannabis, here are the strains you can expect to find.
1. Sativa
Ohio’s medical marijuana laws cover conditions that affect a person’s mental health, like anxiety and depression. Those individuals need a Sativa-based strain, as these plants have a combination of THC and CBD that treats these concerns best.
Sativa medical strains have more THC than CBD. This ratio produces a mood-boosting effect that increases your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a hormone that affects your mood, digestion, sleep, bone health, and much more. When these levels aren’t high enough, your energy plummets and your moods are imbalanced.
A Sativa strain works with your endocannabinoid system to increase your focus, creativity, and energy. The boosted serotonin levels balance your mood, and overall, you feel fewer aches and pains.
Some of the bestselling Sativa strains sold in dispensaries in Ohio include:
- Super Lemon Haze
- Salty Watermelon
- Grapefruit Sour Dream
Sativa weed is effective in any form, including vaping. While joints and any other combustible method of ingesting weed are illegal, vaping falls outside this category, so vape away!
2. Indica
Indica strains are the direct opposite of Sativa. They include more CBD than Sativa plants do (although this does not mean there’s less THC). Indica plants work best as a calming treatment. If you’re struggling with sleep or need help relaxing, Indica strains are your go-to. They’re also ideal for treating pain and anxiety.
The relaxing effects of this plant are due to the higher levels of cannabidiol, which soothes your internal systems. Since Indica can make you feel sleepy, it’s best to enjoy these weed strains before bed.
Popular strains of Indica cannabis found in Ohio dispensaries include:
- Crushed Berries
- Layer Cake
- Sunshine Kush
- Triple Chocolate Chip
As with Sativa strains, Indica works well ingested or applied topically.
3. Hybrids
The final type of strain Ohio dispensaries carry is Hybrid. These plants combine the preferred effects of Indica and Sativa. But the effects you get depend on the ratio of Indica to Sativa, which is broken down into these four categories.
Sativa-Dominant
As the name implies, these hybrids have more Sativa than Indica in them. The result of this combination creates a “high” feeling that relaxes you at the same time. Sativa Dominant hybrids are ideal for those looking for relief that’s both physical and mental.
Indica Dominant
When you buy an Indica dominant strain, you get all-over pain relief accompanied by a high that relaxes instead of invigorates you. As with all Indica products, these strains are best used at bedtime to help you sleep, but they can also be enjoyed during the day to alleviate pain and depression.
CBD Dominant
CBD products are legal throughout the country, provided they have less than .03% THC in them. For those with medical issues, THC can be beneficial, though.
In a dispensary, you’ll find CBD-dominant strains that still carry THC. So, if you want to get the benefits of CBD without too much of a psychoactive effect, these are the strains to buy. The CBD minimizes how your body absorbs THC, reducing the “high” feeling.
CBD-dominant strains are the answer for people who want to feel the effects of weed while still going about their day.
Even Hybrids
Also called 50/50 strains, Even hybrids perfectly balance CBD and THC. The end result of this careful growth ratio is a strain that provides mental and physical relief.
Conclusion
Marijuana laws are continually relaxing, making it easier than ever to get the medical effects of this helpful plant. In Ohio, you still need an MMJ card to buy your stash legally. But when you get it and head to a dispensary, you can shop smart for the strain that will relieve your unique physical and mental ailments.