The popularity of cannabis to treat a range of medical issues and disorders has risen considerably in the last decade. One of the medical diseases is ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an inflammation of the colon (large intestine), which comes under the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Approximately 1.3% of US adults were diagnosed with IBD in 2015, and the number has only risen in these five years.
UC is a chronic disorder with no known cure. It can subside, aggravate, or relapse multiple times in the patient’s life.
Due to the sensitive and painful nature of UC, the patients have to bear various issues that obstruct daily life.
To make the situation less painful, affected people have resorted to the use of marijuana, and in particular, the CBD strain.
CBD and Ulcerative Colitis
CBD, an acronym for cannabidiol, is a primary component found in the cannabis plant. It is a miracle chemical that offers a variety of health benefits to the users.
As it does not induce any high whatsoever, the user does not go through any mind-altering effects, which are typical of the cannabis plant.
On the flip side, the component that is responsible for the high is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
However, CBD products are legal at the federal level in the US, provided that they are derived from industrial hemp.
Therefore, the possession and use of CBD strains for UC are becoming common in the affected populace.
The following symptoms are seen in UC-affected people:
- Loose bowel movement
- Blood in stool
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Low appetite
Previously, UC was usually treated using medications, some of which are listed below:
- Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin.
- Corticosteroids that reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system.
- Immunomodulators that lowers the body’s immune response.
Non-prescriptions medication, which included over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, was also used to address the symptoms of UC and relieve the patients from pain. Unfortunately, a cure is still out of sight.
The growing use of CBD strain characterizes the progress in the treatment of UC. It is mainly believed that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which dramatically helps UC patients to tackle the inflammatory aspect of UC.
Moreover, CBD is also seen to have no inhibiting side-effects, as stated by the World Health Organization.
Adding to this, a study conducted in Israel from 2011 to 2016 revealed a significant reduction in the pain levels of its 127 observed patients suffering from UC. This research significantly increases the belief in the efficacy of CBD to combat UC.
Best CBD strains for Ulcerative Colitis
With the advent of a new decade, it is imperative to accumulate and understand the latest information, especially the one about your wellbeing.
A critical caveat to following cannabis strain is the ratio between CBD and THC. If CBD is the dominant component, then the strain is said to be an Indica strain.
On the flip side, if THC is the primary component, then the strain is labeled as Sativa. Finally, if both THC and CBD are present in similar ratios, then the strain is classified as a hybrid.
To guide you further, we have curated a list of seven CBD strains which are beneficial for the treatment of UC.
1) ACDC
It is Sativa-dominant strain with a high CBD: THC ratio. As such, it has a negligible intoxicating effect and plenty of medical benefits!
ACDC is a remarkable anti-inflammatory strain that can help people affected by UC in numerous ways. It alleviates pain and nausea, along with giving you a “clear head” that takes care of stress and anxiety.
With an earthy and sweet overtone in aroma and flavor, ACDC is both a tasty and a potent strain with its relaxing characteristics that bring about an uplifting and positive mood in the users.
This CBD-dominant strain is high in demand as therapeutic cannabis to children and adults alike.
2) Purple Kush
This is a pure Indica strain, which is a cross of the Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani. It was named as one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Strains in the World by High Times Magazine, which can testify for this fantastic product.
With a subtle and earthy aroma, Purple Kush induces a long-lasting euphoria with a sustained period of physical relaxation and alleviation of body pain. It also reduces stress, calms the mind, stimulates appetite, and helps with nausea.
Purple Kush is highly appreciated by those suffering from UC because it makes them feel uplifted while the flavors of the strain are rich and memorable.
3) Granddaddy Purple
Termed as a “global cannabis icon,” Granddaddy Purple (GDP) is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain that has gained popularity, especially in California. It is a cross of Purple Urkle and Big Bud.
With a citrusy and sweet aroma, the flavors are more towards grapes and berries. This provides an earthy undertone to the strain, which makes it a real delight to smoke.
GDP has several positive effects on the mind and the body. As such, it is packed with healing elements.
The user experiences a full relaxation of the body alongside an urge to sleep as well. UC patients use it for pain relief, appetite loss, and help with insomnia due to its balanced cerebral high.
4) Lemon Haze
Being a cross between Silver Haze and Lemon Skunk, Lemon Haze is mostly used by experienced smokers due to its high THC level of 22%.
The aroma of Lemon Haze can be likened to a freshly cut lemon, whereas the flavor is sweet, tangy, and citrusy. This profile allows for a sweet aftertaste that can stay for some time after you are done smoking it.
It is classified as a hard-hitting strain due to its intense onset of extreme euphoria and happy feeling in the users. The medicinal properties are also useful for UC patients. It helps with chronic pain, loss of appetite, and nausea, which are the primary symptom of UC.
Lemon Haze is suggested explicitly for people who are having it rough, both physically and mentally. The impact is quick and intense, and it can leave the user in a much better state of body and mind.
5) Blue Cheese
It is an Indica cross between UK Cheese and Blueberry, which has a sweet and fruity twist embedded in it.
Being a potent medicinal smoke for those wishing to experiment with a cheesy variant of CBD strain, Blue Cheese is packed with THC.
However, it does not induce any extreme form of high. Instead, it relaxes the user gradually and entirely, while elevating the mood and happiness level. The best part of this strain is that the effects are not sudden. They develop naturally and offer euphoria and pure bliss.
The strain also helps with pain alleviation and anxiety, among many other things. It is one of the quintessential strains to manage chronic pain, lack of appetite, and insomnia.
Therefore, people living with UC can use Blue Cheese without holding back!
6) Blue Widow
A cross between Blueberry and White Widow, Blue Widow is a hybrid strain that provides the best of both worlds: calming as well as uplifting effects.
The aroma of this flower is intensely sweet and fruity, whereas the taste is a combination of sweet and berry flavor.
This strain helps relax your tensed muscles and relieve you from stress. Another positive aspect is that the Blue Widow is ideal for combating pain-related issues such as cramps.
7) Sour Diesel
If you are searching for that one strain that you can have in the morning, then Sour Diesel may be the optimal choice for you.
This invigorating Sativa-dominant strain is known for its pungent aroma with notes of lemon zest. The flavor profile is earthy and SOUR. As such, it is not suitable for discrete consumption.
With a creative and energizing impact on its user, Sour Diesel is also sought after for its surprising mental effects. It has a positive vibe, which helps in dealing with stress and anxiety.
Moreover, it enhances your ability to manage fatigue and alleviate chronic pain, which facilitates healing in the body.
The Role of Terpenes in CBD Strains
Just like CBD and THC, Terpene is another naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant.
We mainly focused on CBD and THC while discussing CBD strains for ulcerative colitis.
However, recent studies have highlighted that terpenes can also influence the cannabis strain and the associated health benefits.
It directly affects the flavor and aroma of each CBD strain, while also introducing further health benefits for those suffering from UC.
Common terpenes may include:
- Bisabolol: It reduces inflammation and irritation while alleviating pain.
- Caryophyllene: It manages anxiety and improves ulcers, which is particularly beneficial for UC patients.
- Pinene: It helps with pain-reduction and nausea.
- Humulene: It again reduces inflammation in the users.
- Eucalyptol: It has a refreshing impact on anti-inflammatory properties.
The Gender of Flower: Which is more potent?
Interestingly enough, the cannabis plant also has genders! It can be male or female. In exceptional instances, it can be a combination of both the gender: a hermaphrodite.
Usually, female cannabis plants are preferred over their male counterpart due to higher potency and THC ratio.
Meanwhile, the male cannabis plant is disliked by cannabis growers as they can ruin the whole crop by fertilizing the female plant.
This results in the female plants diverting their energy into reproduction rather than maintaining its health and other benefits.
There are scarce resources available on this topic, but the usual preference in terms of potency remains the female cannabis plant.
The male plants are usually utilized for cross-breeding of plants in most areas.
Final Thoughts
Ulcerative Colitis can be a painful and pervasive health condition that can disrupt your mental peace, physical mobility, and daily life.
On a brighter note, there are ample resources that can help you in this journey of life and make it more bearable, enjoyable, memorable. The utilization of CBD strains is one such solid answer!
Now that you have ample knowledge at your disposal related to the description and relevance of CBD to UC patients, it is high time to make the informed decision to try a good quality CBD strain, most of which have been carefully listed in this guide.
Make sure to be conscious about your diet, too, as that also goes a long way in ensuring a healthy and happy life.
We hope that you enjoy the therapeutic and medicinal properties of the CBD strains to their fullest!
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