Varieties in Pharmacies - Dr. David Frederick Hepburn

British Columbia, College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, cpsbc, Dave Hepburn, David Hepburn, Dr. David Frederick Hepburn, Dr. Hepburn, medical cannabis, reliable doctor

There are several varieties of medicinal cannabis which have different compositions and strengths, and thus different effects. There are three varieties of medicinal cannabis available through pharmacies: Bedrocan, Bedrobinol and Bediol. Each variety has its own predetermined strength and composition.

What variety is best depends on the symptoms. For example: there is reason to believe that inhaling cannabis with a high CBD content (like Bediol) provides effective relief for pain and muscle spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, this variety may be more effective than others for patients with inflammatory conditions.

Cannabis with high levels of THC (Bedrocan and Bedrobinol) is preferred for disorders such as Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, therapy-resistant glaucoma and symptoms like weight loss, nausea and vomiting.

In case of chronic neural pain, Bediol is often prescribed first (for inhaling). If this provides insufficient relief, a variety with a higher THC content is substituted. It is also possible to start with Bedrocan (as tea) or combine varieties and methods of administration.

The effects not only depend on your symptoms, there are large variations between individuals, too. Your doctor will discuss with you which variety and what method of administration are best in your case.

Quality

Medicinal cannabis has to meet certain quality criteria. It must not contain any pesticides, heavy metals, fungi or bacteria. This is strictly monitored. Research has shown that the cannabis sold in coffee shops hardly ever meets the quality standards of medicinal cannabis from the pharmacy. It’s cultivated under specific, controlled conditions by growers who are licensed by the Office of Medicinal Cannabis (OMC).