As we head into the weekend, I want to share an important story from a consultation I had this week. It involves something you might be familiar with: buying cannabis based on “Indica,” “Sativa,” or “Hybrid” labels. Let’s break down why this is often misleading, especially when it comes to edibles.
Meet Ms. Eleanor Collins
Ms. Collins [name changed for privacy], an older patient, came to me with her daughter. They were looking for help with her headaches and chronic pain. She had been using THC gummies for nearly a year. The gummies were labeled as “Hybrid” and “Indica” and came from a local dispensary that recently closed. While the “Hybrid” THC gummies slightly improved her sleep, neither helped with her pain or headaches. In fact, the “Indica” THC gummies caused her blood pressure to spike.
This got me thinking. Why do so many people trust these labels without understanding what they really mean? Let me explain why the terms “Indica,” “Sativa,” and “Hybrid” aren’t what they seem—especially when used on edibles.
The Truth About Indica and Sativa in Edibles
When you hear “Indica,” “Sativa,” or “Hybrid,” you might think about how they affect you. “Indica” is linked to relaxation and sleep, while “Sativa” is linked to energy and alertness. However, these terms actually classify plants rather than describe their effects. They were first used by botanists in the 1800s, before the plant’s therapeutic properties were known. Read more about the history of the names Indica and Sativa.
Now, let’s talk about edibles, like gummies and chocolates. The issue is even more misleading here. When cannabis is distilled into edibles, the process removes all the terpenes—the compounds responsible for giving plants their unique effects. Once the process removes the terpenes, only THC remains. And THC works the same way in your body, no matter what label is on the package.
How Mislabeling Affects Patients
Ms. Collins thought her “Indica” gummy would help her sleep and the “Hybrid” gummy would relax her and relieve pain. However, during our consultation, she noted that her results were inconsistent. Sometimes she felt relaxed, but other times her blood pressure went up. This uncertainty often causes patients to stop using cannabis when they don’t get the expected results. The varied effects of her “Indica” gummies could be due to inconsistent mixing, possible cross-contamination, or the placebo effect. I can confirm that “Indica” does not cause increased blood pressure. Cannabis affects the cardiovascular system in “bidirectional” ways – it can raise or lower heart rate and blood pressure depending on dosing and even genetic predispositions. Anxiety from potential dosing issues with THC or other factors may contribute to this complicated situation.
Imagine how frustrating it is for someone like Ms. Collins—already dealing with headaches, chronic pain, and cognitive concerns—to rely on labels that don’t reflect what’s inside. The truth is, these labels don’t give you real information about how a product will work for you.
A Better Approach: Focus on Consistency and Results
At Pharmtrue, our mission is to providing clarity and consistent results. After speaking with Ms. Collins, we took a better approach to her treatment. We started with a 48-hour THC reset to help her body resensitize to cannabinoids and establish a baseline. Then, we introduced a 15:1 CBD-to-THC tincture to manage her inflammation and pain more effectively.
Instead of relying on vague terms like “Indica” or “Hybrid,” we focus on specific cannabinoid doses on our edible labels, like THC and CBD. By tailoring treatments to each patient’s needs, we deliver better results and more control over their health.
Why the Cannabis Industry Needs to Do Better
The cannabis industry needs to stop using these outdated labels. It’s time we raise the bar—especially for patients using cannabis for medical reasons. We should be talking about proper specific dosing, understanding the effects of cannabinoids, and offering solutions that work consistently.
As a pharmacist, I believe in using a medical approach. We need to be able to measure and manage cannabis just like any other medication. This means ensuring the products have accurate labels, the doses are clear, and the patients know what to expect.
Reflect on Your Own Cannabis Experience
As you go into the weekend, I want you to think about your own cannabis use. Have you been relying on “Indica” or “Sativa” labels? Have you experienced inconsistent results like Ms. Collins did? If so, it’s time to take a deeper look at how these products work and what really matters—proper dosing and understanding your body’s needs.
At Pharmtrue, we aren’t here to sell you a label. We’re here to help you find real solutions for pain, sleep issues, anxiety, or whatever health concern you’re facing. We provide a personalized approach that delivers results you can trust.
Take Action: Find Real Solutions for Your Health
If you are over shooting from the hip with guessing and want a cannabis plan that works, I encourage you to schedule a consultation with Pharmtrue today. We’ll work with you to create a plan based on science, not marketing hype. Call us at 575-993-5243 or stop by our downtown location this weekend. Let’s get you feeling better with real results—without the confusion.