3 Types of Weed That Help Treat Your Glaucoma

Glaucoma patients have been treating their eye problems with medical marijuana long before it was even made legal in various states. This health condition involves damage to the optic nerve, which can limit side vision and occasionally lead to blindness. The key to reducing this damage has been to relieve pressure within the eye, which cannabis has been known to do. As long as you become familiar with various types of weed, glaucoma may be treated to at least relieve discomfort in the eyes.

Marijuana Effectiveness

The idea that pot can treat glaucoma goes back to research from the 1970s that has been supported by the National Eye Institute. Cannabis, however, only has a short term effect on relieving eye pressure for about three hours. Using cannabis six to eight times a day may help treat glaucoma more effectively than using it once per day, but at the risk of being impaired all day, which can restrict certain activities, such as driving a car.

There is evidence that part of the cause of glaucoma is reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Marijuana, however, can lower blood pressure in the body, which can potentially lower the flow of blood to the optic nerve. Consequently, in June 2014 the American Academy of Ophthalmology reaffirmed its stance that it does not recommend cannabis products for treating glaucoma. You should find out more by speaking with your eye doctor.

Cannabis Strains

One of the keys to demystifying cannabis is to understand that it comprises thousands of different strains that have various effects that affect individuals differently. Due to its complexity, many scientists disagree on cannabis as a universal medicine. Not every strain is going to work for every glaucoma patient, which is part of the reason that eye doctors are hesitant to recommend cannabis for their patients. Many doctors simply do not have the time or the curiosity to learn which strains are most effective for treating glaucoma.

When studying various types of weed, glaucoma treatment researchers need to consider which strains have the most positive effect on relieving eye pressure. The first step to selecting the proper cannabis strain is to understand the difference between sativa and indica cannabis. While sativas are more energetic and creative, indicas are more relaxing and likely to put your whole body to sleep quickly. The following cannabis strains have been given positive reviews by glaucoma patients.

Maui Waui

This popular sativa is one of the most well known cannabis strains in history. Its sweet smell and sour aftertaste make it unique weed. Not only is it used for glaucoma, it can also be used to treat anxiety, depression and pain. It has a medium potency but produces an uplifting happy energy for the patient. When considering the various types of weed, glaucoma patients should pay attention to this tropical strain.

Cherry Kola

This indica strain is considered top of the line by Sonoma County Collective in California. It has potency of 17 percent THC and up to 20 percent cannabinoids. This pot has a cherry aroma and produces an intense head rush. It looks green mixed with plenty or reddish-orange hairs.

Blueberry

With a bright green appearance mixed with dark blue and purple spots along with orange hairs, this grade A indica hybrid is extremely potent. It is most appropriate for nighttime use at home. The buzz is heavily concentrated behind the eyes. It has a sweet earthy fruit flavor but can limit social interaction. Another characteristic about the buzz is that it is very strong and relaxing, providing pain relief for glaucoma patients.