Remedy

With a name like Remedy, this stain sets some high expectations for its ability to soothe a variety of ailments. Luckily for consumers, Remedy delivers, granting deep and lasting pain relief. Remedy (aka Z7) was created by medically-focused breeders CBD Crew as a cross between luxuriously relaxing Cannatonic and pungent landrace descendant Afghan Skunk. This bud is notable for its relative lack of psychoactive effects — rather than THC, it is bred for high concentrations of the cannabinoid CBD, which does more to medicate the body than to warp the mind. As such, Remedy is a great option for medical cannabis patients who’d prefer not to get “high” in the traditional sense — although some phenotypes of Remedy do have a slightly higher ratio of THC. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has found Remedy to have between 12% to 16% CBD and 0.7% to 1% THC.

Remedy is marked by small to medium-sized flowers that adhere in pronounced spadelike shape, tapering down from a broad broad base into a pointed tip. These buds have the dense, tightly-packed structure usually associated with high-THC indica strains. The curling leaves are a bright shade of spring green and are twisted through with vibrant yellow pistils. A coating of translucent amber trichomes cover the inner and outer surfaces of these leaves, giving them a slightly yellow sheen.

When properly cured, Remedy gives off a woody, natural scent that may remind some of a seasonal bonfire. These buds also have an earthy odor similar to musk or damp soil. Grinding the flowers up or breaking them apart yields notes of pine. Despite such a rich, heavy aroma, Remedy burns with a smooth and easily palatable smoke. This smoke has an earthy flavor on the exhale, enhanced by a hint of lemon.

Remedy’s effects set in slowly and, because they are physically therapeutic, may be difficult for a frequent smoker of more psychoactive, recreational strains to appreciate. Within several minutes, the user feels blanketed by relaxation. Along with a capacity for deep, restorative breathing, Remedy brings a dulling effect to any stress, whether physical or mental. This sedation is blessedly free of the fast-paced mindrace or the disorienting depersonalization that can come with high THC strains. If it has any recreational utility, Remedy is good for some solo unwinding in the most comfortable possible surroundings after a long day or week of work.

As noted, medical treatment is Remedy’s primary application. The strain’s concentration of CBD is great for soothing condition-specific pain, as well as less serious afflictions like sore muscles or general physical tension. Meanwhile, some anti-inflammatory properties can take care of everyday irritations like headaches and nausea. While not psychoactive per se, Remedy can still work to relieve the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety, thanks to its deeply embodied, relaxing effects. Similarly, Remedy is good for patients who may be prone to the panic and paranoia that can come with some more cerebrally stimulating strains. Remedy is also an option for pain patients who can’t or don’t want to consume analgesics like prescription opioids.

Seeds of Remedy are not available for sale online; those looking to grow the strain must obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” The strain can be grown indoors or outdoors in a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. In general, CBD strains are considered harder to cultivate and may not be the most user-friendly choice for a novice grower. Some best practices for fostering CBD-rich plants include protecting against overwatering and ensuring consistently warm soil in indoor environments.

Remedy is a great example of what advanced cannabis breeding can offer to the field of medicine. Hopefully, the gradual spread of cannabis legalization will create further opportunities for similarly therapeutic high-CBD strains.