High CBD Strains

Dear Dan, My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago. The “mild” variety. I have convinced him to try CBD oil, having shown him “Run From The Cure” and CNN’s “Weed.” Problem is, he does not want to get high (sigh). So I want to get my hands on the Charlotte’s Web seeds. But as far as I can tell, they are not for sale anywhere.

Can you tell me if this is true? And if so, why? If those seeds are that good, why are they not made available online? I understand that the Stanley brothers, having bred the strain, can monopolize it any way they want to, but still. Charlotte’s Web could help so many people the world over.

Anyway, could you guys recommend the second best CBD strain? I will make the oil with my yet-to-be-used Magical Butter machine. Can’t wait. Please help a Viking out. – The Weed Viking

Dear Viking,
Many new discoveries are being made about the healing benefits of CBD (cannabidiol). Strains rich in CBD provide relief and treatment for many patients without the sometimes debilitating effects of large amounts of THC. While these studies and anecdotal trials show promise, we shouldn’t rush to judgment that “CBD-only” medicine or legislation are the answer.

The important thing to remember about cannabis is that it works best as a “whole plant medicine.” This means that isolating different cannabinoids, while important for research purposes, isn’t the best way to treat patients. If you’ve been hearing the phrase “The Entourage Effect,” that’s what it refers to. The ratio of CBD to THC is far more important than the levels of either one alone. The many cannabinoids (there are plenty others besides CBD and THC) work in concert to reach our receptors and act upon our bodies.

As for Charlotte’s Web and the Stanley brothers, who’s “Hemp Oil” is available at CW Botanicals, there are plenty of other high-CBD strains available in the marketplace in seed form besides their variety. Anything from the groundbreaking CBD crew in Spain and CB Diesel from MTG Seeds are two that spring to mind immediately. CBD God from BC Bud Depot, Cannatonic, Harlequin, Sour Tsunami and R4 are just a few others that I can think of but new ones are being created all the time. Plenty of options exist so you don’t have to rely on any one in particular. Good luck and healing thoughts to you and your dad!

Have a grow question? Ask away at deardanko@hightimes.com