VolverEl mercado medicinal de Reino Unido demanda variedades altas en THC
07.02.2025
Since the UK legalized cannabis for medicinal use in 2018, there has been an increase in patients choosing to treat themselves with cannabinoids. Despite CBD's legality, users seem to prefer products with high percentages of THC. Let's see why.
Medical cannabis in the UK: demand is rising
More and more patients are accessing medical cannabis in Great Britain to treat various conditions. Although users still face challenges such as product shortages and the social stigma associated with cannabis, statistics from recent years show a progressive increase in demand for cannabis products for medicinal use. It is estimated that by the end of 2024, the number of medical cannabis patients was around 63,000, while this figure is projected to double by 2028. This makes the country one of the most dynamic markets in Europe.
Why do patients prefer high THC products?
According to a Canna Monitor report, in recent years, 79% of prescription products in the country have been flower, 93% of which came from high-THC marijuana strains. This preference for high-potency buds contrasts with the status of CBD products in the UK, which don't require a prescription, so one might think that patients might prefer CBD genetics, as they are more easily accessible. Despite the legalization of medical cannabis, bureaucratic hurdles often make it difficult for patients to access THC products, while CBD is completely legal and can be bought, sold, and consumed, as long as the products contain less than 0.2% THC. However, patients are choosing flowers with high THC percentages. Let's analyze the causes of this upward trend.
Medicinal effects of THC
Although cannabidiol (CBD) has been labeled "medicinal" in recent years, we must not forget that it is not the only compound in the plant with potential therapeutic uses. In fact, THC, although somewhat socially disparaged for being the psychoactive cannabinoid par excellence, has great medicinal potential. This is supported by multiple studies and clinical trials conducted over the past few decades. Among other uses, THC has proven effective in treating:
- Chronic pain (especially useful for the treatment of neuropathic pain). It can serve as an alternative to opioids in some cases, significantly reducing side effects and the risk of addiction.
- Reduction of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and increased appetite.
- Insomnia.
- Glaucoma (reduction of intraocular pressure)
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive malignant brain tumor. Clinical trials have shown that THC can contribute to apoptosis (cancer cell death) and may be useful as a complementary treatment.
Es importante remarcar que, aunque el THC es un cannabinoide con efectos terapéuticos probados, su uso medicinal debe hacerse bajo la supervisión de un médico. Por eso, la legalización es tan importante, ya que garantiza un acceso seguro y efectivo a los pacientes a tratamientos con productos cannábicos.
Las trabas burocráticas y la preferencia por variedades de marihuana altas en THC
Como acabamos de explicar, los beneficios terapéuticos del THC son innegables, sin embargo, la preferencia de los pacientes en Reino Unido por variedades de alta potencia podría estar influenciada por otros factores. Hoy en día existen cepas con ratios moderados THC/CBD (1:1, 1:2, etc), cuyos efectos son más sostenibles. Se podría hipotetizar que los pacientes podrían preferir estas genéticas para no experimentar los efectos secundarios propios del THC (boca seca, ansiedad, paranoia, etc). Por ello, una de las razones que podrían explicar la preferencia por productos de alta potencia es que gran parte de las recetas emitidas se hace en clínicas privadas, con el coste que esto implica. Esto podría influir en la preferencia por productos con mayores niveles de THC, ya que los usuarios buscarían maximizar los efectos terapéuticos en función del coste.
¿Qué variedades de marihuana son más altas en THC?
Gracias a la legalización del cannabis medicinal en la mayoría de países de Europa, actualmente los pacientes tienen acceso a genéticas específicas que cada vez se adaptan más a sus necesidades terapéuticas. Hoy en día, los bancos de semillas trabajan duro para crear nuevos cultivares específicos con diferentes perfiles de cannabinoides y terpenos para cubrir un amplio espectro de usos. Por ello, el equipo de breeders de Linda Seeds ha creado diferentes semillas de cannabis que arrasan entre los que buscan una potencia de altos vuelos. Si lo tuyo son variedades altas en THC, presta mucha atención, aquí algunas de las gemas que encontrarás en nuestro catálogo:
Permanent Marker: nuestra última incorporación llega pisando fuerte
Recién salida del horno, este nuevo lanzamiento ya arrasa entre conocedores de todo el mundo. Sus niveles de THC son desorbitados ¡Ya que pueden alcanzar hasta el 33%! Y producen un efecto ultra-potente tan complejo como su exquisito sabor a galletas y hierbas frescas. Una sensación arrolladora que comienza con un subidón eufórico, perfecto para realizar actividades creativas y que, poco a poco, da paso a un estado de relajación física profunda muy agradable.
Auto Apple Fritter: rapidez automática, potencia arrolladora
For growers living in northern regions with short summers, or simply for those who love the speed of autoflowering seeds, Auto Apple Fritter is the choice. A gem with the best American flavor that debunks old myths. Automatic strains can be just as potent as feminized seeds, and Auto Apple Fritter's THC levels (around 25%) are proof of this. A legend born on the West Coast, it produces a very strong psychoactivity that elevates the mood and offers relaxing body sensations. A highly effective cannabis seed for treating pain and relieving muscle tension.
These two potent strains are just a sample of what you'll find in our catalog of high-THC marijuana hybrids. Plus, you'll find all kinds of options, including Pure CBD varieties, varied THC/CBD ratios in various formats, and much more. Easily find what you're looking for with our seedfinder and enjoy the wide range of options made possible today thanks to regulation.