[WarDekar]

There are 3 main active ingredients in marijuana: THC, CBD, and CBN. The places I go get their strains and edibles/topicals/whatever lab tested so you know the %s of each. In general, higher CBD+CBN levels are better for pain relief and insomnia and will cause more grogginess/drowsiness than strains higher in THC which are more for appetite stimulation, euphoria, anxiety relief, etc.

At least in SF the legitimate dispensaries do a good job of informing you about these things and finding the strains that will accomplish what you want.

[pekk]

If I am trying to get relief for pain and insomnia, why would I begin with the assumption that I am looking for a strain of THC at all? Why not get medical advice on how to treat the pain/insomnia/underlying conditions?

[tsotha]

People usually go to the weed doctor after they've exhausted other avenues. For one thing, if you have insurance it's going to be a lot cheaper to take standard pharma products than weed.

[jlgreco]

Because weed is safe enough to treat as an over-the-counter remedy? Because many people in this country find medical care to be inaccessible?

[angersock]

Because that advice is likely parroting what a pharma sales rep told the doctor over a sales dinner?

[pekk]

It is strange to pretend that the only valid drug to use for pain or insomnia is THC. What does that have to do with pharma sales reps?

[HNJohnC]

You are incorrect about the effects of CBD, in fact modern research has shown it's effect to be more stimulating and has been compared to ritalin by those with experience.

For more modern up to date science backed information on CBD see projectcbd.org

CBN is not a primary cannabinoid, it's a breakdown product of THC and simply indicates how old or stale the cannabis is. It's primary effect is grogginess and general unpleasantness so you want to avoid it as much as possible.

Any dispensary that says CBD is good for insomnia is simply repeating long disproven but widely spread information.