If you're new to the legal cannabis market, or find yourself confused by the complex array of products available to you, here's a crash course in medical marijuana.

The fundamental characteristics of marijuana are simple enough to wrap your head around. There are two main strains: indica and sativa. Generally speaking, indicas are associated with physical, "body highs," whereas sativas produce "cerebral highs." Then you have hybrids — strains that are bred to enhance specific qualities from each parent strain to produce a desired effect.

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Cannabis contains at least 85 cannabinoids, ingredients that naturally respond to receptors in your brain and body. That group of receptors is known as the endocannabinoid system, and it's involved in a range of physiological processes such as the regulation of appetite, pain, mood, and memory. While research is limited, most cannabinoids appear to have medical value.

Here are the best suggested cannabis strains for five common health conditions.

1. Pain

ACDC

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This hybrid strain is famous for its ability to treat generalized pain. While other strains might be better at alleviating certain types of pain — acute, chronic, neuropathic, muscular, and so on — users report that ACDC provides the most effective and instantaneous relief. That's because it's composed of THC (the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) and a high concentration of CBD (a non-psychoactive ingredient that has been shown to treat a range of disorders).

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2. Insomnia

Blackberry Kush

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Pretty much any potent indica is going to do the trick when it comes to treating sleep disorders. High levels of THC help patients fall asleep more quickly, and both THC and CBD have been shown to improve quality of sleep overall. But Blackberry Kush tops the charts as far as insomnia and pain treatment is concerned.

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3. Anxiety

GDP (Granddaddy Purple)

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A classic indica strain that hails from California, GDP delivers an immediate sense of physical relaxation and euphoria. If you're someone who experiences anxiety or paranoia after smoking, that can often be attributed to the type of cannabis you're using. A heavy indica puts the mind at ease, and Granddaddy Purple is the strain for the job.

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4. Depression

Jack Herer

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Users report feeling uplifted, creative, and happy after smoking this sativa. The top medical benefits of Jack Herer are stress, depression, pain, and fatigue, according to Leafly. The strain was named after the American cannabis activist Jack Herer, whose written work on the failures of marijuana prohibition are still cited by legalization advocates today.

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5. ADHD/ADD

Blue Dream

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A recent study found that certain types of marijuana can effectively treat symptoms of attention deficient disorders. Specifically, sativas appear to be the best treatment candidates, as the strain can bolster productivity and focus in some users. Blue Dream, a sativa-dominant hybrid, is a favorite on the west coast, and for qualified medical marijuana patients who have ADHD or ADD, it appears to be a good option.

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Choosing the strain that's best for you.

Going into a cannabis dispensary can be an overwhelming experience. There are literally hundreds of strains to choose from (and that's to say nothing about edibles and other offerings) and each affects users in different ways. So if you're a medical patient in any of the 23 states (plus D.C.) that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, this guide should help navigate you through your state's medical marijuana system.

RELATED: Here's the Difference Between Indica and Sativa

Marijuana dispensary employees are usually trained to answer your questions about what strains would work best for you, so don't hesitate to ask. And when in doubt, consult the Leafly strain database for detailed information about each strain.

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