Pain is a common symptom for a variety of ailments and many disorders, such as fibromyalgia, often leave patients in severe pain.
Do you suffer from pain? If so, you’re probably wondering about different treatments. If you relied on opioids for years, there are natural and safer pain relief options available. One of them is medical marijuana.
Medical marijuana is such an effective treatment for pain, medical marijuana laws are associated with lower opioid prescribing rates. In order to get the most from medical marijuana, you need to select the right strain.
If you’re taking medical marijuana for pain, these are the best strains to take.
Blackberry Kush
Blackberry Kush is a THC-dominant indica strain.
It’s a mix of Afghani with traditional Blackberry strains. It gets the name “blackberry” because of its natural berry flavor and scent. It gives a full-body high, which helps you feel pain relief all over.
This strain is recommended if you have generalized pain. It helps to calm down any throbbing pains and aches, perfect for those who suffer from migraines or muscle cramps.
ACDC
ACDC is one of the most effective medical marijuana strains, for many different ailments. But it’s especially a favorite amongst pain patients. ACDC is also preferred because it has high amounts of the cannabinoid CBD.
Strains with CBD and THC work the best to relieve pain. That’s because there are cannabinoid receptors in our nervous system, and both CBD and THC respond to these cannabinoid receptors.
Blue Widow
Blue Widow is a hybrid of the cannabis strains Blueberry and White Widow. It’s a potent strain, not only because of the high amount of cannabinoids but also because of the rich terpene levels.
This strain especially has lots of caryophyllenes, which is a common terpene. Studies show this terpene has pain-relieving effects.
Because of its potency, it’s best those with specific pain ailments, such as arthritis, take this strain.
Harlequin
Like ACDC, Harlequin is a renowned medical strain. Harlequin is a high-CBD strain, perfect for those who want to use medical marijuana but don’t want the high associated with cannabis.
Not only do you feel pain-free, but you also feel uplifted and energized.
Harlequin is best for inflammatory-related pain ailments because it not only calms pain but also calms any inflammation you experience.
Blueberry Headband
There are many medical hybrids known as “headband.” The reason for its name should be obvious – these strains help relieve headaches.
Blueberry Headband is especially a favorite for headache sufferers. It has a natural sweet berry flavor, perfect for those who want a delicious strain as well as an effective one.
Purple Arrow
There are all sorts of different headache. A very specific type is the migraine, which comes on out of nowhere and debilitates the user for days. Fortunately, medical marijuana can also relieve these types of headaches.
If you suffer from migraines, you’ll benefit from Purple Arrow. Purple Arrow helps calm your migraine but also helps make you feel energized. This also targets the lethargy associated with migraines.
Dynamite
Medical marijuana is becoming a popular choice for women. That’s because marijuana can combat PMS-related pain, such as cramps. Some strains target this pain better than others, such as Dynamite.
Dynamite is a high-THC strain that’s famous for treating pain. Keep in mind, this one also incites munchies (for some reason). Be sure to hide the chocolate if you reach for this strain!
Redwood Kush
Want PMS cramp relief without the munchies? If Dynamite doesn’t work for you, try Redwood Kush.
This is another high-THC strain but boasts more body-high effects. This helps relax the mind and body, relieving your cramps and also the stress and depression you may experience while PMSing.
Mazar I Sharif
There are a few cannabis strains that stood the test of time – literally! Some of the earliest Afghani strains still exist today. Mazar I Sharif is one of them.
One of the reasons it’s still popular today is because of its pain-relieving benefits. This is thanks to its high cannabinoid content.
Cataract Kush
Cataract Kush is a hybrid of OG Kush and LA Confidential.
It’s extremely potent and is not recommended for a new cannabis user. But its high provides a numbing effect, perfect for those with severe pain such as spinal pain or other severe injuries.
What to Consider When Choosing a Cannabis Strain
While these strains are recommended, each pain patient is different. It’s important to take the strain that’s best for you. Here’s what to consider.
Type of Strain
Marijuana strains are separated into three categories:
- Indica
- Sativa
- A hybrid of both
Most pain strains are indicas. Indicas help relax the mind and body. They not only help combat pain but they help calm anxiety and help you sleep.
But there are also sativa strains that help decrease pain. Sativas strains are more uplifting and energetic. If you want both benefits, choose a hybrid strain. Read more about the different types of marijuana strains here.
CBD vs THC
These cannabinoids came up a couple of different times in this article. But what do they mean?
THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that causes the famous marijuana high. Whereas CBD is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid that boasts many health benefits.
Even though THC is effective at treating pain, CBD also helps decrease pain and many patients may not want the marijuana high. Most recommend you take a strain with equal amounts of THC and CBD.
Medical Marijuana for Pain: Treat Your Pain Naturally
More patients are treating their ailments with medical marijuana, especially patients who suffer from pain.
Since taking marijuana for pain is becoming more common, growers are cultivating marijuana strains specifically for pain. If you plan on taking medical marijuana for pain, know the best marijuana strains to take.
Are you interested in more medical marijuana information? We cover many more topics about marijuana health benefits and strain information. Continue reading our blog!