Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent conditions around the globe, affecting millions across a wide range of demographics and ailments. At the same time, cannabis is becoming increasingly popular as a tool to help combat chronic pain. Cannabis has massive anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential, and learning the best weed strains for pain can help maximize effects and streamline your medical cannabis routine.
Join us as we delve into some of the best marijuana strains for managing pain effectively and how to ensure that you’re getting the safest, most effective products for your specific needs.
How Cannabis Helps in Pain Relief
Cannabis has numerous compounds that could help aid with pain relief. Specifically, the cannabis plant contains compounds called cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, that interact with bodily functions controlled by the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is your body’s regulatory system: It’s made up of receptors that are found throughout your body – including your brain, organs, glands, and immune cells. As such, it helps to regulate pain sensation.
When patients with chronic pain use cannabis, the cannabinoids in the plant interact with their bodies’ pain receptors, which may help to block pain signals and reduce inflammation. Therefore, some patients may benefit from using medical marijuana for back pain, neuropathic pain, stress and anxiety, and other ailments that may cause chronic pain.
The 5 Best Strains for Pain Relief
When using cannabis for chronic pain relief, some strains are inevitably better than others. In determining the best strains for pain relief between indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid marijuana strains, it’s important to understand the differences between these classifications. While Indica strains are better known for sedative and relaxing effects, Sativa strains have a reputation for enhancing creativity and focus.
Therefore, while all strains of cannabis contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds, some surveys indicate that patients struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia prefer indica strains for sedation and pain management.
Additionally, the best terpenes for pain and inflammation relief include beta-caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, and myrcene. As such, strains with terpene profiles that include those specific terpenes are often more effective in managing chronic pain.
Help relieve your chronic pain with these cannabis strains:
1. Northern Lights
- Strain Crosses: Afghani x Thai
- Type: Indica
- Helps With: Chronic pain, muscle spasms, insomnia & sleep disorders, stress & anxiety, nausea, lack of appetite
Northern Lights is an extremely popular strain known for inducing euphoria and deep relaxation, easing both the mind and the muscles. Its spicy and sweet aroma and flavor profile are caused by its terpene profile of myrcene and caryophyllene. Medical marijuana patients often choose Northern Lights to help relieve symptoms of depression, stress, pain, and insomnia.
2. Purple Sunset
- Strain Crosses: Purple Punch x Mandarin Sunset x Mandarin Cookies.
- Type: Indica-dominant Hybrid
- Helps With: Stress, anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, nausea, & appetite stimulation
Purple Sunset is an Indica-dominant hybrid strain famed for its tranquilizing and mood-lifting attributes, yet newcomers should approach it with care due to its potent psychoactive nature. With its elevated THC levels, Purple Sunset holds promise for individuals struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Its flavor and aroma profile are often characterized by a blend of sweetness, citrus tang, and earthiness, accented by subtle notes of grape and spice.
3. Blue Dream
- Strain Crosses: Blueberry x Haze
- Type: Sativa-dominant Hybrid
- Helps With: Chronic pain, stress, anxiety, appetite stimulation
Widely renowned, Blue Dream holds a top spot among cannabis enthusiasts, cherished by both newcomers and seasoned users alike. Its appeal lies in its delightful blend of sweet berry flavors, occasionally accented by hints of pepper, coupled with its manageable effects. This strain has shown potential in alleviating conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
4. GMO Cookies
- Strain Crosses: Girl Scout Cookies x Chemdawg
- Type: Indica-dominant Hybrid
- Helps With: Chronic pain, insomnia, inflammation, chronic fatigue, depression, chronic stress
GMO Cookies is an Indica-dominant hybrid weed strain that delivers a euphoric high accompanied by a mentally uplifting sensation. Users report remarkable body relaxation and pain relief. However, in higher doses, it may induce couch-lock and sedation. As a descendant of Girl Scout Cookies, GMO Cookies boasts robust flavors, including a diesel scent and a prominent and lingering garlic taste. Its dominant terpenes are caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene. Medical users often turn to this strain for relief from chronic pain, depression, and nausea.
5. Ice Cream Cake
- Strain Crosses: Wedding Cake x Gelato #33
- Type: Indica-dominant Hybrid
- Helps With: Chronic pain, nausea, insomnia, migraines, inflammation
Ice Cream Cake is an Indica-dominant hybrid strain known for its deeply relaxing and soothing effects. Its dominant terpenes, linalool, caryophyllene, and limonene, combine to create a sweet, creamy, and sugary flavor and aroma profile. Because of its deeply relaxing effects on the mind and the body, this strain is excellent for pain management, sleep improvement, and mood enhancement.
For more guidance on which strains may be right for your specific needs, check out our guide on cannabis strains perfect for beginners.
Get Your Cannabis from a Reputable Source
Cannabis contains natural compounds that may help combat symptoms of chronic pain caused by a number of ailments. Before changing your medical cannabis routine, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to safely integrate cannabis into your pain management regimen.
Furthermore, getting your cannabis from a reputable source is another essential step in effective pain management. The only way to ensure you’re using high-quality, effective cannabis is to purchase from certified dispensaries that are transparent about how their products are grown, processed, and tested for safety and potency.
One foolproof way to ensure you’re purchasing safe and high-quality cannabis products is to book an appointment with a Veriheal medical marijuana doctor. Our doctors will not only help you determine the best way to use cannabis for your needs, but Veriheal can also help you find reputable dispensaries in your area, aiding you in purchasing your medical cannabis safely and legally.
FAQs on Best Strains for Pain
What strains are best for nerve pain?
Weed strains that may be effective for nerve pain include Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, and ACDC. Anecdotally, indica strains are often preferred for neuropathic pain.
What is the best strain for pain and insomnia?
Some strains that may be effective for combatting pain and insomnia include Northern Lights, Ice Cream Cake, GMO Cookies, and Purple Sunset. Anecdotally, indica strains are often preferred for chronic pain and insomnia.
What are the best anti-inflammatory strains?
Some strains that may be effective for inflammation include Harlequin, ACDC, Jack Herer, and Northern Lights.
What strains help with chronic pain and anxiety?
Some of the best weed strains for chronic pain and anxiety include OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple, Blue Dream, and Sour Diesel.
Is it safe to use cannabis for pain if I’m taking other medications?
Always consult with a medical professional before using medical cannabis in conjunction with other medications. Veriheal can help link you with a local medical cannabis physician to help guide you on the best routine for your needs.
