Best Marijuana Strains for Pain

Updated
Photo of author
Written By Rocky Horton

This post may include links to our partners. Learn more. 

If you’re looking for pain relief, you may want to consider the best marijuana strains for pain. But with so many strains available, it can be not easy to know where to start.

We’ve compiled a list of the best weed strains for pain relief. There are many different ways to use cannabis to ease pain, and different strains can be more effective for different types of pain. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or just the occasional ache, one of these strains is sure to help. 

Read on to find the perfect strain for your needs. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how effective these strains can be!

How Does Weed Help with Pain?

Cannabis contains compounds that have been shown to alleviate pain, nausea, and other symptoms. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the cannabis components that have received the most attention in studies for pain relief.

THC stimulates the brain’s cannabinoid receptors when consumed or inhaled. This activates the brain’s reward system while also decreasing pain levels. CBD does not get you high, but it does interact with pain receptors in the brain to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Terpenes, like cannabinoids, are thought to interact with specific protein cell receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to generate therapeutic effects. The ECS maintains body balance by regulating mood, pain, appetite, sleep, stress, and more. Marijuana has the following terpenes for pain relief:

Linalool

Linalool is a floral terpene with a light, citrusy, or woodsy scent. Linalool terpene is found naturally in mint, citrus, and lavender and is commonly found in perfumes. It is also found in some popular cannabis strains.

Linalool is known to contribute to the relaxing properties of cannabis. It has also been used for centuries in traditional medicine because of its pain-relieving and antidepressant properties.

Linalool has the potential to treat inflammatory pain. It can fight inflammation like no other and is an excellent choice for treating Arthritis, MS, chronic pain, and even insomnia.

Pinene

Pinene is the most common terpene found in nature. It can be found in pine needles, rosemary, mint, saffron, and orange peels, among other plants. Harlequin, Grape Ape, Cannatoinc, and Blue Dream are all high in pinene. 

It is frequently the second most abundant terpene in a strain’s composition. Big Smooth is an exception to this rule, as it has a pinene-dominant terpene profile.

Pinene is thought to have various therapeutic effects, including relief from anxiety, inflammation, tooth pain, and other common types of pain.

Caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene, also known as caryophyllene, is a terpene with a spicy, peppery aroma and hints of cinnamon. Caryophyllene is found in Bubba Kush, Sour Diesel, and Girl Scout Cookies.

Caryophyllene is popular for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Caryophyllene directly stimulates cell receptors in the endocannabinoid system of the human body. Researchers believe that through stimulating CB2 receptors in the system, caryophyllene can reduce inflammation, alleviating pain and lowering the risk of many serious medical conditions caused by inflammation.

Myrcene

Myrcene, also known as beta-myrcene, is among the most common terpene found in marijuana and is thought to be the dominant terpene in more than 40% of known cannabis strains. It is by far the most common terpene found in Cannabis sativa plants.

It has a soothing, earthy scent that works hard to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and relax tense muscles. Several animal studies have revealed that it may have pain-relieving and antipyretic (anxiety-reducing) properties. Studies have shown that combining it with THC yields the best results.

Is Indica or Sativa Better for Pain?

Indica strains are regarded as the best for chronic pain treatment. They have moderate levels of CBD and elevated levels of THC and terpenes, which are effective pain relievers. Other cannabis strains, notably high in CBD, are also useful for chronic pain treatment. 

Indica strains are typically more relaxing than Sativa strains meaning they tend to help relieve pain by slowing down nerve transmission. This makes them ideal for people who experience chronic pain, as they can take less pain medication overall.

On the other hand, Sativa strains are typically more energizing, meaning they help relieve pain by stimulating nerve transmission. This makes them ideal for people who experience acute pain, which will quickly end the discomfort.

Indica strains are better for chronic pain due to their long-term effects. Sativa strains may work well short term but have shorter-term effects, so they may not be the best choice for people with chronic pain.

Best Way to Consume Cannabis for Pain?

Over time, health-conscious cannabis users preferred consuming rather than smoking their food. Cannabis is consumable through gummies, brownies, juices, and other “snacks,” as well as tinctures and oils that dissolve under the tongue.

Edible cannabis is much stronger and more psychoactive than smoking or vaping cannabis. This is due to the liver’s digestion and processing of cannabis, which converts THC into the more potent 11-Hydroxy-THC. The effects of cannabis typically peak two to three hours after eating it and last four to twelve hours.

Smoking is the second most preferable since it allows active components to easily cross the blood-brain barrier, suggesting that it could effectively reduce the CNS response to pain sensations. Individuals who smoke cannabis typically feel the effects after 2 minutes, peaking after 30 minutes. When people smoke marijuana, they typically feel the effects for 2 to 4 hours, and the body absorbs about 25% of the active compounds.

Topical is best used to reduce localized pain and inflammation; it is not absorbed into the body’s system or makes you a high. When you have joint pain, applying a marijuana-infused topical to the source can help relieve the pain.

Best Weed Strains for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that can make everyday activities difficult or impossible to complete. While many treatments are available, some people find that using weed strains can effectively manage their pain.

Here are four of the best weed strains for chronic pain, based on customer reviews mentioning pain. Try these four for pain relief; you won’t regret it.

1. Cannatonic

With 9% CBD and 4% THC, Cannatonic is known for its ability to relieve pain without causing intoxication. This makes it a popular choice for medical users who want the pain-relieving benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects. Cannatonic is also known for its earthy, musky taste and uplifting cerebral effects. 

Thanks to its potent properties, Cannatonic can help reduce inflammation and discomfort in various areas, including the neck and back, joints and muscles, and even the head and brain. If you’re looking for a strain that can help you live a more comfortable life with chronic pain, Cannatonic is worth considering.

2. ACDC

ACDC is a Sativa-dominant hybrid with a 12:1 CBD to THC ratio. This makes it one of the most medicinally-potent strains available. 

It relieves chronic pain without the psychoactive effects of THC. Its uplifting and energizing effects make it a good choice for patients looking for an alternative to more sedating strains. 

ACDC is a great strain for those struggling with chronic pain. It has a strong analgesic effect and is not psychoactive, making it ideal for those who want to avoid the side effects of THC. 

3. Harlequin

Harlequin typically contains about 9% CBD and 5% THC. As a result, it is a popular strain for chronic pain relief without the psychotropic side effects. The CBD helps to relieve, while the THC composition is low enough to allow you to focus. Harlequin also contains myrcene, which helps with pain and inflammation.

Harlequin’s pain-relieving effects are immediate; therefore, anyone who takes it can be confident that they will have a safe and effective medical experience. Harlequin is an excellent place to start for anyone seeking to ease the pain but unfamiliar with the effects of cannabis.

4. White Widow

White widow is a potent strain known for its ability to relieve pain. It is a hybrid of Brazilian and South Indian landraces and is renowned for its high THC content. White Widow has myrcene, cannabigerol (CBG), and about 15% THC.

White widow is also known for its strong couch-locking effects, making it a good choice for those who need pain relief but don’t want to get too high. It is a good strain for chronic pain because it provides long-lasting relief without causing psychoactive side effects.

Best Weed Strains for Back Pain

Back pain statistics show how common a spinal injury is and the effect it may have on patients and society. In developed countries, 60-70% of people experience back pain at some point.

Simple strain, sciatica, ruptured disc, osteoporosis, and Arthritis are some of the root causes of back pain. Treatment options for these conditions include various types of medications.

Many people nowadays use marijuana to relieve back pain. Medical marijuana can be used as an alternative to traditional treatments. It is becoming a more popular treatment option for patients suffering from chronic back pain.

Here are some medical cannabis strains that may help with back pain:

1. OG Kush

OG Kush has a complex aroma with pine and wood notes. This strain’s flavor has sweet citrus undertones with a spicy twist. This marijuana strain contains around 23% THC and less than 1% CBD.

Many medical marijuana users prefer OG Kush for its pain-relieving features and euphoric high. OG Kush is an Indica dominant cannabis strain, and its high levels of THC provide patients with a euphoric high that relieves pain and muscle spasms.

OG Kush has a numbing and relaxing effect, which helps many patients suffering from chronic conditions such as back and neck pain.

2. Gorilla Glue

Gorilla Glue is a perfectly balanced hybrid strain that was created by crossing Chocolate Diesel and Sour Diesel. Myrcene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and pinene are the primary terpenes in Gorilla Glue.

With an average THC content of 25%, this marijuana strain packs a powerful punch and can leave you couch-locked for several hours. Because of its potent effects, it is frequently used to treat serious back pain and chronic conditions. Using this cannabis strain before bed is best because it can cause a long, deep sleep.

Best Weed Strains for Nerve Pain

Nerve pain is a type of pain that is caused by damage to the nervous system. It can be caused by various things, including trauma, stroke, infections, autoimmune diseases, and others. 

Nerve pain can be debilitating and make it difficult to do everyday activities. There are a variety of treatments available for nerve pain, and there are a variety of strains of marijuana that can be used to treat it.

Some of the best weed strains for nerve pain are those known for their analgesic properties. These strains help to reduce the intensity and severity of pain, which can make it easier to live a normal life. Let’s look at some of the best marijuana strains for nerve pain.

1. Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a relatively mild Sativa strain with THC levels that typically range between 18 and 24 percent. Consumers frequently experience a calming and mellow physical sensation and uplifting cerebral effects. Jack Herer is a good place to start to learn about how the plant can help you manage pain and improve your mood if you’re new to weed,

Those struggling with mild to moderate nerve pain will likely benefit the most from it because it is not the most potent cannabis strain. However, if you have more severe pain or a higher cannabis tolerance, one of the stronger cannabis strains is probably better for you.

2. Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is a dense, Indica-dominant strain known for its euphoric effects and nerve pain relief. Its refined aroma is earthy and nutty with a subtle sweetness, and its taste is earthy and nutty with a hint of coffee and cocoa. It has a high THC content that ranges from 15% to 22%.

When the effects of this strain kick in, users feel a tranquil body-melting sensation that is mild enough to keep them awake and active. Bubba Kush is an excellent choice for daytime and nighttime use, providing relief as needed. If you are looking for relief from nerve pain, Bubba Kush is a great choice.

Best Weed Strains for Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks normal body tissue, resulting in inflamed, swollen, and painful joints. Traditional treatments for Arthritis include anti-rheumatic drugs, steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, and surgery.

Recent research has discovered that certain compounds found in some strains of the marijuana plant can help manage the symptoms associated with Arthritis. Following are some cannabis strains that may be useful for managing arthritis symptoms based on consumer reviews.

1. Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a potent indica strain known for its relaxing and sedative effects. This makes it an excellent choice for treating Arthritis and other chronic pain conditions. 

The strain has a sweet and earthy flavor with hints of citrus and pine. The effects of Northern Lights can be felt within minutes and are typically relaxing and calming.

However, users should be aware that the strain can also have some psychoactive effects, so caution is advised if using it for recreational purposes. Your first dose should be low and gradual until you understand how the strain interacts with your body’s chemistry.

2. Do Si Dos

Do Si Dos is a potent indica-dominant hybrid that delivers heavy-handed relaxation and pain relief. This strain is a cross of OG Kush Breath and Face Off OG. Do Si Dos has a sweet and earthy aroma with hints of diesel. Its buds are dense and round, covered in trichomes and orange pistils. 

This strain is ideal for treating pain and inflammation in the body, including Arthritis. Its strong THC content ranges between 21% to 30%, enabling it to relieve symptoms such as muscle spasms, aches, and stiffness. Do Si Dos is worth considering if you’re looking for a strain sure to relieve symptoms of Arthritis.

Summary

With the legalization of marijuana in many states, people are looking for the best weed strains to help with various medical conditions, including pain relief. There are many different strains of marijuana that you can use to relieve pain, and each one has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Some strains are better for certain types of pain, while others may be better for other types of pain.

The most preferred variety for pain relief is indica. Indices are typically known for their relaxing and sedating effects, which can be great for relieving pain. They also tend to have a low THC content, which makes them less psychoactive and easier to tolerate. There are also indica strains that help to relieve different types of pain.

Try one of these weed strains if you want relief from pain but don’t want to rely on traditional medication. From Indicas to Sativas, there’s a strain out there that can help ease your pain without making you feel high.

To learn more about cannabis strains, check out the Best Weed for Sex.

Rocky Horton Avatar

Rocky Horton

Author

Rocky Horton is an experienced cannabis grower and the founder of IndoGrow. The IndoGrow editorial team has over four decades of combined growing experience. Learn more.