Best Strains for Pain Relief
People are increasingly turning to natural alternatives to deal with pain, inflammation, and common conditions. And cannabis is one of the top options. Cannabis has been used to manage pain for thousands of years.
Papyri records show that ancient Egyptians used cannabis for pain relief among other things. The plant was also used for similar purposes in ancient China, Rome, and India. If you are looking for the best strain for pain relief, this article was created for you.
Researchers have found that particular cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with the endocannabinoid system to bring about pain relief.
The terpenes and other chemical components of the plant also contribute to its healing effects. The main advantage of using cannabis over allopathic medications for pain relief is that the former doesn’t produce the same side effects and is more natural.
Some cannabis strains are known to be more effective at providing relief from pain than others. Here are five of the best strains for pain relief.
1. White Widow
White Widow is one of the most popular strains in the world. It is known for its high THC levels and powerful effects. White Widow is a balanced Indica-Sativa hybrid (with a slight Indica dominance sometimes).
It is a cross between a Brazilian Sativa and South Indian Indica cannabis breed. White Widow was created in the Netherlands in the 1990s and has been one of the top favorites of stoners across the world since then.
White Widow is known for its earthy and spicy flavor. The terpenes in White Widow include linalool, caryophyllene, myrcene, pinene, limonene, and terpinolene.
There are plenty of crystal trichomes covering White Widow bud, and it’s high resin level means this strain is loved by people who make hash. White Widow has an uplifting, cerebral high. It produces a relaxing effect on the body but your mind remains very active.
White Widow is not one of those strains that will make you sleepy. It has a stimulating effect on the mind. This is a good strain to use before a social event because it tends to make you chatty.
White Widow has THC levels of around 17% to 25%. This strain is effective for combating stress, depression, anxiety, loss of appetite, insomnia, and chronic pain. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain highlighted White Widow as one of the best marijuana strains for pain.
2. AK-47
AK-47 (also known as AK 47 or AK) is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that is known for its high THC and CBD levels. This award-winning strain is a cross between Columbian, Mexican, Afghani, and Thai strains. It was created in 1992. AK-47 is one of the best medical marijuana for pain and a long list of conditions.
AK-47 has a striking appearance thanks to its orange-reddish pistils and crystal trichomes that coat its leaves. This strain has a complex flavor. It has a sweet-sour, earthy flavor with floral notes. The terpenes in AK-47 include caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, myrcene, humulene, pinene, and terpinolene.
AK-47 produces a calming, cerebral buzz. This is a good strain to use when you want to get high and do something productive. It will stimulate your creativity and put you in a deeply relaxed state.
AK-47 has a THC level of around 17% to 22% and a CBD level of less than 1%. The unique cannabinoids profile of this strain makes it highly effective for a variety of ailments. AK-47 is one of the best strains for pain and fatigue. It is also good for stimulating the appetite, combating headaches, anxiety, stress, insomnia, mood disorders, depression, and so much more.
3. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that is well-known in the world of medical marijuana. It is known as a ‘medicine cabinet essential’ because you’ll find this strain at virtually every dispensary.
Blue Dream is a cross between Blueberry and Haze. It is thought to have been created in California. This strain has a distinct pungent aroma that will remind you of blueberries with earthy and citrus notes. The terpenes in Blue Dream include myrcene, pinene, humulene, and limonene.
Blue Dream produces a euphoric and relaxing, cerebral high. It will give you a strong buzz but you’ll remain functional. Blue Dream is a good strain to use during the daytime when you’re working or you’re attending an event. The high builds up in intensity slowly.
Blue Dream has a THC level of around 17% to 25% and a CBD level of around 0.1% to 0.2%. This quick relief that this strain provides is one of the reasons why it is popular among people who use cannabis for medical reasons.
Blue Dream is one of the best weeds for pain. It is also recommended for people dealing with depression, headaches, fatigue, stress, and more.
4. Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush (also known as Bubba, Bubba OG Kush, or BK) is an award-winning Indica-dominant hybrid that is very popular in the U.S. It is a cross between OG Kush and an unknown strain. Some sources claim it was Northern Lights while others insist it was Bubble Gum.
Bubba Kush was created in 1996 in New Orleans and it quickly became widely popular thanks to its intense sedative effect. This strain was only available as a clone for many years until commercial breeders found a way to stabilize the plant.
Bubba Kush has notes of coffee with a touch of fruitiness. The high from this weed starts with a foggy head high and slowly transforms into a euphoric, deeply relaxing feeling.
Although Bubba Kush is an excellent muscle-relaxant, you will still have the mental energy to be productive. Bubba Kush allows you to bring your attention to a single focus. This is one of those rare strains you can choose to use during the day or at night.
Bubba Kush has a THC level of around 18% to 27%, and a CBD level of around 0.2%. This is a good strain for people with insomnia, depression, stress, chronic pains, headaches, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nausea, and more.
Bubba Kush comes with terpenes like mercene, limonene, caryophyllene, and BCP which contribute to its healing effect.
5. Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a Sativa-dominant hybrid created by Sensi Seeds. It is a cross between Haze, Northern Lights #5, and Shiva Skunk. Jack Herer is named after marijuana activist Jack Herer, who wrote the popular book, ‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes.’ This strain was created in the 90s in the Netherlands.
Jack Herer has a unique citrus, piney flavor. The terpenes in this strain include myrcene, pinene, humulene, caryophyllene, linalool, limonene, and terpinolene. Jack Herer is a typical “wake and bake ” strain.
It has a relaxing and energizing high. The high is quite mellow and the effect is cerebral.
It is a good strain to use when you just need a little buzz and want to stay productive, go out with friends, or just relax.
Jack Herer has CBD levels of around 17% to 24% and very low CBD levels (less than 1%). Jack Herer is one of the recommended strains for inflammation and pain. It is effective for all types of pain including joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
Jack Herer is also good for people dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also a good muscle-relaxant and can boost your appetite.
Frequently Asked Question
What strains are best for pain relief?
Apart from the cannabis strains above, many other strains are equally effective for pain relief. They include Sour Diesel, Blueberry, ACDC, Harlequin, Northern Lights, Afghan Kush, Master Kush, Blue Widow, Cannatonic, Granddaddy Purple, Girl Scout Cookies, and Canna-Tsu.
What is the best strain for inflammation?
Many strains are effective against inflammation. The question of whether a single strain is the best for inflammation is up for debate and you may get different answers depending on who you ask.
In our books, Jack Herer is one of the best strains for people dealing with inflammation. Some other strains that are also good for inflammation include ACDC, Harlequin, Charlotte’s Web, Cannatonic, Girl Scout Cookies, Cronuts, and Paradise Walts.
There are several ongoing studies into how cannabis works with pain to improve our understanding of this plant.
These are the best strains for pain relief, but we recommend that you consult a medical expert for guidance especially if you have an underlying medical condition.
