9 Marijuana Strains To Help Chronic Pain

As its medicinal benefits earn heightened recognition, marijuana continues to become more accepted across the United States. Various state laws are gradually beginning to embrace the plant as a recreational pastime, too. Regardless of legality, however, MMJ cards still afford patients a wealth of benefits, from tax savings to greater freedom in the purchasing, possession, and growing of medical marijuana.

Chronic pain marijuana strains span across sativa, indica, and hybrid breeds. Although research is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests a variety of marijuana strains can be highly effective in bringing chronic pain down to manageable levels. This article will help to demystify MMJ for pain relief, and which strains could be best for using CBD for pain.

Generally speaking, sativa strains are characterized by euphoria, increased creativity and awareness, and head-highs, whereas indica strains place emphasis on calming, sedating body-highs that can promote rest and sleep.

Although the relaxing tendencies inherent in indica strains lend themselves to pain reduction, properties from both can be useful in remedying chronic pain. The conversation of sativa vs indica for nerve pain, for example, is reported to edge towards indica’s pacifying nature.  

Medical News Today describes that while THC stimulates, CBD “does not cause a high,” but does, however, “interact with pain receptors in the brain to exert pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.”

Qualifying conditions for MMJ cards vary from state to state. You can explore your state’s requirements and application process over at our portal.

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Image by Add Weed on Unsplash: Once you’ve got your card, MMJ for pain relief is at your disposal.

For anybody curious about the world of medical marijuana, and those already familiar, here’s a leafy list of nine marijuana strains to help chronic pain.

1. Afghan Kush

Originating from the Hindu Kush mountain range, Afghan Kush is a popular sativa strain for approaching general pain relief. Famous for its soothing character and bountiful resin, Afghan Kush is a prime choice to relax the body and ease the mind in one gentle swoop. It has generated an array of spin-offs that only testify towards the strain’s historic  dependability. 

2. L.A. Confidential

With a lower THC content, L.A. Confidential is a gentle and inviting strain for beginners to MMJ for pain relief. It’s indica dominant at 95%, naturally leans into a sedative role, and makes for a confident choice to combat chronic pain. L.A. Confidential is said to be great at settling busy minds and aching joints for a cozy all-rounder.

3. Harlequin

A sweet-smelling and delightful sativa blend, Harlequin’s high-CBD content reduces head-high for a pleasing, mellow effect. It’s often prescribed as a painkiller for headaches, migraines, arthritis, and muscle spasms. Aside from its fruity taste, Harlequin is popular for being a calm, unrestrictive relaxant that blankets patients with a soft, warming glow. If that’s the kind of treatment you’d like working for you, let’s get your application going today.

4. Bubba Kush 

With up to 7% higher than average THC content, Bubba Kush brings a light haze along with its deeply tranquilizing body-high. It’s best to accommodate this strain’s capabilities with some free time and a comfortable space to relax. Users often report this indica strain as effective treatment for anything from muscle spasms and cramps to chronic pains and stress. 

5. Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is an energizing and uplifting sativa strain. It’s an ideal choice to reclaim the vigor often drained by chronic aches and pains. With its pungent and zesty aroma, it’s no surprise that Sour Diesel can also pack a stimulating mood boost. It’s often reported as a preferable option for ailments including nausea, muscle pain, and inflammation. Sour Diesel is a funky strain that can actively balance discussions on sativa vs indica for pain relief. It could even make your morning coffee redundant!

6. ACDC 

ACDC sits nicely between sativa and indica blends as a citrusy and mild MMJ favorite. The strain has positioned itself as a prominent option for medicinal use; it’s been awarded the Cannabis Cup for its unmatched prowess as a therapeutic strain. Its very low THC level minimizes psychoactivity and emphasizes the benefits of CBD for pain. Containing a terpene called myrcene, ACDC is considered elite in treating both pain and inflammation.

MMJRecs - CBD oil dropper
Image by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash: Have you discovered the medicinal wonders of applying CBD for pain?

7. Ice Cream Cake

Euphoric and flavorsome, Ice Cream Cake breeds two popular strains – Wedding Cake and Gelato #33 – into a highly-renowned formation. Its sweet and creamy taste pairs with strong medicinal application; the Leafly community reveres Ice Cream Cake for helping with chronic pain, disturbed sleep, and anxiety. It’s been known to bring about a cerebral rush before softly transitioning patients into a pacified and elated state. Sounds dreamy, right? Here’s how straightforward it is to get registered and ready for your own experience of the magnificent Ice Cream Cake.


8. Blueberry 

A cult-classic, Blueberry champions the simplicity of early strain development. Its legend status dates back to 2000, when it won the High Times Cannabis Cup for Best Indica. Beyond the spotlight, its juicy, full-bodied character continues to settle chronic pain patients with a potently relaxing high. Blueberry is a tried-and-tested option that also offsets stress with graceful ease. It’s additionally been highlighted for its treatment for neuropathic pain. Without a doubt, Blueberry is a key contender for the foundational benefits it delivers as a classically calming indica.

9. Northern Lights 

Northern Lights is an indica strain worth easing into slowly. Patients often note rewards of an authoritative and tranquil body high that turns the dial down on chronic pain. This award-winning strain has a strong rapport with MMJ patients as a potent pain-reliever. Its sleep-inducing properties can also be helpful in tackling pain that keeps patients up at night. The earthy sweetness and mighty body-high are credited with bringing aching muscles into deep relaxation.

While this list is far from exhaustive, we hope you feel confident in either beginning or continuing your journey to utilize MMJ for pain relief. Chronic pain marijuana strains are more prominent than ever, so why not start to free yourself from bizarre pills and pharmaceuticals and explore the natural brilliance of medical mariajuna? Tackling chronic pain can be as simple as registering or renewing your MMJ card today!

Featured image by Jeff W on Unsplash