Marijuana for Pain: Top 5 Cannabis Strains for Pain Relief

Pain, whether it comes from a chronic illness or a recent injury, can bring on a lot of emotions. We’re frustrated when pain holds us back from our favorite activities or even working around the house. We’re anxious that the source of pain may not go away, even if it was caused by a one-time injury. Many people also experience fear when it comes to treating pain - they do not want to rely on painkillers that may have more dangerous side effects.

Fortunately, the legalization of medical marijuana in California and other states has helped people overcome or soften the blow of these emotions. Doctors often recommend that cannabis is used to treat various types of pain; in fact, pain is the number one reason why people order from a dispensary in the first place!

But not just any edible or vape pen will do the trick. If you are shopping for different cannabis strains for pain relief, consider strains that have a high level of CBD. CBD and THC work together with the body’s endocannabinoid system to tame inflammation and treat other root causes of pain.

The following strains are very popular among patients with chronic pain - while not all of them are known for their high CBD content, they are all worth a try while you’re shopping for your next big splurge!

ACDC

If you’re looking for pain relief, start with ACDC. The CBD content in this strain is so high that people often report experiencing little to no intoxicating effects after consuming it. That means that you won’t get high and you’ll feel relief from various forms of pain. For many, this is a win-win. In addition to treating pain, many people reach for ACDC to treat symptoms of chemotherapy, mood disorders, and epilepsy.

ACDC’s dominant terpene is myrcene, which gives it an earthy aroma and taste. Myrcene is found in some of the most “chill” strains of cannabis, but it’s also found in different types of herbs and spices!

Smoking a strain that doesn’t get you high may be a new experience, but it’s one worth trying if you want to feel relief.

Harlequin

Harlequin is another strain that can help you get back to all of your favorite activities without feeling stoned. With close to a 2:1 ratio of CBD:THC, users report feeling clear, focused, and even energized after smoking or vaping Harlequin while not feeling pain. The high CBD levels may also help to counteract paranoia or anxiety, two side effects that may affect users after smoking.

Like ACDC, Harlequin is packed with myrcene and has a woody, earthy aroma. But other flavors or aromas may also be present in the strains that arrive at your door. This is a great strain for new cannabis users to enjoy - if a parent, sibling, or friend doesn’t smoke but is experiencing chronic pain, recommend Harlequin.

Cannatonic

If ACDC and Harlequin aren’t your favorites (or they are out of them at the dispensary,) try Cannatonic. Cannatonic is another high-CBD strain that doesn’t produce psychoactive effects but still gets the job done. People with migraines, muscle spasms, and other forms of pain often turn to Cannatonic for relief. In fact, it’s actually the “parent” strain of ACDC, and the “child” of MK Ultra and G13 Haze.

You may not be surprised to learn that the dominant terpene in Cannatonic is myrcene. As a hybrid strain, you may not feel super euphoric or super sleepy after smoking. Users tend to report that Cannatonic relaxes them without locking them to the couch. This is, again, another good first strain for new smokers who just want to explore the potential pain relief they can enjoy with cannabis.

Sour Diesel

For those who want to get a little stoned and treat chronic pain, check out Sour Diesel. You might have heard of this strain before. It’s one of the most popular names in the world of cannabis. Sour Diesel provides an energetic high and treats pain as well as the symptoms of mental health disorders. If you want to avoid “couch-lock” and instead spend your day on creative projects or socializing with friends, Sour Diesel is the one to go to.

You can find a good amount of myrcene in Sour Diesel, but its dominant terpene is caryophyllene. Caryophyllene is a peppery, spicy terpene that helps produce relaxing effects in many weed strains, including GG#4 and GSC. This terpene also produces a diesel-like taste, which is where this strain gets its famous name.

Take your time with this strain; you will get high and you might get high faster than you would with other strains.

Northern Lights

If you prefer a pain-free send-off to bed, opt for an indica or a hybrid over a sativa like Sour Diesel. The most popular indica (and arguably, the most popular strain on the market) is Northern Lights. In addition to pain relief, many people turn to this strain because it treats symptoms of depression and insomnia. If pain is keeping you up at night, give Northern Lights a try.

Myrcene is again, the most dominant strain and helps to provide pain relief. Users report that the strain has an earthy, sometimes sweet taste and aroma. For new smokers, Northern Lights is a great introduction to indica. For veterans, this is a top strain to check off your list. You won’t be disappointed!

You Don’t Have to Leave Your Door to Get Pain Relief

Chronic pain can make getting up, driving to the dispensary, and making your purchase exhausting. Fortunately, you don’t have to do that when you work with The Herb Collective. We deliver high-quality strains and other cannabis products straight to your door. If you need relief fast, don’t stress. Our deliveries are all made within an hour (or 90 minutes depending on traffic and weather.)

Pain doesn’t have to control your life. Take back your time, mood, and days with the help of cannabis.