With a shift in the perspective of cannabis as a consumer commodity, the global market is growing exponentially with no signs of slowing. Medical cannabis is a plant-based medicine, which is gaining immense popularity due to its therapeutic potential to treat various ailments- chronic, including pain being one of them.
Chronic pain, the leading cause of disabilities around the globe, is one of the most challenging and uncomfortable conditions to manage. It can significantly affect your daily routine and might also take a toll on your mental health.
Some of the most common complaints of chronic pain include headaches, muscle spasms, and also discomfort experienced by arthritis and cancer patients.
In a lot of cases, especially post-surgery, doctors prescribe opioids. They are only a short-term solution and might even cause numerous adverse side effects such as sedation and nausea. Using cannabis strains like skywalker og strain as a natural alternative may alleviate chronic pain through interaction with the endocannabinoid receptors in your body.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a drug derived from hemp plants such as Cannabis Sativa. It contains two primary active compounds i.e., Delta9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Cannabidiol. While THC is psychoactive, CBD is not. This implies that when you consume CBD, you do not feel the ‘high’ that is usually associated with cannabis seeds.
CBD is available in numerous forms such as oil, edibles, tinctures, capsules, and much more. CBD oil remains the most popular way of consuming this natural compound.
What are the Different Kinds of Cannabis Strains?
There are more than 700 cannabis strains available. As each of them has a different combination of CBD, THC, and other compounds, they differ in the effects they produce on your body and mind.
It is essential to understand what might be effective for one person might not work for another. The three broad categories of cannabis strains include Sativa, Indica, and hybrid (i.e. a combination of both).
Cannabis Strains to Relieve Chronic Pain
If you are suffering from chronic pain, you must keep in mind the intensity and underlying causes while choosing cannabis strains. Here are a few popular strains popular among users struggling with acute pain.
1) ACDC
Being a Sativa-dominant phenotype of cannatonic, ACDC contains high levels of CBD and has no psychoactive effects. It’s one of the top cannabis strains for medicinal use and is in high demand because of its non-intoxicating nature. In terms of appearance, ACDC is yellowish-green with a tint of orange. It contains the terpene alpha-pinene that contributes to its pain-relieving effects.
2) Jack Herer
Jack Herer, originating from the Netherlands, skillfully combines the effects of Indica and Sativa Cannabis. It has a delightful aftertaste of sweet grapefruit. This strain is a cross between Haze Hybrid, Shiva Skunk, and Northern Lights. It can specifically aid cancer patients who usually struggle with pain and psychological distress.
3) Harlequin
Harlequin, a Sativa dominant strain, has a high Cannabidiol (CBD) to THC ratio of 5:2. This strain exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and is suitable for people struggling with arthritis pain. It can reduce swelling in their joints and relieve pain. Moreover, Harlequin lets you function without the cloudiness and psychoactive high, thereby balancing the effects of both compounds.
4) Blackberry Kush
Blackberry Kush is a combination of blackberry and Afghani with beautiful dark purple buds with shades of orange. It is a sweet-smelling dominant Indica strain that’s good for night-time use. The Indica properties make it an ideal choice for people struggling with chronic pain and insomnia. Because of its 20 percent THC content, it may help you get the much-required sleep.
5) White Widow
White widow, a hybrid marijuana strain, gets its name from two strains i.e., South American Sativa and South Indian Indica. It has a remarkable flavor with hints of skunk, peach, fruit, and spice. The users tend to experience an uplifting, euphoric feeling. Due to high levels of trichomes and resin production, White Widow is an ideal choice for people with chronic pain.
6) Blue Dream
Blue Dream, also known as Azure Haze, is a crossbreed between the classic strains Haze and Blueberry. It is amongst the most popular strains because it is strong without being overpowering and has a sweet berry aroma with spicy overtones. It is well-known for providing immediate relief to pain and nausea without causing any sedative effects.
7) Master Kush
Master Kush is a popular crossbreed, famous in Dutch coffee shops since the mid-’90s. It is potent for alleviating chronic pain because of its unique terpene profile that includes limonene, caryophyllene, and myrcene. Moreover, this vintage-flavored cannabis can also relax your body and reduce the irritability that naturally arises from pain.
8) Blueberry Headband
Blueberry Headband is a hybrid produced by crossbreeding blueberry and headbands. It has a sweet blueberry aroma with an earthy undertone. This Indica dominant strain is fast-acting and well-known for producing a well-balanced high. Its effects are first felt cerebrally and then flow to the body, aiding pain relief, especially in cases of arthritis and headaches.
9) Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush, classified as an Indica strain, is a hybrid between OG and Afghan Kush. It is easily identifiable by its dark green leaves with a purple hue and has a sweet flavor with a subtle taste of coffee. On account of the relaxing effects that relieve pain and stress, it is at times, known as the cannabis ‘sleeping pill’.
Final thoughts
Despite the consistent efforts of researchers in studying different kinds of pain, it is still very complex and challenging to treat. The strains mentioned above can be useful for alleviating chronic pain.
If you are a beginner, it would be best if you microdose and then gradually increase it after experiencing the effects. This will help you find the right dosage according to your body weight and tolerance.
