Best Strains for Pains

Aches and pains are a real, well.. pain. Whether from an injury, a medical condition, or just your normal everyday wear and tear, our bodies are going to let us know when things aren’t feeling their best. When you need to get things done in the face of pain, a cannabinoid could be the perfect answer to the problem. But which hemp or cannabis product is the best choice for pain relief? In this article, we’ll look at how cannabis relieves pain, why different strains have different effects, and which strain is the best for your pain. 

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What is Pain?

You know what pain is when you feel it but why do we feel it to begin with? Simply put, pain is a signal your body sends to let you know something is wrong. When the body experiences illness, injury, or exertion, it creates an unpleasant sensation to signal to the mind that something is happening that might need addressed. 

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When we describe different types of pain, there are a few different ways to do it. Sometimes we describe pain by how persistent it is, other times we describe pain by the internal processes that cause, and often you’ll hear those experiencing pain describe the physical sensation itself. Let’s look at the most common “types” of pain.

• Acute pain – This type of pain spans a relatively short amount of time, though that is a matter of perspective. Acute pain is typically caused by a tissue injury or temporary illness and subsides when that issue heals. This means that acute pain can last mere minutes or several months.
• Chronic pain – When pain is more persistent in its duration, it is called chronic pain. Chronic pain can be either constant or intermittent but lasts for several months to years. Chronic pain is often caused by long-term health conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia but can also be the result of an injury not healing properly, nerve damage, or a malfunctioning pain signal.
• Neuropathic pain – When nerves or the nervous system are damaged, the pain that results is called neuropathic pain. The sensation is often described as pins and needles, shooting, stabbing, or burning. While neuropathic pain is common, it can be severe enough to be debilitating and cause issues with mobility. If you’re interested in learning more about how cannabinoids can help with mobility, read our article here.
• Nociceptive pain – When you stub your toe on the dreaded coffee table leg, the pain you’re feeling is nociceptive. Nociceptive pain is the result of tissue damage, and is described as achy, throbbing, or sharp. You’ll find these pains in skin, muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue.
• Radicular pain – When the spinal nerve is stressed, you may end up with radicular pain, a very specific type of pain that radiates from the spine into the back, hips, and legs. This kind of pain is also called sciatica because of its origination in the sciatic nerve. Radicular pain is steady and deep, and may also include numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

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Different types of pain can call for different plans of treatment. One of the options available to help manage pain is the use of cannabis and hemp products, but before you start spending your hard-earned money, you need to know if weed can help you feel better.

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Does Weed Relieve Pain?

You may be skeptical about whether smoking cannabis can help relieve your pain. Given its legal history, many people still have lingering apprehensions when it comes to the growing momentum for both medicinal and recreational cannabis use. Although scientific and clinical studies investigating the depth and breadth of the therapeutic effects of cannabis are actively underway, we do have research available to help us answer this question, and the answer is a resounding YES. Weed does help relieve pain.

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A study published in 2015 found that cannabis use is effective in reducing several types of pain, including chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and pain from spasticity. A 2016 study showed that pain was reduced in cancer patients who used cannabis, that cancer patients who used cannabis used 64% less opiates to manage pain, and reported a higher quality of life. Cannabinoids have also been shown to reduce inflammation, which can help those dealing with arthritis and headaches.

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The reason cannabis can relieve pain has to do with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a system of receptors throughout the body that help to balance many of the body’s internal systems, including the body’s pain response. The cannabinoids in weed interact with this system to help provide the user with pain relief. But different species or strains of weed have different concentrations of cannabinoids, and this means some strains may be more effective when it comes to making those aches go away. 

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Strains of Cannabis

When it comes to medicinal or recreational cannabis, there are three main species that we’re dealing with. These are cannabis indica, cannabis sativa, and hybrid strains. You can read an in-depth breakdown here, but right now we’ll cover the basics and provide a handy dandy chart.

• Cannabis indica – Indica strains are associated with a “body high”, which means they are more relaxing and sedative.
• Cannabis sativa – Sativa strains typically provide a “head high”, having more of an energizing effect associated with elevated mood, focus, and creativity.
• Hybrid strains – A crossbreed of both indica and sativa, these strains can be bread for specific effects, but typically have a more balanced high.

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We could talk all day about the different strains of weed, like which is best for which time of day, or which is best for a good night’s sleep, but this article is about pain. Let’s dive into the best weed strains for pain relief.

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Different Strains for Different Pains

Each person has a unique personal biology, so the best cannabis strains for pain relief are going to vary from user to user, but we do have some research to point us in the right direction. A survey published in 2014 found that indica strains were preferred by those who use cannabis for pain relief. It’s tranquilizing and soothing properties more effectively manages pain than the more energizing effects of sativa strains. Hybrid strains could also be good options because of their versatility and unique cannabinoid compositions. Let’s look at five of the best strains to soothe those pains.

• Ice Cream Cake, Indica – A smooth, mellow body high that will help melt away irritating pains like achy joints and muscle soreness.
• Northern Lights, Indica – A classic strain that stands the test of time because of its definitive sativa effects, Northern Lights is perfect for chronic pain relief.
• Purple Punch, Indica – This strain can often have a higher THC content, and that’s how it earned its name. Being a heavy hitter makes this strain perfect for those dealing with deep aches and pains, as well as those whose pain causes difficulty sleeping.
• Gary Payton, Hybrid – Having played for 17 years in the NBA, Gary Payton is no stranger to pain. His namesake strain is a balanced hybrid making it perfect for managing pain while still being able to get things done.
• Girl Scout Cookies, Hybrid – This hybrid strain leans towards the indica side, making it perfect for pain relief. It also helps with nausea and mood, making it an excellent option for those dealing with pain from a serious illness or injury.

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These are some of the best options available when it comes to picking a strain to manage your pain, but that doesn’t mean they are the best option for you. Don’t be afraid to try a few different strains while being mindful of how exactly they make you feel after using them. A good way to do this is to keep a cannabis journal. This sort of introspective evaluation will help you find the cannabis strain that is ideal for your needs.

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The Takeaway

Eventually, we’re all going to have to deal with aches and pains, big and small. But over-the-counter pain relievers can be hard on your stomach and liver, and prescription pain pills can be dangerous and addictive. Cannabis offers a safer and more natural alternative to pain relief by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) inside the body. Not all pains are the same, and neither are strains of cannabis, so matching the product to the right person is key to getting the most out of your experience. In general, we find that indica and hybrid strains are more soothing, relaxing, and tranquilizing, making them ideal for pain relief but you should try a variety of options so you can really dial in the best option for you. If this sounds intimidating or maybe you just have a simple question, The Green Dragon is ready to help. We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below this article or talk to you more privately through our contact page. Just because you have pain doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it, so start exploring your options at The Green Dragon today.

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