Disclaimer

Please be advised that marijuana/hemp-based products are still considered a grey area in Canada, and the United States. Although you may not require a doctor’s note or authorization, I strongly encourage you to find out the Provincial/State laws before purchasing any product to ensure your safety. Again, I cannot be held responsible for any recommendation made on the Safe Haven Support Group. It is your responsibility to ensure you read up on all the applicable laws regarding these products and what is allowed in the area you live in.


One of the most common applications for medical marijuana is pain control, whether it’s headaches, neuropathic pain, muscle soreness, spinal injury, fibromyalgia, pain caused by inflammation, and cramps. Patients have seen various degrees of success with cannabis in treating different pain-related ailments depending on the type of pain, the intensity, and the individual’s own physiology.

Cannabinoids and Terpenes are known to have areas of specialization such as pain. Because every person’s experience is so nuanced, we recommend sampling several of these suggestions and maybe even experiment with them in different forms, like topicals, oils, or even transdermal patches. Smoking and vaporizing are great ways to get marijuana’s painkilling properties quickly, but read up on non-smoking consumption methods and cannabis concentrate alternatives to get an idea of the full spectrum of options available to you.

“THC & CBD

While there are over 100 different cannabinoids that can occur in cannabis, the two most well-known and better-studied compounds in the cannabis plant happen to also be the two that occur in the largest volume: delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC, and cannabidiol, known as CBD.

THC is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis which gives the effect of what recreational users call the “high.”

CBD is considered to be non-psychoactive and when used in conjunction with THC helps dampen the psychoactivity and other side effects some people consider undesirable. Both cannabinoids have an impressive list of ways they support the human body.” [1]

“To make sure you’re getting the relief that you need, here are a few things to keep in mind when picking out a strain for pain:

  • sedative, indica strains are some of the most popular picks for chronic pain management;
  • a strain that contains a little of both CBD and THC may be more effective than one with THC alone;
  • high THC levels mean that you may more easily forget about your pain;
  • CBD strains are generally considered better for daytime consumption;
  • Sativa strains are often consumed for neuropathic pain and chronic headaches, though this is highly subjective; and
  • pick strains or products that are very fragrant or have high terpene tests.

Though everyone responds to cannabis differently, these strains are thought to be helpful for pain management, generally speaking:

“What Are the Best Cannabis Strains for Pain

1. Cannabis Strains That Help Treat Generalized Pain

ACDC is one of the most effective painkilling strains out there due to its one-two punch of cannabinoids CBD and THC. As a general rule, cannabis strains with the higher amounts of both THC and CBD tend to make the best pain medicines. Many people find that heavy indicas such as Blackberry Kush are particularly skilled in the art of killing the pain.

2. Cannabis Strains That Help Treat Inflammation and Arthritis

A product with high CBD concentrations is perfect for people battling with inflammation. It’s uplifting and clear-headed effects set it apart from heavier, more intoxicating options and make it a perfect choice for daytime medicating. Also known as Blue Venom, Berry White, and White Berry, Blue Widow is a prolific hybrid cross between parent strains Blueberry and White Widow. Leafly user reviews praise Blue Widow for its anti-inflammatory qualities, and perhaps the reason for this is Blue Widow’s rich terpene profile that typically boasts high levels of caryophyllene, or it could be its heavy resin production which gives way to massive amounts of THC and other beneficial compounds.

3. Cannabis Strains That Help Treat Headaches and Migraines

Purple Arrow hits the target somewhere between heavy pain relief and uplifting euphoria, making it a great choice for headache sufferers needing swift relief without the couchlock effects typical of indica varieties. Headband hybrids are commonly described as “cerebral” with effects that go straight to the crown of your head. Blueberry Headband lives up to its name, delivering focused headache relief and a sweet berry flavor.

4. Cannabis Strains That Help Treat Cramps

With effects that relax tension in both mind and body, Redwood Kush is known to deliver a woody forest aroma alongside hefty amounts of THC to help ease muscle cramping. Dynamite is another high-THC indica strain that blows pain and cramping out of the water, but be wary: Dynamite is also known to incite the power of the Munchie Beast.

5. Cannabis Strains That Help Manage Spinal Injury Pain:

Cataract Kush is a heavy-hitting hybrid cross between powerhouse classics LA Confidential and OG Kush. This strain potency may not be for the novice consumer, but it’s perfect for patients needing a strain that can expertly annihilate pain associated with spinal injury.” [3]

“Synthetic Marijuana

Medical marijuana refers to the whole, unprocessed plant or its extracts. Medical marijuana is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe or effective treatment for any condition. However, the FDA has approved medications containing synthetic THC cannabinoids called dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet). These drugs reduce nausea in people undergoing cancer treatments and increase appetite in people living with HIV.” [4]

“Risks and side effects

Marijuana use can cause some side effects, including:

  • addiction, which occurs in 9 percent of people who begin use in adulthood
  • breathing problems
  • dizziness
  • impaired reaction times
  • interactions with medication
  • loss of concentration
  • memory issues
  • mental health issues in those predisposed to them
  • rapid heart rate
  • withdrawal symptoms

Alternatives to herbal marijuana

Marijuana is available in several different forms, including:

  • oil (FECO) People usually take FECO orally and should only need small quantities to experience benefits;
  • topical treatments – People can apply lotions, balms, and salves containing cannabinoids to the skin to relieve pain and inflammation. Transdermal patches that contain cannabinoids are also available and are typically more potent than lotions and salves;
  • edibles – Edibles are one of the most popular ways to use marijuana. Edibles involve infusing food, such as cookies, brownies, and candies, with the drug. Marijuana edibles offer an easy way to take marijuana, but the effects of edibles can be difficult to predict; and
  • sublingual cannabis – Sublingual administration involves placing a drug under the tongue. The drug enters the bloodstream faster using this method and so it will work more quickly.

A few facts about marijuana

Medical marijuana may offer an alternative to addictive opioids. When researchers surveyed almost 3,000 medical cannabis users, they found that 30 percent had used opioids in the last 6 months. Of those respondents, 81 percent agreed or strongly agreed that marijuana was more effective alone than in combination with opioids. In addition, 97 percent said they agreed or strongly agreed that they could decrease their opioid usage when taking marijuana.” [4]

Where to purchase

Although marijuana can be expensive, consider the benefits. Here are several websites in where you can purchase these items. Please note again that although some products may work for some people, others may not. I encourage you to try different methods of marijuana to find what suits you best. Talking to one of the representatives may help in choosing the best product for your own unique pain. Remember also that each of these products come in different potencies and strengths.


Bibliography and Helpful References

https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/best-cannabis-strains-for-treating-pain

Cannabis 101

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322051.php

https://www.leafscience.com/2017/11/22/thc-cbd-difference/

https://www.marijuanabreak.com/cbd-vs-thc

https://herb.co/marijuana/news/better-pain-relief-thc-cbd/ – the link is dead now.

https://www.marijuanabreak.com/best-cbd-oils-pain-relief

Works Cited

1. Rahn, Bailey. “What Are the Best Cannabis Strains for Pain?” Leafly, 27 Feb. 2017, www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/best-cannabis-strains-for-treating-pain.

2. Herb. “Which Is Best For Pain Relief: THC Or CBD?” HERB, 21 Feb. 2017, herb.co/marijuana/news/better-pain-relief-thc-cbd/.

3. “Cannabis 101: THC & CBD – Chronic Relief.” Chronic Relief | What Is Medical Marijuana | Chronic Pain Relief, mychronicrelief.com/cannabis-101-thc-cbd/.

4. Advisory, CBD. “How Cannabis Works for Chronic Pain & Best Strains.” The Cannabis Advisory, 11 June 2018, www.thecannabisadvisory.com/cannabis-news/cannabis-for-chronic-pain-strains/.