When things are hurting, it doesn’t matter what type of pain it is or what may be causing the pain: you just want it to go away, and go away fast. Daily obligations may sometimes force you to “push through the pain,” but really, sometimes you just want to hide somewhere soft and dark.
Historically, there haven’t been a lot of safe options for dealing with short-term or chronic pain. Or at least not ones requiring doctor oversight, multiple prescriptions, addiction potential, limited quantities, legality, or potential side effects on the body and mind over time.
Cannabis, however, has repeatedly been seen as a natural and effective alternative to prescription medication, and it’s becoming easier and easier to access. California was actually the first U.S. state to officially allow medical use as far back as the mid-1990s, but it was also unofficially in use long before this.
But if you’re more familiar with pain but less familiar with the cannabis plant, it may be challenging to know how to get started, especially if you feel overwhelmed walking into a dispensary when you’re unsure of what you want or need.
The good news is that certain strains have been recognized as being especially effective against all sorts of pain, whether a stress headache or an all-over body ache from physical or mental trauma. Even better, many of the more helpful strains are ‘not psychoactive,’ which means that you can go about your day without the physical or mental changes you may experience from some types of cannabis, like feeling out of it for awhile or not being able to get up from the couch or bed.
Keep reading for our 15 recommendations for the best marijuana for pain relief.
Understanding Cannabis and Pain Relief
Before we jump into the list, a quick biology lesson is useful in describing how cannabis reduces pain.
It starts with cannabinoids, which are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. One of the main ones involved in pain relief is cannabidiol or CBD. When cannabis is ingested, CBD molecules bond with specific receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is the system that regulates processes like mood. By attaching to the receptors that regulate pain and pleasure, the cannabinoids can lower stress and pain response and decrease inflammation throughout the body.
It’s the same process that can help reduce anxiety and assist in providing a better night’s sleep.
Research has shown that any dose of CBD can have these beneficial effects. Another common cannabinoid, THC, is believed to help when combined with CBD, but may be less effective or even increase sensitivity and anxiety by itself, especially at high doses.
THC also is considered psychoactive, which means it can cause temporary changes – commonly called getting high — which may not always be welcome in the home or workplace but great at the end of the day or at bedtime.
People seeking the best strains for pain without side effects should seek strains with a higher ratio of CBD to THC. Then again, if you’re dealing with strong pain and just want to take a break from it all and find the nearest place to rest for the next few hours, a high-THC strain might hit the spot.
Another factor in pain relief is the strain’s unique terpenes, which are natural compounds in all plants that provide the chemical blueprints of its structure, such as smell, color, and shape. Alpha pinene, myrcene, and caryophyllene all can increase certain effects such as reducing inflammation.
The types of plants also may have a role, depending on what you’re seeking. Indica-heavy plants generally are more focused on helping the body feel better, while sativas provide a little more energy. Hybrids may have different balances of both of these properties.
If you’re feeling information overload, that’s OK! Cannabis experiences are very personal, so the best weed strains for pain may work well for some but be less effective for others.
Medical professionals familiar with cannabis can give advice on pain management. Our budtenders can also help you discover different products as you try to find what works as the best strain and method to partake.
The Role of Cannabinoids
To recap, CBD provides pain-reduction and anti-inflammatory effects in the body, without other temporary changes. THC can help boost these efforts in small doses but may include other side effects like greater body relaxation.
There are actually more than 100 cannabinoids discovered so far and research continues to take place. While CBD and THC are the more prominent ones, others provide different or lesser effects, or do nothing that we’re currently aware of. For instance, CBN can also help with pain relief but is also recommended for insomnia; THC-V can help improve focus; THC-a provides THC’s benefits without psychoactive changes; and CBG can reduce inflammation and boost memory.
Some extracted products are available that only include one cannabinoid if you’re seeking one specific effect. However, many health experts suggest focusing on what’s called “the entourage effect” or “full-spectrum,” which allows many cannabinoids to work together to be more effective.
The budtenders at Torrey Holistics will be happy to provide education on the different “letters” and combinations of effects to find what you need especially when seeking pain relief.
The Importance of Terpenes
You may not know the technical terms for terpenes, but you know what they are. For instance, terpenes can define the physical characteristics between a lime, a lemon, and a navel orange within the citrus family. Or they can also define the differences between all citrus fruits vs. berry fruits.
In cannabis, different terpenes are present in different strains, and some hybrids are even cultivated to accentuate certain terpenes and increase properties like specific aroma or texture. In some cases, a terpene may be extracted from certain strains and added to other concentrates for extra flavor and effect.
Myrcene, for instance, is found in cannabis, mangoes, hops and lemongrass. It’s known for properties that reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Limonene, prominent in citrus fruits, is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and boost heart health.
When researching the best marijuana for pain, consider starting with a good CBD or THC blend and then trying different terpenes or a combination to achieve certain effects. Ask our budtenders for advice as well!
Top 15 Marijuana Strains for Pain Relief
1. ACDC
This hybrid CBD-dominant strain gets high marks for helping reduce chronic pain and inflammation but without any other psychoactive changes. Its CBD percentage is around 20% and THC is lower. It also has made our list of strains that help insomnia.
2. Harlequin
This strain is known to help with pain from arthritis and muscle spasms. As a sativa-dominant hybrid, it has a CBD to THC ratio of 5:2 which won’t make you feel funny while your deep muscle aches fade away.
3. Blue Dream
Blue Dream has slightly higher THC than CBD, about 20%:10% respectively. But the sativa-dominant hybrid is also known for making consumers feel more clear-headed while relaxing the body. It’s especially recommended for tackling migraine pain as well as a general mood booster. (Read more here!)
4. Girl Scout Cookies
Although the youth organization isn’t fond of the name and has battled its usage in court, this hybrid strain has established a decent reputation in cannabis circles for helping with severe pain, even nausea. With THC levels as high as 28%, GSC promotes relaxation and general pleasure, which are both welcome for someone not feeling so great. It also has high levels of terpenes like limonene, myrcene, and humulene to produce a sweet, chocolaty, minty taste.
5.OG Kush
Presenting a combination of mood elevation and stress relief, this well-balanced hybrid offers about 20% THC. It’s popular among those dealing with regular or occasional migraines as well as chronic pain throughout the body. It’s also considered one of the more relaxing members of the Kush family.
6. White Widow
For those seeking daytime pain relief, this strain is recommended for relieving muscle aches but not being terribly sedative. With a THC content between 18%-25%, this hybrid boosts energy and feelings of euphoria. It’s also useful for those dealing with neuropathic pain and spasms.
7. Cannatonic
Ready to relax but not too much? Try this CBD-dominant hybrid that’s considered great for knocking down migraines and battling chronic pain. With CBD levels at about 17% and THC at about 6%, you’ll feel good but not be too out of it.
8. Northern Lights
Chronic pain and insomnia both can be banished with this sleepytime indica. It has THC between 16% and 21% which can be welcome for a consumer wanting to beat insomnia or even just relax a little more before bedtime.
9. Purple Kush
This strain is popular with recreational users as well as medical marijuana users seeking the best strain for pain. This indica has THC as high as 22% and can lead to deep body relaxation, especially for those wanting relief from muscle spasms or sleep problems. The effects also are known to last longer than many other strains.
10. Sour Diesel
This fast-acting and long-lasting sativa is recommended as a quick brain booster. It is often recommended as a way to combat anxiety and depression symptoms, stress-related pain, and general negative moods. It can contain THC levels between 18%-26% which can help consumers feel better while they continue their day.
11. Laughing Gas
Better than a trip to the dentist, this low-CBD/high THC hybrid cross between Cherry Pie and Sour Diesel will reduce your pain while making your brain and your mood feel better. It’s possible you’ll giggle a little while being mellow, and also feel less pain from body aches caused by nausea, fibromyalgia, and all-over stress. CBD is usually less than 1% but THC can be as high as 25%.
12. Purple Sunset
With this cross of Purple Punch and Mandarin Sunset, consumers will find an indica dominant strain that’s especially great at the end of the day for chilling out, feeling less pain, and experiencing general tranquility. Its THC levels in the mid-20%s may be too potent for daytime use, but could be just the right combination for de-stressing after a long day or dealing with chronic pain.
13. GMO Cookies
This indica cannabis strain is especially popular for those dealing with chronic pain seeking something strong to help make them feel better. With THC levels around 24%, consumers can experience deep body relaxation, reduced inflammation, and lower pain levels. It also has a unique garlic flavor.
14. White Runtz
With THC ranging from 17% to 24%, this hybrid is known for chronic pain relief as well as a generally uplifting experience in the brain and body. Some consumers even report a pleasant tingling experience. The prime terpene is caryophyllene, which has a woody, earthy smell, and is found in pepper, cinnamon, and oregano. It’s also known for anti-inflammatory properties and boosting the immune system.
15. Bubba Kush
If it hurts too much to sleep, many suggest this indica. It will relax your body and brain and ease any muscle pain. It also lasts a long time, which can be useful. With THC levels between 14% and 22%, it’s not terribly potent but can be helpful for those who want to get up the next day feeling well-rested but not sore or sedated.
How to Choose the Right Strain for Your Pain
If many of those strains on the above list sound interesting, what’s the next step? A lot depends on you, what type of pain you’re experiencing, and your lifestyle.
If you have inflammation, you might seek items that focus on this. Chronic pain sufferers also might benefit from different types of strains, as well as those dealing with pain from neuropathy. Even acute pain, such as an occasional migraine or stress headache from an extra-intense day, or pain that occasionally flares up from an old injury or autoimmune condition, might benefit from different types of cannabis.
Even if they don’t embrace cannabis, your health care provider can give information about the type of pain you’re experiencing, which you share with one of our budtenders.
Your cannabis shopping for the best weed for pain can also depend on how psychoactive you want the strain to be. If you want something as mild as an aspirin to just make the pain go away and keep on keepin’ on, that might mean something more CBD-heavy. On the other hand, if you just need something to relax your body, and you’re not at work or behind the wheel, consider something higher in THC.
Terpene profiles also can play a part in whatever effects you’re seeking, whether something uplifting that makes you feel good or even something to dull the aches.
The staff at Torrey Holistics is always happy to have these dialogues and learn about your life and any medical conditions or pain levels. The more they know, the better they can come up with something and provide assistance.
Ideally, we love it when this personalized advice continues. Please come back in after trying something to let us know if anything is improved or if you want to try something else.
Methods of Consumption
Although it’s easy to only focus just on the best marijuana for pain that you can smoke, this method isn’t for everyone.
Some people may want to try other options that are more discreet. They may not like the smell or taste of the smoke, or they may have mouth or throat problems that make puffing painful. So other options are available.
- Edibles. Infused food can go into your bloodstream after being absorbed into the stomach. They typically take much longer than smoking to kick in, sometimes an hour vs. 5-10 minutes, but edibles can be an effective delivery method especially when you want to relax and go smokeless. The effects also last longer and are generally more mellow. Edibles – and drinkable infused beverages — can range from sweet treats like cookies and gummies to infused oil you add to food. Commercial products have specific dosages to make it easy to measure how much you’ll need, as opposed to homemade edibles where people would guess the amounts.
- Tinctures. A few drops of cannabis oil on or under the tongue can go right into the bloodstream. Then it takes effect quickly.
- Topicals. Rubbing infused lotion on painful parts of your body can relax painful muscles and stimulate the skin. It can take effect in less than an hour. Some non-psychoactive topicals also include other essential oils so they can add moisture and scent to your skin.
- Vaping. A cannabis vape pen can provide a quick puff without the thicker smoke of a pre-roll or pipe. There are also a lot of different flavors, and it can also blend in with nicotine/tobacco pens. The vapor also isn’t inhaled.
One strategy for any consumption method is to start with micro-dosing. This means trying the smallest amount and see how it makes you feel. Then, at future sessions, increase the amount slightly, to see if it makes you feel better or worse. If you feel “that’s great,” stick with that, being aware your tolerance may change the more you consume without a break.
For those specifically seeking nausea relief, several consumption methods may be preferable to smoking:
- Sublingual tinctures provide fast relief without stomach irritation
- Hard candies and lozenges can help with both nausea and dry mouth
- Edible gummies or capsules offer longer-lasting relief for chronic nausea
- Vaporizers provide quick relief without the harshness of smoke
Each method has different onset times and duration, so working with our budtenders can help you find the right option for your specific needs.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Cannabis isn’t for everyone and some degree of responsibility is required. Being aware of state and local laws is important, such as not smoking in public, not driving while intoxicated, and making sure it’s stored away from children.
People unfamiliar with cannabis should expect to experience physical effects, even if they’re not high, such as dry mouth, dizziness and changes (usually increase) in appetite.
Though uncommon, cannabis may interact with certain medications, which a health care provider can discuss.
Some of us have grown up in a culture where alcohol use is suggested for relieving chronic pain. However, it has unpredictable results when combined with cannabis.
Another item of caution, especially when using edibles, is to beware that they may take longer than expected to kick in. Some people may take a second dose after they haven’t felt the first one, and then they accidentally double dose, which could make them feel worse.
Shopping at reputable legal dispensaries such as Torrey Holistics is a smart way to get your questions answered about what to buy as well as any areas of caution for your cannabis experiences.
Find Relief at Torrey Holistics
Torrey Holistics has been an important part of the greater San Diego community since 2015, when it opened as a medical dispensary. It added recreational products two years later.
Today, it is proud of being able to offer an extensive selection of high-quality strains and a variety of ways to consume.
The knowledgeable staff is also eager to help customers find exactly what they need, whether recreational or medical. Although everyone has their favorite strains, our staff knows that everyone’s tastes and experiences are unique so they emphasize finding what the customer is looking for. This could be a quick transaction for a regular shopper or a longer conversation for someone new to cannabis but interested in learning and experimenting.
The dispensary is at 10671 Roselle Street, #100, in San Diego. Hours are 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
In addition, we also have a detailed site where you can learn about different medical and recreational products, ask questions, and place orders. If you live within 20 miles we can deliver, otherwise feel free to order online then come by and we’ll put everything together for you!
Overall, Torrey Holistics hopes to be your one-stop shop for cannabis needs, whether you want to sleep better, cut down on your pain sensations or just feel good for the weekend.
Conclusion
If you’ve been dealing with pain, you know effective pain management is complex and there haven’t been a lot of effective long-term solutions. But responsible cannabis use, especially with strains known for pain-relieving effects, can offer a variety of options.
People searching for where to start should consider strains high in CBD, a natural compound that provides potent pain relief but without side effects such as temporary mental or physical changes.
Strains high in THC, another compound, also may reduce pain and increase relaxation, but these are more recommended for nighttime or spaces where no activity is required.
Getting started on your cannabis journey for pain relief can include conversations with a health care provider to discuss your pain needs and medical conditions, as well as a knowledgeable budtender who can recommend the best strains for pain.
Torrey Holistics is eager to help you with your cannabis journey and provide options for your pain-reduction efforts. Let us know how we can help!
FAQs
Can I use marijuana without getting high?
Yes! Some products contain only small percentages of THC, the active compound that causes you to get “high.” Strains with higher percentages of CBD don’t have any effects, other than pain reduction. Some compare CBD to natural Tylenol.
How do I determine the right dosage for my pain?
This may take a little trial and error with different strains and terpenes. But we suggest ‘microdosing,’ which is to start with the smallest dosage. If this isn’t effective, keep increasing each session to find a comfortable, effective amount.
Is indica or sativa better for pain?
There are different factors in pain reduction, depending on the percentage of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. But generally, indica strains are known for causing more effects on the body, which could include muscle pain relief. Sativa can help with better mental focus and clarity but also might clear up a migraine or stress headache.
What are potential side effects of using cannabis for pain?
Unlike opioids, cannabis has low addiction potential. But you can build up a tolerance after repeated use, meaning that you may need larger quantities to achieve the same results. If you smoke cannabis, you may experience some of the same symptoms that nicotine users have, such as a cough or an irritated mouth or throat. Though purchase and possession are legal in California, there are still legal penalties in place such as consuming in public or certain restricted areas, or driving while intoxicated. Check with a health care provider if cannabis may negatively interact with any medication you may be using or needing. Some companies that require regular or random drug testing may not distinguish CBD or THC concentrations, so it’s possible to fail a test even if you use CBD only for pain.
How quickly will I find relief after consuming cannabis?
It depends on the consumption method. Smoking and tinctures may provide effects within 5 minutes. Edibles may not take effect for 1-2 hours.
Do I need a medical card to purchase cannabis at Torrey Holistics?
Anyone age 21 and over with a valid ID can purchase cannabis here. But patients with a current medical card issued by the state of California can purchase cannabis and not have to pay state sales tax.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Nothing said, done, typed, printed or reproduced by Torrey Holistics is intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat or take the place of a licensed physician.
