Marijuana for Pain: How It Works and the Best Strains to Choose

It’s estimated that 50 million American adults suffer from chronic pain. If you’re one of them, then you’re most likely familiar with not just the constraints it can have on your daily life, but also the hefty medications you need to keep the pain in check.

The good news is, many people turn to cannabis for pain management. Not only are there fewer side effects, but there’s little to no risk of addiction or overdose either.

If you’re thinking of using marijuana for pain, then you’ll want to read on. We’ll show you how it works and what the best strains are.

How Marijuana Works for Pain

To understand how marijuana works for pain, you need to first learn about the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is responsible for homeostasis in your body. It’s involved in mood, memory, appetite, the immune system, inflammation, and, you’ve guessed it, pain.

We have 2 main cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. We produce 2 main endocannabinoids: anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These 2 endocannabinoids bind to the various receptors in the body to regulate systems.

Now, cannabinoids (such as THC from marijuana) can bind to these receptors too. But instead of our body making them, we ingest them from things like cannabis and CBD oil.

When you ingest cannabis, the THC (and other cannabinoids) from it will bind to the receptors and produce pain-relieving effects.

The Best Strains of Marijuana for Pain

When you buy cannabis, there are 3 types to choose from: Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, or hybrids. There’s not a whole lot of research done on the best strains of marijuana for pain, but there are anecdotes and personal testimonies that are quite informative.

In general, the best weed for pain is Cannabis indica. People report a sedative effect, as well as pain reduction for non-migraine headaches and joint pain.

Below are some of the strains of marijuana for chronic pain people use:

• Sour Diesel
• White Widow
• Blueberry
• ACDC
• Northern Lights
• Harlequin
• Master Kush
• Afghan Kush
• Cataract Kush

The best marijuana for pain is medical strains since they’ll be of higher quality.

One of the best things about cannabis is it’s virtually impossible to overdose. So feel free to try out different strains and amounts of them to figure out what works best for you. The best marijuana strain for pain might be different for you when compared to your friend, after all.

And while there’s evidence that suggests you can get addicted to marijuana, it’s not as serious as when compared to opioids, which are often prescribed for pain management.

Find Pain Relief Today

Many people use marijuana for pain, so why not you? Now that you’ve learned about how marijuana works for pain and what the best strains are, you’ll be well on your way to pain relief without all the downsides of prescription medication.

Of course, before you change up your medicine, make sure you speak to your doctor first. They’ll be able to advise you on if it’s a good idea and how to taper if needed.

If you enjoyed this article on marijuana and pain relief, then make sure you check out our other blog articles too!