Cannabis Strains for Pain Management

Best cannabis strains for pain management Cannabis and Pain Management has been a controversial subject for decades. Without Federal approval, the United States has only been able to conduct limited clinical studies, so, most reports are built on anecdotal stories from users, as opposed to controlled scientific programs. Studies have been conducted abroad, however, a more concerted and focused effort will need to occur in order for the body of science to grow. In the meantime, the internet can be used to source the limited amount of information which is available. The classic "measurement" for pain management is: what are the percentages of THC and CBD in the flower (or oil or edible)? However, there are a few things that you will want to consider outside of simple percentage CBD and THC. One of these considerations is the ‘type’ of cannabis you are purchasing. There are three categories that your medical marijuana can fall into:

• Indica
• Sativa
• Hybrid (a mixture of both indica and sativa)

While this is not an exact science, users tend to report more effective pain-relieving properties with indicas. In one survey, participants reported that indicas helped more than sativas when it came to headaches, joint pain, neuropathy, and spasticity. Users also reported indicas to be more helpful when it comes to sleep and sedation. Lastly, there are countless user reports on specific strains of weed that have been found to be powerful for relieving pain. While some of these strains are high CBD, indica strains, some strains of weed used for pain do not fall into this category.

Some of the most renowned pain-relieving strains (per user reviews) include:

Strain  Category CBD Content THC Content Description ACDC Hybrid High Low Produces no noticeable high feeling due to very low THC content. Helps to relieve pain and even control stress. Purple Kush Indica dominant hybrid Low High Produces a strong body high with associated reductions in pain. A very relaxed and sleepy high. Harlequin Mostly Sativa High High Mellow psychoactive effects that are great for pain relief experienced with menstrual cramps and arthritis.

CBD oil for pain

Whether you live in a state where medical marijuana is not available, or you would like pain relief without any “high” feeling, CBD oil may be a good option for you. When it comes to CBD only studies, the majority are preclinical or animal studies. There are limited studies examining the effect of CBD alone on pain in humans. Most of the studies out there examine the benefits of THC and CBD together, or whole Cannabis sativa plant, for pain.  That said, the research conducted thus far, along with countless user reports, suggests that CBD itself may be able to help relieve pain. Activation of cannabinoid receptors has been linked to the inhibition of pain. The exact mechanisms of action are still being researched, however, CBD has been found to increase the levels of endocannabinoids in the body, specifically anandamide. It is plausible that this increase in endogenous endocannabinoids could have an impact on pain.

Here we will examine the limited scientific evidence, along with theories relating to the use of CBD for pain.

Dosage amounts of cannabis and CBD for pain

Cannabis and CBD dosing for pain are highly individual. Studies have found a bell-shaped dose-response curve with cannabis extract, meaning that it slowly becomes more effective until it hits a certain point, and then the effectiveness decreases. To further complicate matters, the effective dose found in human studies varies greatly from one condition and one study to the next. For example:

• in migraines, the effective dose of THC and CBD was found to be 200 mg/day, with no benefits found at 100 mg/day.
• however, doses of Sativex, an oral spray that delivers 2.7 mg THC and 2.5 mg CBD per spray, was found to be effective in the treatment of central neuropathic pain in Multiple Sclerosis at doses of around 20-30 mg/day CBD + 22-32 mg/day THC.

CBD dosage for pain has not been examined in any human studies. Like the Cannabis sativa extract, studies have found that exceeding the optimal dose of CBD can lead to a reduction in efficacy. In a study examining the effect of CBD on anxiety, 100 mg and 900 mg were not effective, where 300 mg was. So where, then, should you start when it comes to dosing Cannabis sativa or CBD oil? Follow these steps when adding in a cannabis or CBD oil product:

1. Choose the product that you would like to take
2. Start at the lowest recommended dosage
3. Split this dose between 2-3 doses throughout the day
4. Stay at the same dose for 3 or more days and see how you feel
5. Increase your dose until you find the best dose for you

Cannabis sativa is good for pain

Studies and anecdotal reports have shown that cannabis is good for pain. There are numerous products available for you to use if you live in a state where pot is legal. Some products that may help if you want something other than bud itself include:

• Lotions or creams
• Tinctures (dropper bottles with cannabis-infused oils)
• Capsules or pills
• Edibles (chocolates, candies, teas, or other foods infused with cannabis)

Here is a table of various cannabis strains for pain management:

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