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Your back hurts and you need to know: is sativa or indica better for back pain? This is typically the first question to ask when trying to narrow down hundreds of strains to find the best option(s). So, we put together a guide to find the right strain for pain relief and whether you should choose an indica or sativa!

What Works For Back Pain?

When you are looking for pain relief by using cannabis, you need to look at the terpene and cannabinoids of each strain to ensure that they align with pain relief. Reducing inflammation goes a long way in helping to reduce pain, so always look for that in a cannabis strain.

Terpenes

We are looking for terpenes that directly work to reduce pain and/or fight inflammation in the body. Both of these effects will be beneficial for those with regular back pain. Here are the terpenes that show the most promise:

  • Myrcene
  • Limonene
  • Caryophyllene
  • Pinene
  • Linalool

Luckily, plenty of strains are rich in one, or more, of these wonderful terpenes!

Cannabinoids

Any combination of THC and CBD is thought to be effective at reducing back. Lucky for us, there aren’t many strains out there that aren’t rich in at least one of these dominant cannabinoids.

If you prefer a high along with your pain relief, go for a THC-dominant strain. If you only want medicinal effects, choose a CBD-dominant strain.

5 Sativas For Back Pain

Sativas are typically thought to be more energizing and better for morning or early afternoon use when you still have things to do and can’t afford sedation. Here are 5 sativas that are well-rated for pain relief.

Harlequin

Harlequin strain is a CBD-dominant strain that is hard to beat in the pain-relief category. It’s rich in Myrcene, Pinene, and Caryophyllene, all of which are best suited for relieving all sorts of pain.

It leans a little more towards energizing than relaxing and is renowned for its clear-headed effects due to CBD’s nature to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.

Great White Shark

This cannabis strain is also known as Peacemaker. It’s on the opposite end of the spectrum as Harlequin in terms of cannabinoid content. CBD content is very low and THC is much higher, making this one of the better choices for relieving back pain and enjoying the effects of THC.

Yet again we see that this strain is rich in Myrcene, Pinene, and Caryophyllene. It can be a bit more energizing than Harlequin as long as you have some level of THC tolerance.

MTF

Also known as Humble Warrior and Matanuska Thunder F*ck, this THC dominant strain is rich in Myrcene, Caryophyllene, and Limonene.

The aroma is reminiscent of fruity chocolate, and the flavor is ripe with fruit as well. If you need energy and pain relief, this is a logical choice.

Charlotte’s Web

If you like the idea of a high CBD cannabis strain with pain-relieving effects like Harlequin, then Charlotte's Web strain is a suitable replacement. It is rich in the same terpenes as Harlequin too: Myrcene, Pinene, and Caryophyllene.

It’s one of the most common CBD-based strains used to make extracts and tinctures of CBD that you find on the market today!

Lemon G

Contrary to many other cannabis strains, the effects of this THC-dominant sativa start by offering relaxation and then builds into an energizing experience. It grants plenty of social energy, which can be hard to pull off if you are suffering from back pain all the time!

5 Indicas For Back Pain

Indicas are typically thought of as an end-of-day medicinal aid that can put you to sleep for the night. Let’s see what 5 popular indicas have to offer! You’ll probably notice that these indicas are much more popular overall than the sativa strains listed above.

Ice Cream Cake

If you want a sedating experience from a cannabis strain that is rich in THC and a dessert-like essence, Ice Cream Cake is the best option for you. It’s rich in Limonene, Caryophyllene, and Myrcene and will have you feeling great in the evenings! Back pain who?

Purple Punch

Another dessert-flavored strain that can relieve back pain for those who need relief in the evenings. Purple Punch strain delivers Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Pinene and is a descendant of the next indica on our list. It’s great for pain and insomnia, making it a great nightcap.

Granddaddy Purple

GDP is one of the most well-known marijuana strains on the market and it remains popular. It’s been around for almost 20 years and has helped thousands of people escape pain with its concentration of Myrcene, Pinene, and Caryophyllene.

These purple-colored buds deliver grape and berry flavors and aromas while providing relief from pain, insomnia, and muscle spasms. It’s a wonder for back pain!

Do-Si-Dos

Do-Si-Dos strain has high levels of THC and Limonene, Caryophyllene, and Myrcene. It’s great for treating pain and can also help fight stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Nothing like cerebral and physical relaxation as the perfect one-two punch!

GMO Cookies

Originally named Garlic Mushroom Onion, it was then labeled GMO Cookies strain. But, health-conscious cannabis consumers don’t like the GMO label for obvious reasons, so this strain typically goes by Garlic Cookies now.

But, there is no confusion over the relaxation effects that don’t induce sedation! It’s great for staying focused while relaxing. It’s rich in Limonene, Caryophyllene, and Myrcene.

Is Sativa Or Indica Better For Back Pain – The Choice Is Yours!

Back pain is simply terrible, and it affects so many of us! Now, with the help of this guide, you have a good idea of what to look for in indicas and sativas to ensure that you feel relief from agonizing back pain.

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We hope we answered the question is sativa or indica better for back pain?

If you can’t seem to find the strains we picked for the lists, don’t worry. There are countless others to choose from as well that are suitable replacements!

If you want to grow your medicinal marijuana for back pain relief, check out our education course on growing medical marijuana for yourself!

Gavin Kushman. Cannabis strain writer in a cannabis garden
Gavin Kushman

Gavin is a worldly adventurer and cannabis connoisseur, embarking on journeys that take him to the far corners of the globe to explore and document the varied effects, flavors, and histories of both renowned and lesser-known strains. From the misty high-altitude farms of the Hindu Kush highlands to the vibrant cannabis cafes of Amsterdam, Gavin's quest for knowledge spans continents. A recognized authority in the cannabis industry, he frequently lends his expertise to leading publications such as Cannabis Training University, where his captivating blog articles chronicle his unique experiences with different cannabis strains.

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