Skip to main content

When it comes to medical marijuana use, two compounds play an active role in reducing inflammation and pain, so what are the best cannabis strains for inflammation? These two compounds are THC and CBD.

THC is what causes one to feel high. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis that causes physiological effects like heightened senses, distorted sense of time, and lowered inhibitions.

On the other hand, CBD, or cannabidiol, doesn't have THC's capacity to make you feel high. CBD is shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and seizures. CBD products like CBD oils, tinctures, and creams are rising in popularity within the health industry for their purported health benefits like pain relief. 

How Marijuana Helps Pain

More and more people are turning to medical marijuana to treat various health ailments. What’s more, they claim that marijuana alleviates their health issues where pharmaceutical medication doesn’t. Marijuana has long been used for its pain relief symptoms, and lately, more research is being done to understand how marijuana helps pain.

Marijuana targets the endocannabinoid system. This is a system that keeps the body's inner functions in balance despite any external imbalances in the environment. The endocannabinoid system regulates stress, mood, and appetite in balance within the body. CBD acts similar to the endocannabinoid receptors or cannabinoids that are already present within the body.

Studies show that cannabinoids appear to block peripheral nerve pain in experimental animals.

Is Weed Anti-Inflammatory?

What is the link between marijuana and inflammation? Inflammation is the body's way of fighting injury and infection. It causes redness and warmth in the area affected because blood rushes to that area to provide nutrients and fight bacteria. CBD is a compound that works on inflammations. It works by latching on to pain receptors and helping to diminish pain and inflammation.

What Type of Cannabis is Good for Pain? Indica vs. Sativa for Inflammation?

One of the most confusing questions when it comes to cannabis strains is: Indica or Sativa?

Indica creates a “body high,” and Sativa brings on a “mind high.” Indica strains are the best strain for arthritis pain. They bring on results like muscle relaxation, headache relief, and reduction in inflammation. In most cases, an Indica-dominant strain will help with pain and inflammation.

A hybrid strain will also do wonders for your arthritic symptoms. One of the most common strains for treating pain and inflammation is Jack Herer. It targets the pain receptors in the brain and reduces pain perception, thus reducing pain.

THC vs. CBD for Inflammation – Which is Better for PainRrelief?

Cannabis plants contain, among others, two essential plant compounds: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The difference between these two is that THC brings on a high because of its psychoactive properties. On the other hand, CBD is capable of reducing pain and inflammation without any of the euphoria and reality shifting caused by THC.

Some products contain both THC and CBD. The best cannabis for pain and inflammation are those that have higher amounts of CBD.

Most medical marijuana users may not be interested in the psychoactive effects of consuming cannabis. It is for this reason that they prefer CBD-dominant strains that minimize any mind-altering effects.

You can also find CBD oil supplements that will not involve any form of smoking or vaping and will not make you high. They provide benefits like pain and anxiety relief.

Best Cannabis Strains for Inflammation

1.  Harlequin

Harlequin is a Sativa-dominant strain that is touted for its CBD content. CBD targets pain and anxiety, which is why this strain is consumed by those looking to reduce pain in the body. It will provide pain and arthritic relief, all while countering THC's tendency to cause paranoia. This strain also brings a sense of clear headed-ness and relaxation.

Most Harlequin users report that this strain doesn’t have as much psychoactive effect as other strains and can get one through the day with no anxiety and paranoia.

2.  GMO Cookies

GMO, or Garlic, Mushroom, and Onions is a popular strain among medical marijuana users because it offers relief from chronic pain. The GMO cookies strain has an equal amount of THC and CBD, making it effective for reducing pain and inflammation.

It provides a body high that can be felt in the temples, upper arms, and shins. The mind high results in a relaxed and mellowed experience. GMO will not bring about any anxiety like other strains. This strain will also help with sleep.

3.  GSC Cookies

GSC is another good one from the cookies strain of cannabis. GSC, or Girl Scout Cookies, is known for its full-body relaxation properties. It is one of the best strains with THC for pain. GSC is used to treat pain and low appetite and increase metabolism.

The body high leads to total body relaxation and can make one happy and euphoric. GSC also reduces insomnia, anxiety, and depression. This strain is reserved for users with a high THC tolerance, and it might not be suited to beginners.

4.  ACDC

ACDC has more CBD than THC, which makes it perfect for treating inflammation in the body. The ACDC strain has next to no intoxicating effect on the mind or body. This strain is sought after by medical marijuana users to combat pain and epilepsy and control chemotherapy's adverse effects.

It also provides anxiety and depression relief. The high CBD/low THC content makes it perfect for anyone who does not like the reality-bending properties of cannabis. It is also suitable for beginners.

5.  Cannatonic

Cannatonic is a hybrid strain with a high CBD content. It is also one of the highly favored strains by medical marijuana patients due to its ability to reduce pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, and migraines. The high from this strain can be characterized as mellow and uplifting.

It can also provide complete body relaxation and sleep. Cannatonic is one of the best pain strains of medicinal marijuana and is excellent for people who are not fans of the psychoactive effects of weed.

6.  Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web gained popularity when it was featured on CNN for treating a girl who had a rare seizure disorder. It was created for its high CBD/low THC that makes it perfect for medicinal use while causing next to no intoxication.

CW is good for inflammation, pain, and muscle soreness. It also helps with anxiety and depression. Charlotte's Web is taken in the form of oils, supplements, edibles, in addition to smoking and vaping.

7.  Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a cannabis strain that was created in the Netherlands in the 90s. It is known for its potent medical-grade properties.

This Sativa-dominant strain will provide mood elevation while maintaining enough Indica to keep you grounded in your body. It doesn’t produce a foggy feeling in the mind. Jack Herer is good for curing pain, muscle spasms, and reduced appetite.

It’s also known to treat stress, depression, and anxiety. When using cannabis for pain relief, look out for this potent natural medicine.

8.  Pennywise

Pennywise has the perfect combination of high CBD/low THC, which makes it highly effective in treating arthritis. Arthritis causes inflamed joints, and this can lead to high levels of pain.

The Pennywise strain has a ratio of 1:1 CBD to THC, which makes its psychoactive effect milder.

Pennywise is also useful in treating PTSD, epilepsy, and other neurological conditions. This strain is also suitable for reducing anxiety and depression. It may produce euphoria and mental clarity when taken.

9.  Sour Tsunami

Sour Tsunami is one of the best strains for chronic pain. It is famous for being of the first strains explicitly bred to create a high CBD/low THC component. Sour Tsunami targets pain and inflammation in the body without leading to a THC-induced high.

There are over 300,000 jobs in the cannabis industry. CTU trained me for one of them!

marijuana extraction course - Johanna Rose
Makes $24.50 @ THC +

With Sour Tsunami, you can expect all your body pain to melt away while feeling focused without any heavy headedness. This strain is also suitable for people with anxiety since it has a slight calming effect.

10. Canna-Tsu

Canna-Tsu is bred from Cannatonic and Sour Tsunami, which are two cannabis strains with a high CBD content. This strain is effective in treating pain and inflammation. It is sought-after by medical marijuana users because it provides relief from muscle spasms, chronic pain, neurological disorders, anxiety, and depression.

With this medical marijuana pain relief, you will also have a good night’s sleep. The psychoactive effects of marijuana are barely there in this strain, making it perfect for beginners. Canna-Tsu can be incorporated into edibles for inflammation relief.

In Conclusion

If you are looking for cannabis pain relief without the high, you should focus on strains with a high CBD relative to THC content. CBD is the compound that fights pain and inflammation in the body.

It targets the endocannabinoid receptors, and that can reduce the perception of pain in the body. Strains like Sour Tsunami and GSC are good choices when it comes to medical marijuana for inflammation relief.

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.

Enroll Now