As of 2021, there are over 730 naturally occurring cannabis strains worldwide. On the one hand, this gives medical cannabis users a world of choice, but on the other, it presents new users with a tricky question: which strain should I use?
While the science of cannabis is still rapidly developing, the evidence we have so far indicates that certain cannabis strains are more effective for certain conditions. In this article, we’ll cover the best strains for pain and fatigue.
Best Strains For Nociceptive Pain
Nociceptive pain is the most common type of pain, as it is usually the result of a physical injury. Nociceptive pain is the body’s response to damage, meaning that the most effective cannabis strains for nociceptive pain treat inflammation. Two of these strains include:
ACDC
Cannabinoid Profile: 1 – 6% THC / 20% CBD
Dominant Terpene: Myrcene
Effects: relaxation, happiness, and peace
ACDC is a CBD-dominant strain that works wonders for many people. ACDC has one of the lowest THC percentages among any modern strain, meaning it’s best suited to medical cannabis users with a low tolerance or new users. ACDC is also very versatile and will suit people who prefer ingesting cannabis via capsules, tinctures, oils, and teas.
White Widow
Cannabinoid Profile: 17% THC / 1% CBG / 1 – 4% CBD
Dominant Terpene: Myrcene
Effects: happiness and euphoria
If a gentle THC-dominant strain is your thing, White Widow is your answer. This strain has a reasonably strong THC content but includes enough CBD to mitigate the sleepy, “high” effects of THC. This strain is perfect for nighttime use.
Best Strains For Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain originates from the nerves in the body. Sometimes, neuropathic pain is a result of a physical injury, but not always. As this pain isn’t caused by inflammation, anti-inflammation strains aren’t usually effective. Instead, you’ll need to use a strain that stimulates euphoria – like one of these:
Afghan Kush
Cannabinoid Profile: 16% THC / 0% CBD
Dominant Terpene: Myrcene
Effects: relaxation, happiness, and sleepiness
Afghan Kush is the best strain for pain and fatigue that strikes in the evening or overnight. Originally sprouting near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Afghan Kush is one of the oldest cultivated strains known to man. It’s best suited to anyone looking for powerful sedation and relaxation, but not euphoria.
Blueberry
Cannabinoid Profile: 17% THC
Dominant Terpene: Myrcene
Effects: euphoria and relaxation
Blueberry is a hybrid strain that’s always been a popular choice. The strain itself has been developed over the past fifty years, with today’s crops boasting strong pain-relieving effects. Blueberry is suitable for anyone struggling with stress and pain. It can be used both during the day and at night, though some patients report mild sleepiness after use.
Best Strains For Central pain
Harlequin
Cannabinoid Profile: 5% THC / 9% CBD
Dominant Terpene: Myrcene
Effects: Energizing, happiness, and relaxation
Harlequin is the most popular cannabis strain in North America. It’s a unique strain, as the similar levels of CBD and THC promote relaxation without producing a “head-high” or paranoia. Harlequin is suitable for use throughout the day and is very effective against anxiety and pain.
Critical Mass
Cannabinoid Profile: 17% THC / 1% CBG
Dominant Terpene: Myrcene
Effects: euphoria, happiness, and relaxation
Critical mass is a hybrid strain known to promote creativity and remove pain. It’s a very dense strain, meaning it’s usually great value for money and keeps well long-term. However, the strain does promote sleepiness in large doses. If you want to avoid this, give microdosing a try.
Best Strains for Fatigue
As most cannabis strains have a euphoric effect, many, many strains work great for fatigue. The best fatigue-fighting strains all have one thing in common: THC. Generally, the higher the concentration of THC, the more euphoric a strain is. Three of the best strains for fatigue include:
Durban Poison
Cannabinoid Profile: 17% THC / 1% CBG
Dominant Terpene: Terpinolene
Effects: uplifts mood and energizes
Durban Poison is a South African strain known for its sweetness and its creative effects. This strain is perfect for people who need pain relief during their most productive parts of the day. This strain is ideal for creative people who prefer to ingest cannabis via oils and tinctures.
Cherry Pie
Cannabinoid Profile: 16% THC / 1% CBG
Dominant Terpene: Myrcene
Effects: euphoria, creativity, and happiness
Cherry Pie is a fast-acting strain with a slightly sour tinge. Its effects last between 2 – 5 hours, making it one of the best strains for pain and fatigue. The strain is also known to promote creativity and productivity while relieving stress. It’s perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Green Crack
Cannabinoid Profile: 17% THC / 1% CBG
Dominant Terpene: Myrcene
Effects: uplifts mood and promotes creativity
This strain is a strong strain perfect for pain relief during the day. While it has a strong THC profile, most people do not experience any sleepiness after ingestion. Instead, Green Crack is known to list people’s moods, spike their creativity and keep them energized for hours.
FAQs
What strains help with fatigue?
The best strains for fatigue are THC-dominant yet do not promote sleepiness. The top three strains include Durban Poison, Cherry Pie, and Green Crack.
What strain is good for inflammation?
Strains with a high CBD content work best with inflammation. This includes ACDC and White Widow.
What CBD strain is best for pain?
The best CBD strain for pain is ACDC, which contains 1 – 6% THC and 20% CBD.
Takeaway
While everyone’s experiences with medical cannabis are subjective, strain science is starting to identify the best strains for pain and fatigue. However, everyone’s experiences will be different: meaning you may need to experiment with a few strains to find the right one for you.
