What Is The Best CBD Strain For Pain: Select From The Top Rated 5
There are different varieties and subspecies of cannabis. Over the centuries farmers and cultivators have been breeding different varieties of cannabis with certain characteristics to create hybrids and specific strains.
Different strains of cannabis have different appearances, aromas, and effects. Cannabis indica and Cannabis Sativa are the two main subspecies of cannabis from which different strains of cannabis are bred.
How Does CBD Strain Help For Pain?
To create a particular strain of cannabis, cultivators select a variety of traits to produce the desired effects. This is something similar to the way dog breeders create particular characteristics in dogs. Strains of cannabis are often described as Indica, Sativa, or hybrid.
Hybrid is the strain that is created by combining both Sativa and Indica strains. Cannabis farmers crossbreed cannabis to create a variety of new strains with a particular set of characteristics. It is reported that there are over 700 different strains of cannabis.
The various strains of cannabis are given different names according to their characteristics like aroma, appearance, potency, and effects. For instance, Sour Diesel is a particular strain named for its sour and fuel-like aroma. White Widow is a strain named for its thick coat of white resin that forms on the buds. 9-Pound Hammer is another cannabis strain that is named for its powerful, heavy effects that can make you sleep fast.
When you are looking for a strain, you can consider the characteristics you prefer, such as the amount of THC and CBD, sweet or earthy aroma, calming or stimulating effects, and so on. Once you have found a strain of cannabis that delivers the best experience for you, you can use it as a reference point for future purchasing decisions. That is if you like a strain named Blue Dream, then you can ask your local cannabis shop for strains that are similar.
In the same way, if you had a bad experience with a particular strain then you can avoid similar strains in future purchases. It is better to note that strains can vary from grower to grower and batch to batch.
Cannabis consumers usually categorize cannabis strains into indica and Sativa. It is widely believed that indica strains are relaxing and sleepy, while sativa strains are believed to be energizing and uplifting, for instance, the indica strain Northern Lights and sativa strain Laughing Buddha.
The terms indica and sativa come from the biological classification of cannabis. It is mainly based on physical characteristics. Cannabis indica plants are mainly shorter and have broad leaves which are dark green in color. While cannabis sativa plants have taller stature and have thinner, pale green leaves.
It was believed that cannabis indica plants had higher levels of CBD and cannabis sativa strains contained higher levels of THC that would cause a euphoric high feeling. Many experts doubt this generalization.
THC content is one of the main characteristics of a CBD strain. Some strains are named based on the concentration of THC in the plant. It is not possible to tell exactly how much THC or CBD a plant contains based on its physical features. The composition of a cannabis plant cannot be determined by looking at the height, branching, or leaf appearance.
Only a biochemical test can reveal the exact composition. THC and CBD are both cannabinoids, but they affect different parts of the brain and thus have different effects. THC is a psychoactive compound and can cause euphoric effects and increased sensitivity to things such as color and taste. It can also lead to anxiety and paranoia.
CBD does not cause any intoxicating effects. It is reported to have mild psychological effects such as reduced anxiety. It is also effective in improving conditions like pain, vomiting, and nausea. It is found to offer neuroprotective effects on our brains. There are some preliminary human data that suggests CBD could help to treat disorders like schizophrenia and even opioid addiction. Some experts consider it a non-intoxicating psychoactive compound as it can affect mood.
Cannabis Strains For Pain
Indica strains are generally considered the best for treating chronic pain. They generally have moderate levels of CBD and high levels of THC and terpenes. This makes them effective for pain relief.
It is worth noting that other cannabis strains which have a high content of CBD are also effective in treating chronic pain. It is not that useful to classify cannabis strains into indica and sativa as they are not always that accurate. Many sativa varieties may be equally effective in treating chronic pain.
Here are the five best cannabis strains for pain relief:
- ACDC
ACDC is the acronym for Alternative Cannabinoid Dietary Cannabis. This is a cannabis strain that has high levels of CBD and is thus effective in treating various medical conditions. The CBD to THC ratio in ACDC is twenty parts to one. From this, it is clear that it has high CBD content and very low THC content.
So you can get many medical benefits without the risk of getting intoxicated. This strain can help to relieve neuropathic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy. It also gives a feeling of increased euphoria, sleepiness, and relaxation.
ACDC was originally bred by a North California physician Dr. William Courtney in 2011. He collected seeds from Barcelona and crossed them with Cannatonic and Ruderalis strains of cannabis and thus created the ACDC strain. This is a hybrid blend and it has an equal balance between indica and sativa components.
Those who used this strain have reported that it has an uplifting effect that allows concentration and intense calmness. It has many therapeutic effects. It has aromas and flavors that are earthy, spicy, and sweet. ACDC contains terpenes like myrcene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene. Myrcene has therapeutic properties that help to increase relaxation and decrease anxiety. Along with terpenes, flavonoids also add to the flavor and fragrance profile.
Some of the adverse effects of ACDCs include dizziness, dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and red eyes. As it has low THC content you will not feel any intoxicating effect. You will have complete control over the product.
- Northern Lights
It is a strain of cannabis that is 95 percent indica and 5 percent sativa. It has THC content between 16 percent and 21 percent and has relatively less amount of CBD. CBD is only present at around 0.1 percent. Northern Lights is crossed with Afghani and Thai sativa strains and produces euphoric, sedative, couch-lock effects. The high THC content gives a high feeling and has muscle-relaxing effects. It helps to reduce pain. It also causes sleepiness, so it is ideal for use if chronic pain is affecting your sleep. Northern Lights has a terpene called myrcene, which is another pain reliever.
Northern Lights is a classic cannabis strain and is used in many breeding projects of cannabis strains, as it is quite a stable strain with uniform growth patterns. Northern Lights is believed to be developed in Washington in the 1970s. It is used to breed award-winning strains like Super Silver Haze (SSH). Northern Lights is one of the most popular strains of cannabis available in the market and is widely used in breeding programs worldwide.
Northern Lights has an earthy and pine flavor and aroma. Its euphoric and relaxing effects are ideal for managing stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. Some adverse effects like dizziness, dry eyes, and dry mouth are reported in the users of Northern Lights.
- Blueberry
Blueberry is a strain that is comprised of 80 percent indica and 20 percent sativa. It is also called Berry Blue. It is a strain developed by a breeder DJ Short in the 1970s. He crossbred landrace strains that grew in the wild without any human intervention. The breeder crossed Afghani indica with a Highland Thai sativa and Purple Thai sativa creating the Blueberry cannabis strain. This is named so for its fresh blueberry fragrance and taste and bright blue hues in its leaves and buds.
Blueberry is a potent strain that has a THC content between 16 percent and 23.5 percent. It has a low CBD level of around 0.26 percent. Both these components give Blueberry some therapeutic properties. It can help in combating anxiety and stress. It helps to facilitate calmness and ease restlessness. This strain is very useful in managing chronic pain and insomnia. There are reports that this strain is arousing as well.
Blueberry has a sweet and Blueberry aroma and flavor. The main terpene found in Blueberry is myrcene, which gives the strain its fruity flavor and aroma. Myrcene along with THC and Cannabinol gives the sleepy effect of Blueberry. Some of the negative effects of the Blueberry strain include dizziness, dry eyes, dry mouth, and headaches.
- White Widow
It is a very famous cannabis strain. It descends from South American sativa and South Indian indica plants. The original strain of White Widow was developed by the cannabis expert Shantibaba in the 1990s. It has received several awards and recognition.
A large amount of resin is produced by this strain. White Widow got its name from the white trichomes that cover it while flowering. This cannabis strain can be seen as one of the forerunners of today’s high-THC strains. This is the cannabis strain that is behind many of the legendary strains like White Rhino, White Russian, and Blue Widow. But still, White Widow is the favorite strain of many of the cultivators.
White Widow contains 17 to 23 percent THC and around one percent CBD. Due to higher THC content, it has got an intoxicating effect. It also makes it energizing, euphoric and stimulating. THC content gives pain-relieving properties to the White Widow.
Terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and linalool contribute to many properties of this strain. White Widow has got an earthy aroma with a scent of ammonia and pine. It has an earthy and herbal flavor. White Widow has some adverse effects like paranoia, dry eyes, and dry mouth.
- Royal Gorilla
Royal Gorilla is a good choice if you are looking for a pain-relief cannabis strain or a cannabis strain to relax your body and mind. Royal Gorilla is a hybrid strain that has a rich and intense flavor. It has many therapeutic properties and can be used to treat conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, stress, and anxiety. It is a popular cannabis strain for many years. It has high THC content and thus has powerful effects.
Royal Gorilla cannabis plants are known for their fruity and spicy aromas and flavors. The buds of Royal Gorilla have amber-colored hairs and have a sticky sweet resin. It is also characterized by a thick layer of trichomes. When this strain of cannabis is burned, it emits a pleasant smoke that is a mixture of earthy, diesel, and sweet notes.
This strain of cannabis is recommended for those who want to feel a relaxing and euphoric high. Royal Gorilla has a high content of THC and other cannabinoids. This gives the user a feeling of joy, relief, and relaxation.
Conclusion
There is a wide variety of cannabis strains to choose from. Each cannabis strain is bred for different characteristics and you can choose the one with the right characteristics for you. There are cannabis strains that can help you with relieving pain.
We have discussed five strains that are particularly useful in pain relief. These strains can also help you to relax and sleep well, aiding you in faster relief from pain. You can choose the right one by understanding its composition and characteristics.
Check for the CBD and THC content, aroma and flavor, popularity, and availability. You can seek the help of a cannabis connoisseur or a doctor for proper guidance.
Dr. Edward Zelman
Dr. Edward Zelman works as a Neurologist with the expertise of over 15 years, helping more than thousands to get back in complete health through his research-proven treatments. He earned his Masters from Harvard University and completed his Ph.D. from Columbia University. Dr. Edward Zelman is one of the notable names in the medical industry for his work in pain management, chronic disorder, and so on. He is also a former faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). At present, Dr. Edward Zelman is researching safe and effective natural remedies that can restore as well as maintain the youthful functioning of the body.
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