What’s the Best Cannabis Strain for Inflammation?
A lot of chronic inflammation sufferers rely on cannabis, and for good reason: Selected cannabis strains are reported to reduce inflammation and relieve pain with a minimum of side effects.
If you struggle with chronic, systemic inflammation due to arthritis, Crohn's disease, auto-immune disorders, or stress, these strains are said not only to provide relief but also to boost mood and improve sleep—the perfect wellness-boosting package.
High-CBD Strains for Inflammation
Before adult-use cannabis became legal, many medical cannabis consumers favored these high-CBD strains for treating inflammation because they provide effective relief without making the consumer feel high. In general, we recommend these strains if it’s your first time smoking weed or if you want a cannabis strain that won't bring on a weed panic attack.
AC/DC
Type: 70% sativa/30% indica
Cannabinoids: 1-5% THC, 12% CBD
Primary terpene: myrcene
Flavor: woody, piney, and spicey
Reported effects: Physical relief accompanied by a clear-headed lift in mood and energy
Cannatonic
Type: 50% sativa/50% indica
Cannabinoids: 4-8% THC, 9-14% CBD
Primary terpene: myrcene
Flavor: earthy and citrusy
Reported effects: A brief, mellow high that leaves you feeling focused, uplifted, and relaxed
Charlotte's Web
Type: 50% sativa/50% indica
Cannabinoids: 0-1% THC, 12-20% CBD
Primary terpene: myrcene
Flavor: sour citrus, earth, and woody pine
Reported effects: Relief from pain in mind and body accompanied by a calm, relaxed, and happy feeling that lasts for hours
Harlequin
Type: 75% sativa/75% indica
Cannabinoids: 7-15% THC, 10% CBD
Primary terpene: myrcene
Flavor: earthy, musky, mango
Reported effects: Non-sleepy pain relief and relaxation with mental clarity and uplift
High-THC Strains for Inflammation
If you are after a more notable high, there are several indica and hybrid strains that are well known for their anti-inflammatory effects. During the day, consuming a sativa-dominant strain can help with energy while an indica-dominant strain is best for a restful sleep at night.
Jack Herer
Type: 80% sativa/20% indica
Cannabinoids: 15-24% THC, 1% CBN
Primary terpene: terpinolene
Flavor: lemon and woody pine
Reported effects: Blissful relief with clear-headed motivation and talkativeness
Girl Scout Cookies
Type: 60% indica/40% sativa
Cannabinoids: 28% THC, 1% CBD, 1% CBN
Primary terpene: caryophyllene
Flavor: sweet, minty, and earthy
Reported effects: Euphoria and full-body relaxation, nausea relief, hunger, and sleep
GMO Cookies
Type: 90% indica/10% sativa
Cannabinoids: 20-24% THC
Primary terpene: caryophyllene
Flavor: garlic and spice
Reported effects: Powerful pain relief, relaxation, mental uplift, and sleep
Purple Punch
Type: 80% indica/20% sativa
Cannabinoids: 18-20% THC, 1% CBD
Primary terpene: Caryophyllene
Flavor: Sour grape and sweet vanilla blueberry
Reported effects: Powerful euphoria, physical relaxation, and sedation
What Is the Link Between Cannabis and Inflammation?
Cannabis consumers have no doubt that cannabis is effective for inflammation-related chronic pain. However, marijuana's anti-inflammatory potential needs to be proven scientifically before the herb can be recommended to patients by the medical community.
Some initial research shows that cannabinoids reduce pain and inflammation by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. What that means is that cannabinoids—via the endocannabinoid system—work to reduce inflammation at the source.
Self-reporting surveys show that cannabis consumption reduces patients' perception of inflammatory pain as well as non-inflammatory types of pain, such as neuropathic pain (nerve pain).
Medical marijuana programs often list inflammation-related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis as qualifying conditions for a medical card.
Cannabis consumption is associated with a reduction in the use of opioids. Furthermore, there is a correlation between ready access to medical cannabis and a reduction in opioid-overdose deaths.
How to Consume Cannabis for Inflammation
There are many ways to consume cannabis for pain relief. Aside from smoking cannabis flower, you can also try tinctures, edibles, vapes, cannabis concentrates, and infused beverages. At our dispensary locations, we offer many of the cannabis strains on our list among our selection of Seattle vape products, concentrates, flower, and pre-rolls.
Pair Cannabis with a Low-Inflammation Lifestyle
For best results, cannabis for inflammation is best used as part of a holistic approach to wellness and health. On the one hand, cannabis could give you the relief and motivation you need to lead a more active lifestyle (which can help to further reduce inflammation). On the other hand, you might find some improvement with lifestyle changes but still require cannabis for complete relief.
Cut out inflammatory foods like refined sugar and omega-6-rich vegetable oils and consume a wide range of whole foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fermented dairy, lean meats, and oily fish for omega-3 fatty acids.
Quit tobacco and limit your consumption of alcohol, as both of these habits can cause systemic inflammation.
Exercise for 30 minutes, five times a week doing a physical activity you enjoy (and are able to do). Swimming, walking, and cycling are great choices for people with inflammatory pain.
Deal with chronic stress and improve your sense of well-being by starting a mindfulness practice or gratitude journal and setting healthy boundaries in your life.
Whereas short-term or acute inflammation (such as from an injury or the flu) resolves on its own, chronic inflammation is associated with the development of several other chronic diseases. Taking steps to reduce systemic inflammation now could have benefits for your long-term health.
Find Greater Wellness with Cannabis
Oftentimes, people who are looking to treat inflammation with cannabis have suffered for a long time. However, for many, finding the best strain for inflammation has helped them to get their life back.
If you're of legal age, aren't pregnant or nursing, and don't take any medications that might interact with cannabis (including anti-inflammatory drugs), try a little of the strains on our list and see how your body responds. Hopefully, you'll find significant relief and an improvement in your overall quality of life.