10 Best Cannabis Strains for Pain Relief 

Nobody wants to experience pain, unless they gain something at the end of it — like a tattoo, for example. 

For many, pain can be discomforting or annoying, but for some, it can make everyday life different and interfere with work or studies. 

Generally, painkillers work but you can’t take them regularly. Painkillers produce many side effects. In such a case, what do you do — when painkillers are not sustainable and killing the pain is crucial?

Welcome cannabis — a plant that has almost as many uses as WD40. Have anxiety? Cannabis. Have insomnia? Cannabis. Feeling pain? Cannabis. Want to get high with your friends? Cannabis. Cannabis is usually the answer to many things, as long as you don’t abuse it. 

In this article, we delve into the benefits of cannabis for pain relief and the best strains you should try for pain relief. 

Does Cannabis Help With Pain Relief?

Cannabis is almost a magical plant, given how beneficial it is for our bodies. Whether you want to fall asleep faster or be more creative, and whether you want to wind down after work or feel energetic, there is a cannabis strain for you.

Fortunately, this translates to pain relief as well. Various studies have shown that cannabis can be used for relieving pain, but most of the studies narrowed down to the two primary cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Before we get into how these two compounds work, let’s learn a bit about them.

CBD vs THC in Cannabis 

Cannabis has over a hundred cannabinoids, but THC and CBD are the primary ones since they are present in the most quantity. Here, THC is what you take when you want to get high; it is a psychoactive cannabinoid that stimulates your brain’s cannabinoid receptors. 

THC resembles the natural cannabinoids already present in your body. However, it makes the receptors sort of misfire, activating your brain’s reward system. When this happens, you feel a high along with various other effects, one of which is pain relief. 

On the other hand, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that does not produce a high but stimulates the CB1 receptors in your mind. This cannabinoid interacts with the pain receptors in the brain, producing pain-relieving effects. 

Research on Cannabis’ Effect on Pain Relief 

In recent decades, many studies have been conducted to study the effect of cannabis on the human body, including pain. These studies have been all over the spectrum, with some only using a few parts of the plant and others using the entire plant. And many of these studies have had their own limitations. 

So, it is important to note that even though the studies discussed below suggest that cannabis may help with pain relief, more research needs to be conducted to know for sure. 

For example, a review conducted in 2015 regarding cannabis’ effect on chronic pain conditions reported that various studies and trials have produced positive results. According to the study, cannabis can be effective in treating various types of pain, including nerve pain. 

Another paper published in the following year had the same sentiment. This study found that cannabis not only helped with the pain but also reduced the use of opioids and improved the quality of life for the users. It also allowed the users to take fewer medicines and a reduction in side effects. 

Various other smaller studies here and there have also found that cannabis benefits people experiencing pain or chronic pain. For example, a study on 17,000 people with cancer reported that 70% of the users experienced pain relief with cannabis. Another study found that cannabis also helped people deal with migraine headaches.

You should also know that one study stated the opposite effect. This Australian study was published in 2018, stating that the use of cannabis did not help with pain in the users. However, the study only took into account recreational users, so the results may be different with medicinal users and strains. 

So, while most studies indicate the potential of cannabis to help with pain, you can never be too sure. In that case, you must decide for yourself after experimenting with a few strains. Everyone is different, so cannabis may help you with pain. Or, it may be completely useless. More on this later. 

The Significance of Selecting the Right Strain for Individual Needs

When it comes to using cannabis for chronic pain relief, you must pick the right strain. Not every strain is the same. Plus, the ratio of cannabinoids like CBD and THC, and the terpenes play a major role in defining the therapeutic profile of a strain.

Moreover, pain is subjective, and the same thing that works for one might not work for the other. Choosing the right strain involves a detailed understanding of one's symptoms, tolerance, and side effects. The strain you’ll choose will depend on your level of pain, tolerance to cannabis, and your body weight. 

Most people assume that CBD is much more effective for pain relief, but you’ll lose out on a lot if you ignore THC. So far, the FDA has approved medications based on THC, indicating that it’s a powerful cannabinoid that’s at par with CBD. But, if you cannot handle THC, you can then go with CBD. Or, you can use strains with a balanced ratio of CBD and THC. Since you’d want to experience the benefits of the entire plant, go for broad-spectrum products that contain all cannabinoids except THC. 

Best Cannabis Strains for Pain Relief 

Let’s come to the best part — which cannabis strain is good for pain relief? The answer to this question is long, but we’ve summed it up with these strains with a few THC-dominant and CBD-dominant strains. Pick the one you like best. Here are the best cannabis strains for pain relief. 

1. Laughing Gas 

Laughing Gas is a hybrid strain created by TKO Reserve, a grower based out of Oregon. This awesome strain is a cross between Sour Diesel and Cherry Pie, but don’t underestimate this strain; with THC content ranging from 18% to 24%, this one is potent. 

The cannabis buds have a dense core with lush green leaves along with a few yellow pistils, and it is entirely covered in trichomes. And since it is rich in myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene, it is quite aromatic with a gasoline smell and hints of tangy fruitiness. 

This strain offers a quick onset that begins with a head rush and facial sensation, eventually tapering off into mental clarity and productivity. And you’ll also feel a mild tingling and relaxation with it. But don’t worry, it won’t induce couch lock, so you can even use it during the day. 

Laughing Gas is known for its pain-relieving properties, which can help with pain, numbing aches, and chronic pain. Apparently, it can also help boost your mood and focus or help with stress, depression, and ADD. 

The only downside? It is not commercially available as seeds, so you will either have to buy the buds or get seedlings and clone them. This strain is recommended for experienced cannabis smokers who want pain relief and don’t mind spending a bit for the same. 

2. Do-Si-Dos

Among the numerous strains of cannabis best known for being a pain killer, Do-Si-Dos finds itself on the top. It is a powerful Indica-dominant hybrid strain that is most favored by people suffering from pain, both chronic and acute, due to its high amount of THC. 

Do-Si-Dos has an unmistakably pungent smell, a mix of earthy and sweet, and floral fragrance. GSC and Face-Off OG — the parent strains — have contributed heavily to its characteristics. Thanks to its lineage, this hybrid helps bring complete relaxation — a couch-lock that will have you glued to your spot for hours. 

Remember, when you’re evaluating a strain's efficacy for pain relief, cannabinoids are of paramount importance. Do-Si-Dos contains around 21% to 30% THC content, making it a good choice for those who can tolerate high THC. It also contains 1% CBD — a moderate amount, not nearly as much as THC, but it certainly contributes to the strain's overall therapeutic profile, albeit in a subtle manner. 

The combination of high THC and just a smidge of CBD provides an all-around approach to pain relief. Meaning, while THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system, modulating how we perceive pain, CBD provides anti-inflammational and muscle-relaxant properties. If anything, this may help you reduce the pain to an extent at least. Users have mentioned that Do-Si-Dos can calm you down without any undue sedating effect. Still, you should experiment without small amounts at first and then proceed with bigger doses only if it works for you. 

3. Purple Sunset

Purple Sunset is another excellent strain that you’ll enjoy. This one is a cross between Purple Punch and Mandarin Sunset, produced by Ethos Genetics lab. One of the unique features of this strain is the unique multicolored sky-like color it produces on the buds. 

This cannabis strain comes with floral and spicy scents with fruity notes of berries and citrus. It’s a delicious strain to smoke, but it is potent, too. With THC levels of up to 22%, Purple Sunset will produce a relaxing high while improving your creativity. 

Purple Sunset is an excellent strain if you want some relief from pain, but apart from that, it also comes in handy for anxiety, stress, mood swings, ADHD/ADD, and depression. 

Unlike Laughing Gas, you can easily find seeds of this strain and grow it well. It’s a great strain for beginners, too, since it is hardy and resilient. Plus, it produces violet hues, which are pretty to look at! 

Generally, this strain matures in around ten weeks, producing dense buds that are thickly coated in trichomes. Suffice it to say that this strain will not only bring vibrant colors to your garden but also deliver a similar high when you smoke it. 

4. L.A. Confidential

L.A. Confidential is an Indica strain famed for its soothing effects, yet it may have the ability to relieve pain if you ingest the right doses. With a THC content of about 17-25%, the high can be effective enough to get you going, making it popular among those trying to use cannabis for aches and pains. 

Again, this strain is not meant for beginners, but unlike other strains, L.A. Confidential isn’t going to hit you like a ton of bricks. So, you can start with small quantities and scale up later if you want to try it. 

The strain boasts of a solid genetic makeup, with its indica effects contributing to lessening pain. What is evident is its sedating effects that provide a sense of physical ease and mental tranquility.

L.A. Confidential not only offers relief from pain — users report that it also brings a burst of euphoria. You want to uplift your mood? Perhaps L.A. Confidential can help! The strain has very minimal CBD, but it’s enough to take the edge off THC. 

5. Snoop Dogg OG

If it’s named after the legendary rapper and weed enthusiast, Snoop Dogg, it’s got to be good, right? This cannabis strain is a hybrid between Sour Diesel and Lemon OG, and no one knows where it came from, but we’re glad it did. This is for its ultra-high THC content of up to 28%. 

But this strain does not compromise flavor for high, either. It’s got a classic lemon and diesel flavor, which you will love if you like such a flavor profile. Some may find the flavor a bit too much, though. 

Thanks to its ridiculously high THC content, Snoop Dogg OG produces an impressive high that should only be reserved for experienced users. The high is cerebral and euphoric with immense creative vibes. However, be warned: this one will give you the munchies and eventually lead to a couch lock. 

When it comes to pain, this is one of the best strains for pain relief. Its high THC content makes it very good at giving you relief from pain. You can use this strain for many ailments, including muscle spasms, tension, soreness, and swelling. 

Since this is such a niche strain that few growers grow, not much information is out there on how to grow it. However, it is recommended that you only try this if you are an intermediate to experienced grower. Also, seeds are not easy to find, so you’ll have to clone them. 

Despite being niche, Snoop Dogg OG has a cult following. Not many users know about this strain, but those who do, swear by it. It’s an excellent strain to use for both medicinal and recreational purposes. A few puffs of this strain will make you feel like a part of Snoop Dogg’s posse. 

6. Northern Lights

Northern Lights is one of the most popular cannabis strains in the world, and it has even won many awards. Growers, recreational users, and medicinal users — all love this amazing strain. 

No one is sure where this strain originates from, but the most accepted theory is that this strain is a cross between two landrace strains, Afghani and Thai, and was produced in Holland before making its way to the US. 

Northern Lights is a delight for the senses. The buds are dense and cone-shaped, producing hues of light to medium green with orange hairs and lush trichomes. Even the aroma is quite amazing, with notes of pine and citrus with a skunky undertone. 

Depending on the quality, Northern Lights can have a THC content as high as 33% — that’s a lot. This is why this strain is often referred to as a two-hit and quit strain. The strain produces an intense body high along with a lazy and numbing sensation. Along with the body high, you also feel euphoric and sometimes you’ll experience a boost in creativity and focus — if you have the tolerance for this strain. 

Novice users should be cautious as it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by this strain if you’re not careful enough. Smoking too much can produce adverse effects too, like dry mouth, dry eyes, dizziness, anxiety, and paranoia. 

Northern Lights is a highly sedative strain, so it’s best suited for post-evening sessions, especially if you want to fall asleep quickly. And it is also quite potent at offering relief from chronic pain. Other benefits include inducing sleepiness and hunger. 

This strain has a flowering period of around eight weeks, and an average plant can easily produce 125 grams per square meter. But for the most part, expect a yield of up to 100 grams when you grow it for the first few times. 

7. Harlequin

What sets Harlequin apart from other cannabis varieties is its high CBD content which can extend from 8 to almost 16%. THC levels range at 5% but you can ask your dispensary’s budtender to point you to strains that have much less THC. Still, considering the ratios of CBD to THC nowadays, this is terrific. 

Due to its CBD levels that exceed THC, you can experience a floaty feeling — a relaxation that envelopes you without the cloudy effects of THC. Thus, you can expect it to serve as a temporary fix for pain at times. 

Harlequin can deliver all the benefits of anti-inflammatory and painkilling CBD. If you have no experience with THC, this could be your strain of choice. However, note that this doesn’t mean that you can take drug tests. With just 5% THC, it can still show up on tests, so it’s best to go for strains that have absolutely no THC if you have no choice but to take a test. If not, a balanced strain like Harlequin could be a good choice for pain. 

Apart from this, Harlequin has a range of flavors that oscillate between earthy and herbal to more fruity tastes. This range of sensory experiences will not only please your taste buds but also uplift your mood as it has a sativa dominance, Not that indicas are a downer. However, they can make you slightly sleepy. Instead, strains like Harlequin keep you up and peppy, making it a pleasant strain to use even in the daytime. 

To extract its benefits, you can use Harlequin in various ways. If you know how to make edibles, you can make potent gummies that provide much-needed relief. Or, you can vape the buds if you don’t want to smoke them. Regardless of the way you choose, you can use Harlequin and share it even with your friends who aren’t very comfortable with THC. 

8. GMO

GMO stands for Garlic, Mushroom, Onion, and even its nickname is Garlic Cookies. This should be enough to know what this one will taste like. GMO offers an intense and unique spicy flavor and an intense experience. GMO was originally crafted by Divine Genetics, and it was produced for people looking for a powerful kick. 

It is believed that GMO is a phenotype of a cross between Chemdawg and Girl Scout Cookies, and it contains THC of up to 30%. 

If you’re growing GMO, don’t be alarmed if the buds appear like foxtails — that’s how they grow naturally. They are both dense and slender with dark green and purple hues. The aroma is also quite pungent — it’s like a blend of gas, spices, rubber, and grass. This is thanks to terpenes like Myrcene and Caryophyllene. 

Like Northern Lights, GMO is also best suited for nights. It is a relaxing strain that produces euphoria, but many users also report that it makes them sleepy. Thanks to its sedative effects, it’s an excellent strain if you are dealing with pain and want something that not only eases it but also helps you fall asleep. 

This is why GMO is popular for users looking for pain relief, inflammation, and even nausea and anxiety. A GMO plant matures in nine weeks and the yield is quite satisfying, but it’s best suited for intermediate growers. The buds are notoriously tricky to trim. 

9. Cherry Wine 

This one contains negligible THC but high levels of CBD. We’re talking about Cherry Wine, an excellent CBD strain for pain relief. 

Cherry Wine is produced by High-Grade Hemp Seed Inc. and is known for its high-quality aroma and experience. The breeders bred this strain meticulously, crossing The Wife and Charlotte’s Cherries, ultimately producing a CBD content of up to 25%! It’s a powerful, therapeutic strain that won’t get you high. 

Cherry Wine strains are small and dense with peach-colored pistils and light trichomes. As the name suggests, it offers a fruity flavor with hints of cheese and black pepper. You may even detect some undertones of pine and skunk. 

And this strain sits at the upper end of the CBD potency spectrum, making it an excellent choice if you are seeking therapeutic effects without a high. However, the strain still produces a sense of euphoria and relaxation, so you can consume it throughout the day. 

It’s no surprise that this strain is also fairly good at pain relief along with other benefits like addressing anxiety, pain, and even asthma. 

If you want to grow Cherry Wine, you’ll have to reach out to High-Grade Hemp Seed Inc. The company wants to keep the strain exclusive, so you’ll have to fill out a form and, if you’re lucky, you might get access to the seeds. And if you do, you’ll have a breezy time growing it. The strain needs nine weeks to mature.

10. Blueberry Headband

Created by crossing Blueberry and Headband, there’s no surprise that this enchanting hybrid became popular for its incredible effect of combining euphoria and relaxation. Most users love Blueberry Headband for its pain-relieving properties, but you won’t be wrong to use it just for the kick alone. This strain is specifically known for helping with headaches, but as always, there are no studies to confirm that, so you’ll have to try and find out whether that’s true. 

But, what’s really true is the effects it produces. The THC content is pretty moderate and sometimes you may find strains that go up to 25%, but it’s typically 18%. So you won’t experience anything out of the world, but it's gentle and just perfect for someone who wants to try marijuana to find out what it can do. 

Despite the cannabinoid percentage, it is lauded for the dynamic way it performs. First, you’ll notice a swift burst of euphoria followed by a flush of full-body relaxation. Our body temperature may go up slightly at this point. As the feeling starts to fade away, you may like this combination as it’s just right for people yearning for some relief in both the mind and the body. The strain's unique ability to induce an overall sense of well-being adds to its attractiveness.

If that doesn’t interest you, you may fall in love with Blueberry Headband for its flavors. While it’s sometimes sweet, it could be fruity as well with hints of blueberries. Of course, it all depends on the cultivar and the environmental conditions you have provided. If you’re purchasing it from a dispensary, make sure you read everything about it including the parental lineage so you know exactly what you’re buying. 

How to Use Cannabis for Pain Relief?

You can get cannabis in various forms, depending on your goals and preferences. Therefore, first, decide which method you like the best or the one that your doctor recommends. 

But before that, you must take into account the ideal dosage for your pain. You need to consider your weight, type of pain, and lifestyle, and pick a dosage and THC/CBD ratio accordingly. 

The default method of consuming cannabis for pain relief is smoking it. It’s the most popular form of consumption and the effects start within a few minutes, peak after half an hour, and last for a couple of hours. 

If smoking is not your jam and you don’t want to go through the hassle of rolling a joint, you can even vape cannabis for pain relief. This produces the same effects as smoking but is easier and somewhat safer. 

On the other hand, you can even ingest it in the form of edibles. You can buy cannabis gummies, cookies, infused chocolate, mints, and capsules. Do note that edibles take a long time to onset and are less predictable. Also, the effects will be much stronger and last a lot longer. 

If you’re looking for a quick onset time but don’t like smoking, you can consume tinctures through sublingual absorption. Once you place it on your tongue, the product gets absorbed into the bloodstream directly, producing effects within minutes. 

Lastly, you can even use topicals for localized pain and inflammation. They come in the form of creams, lotions, and sprays. Best suited for joint pain. Also, you won’t get high with topicals, either. 

Try out different products and see which ones work best for your pain. Some users may find topicals just fine but others may need THC gummies to keep the pain in check. 

Risks of Consuming Cannabis for Pain Relief 

Cannabis is still a very new healthcare product, so you must be careful when using it for medicinal purposes. 

First, you must always be conservative from the beginning. Do not take a strong dose. Start low and build up on it. If you take a dose too strong for you, you may end up with a bad trip or green out, which can include symptoms like dizziness, nausea, paranoia, rapid heart rate, addiction, and dependence. 

Second, you must talk to your doctor before consuming cannabis for pain relief. Do not take any medical advice from your friends, your dealer, or people on the internet (that includes us). 

If the doctor recommends against using cannabis, follow that advice. Cannabis may be good for many, but it can be dangerously wrong for a few. Sometimes, cannabis may interfere with other medications. 

Speaking to a professional will also help you in other ways apart from just being safe. A doctor can tell you everything about dosage, time of usage, best practices, and much more, ensuring that you get the best results while using cannabis for pain relief. 

Third, whichever product you use, ensure it is lab-tested and backed by positive reviews. The market is full of low-quality products that sometimes don’t work at all or produce nasty side effects. Ever heard of synthetic cannabis? 

Fourth, you should check your local laws regarding medicinal cannabis. Some regions require you to have a medical marijuana card for using cannabis for medicinal purposes. If your state requires this, go for it. Getting a card will make it easier for you to source cannabis and not worry about landing on the wrong side of the law. 

Summary: Best Cannabis Strains for Pain Relief 

Over the years, we have discovered many medicinal benefits of cannabis. One such benefit is pain relief. Cannabis shows promise here and can help millions of people manage pain and inflammation. 

Of course, more studies need to be conducted to understand cannabis’ relation to pain properly. It’s a new avenue. Until there is substantial evidence supporting cannabis and its pain-relieving properties, it’s best to practice caution while consuming it for pain relief. 

So, if your doctor recommends and you want to try out cannabis for pain relief, remember the tips and start with the strains listed above. You won’t be disappointed.