Best weed strains for pain relief

According to a 2023 study, approximately 65% of medical marijuana patients use cannabis to manage chronic pain. Most of them report replacing traditional pain medications, including prescription opioids, with cannabis. If you’re interested in joining the masses of MMJ users who swear by cannabis for alleviating pain, keep reading to discover the best strains for pain relief you can find. 

Whether you’re looking for the best strains that help relieve pain and help you sleep, or prefer an energizing daytime strain known for its pain-relieving properties, this list of carefully selected strains known for their efficacy in relieving pain will help you find the best option for your unique needs. 

Mendocino Purps

Mendocino Purps is a legendary indica-dominant hybrid created in the heart of Northern California’s iconic Emerald Triangle. Bred in Mendocino County from an unknown lineage, this 2007 and 2009 High Times Cannabis Cup winner has been a coveted medical cannabis strain used for pain relief since back in the day. Its deep purple hued buds are beautifully contrasted by thick, bright orange pistils with a light dusting of shimmering trichomes, with a sensory experience that rivals its looks. The inhale blends sweet grapes and berries with a bit of earthy funk, while the exhale tastes like nutty caramel coffee. Mendocino Purps delivers a happy, creative high that will have you chatty and comfortably relaxed. Aside from being one of the best strains for pain, this cannabis classic with 22% THC is commonly used to support insomnia, anxiety, and stress — offering well-rounded therapeutic effects that have contributed to its highly respected status.  

ACDC

ACDC is a cherished medical cannabis strains thanks to its notoriously high CBD (12%) and low THC (1%) concentration. This Cannatonic phenotype is famous for soothing pain without intoxication, which is why it's considered among the best strains for pain by individuals who prefer to avoid the psychoactive effects of cannabis. This pleasant pine and woody tasting strain with subtle citrusy lemon notes doesn’t produce the classic cannabis high, but it does deliver a calm, clear-headed focus with a relaxed chatty vibe that’s awesome for socializing. Combined with efficacy for soothing aches and pains and easing anxiety, ACDC is a great option for relieving pain when you’re hanging out with friends.  

Frostbanger Auto

Testing at an unbelievably high 29.72% THC, it’s easy to see why Frostbanger Auto took first for highest total cannabinoid content at the 2025 Spannabis Cup — which means this is the best strain for pain with powerfully potent effects. Experienced rec and medical consumers say this slightly indica-dominant hybrid has an amazing efficacy for relieving pain, stress, and depression. Despite its indica dominance, this Gorilla Glue and Chemdawg cross created by Fast Buds delivers an uplifting, euphoria with a happy head high that gives it a much more sativa leaning feel. This initial burst of energetic bliss is soon followed by a deeply relaxing body high that showcases its indica characteristics, however, leaving you in a comfortable, relaxing physical state of blissful sedation. 

Z-Up Auto

Highly potent and bursting with a zesty citrusy lemon-lime flavor that tastes just like a sparkling refreshing soda, Z-Up Auto packs an extraordinarily high 30% THC average with effects medical patients report alleviate pain and fatigue. Expect an energetic and lively high from this strain created by Fast Buds that took home 2nd place for Best New Strain at the 2025 Spannabis Cup. If you’re interested in a daytime strain that helps you tackle your to-do list without stubborn aches and pains that make it feel impossible, Z-Up is the strain that will do it. With long-lasting effects and a wonderfully revitalizing high, it’s one of the best strains for pain to use first thing in the morning and throughout a busy day. Keep in mind, however, it contains a powerful potency that isn’t recommended for inexperienced consumers. 

Ztrawberriez Auto

If you’re a fan of visually stunning sativa-dominant strains reported to relieve pain, consider Ztrawerriez Auto your new go-to. With its frosty pink buds and mouthwatering flavor that blends strawberries, grapes, and lemon with a fruity tropical tasting twist, this potent 25% THC / 1% CBD strain delivers powerful effects as attractive as its appearance and flavor. Expect a quick burst of stimulating cerebral euphoria that produces a happy, focused high that eventually evolves into a giggly bliss. Its extremely soothing body high soon sets in, delivering a deep sense of relaxation for a pain-free finish accompanied by a strong case of the munchies. These effects make Ztrawberriez a popular medical cannabis strain for relieving chronic pain and improving appetite loss. 

God’s Gift

God’s Gift is an indica-dominant hybrid that rightfully earned its name. This powerful and potent strain has a ridiculously high 27% THC concentration hailed as one of the best strains for pain relief. It delivers the top-shelf type of effects you’d expect from a strain created from a cross of Granddaddy Purps and OG Kush — producing a happy cerebral high that slowly morphs into a soothing, peaceful body buzz that leaves you feeling perfectly relaxed and sleepy. Thanks to its potency, it doesn’t take much to experience the therapeutic effects of this strain said to be an excellent alternative to traditional pain meds. Aside from pain relief, God’s Gift is reported to be exceptional for alleviating stress, anxiety, PTSD, and appetite loss. It’s also said to help relieve migraines and symptoms of multiple sclerosis — delivering a well-rounded therapeutic profile that reflects its name.  

Tangerine Dream

Tangerine Dream’s bright citrusy flavor and aroma that blends oranges and tropical fruit make this slightly sativa-dominant hybrid award-winner famous for its sensory appeal. It’s known for delivering an uplifting cerebral euphoria that inspires a happy head high and soothing physical effects that aren’t at all sedating that medical patients say make it ideal for alleviating pain, stress, and depression. Consider Tangerine Dream one of the best strains for pain that may help fight fatigue triggered by physical discomfort or mood fluctuations. This strain with 23% THC took home gold at the 2010 Cannabis Cup for a reason. 

Permanent Marker

Permanent Market is a heavy indica hybrid considered one of the best strains for pain thanks to its award-winning, euphoric and relaxing effects that made it the Leafly Strain of the Year in 2023. As one of the most potent strains on the market with an unbelievably high 34% THC concentration, this sweet candy-flavored strain with a funky earthy and diesel taste is recommended for experienced consumers with a high-tolerance. While it does lean more towards the indica side of things, it delivers an uplifting high that boosts mood and inspires a chill, creative vibe. Its physical effects are super soothing, easing stress and tension in the body without causing any sedation or couch-lock. This makes it a great option for daytime pain relief that’s also reported to help fight fatigue, stress, and anxiety. 

Lemon Mandarin

If you suffer from physical discomfort that makes it difficult to get things done during the day, Lemon Mandarin is a potent sativa-dominant hybrid with 27% THC that has you covered. It’s a Lemonade and Tangie cross that inherited the best effects from both its parents, meaning you can expect a fresh and juicy citrus flavor that blends zesty lemon with sweet orange and mandarin. The blissful head high this strain delivers is as bright as its taste, inspiring clear-headed cerebral effects with uplifting focus that fuels motivation and is excellent for fighting fatigue. Lemon Mandarin is known to eradicate stress and depression, with an energizing social energy that makes it ideal for rec and medical consumers. With its pain-relieving properties and revitalizing effects, this is one of the best strains for pain that pairs well with your morning coffee — making it an ideal wake-and-bake option for soothing physical aches and pain and using throughout the day to keep pain at bay and maintain a pep in your step. 

Mac 1

Mac 1, aka the MAC, is a stunning hybrid strain with soft green and lavender colored buds coated in shimmering trichome crystals that give them a glowing appearance. Its smooth creamy flavor blends sweet citrus with distinct notes of earthy diesel that lends to its eye-candy allure. Medical patients report this well-balanced hybrid helps relieve chronic pain, depression, stress, and anxiety. With a relatively low 14% THC concentration, it’s one of the best strains for pain ideal for new or inexperienced cannabis consumers — delivering a creative and energetic high that’s mellow and manageable. 

Weed helps relieve pain because of its influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating an array of physiological functions — including pain perception. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with ECS receptors that blunts the intensity of pain signals received by the brain. 

Both THC and CBD are said to support pain, although they work a bit differently when it comes to pain management. THC changes the way the brain processes pain, while CBD is known to reduce inflammation that contributes to pain associated with conditions like arthritis, muscle aches, and sore joints. While both are known for their pain-relieving effects, their efficacy for managing pain is said to be enhanced when combined, displaying a synergistic harmony known as the entourage effect.