Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. If you’re one of them, you want to know what type of weed is going to give you sweet relief. Based on research and expert opinions we’ve come across on using marijuana for pain relief, certain strains may offer unique benefits depending on the individual. At Aunt Mary’s, we’ve got answers to help you feel better. Say goodbye to achy-breaky pain with our collection of edibles, THC gummies, and other cannabis products. 

Check out our cannabis FAQ for common answers to questions about our shop — and keep reading to learn more about easing your pain problems with weed, according to what experts say.

Indica vs. Sativa Strains for Effective Pain Management: What Should You Choose?

You’re likely to be curious whether some weed strains are better than others at easing pain. And honestly, that’s a great question! What you choose definitely matters—which is one reason it’s great to chat with our experts to find the right fit for you. We’ll help you figure out what works best for your type of pain.

Let’s get started with a look at how the two major strains of marijuana—indica and sativa—affect your body and mind.

(New to the world of weed? Our handy-dandy Weed for Beginners guide will put your mind at ease!)

Understanding the Differences Between Indica and Sativa for Pain Relief

When it comes to understanding weed, it helps to know that the two big strains, indica and sativa, each accomplish something different in your body. Sativa tends to energize you and give you that buzzy high feeling, while indica is more likely to calm you and help you drift off to dreamland. Each can be helpful for certain medical uses. 

Indica: General Pain Relief and Relaxation

Indica is a rock star when it comes to relaxing its users. Its soothing, sedative effects help chill you out—which is super helpful when you want pain relief. This makes indica highly popular for tackling chronic pain, muscle spasms, epilepsy, glaucoma, and insomnia. It’s a good fit for non-migraine headaches too, as well as nerve pain, joint pain, and arthritis. 

Sativa: Acute Pain, Migraines, and Mood Boosts

Of course, sativa has its uses too. It boosts energy levels and acts as a stimulant—a great trait if your discomfort is due to headaches (including migraines), nausea, a loss of appetite, and even acute pain relief. And if you feel a general body achiness that’s associated with depression (as some people do!), sativa can boost your mood and help kick that achiness to the curb.

Got questions? Read more about what to expect from sativa strains, and connect with us to learn more.

Choosing the Right Strain for Your Pain

To some degree, finding relief will require some experimentation—and probably some consultation with your health professional too. If you’re already taking pain medication, whether it’s a prescription drug or an over-the-counter option like aspirin, weed can interact with many medications, and you’ll want to confirm it’s safe to bring cannabis into the mix.

Another guideline to keep in mind is the need to start slow and test your response to different products. Here’s why that matters:

• Many people who use medical marijuana say they get the best relief from products that contain equal amounts of THC and CBD. That may mean trying out a hybrid strain.

• Everyone has a different tolerance for the amount of THC they consume, especially when it comes to lessening pain. You’ll likely have to experiment to get the best results.

• Plan to start with a low dose first, so you can see how your body handles the THC levels in the product you’re trying.

The Best Marijuana Strains for Pain Relief

Cannabis contains a mix of chemicals that contribute to soothing your aches and pains. As you look at different products, remember that you’re looking for a blend of THC, CBD, and terpenes to deliver that feeling of relief you’re craving.

What to Look for in a Marijuana Strain for Pain Relief

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the stuff in weed that creates a high. That same effect acts on your brain’s reward center, boosting your dopamine levels, increasing your sense of general pleasure, and lessening your awareness of pain as a result.

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is different from THC, so it doesn’t cause that high feeling. But it does seem to interact with your brain’s pain receptors and help you feel more comfortable. CBD may also lower inflammation, which is a major cause of pain related to conditions like arthritis.

Terpenes

These aromatic compounds give cannabis products their scent and flavor. Some research indicates that terpenes add to the “entourage effect”—the combined elements of THC, CBD, and other chemical elements that work together to create cannabis’s medical benefits.

Top Marijuana and Weed Strains for Pain

As you get started on your journey to feeling better, think about testing out some of these popular top indica and hybrid strains for pain management:

• Apples and Bananas — boost your mood and relax your body
• GMO — promotes tranquility and ease chronic pain and nausea
• Northern Lights — fast-acting relaxation and trip to dreamland
• Avexia Pain Relief Balm — infused olive oil and essential oils for localized relief
• Blueberry — eases pain and creates a sense of euphoria
• Granddaddy Purple — gives a dreamy buzz that lessens stress and aches

And there are plenty of other choices too. Feel free to browse our medical marijuana options. We’ll be happy to chat with you about questions like whether you want indica vs sativa for pain, and which specific products you should consider trying. 

Discover the Best Cannabis Edibles and THC Gummies for Pain Relief

Now that you’re ready to take the next step, what form of cannabis should you try? After all, there’s smoking, vaping, edibles, topicals, and more to choose from, right? We recommend edibles and gummies. Here’s why.

Why Edibles and THC Gummies Are Effective for Pain

For pain relief, ingesting your cannabis is a smart approach. Yes, the effects of the THC and CBD will take longer to kick in — but that’s a good thing. The best edibles for pain give you time to wind down, ease into bed, and drift off to a good sleep, free of aches and pains. Plus, since edibles and THC gummies have longer-lasting effects (up to six hours or more), their slow and steady results can give you better overall pain management.

Keep in mind that it can be tempting to overdo edibles when you’re looking to feel no pain. Be cautious, go slow, and don’t take more than the proper dose. Give the weed plenty of time to kick in. Remember, depending on your body’s unique makeup, those edibles may need up to two hours before you feel their full effects.

Getting the Pain Relief You Deserve with Help from Your Friends at Aunt Mary’s

The pain relief you’re seeking is within reach — especially when you find a cannabis shop you can trust to help you pinpoint the right solution. Our friendly, discreet representatives will be happy to run through your symptoms with you, get to know your goals and offer insights so you can choose a cannabis product that fits you. Contact us to chat about your needs, or visit us at any of our convenient locations. We look forward to seeing you!

Sources:

• https://www.leafly.com/strains/lists/condition/pain (Source: Leafly)
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322051 (Source: Medical News Today)
• https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/cannabis/treatment-marijuana-for-pain (Source: GoodRX)
• https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/indica-vs-sativa-whats-the-difference (Source: WebMD)
• https://healthsciences.arizona.edu/news/releases/study-shows-cannabis-terpenes-provide-pain-relief-contribute-entourage-effect (Source: University of Arizona)

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is based on personal opinions, research, and reports from other sources. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.