The Best Marijuana Strains That You Can Take to Relieve Back Pain

Back pain is extremely common nowadays. Although prescription drugs are available for treating back pain, you may need to increase your dose over time in case you’re dealing with severe pain. In fact, if your symptoms don’t improve with time, your doctor may even ask you to change your medication.

The causes of back pain may vary from one person to another person. The symptoms can range in intensity from mild to severe. If left untreated, back pain can spread to other parts of the body, such as the legs and the neck.

Mayo Clinic states that an astonishing 80 percent of all Americans will suffer from back pain at least once in their lifetime. Treating this health condition can be a bit challenging. While opioid narcotics are prescribed for severe cases, these synthetic drugs are highly addictive and dangerous.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fentanyl and other synthetic opioid narcotics were responsible for over 17,000 prescription drug overdose deaths in 2017 alone. In recent times, alternative treatments for back pain have become immensely popular. One of these treatments is medical marijuana. Derived from the dried parts of the Cannabis sativa plant, medical marijuana has helped many people treat their back pain symptoms. You should definitely consider this promising treatment for back pain, especially if you’re seeking a natural alternative to conventional pain medication.

Medical Marijuana

Although marijuana has a long history of recreational use, it is now being used increasingly to treat a range of medical conditions, including chronic back pain. As a result, it is rapidly gaining acceptance by some segments of the medical community.

The Institute of Medicine published a report in 1999 that stated that marijuana might be effective for treating chronic pain caused by spinal cord injuries. The cannabinoids in marijuana can help suppress pain.

The University of Colorado Spine Center conducted another research which showed that cannabis is more effective than opioid prescriptions for treating back pain. According to the results of the study, 90 percent of back pain patients who were prescribed medical marijuana reported alleviation of chronic pain.

Here are the different strains of marijuana that can help you with chronic back pain:

OG Kush

This strain contains a high percentage of indica that provides THC.  THC generates euphoria and it helps to alleviate pain and muscle spasms.

OG Kush is psychoactive in nature since it contains relatively high levels of THC at about 23 percent. CBD accounts for just 1 percent.

Headband High THC

This strain is produced via a combination of OG Kush and Sour Diesel. It produces euphoria as it has relatively high levels of THC at 30 percent. However, the CBD levels are less than 1 percent. It can help reduce chronic back pain for relatively long durations.

Gorilla Glue

This hybrid strain is also known as 420 Glue. It’s produced with the help of Sour Diesel and Chocolate Diesel. Its THC levels are about 25 percent, hence it is a psychoactive strain. Gorilla Glue is great for back pain because it alleviates pain quickly and the effects last for a long time period.

Due to its long lasting effects, Gorilla Glue is preferred by patients who suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc., as well as those with serious back injuries.

Candyland

This sativa dominant strain is produced by cross-breeding Bay Platinum Cookies and Granddaddy Purple.

Candyland helps stimulate your mind and improve your mood. It also helps alleviate chronic pain and eases tension in muscles. It is also known for reducing fatigue and stress.  Candyland has 24 percent THC, while a combined CBD and CBN of less than 1 percent.

ACDC

This sativa dominant strain of marijuana contains 16 to 24 percent CBD levels. It also has a CBD-to-THC ratio of around 20:1. Hence, this strain is rich in CBD and low in psychoactive THC. As a result, it does not produce euphoria.

Nevertheless, it is a powerful pain killer. These qualities make ACDC useful for people who need to maintain focus and gain mental clarity. As a result, it is being used extensively to get relief from chronic back pain.

Harlequin

This hybrid marijuana strain is sativa dominant. Its CBD levels can range from 4 to 10 percent; hence the strain has higher levels of CBD than other strains. Since its THC levels are low, it does not produce euphoria.

Harlequin is produced through a combination of Swiss Landrace, Colombian Gold and Thai. It has calming and soothing effects.  Hence, this strain is a popular choice for those who wish to experience pain relief without the euphoric high.

Uncle Andy

Although this strain is not particularly well-known, it is effective for pain relief. Uncle Andy has a fruity smell and is covered with trichomes. Pain relief is instant and can extend up to 3 hours.

You can learn more about different strains of marijuana for back relief and other medical symptoms.

Comparing THC and CBD

THC is quite similar to cannabinoid chemicals that are naturally found in the human body. When THC is inhaled or ingested, it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of the brain. This stimulation triggers the reward system of the brain. As a result, you may experience reduced pain. THC is psychoactive in nature and it can lead to an elevated mood, which is better known as a high.

Although CBD is closely related to THC, it does not lead to a high, no matter how much you ingest it. Since CBD lacks psychotropic effects, it is becoming popular for treating chronic conditions, including pain.

In September 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex. This is an anti-seizure drug that contains CBD derived from cannabis.

Why You Should Consider Medical Marijuana for Pain Relief

In December 2014, a study conducted by the College of Family Physicians of Canada recommended the use of medical marijuana for patients who are unable to find pain relief through other medications.

According to the results of a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, cannabis can help alleviate chronic pain.

The results of these studies suggest that you should consider medical marijuana for chronic back pain. However, before taking it, speak to your physician about your health issues and medical marijuana.