BEST CANNABIS STRAINS FOR ARTHRITIS Arthritis refers to any joint inflammation and can describe over 200 conditions making it one of the most common chronic conditions. In fact, according to 2016 statistics, arthritis effects 20.6% of Canadians above 15 years of age (though it is mostly limited to individuals over 60 years). It is more common in women and is prevalent among 23.9% of females and 17.3% of males.
Arthritis results in a range of symptoms including pain, aching, stiffness and swelling which can affect daily activities and movement. Unfortunately, arthritis is a permanent condition with no cure and can worsen with age. While many individuals take prescription painkillers or antiinflammatory drugs, those are not the only options for individuals suffering from arthritis.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND ARTHRITIS Arthritis results in a range of symptoms including pain, aching, stiffness and swelling which can affect daily activities and movement. Unfortunately, arthritis is a permanent condition with no
cure and can worsen with age. While many individuals take prescription painkillers or antiinflammatory drugs, those are not the only options for individuals suffering from arthritis. As arthritis is an inflammatory condition, cannabis is a perfect treatment option due to the potent anti-inflammatory benefits presented in THC and CBD. THC is the cannabis plants main compound and is the one that produces a “high”. This particular cannabinoid has anti-inflammatory effects that are twenty times as potent as Aspirin and twice as potent as hydrocortisone, which is great news for arthritis patients. CBD is another major compound found in cannabis and is considered “non-psychoactive”, meaning it does not produce a high. While the anti-inflammatory properties are not as potent in CBD as THC, they are still quite powerful and offer plenty of relief to patients who prefer to stay away from psychoactive properties. One study found that CBD in particular can prevent pain and nerve damage in osteoarthritic joints. A study from 2014 found higher concentration of CB2 receptors in the joints of arthritic patients. As cannabis communicates with the body through these receptors, it is particularly effective at managing inflammation directly at the source of the pain.
As most chronic pain is the result of inflammation, this is great news for arthritic patients. This evidence is further backed by a study from the year before that found cannabis to be successful at reducing knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
BEST CANNABIS STRAINS FOR ARTHRITIS Depending on the degree of arthritis, level of pain and personal preferences, there are many options for cannabis treatments. With the cannabis industry continuing to grow, many new products have come to light such as topical creams that are great for joint pain. In addition, consumers can choose from tinctures (oral) products, edibles, concentrates and good old fashioned flower! Depending on your preferences for psychoactivity, you can choose between many CBD or THC options. If you are looking for a place to start, here are a few strains that lend themselves well to managing arthritis pain:
High THC Strains for Arthritis Pain Blue Dream This is a highly popular strain with Sativa-dominant genetics, making it a great choice for users who need a mental boost as well as physical relaxation. Sure to help you forgot all your pain and discomfort, Blue Dream is ideal for treating arthritis and insomnia and comes with a pleasant lift in mood. Romulan While the origins remain somewhat of a mystery, Romulan is considered a near pure Indica strain giving it heavy body relaxation effects alongside mild cerebral euphoria. The heavy Indica component makes Romulan ideal for managing chronic pain from injury or illness, arthritis or even fibromyalgia and can also help with insomnia. Banana Kush Another heavy Indica strain, Banana Kush is excellent for helping arthritic patients who may
have trouble sleeping as most people find it hard to stay awake for long with this strain! The high THC content is also valued for its ability to help manage chronic pain due to various arthritic conditions as well as pain caused by injury or illness.
High CBD Strains for Arthritis Pain Cannatonic Cannatonic is a predominantly CBD strain that typically has around 12% CBD and can contain up to 7% THC. The Indica/Sativa genetics produce a clear-headed, uplifted mood as opposed to a “high”. Cannatonic is great for managing arthritis symptoms as well as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, muscle spasms, mood swings, PTSD and even seizures. ACDC ACDC is a Sativa-dominant strain with high CBD and minimal THC (1% or less). The CBD content in this strain makes ACDC ideal for anyone seeking relief from chronic pain as well as anxiety, seizures, nausea, multiple sclerosis and tremors. Charlotte’s Web Considered a very potent CBD strain, Charlotte’s Web contains less than 1% THC. Not only is this strain excellent for managing pediatric seizure disorders, but it is also praised for its ability to alleviate chronic pain, muscle spasms and headaches.
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