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Cannabis and cannabinoids can be used to help curb a number of symptoms. While research is still catching up to unravel specifics of the relationship between the plant and its benefits, one of the most well-known effects is the ability for cannabis to help reduce inflammation.
When it comes to using cannabis for any symptom, it’s important to be intentional in your product choice - because not all cannabis strains are created equal.
If you’re looking for a great strain to help with inflammation, you’re in the right place. Keep reading as we dive into cannabis and how it may help reduce inflammation, along with some of the best strains to use if you’re looking for relief.
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis may be a great option to reduce symptoms related to pain and inflammation.
- While more research is needed, some available studies have indicated that certain cannabinoid profiles and terpenes of specific strains may help reduce inflammation.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is a mechanism used by the body to protect against infection, toxins, and injuries, which ultimately produces large quantities of white blood cells. Inflammation is often visible through heated, red, painful, or swelling skin. However, chronic inflammation may present differently — sometimes it does not produce any symptoms at all.
Acute inflammation is protective and not a bad thing in itself. On the other hand, chronic inflammation can be a major issue for the body, negatively affecting organs and tissues with the potential of eventually leading to more serious health conditions.
For those suffering from chronic inflammation, consulting with a doctor is crucial. Though, cannabis can still act as a way to relieve symptoms of acute and chronic inflammation.
How Does Cannabis Help with Inflammation?
Research has confirmed that cannabis compounds may help to curb some of the mechanisms of chronic inflammation. However, it’s still up for debate exactly which cannabis compounds are the most effective in treating these symptoms.
Some studies have confirmed that THC alone does not produce effective anti-inflammatory effects, though one found that CBD, CBG, and THC and CBD combined were most effective.
While cannabinoids seem to be the main factor in treating inflammation, terpenes could also play a role. Not only do terpenes help to enhance the entourage effect, synergistically working with cannabinoids to enhance overall effects, but individual terpenes may also help to reduce inflammation; these include myrcene, linalool, alpha-pinene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene.
Best Strains for Inflammation
While there are certainly more strains than listed below that may help inflammation, this list is a great starting point for anyone looking to reduce inflammation with cannabis!
Bubba Kush
This iconic indica strain is known for its heavy tranquilizing effects, which may help relaxation, relieving pain and muscle tension, and inflammation. This strain often yields moderate amounts of CBD, which can assist with bringing down inflammation, alongside key terpenes like caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene.
SHOP BUBBA KUSH INFUSED GUMMIES
Cannatonic
Often considered the best CBD strain for inflammation, Cannatonic offers a 3:1 CBD:THC ratio, offering mildly psychoactive effects, with a cannabinoid profile ideal for targeting pain and inflammation. With that said, Cannatonic is a great strain for relaxation, stress relief, and physical relaxation, without the high that comes with many of the other strains on this list.
Girl Scout Cookies
While Girl Scout Cookies generally has high levels of THC and lower amounts of CBD, the full-body effects take this one over the top when it comes to combating pain and inflammation. This strain is often best for experienced cannabis consumers, as it will likely lead to a fairly strong psychoactive experience.
Blue Dream
While it’s true that indicas tend to be more body-focused and often have higher amounts of CBD, Blue Dream should not be ignored when it comes to managing pain and inflammation. This sativa-dominant hybrid is crossed with Blueberry, which offers relaxing effects, while also relieving pain and inflammation. It’s a good choice for those looking for a daytime strain that won’t lead to excessive sedation or impaired cognitive function.
Harlequin
Harlequin is another sativa-dominant strain, though this strain is particularly useful in managing inflammation and pain due to its unique cannabinoid profile. Its most dominant cannabinoid is CBD, followed by THC (often a 2:1 ratio), and many cultivars also contain CBG. This leads to a clear-headed experience.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to treating symptoms of inflammation with cannabis, looking at the effects of individual strains, and their cannabinoid and terpene profiles is essential. Admittedly, we’re still learning exactly how cannabis interacts with inflammation in the body, but many consumers and medical practitioners are already working with cannabis as a natural option for relief.
If you’re struggling with inflammation, cannabis may be a great option for you, too!
References
Anil, S. M., Peeri, H., & Koltai, H. (2022). Medical Cannabis Activity Against Inflammation: Active Compounds and Modes of Action. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.908198
Cannabinoids Terpenes and Inflammation. Herald Open Access. https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/openaccess/cannabinoids-terpenes-and-inflammation
Henshaw, F. R., Dewsbury, L. S., Lim, C. K., & Steiner, G. Z. (2021). The Effects of Cannabinoids on Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 6(3), 177–195. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0105
Huo, M., Cui, X., Xue, J., Chi, G., Gao, R., Deng, X., Guan, S., Wei, J., Soromou, L. W., Feng, H., & Wang, D. (2013). Anti-inflammatory effects of linalool in RAW 264.7 macrophages and lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury model. Journal of Surgical Research, 180(1), e47–e54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2012.10.050
Katsuyama, S., Mizoguchi, H., Kuwahata, H., Komatsu, T., Nagaoka, K., Nakamura, H., Bagetta, G., Sakurada, T., & Sakurada, S. (2013). Involvement of peripheral cannabinoid and opioid receptors in β-caryophyllene-induced antinociception. European Journal of Pain (London, England), 17(5), 664–675. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1532-2149.2012.00242.x
McDougall, J. J., & McKenna, M. K. (2022). Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of the Cannabis Terpene Myrcene in Rat Adjuvant Monoarthritis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(14), 7891. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23147891
Rufino, A. T., Ribeiro, M., Judas, F., Salgueiro, L., Lopes, M. C., Cavaleiro, C., & Mendes, A. F. (2014). Anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective activity of (+)-α-pinene: structural and enantiomeric selectivity. Journal of Natural Products, 77(2), 264–269. https://doi.org/10.1021/np400828x
Yu, L., Yan, J., & Sun, Z. (2017). D-limonene exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in an ulcerative colitis rat model via regulation of iNOS, COX-2, PGE2 and ERK signaling pathways. Molecular Medicine Reports, 15(4), 2339–2346. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.6241