While the giggly or hazy effects of marijuana can be fun and silly, marijuana also has brilliant medicinal properties. Rolling up a joint or packing a bong can help relieve bodily pain like aches, migraines, or cramps. Not all strains will soothe pain, but we rounded up the 11 best strains for pain management so you can feel some relief from whatever is ailing you.
What are the best strains for pain management?
If you’re looking for something that can help to curb your pain symptoms better than most over-the-counter pain medications, specific strains of marijuana might be able to help.
ACDC
Harlequin
Cannatonic
White Widow
Blueberry
OG Kush
Northern Lights
Afghan Kush
Sour Diesel
Blue Dream
Grandaddy Purple
ACDC Strain
1. ACDC
The ACDC strain is one of the most popular cannabis strains for managing pain because it is low in THC but high in CBD. This strain is 13% CBD and only 1% THC, so you get the relaxing bodily effects without the hazy head high.
It’s one of the best medicinal strains because people can stay alert and awake while soothing their pain or discomfort. The strain has a delightful woody and earthy flavor with notes of herbs and spices for a distinct taste on the tongue.
It helps to relax your body while keeping you focused and energetic, so appropriate for daytime smoking or even toking while you work. It can cause slight paranoia or anxiety, but not if you smoke a moderate amount for pain. It’s an affordable strain, costing around $30 an eighth.
Harlequin Strain
2. Harlequin
Like ACDC, Harlequin is another strain low in THC but high in CBD. However, this strain is overall weaker than ACDC. It has a 9% CBD consistency and just 5% THC, so it won’t make you too sleepy or relaxed to function.
The most common effects are a focused and energetic feeling with an elevated mood. While this strain is excellent for relieving bodily pain, it can also help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Harlequin is typically easy to find and costs about $30 per eighth.
People enjoy the sweet mango flavor with earthy, woody notes that soothe them. However, this strain commonly causes dry, itchy eyes and mouth, so keep eye drops and water handy!
Cannatonic Strain
3. Cannatonic
Cannatonic has a similar THC and CBD ratio to Harlequin, delivering a similar high. The strain keeps you focused but relaxed with 9% CBD and only 4% THC. However, it does make people sleepy, so it might not be ideal for people who want to relieve pain at work or during the day. The profile is very earthy, with sweet hints of pine and a bit of spice.
Almost half the people who enjoy this strain report it relieves pain quickly and thoroughly without making you feel too hazy or high. It costs $20-$30 an eighth, making it a more affordable option. However, it’s often sold as a shake, making it even cheaper.
You can find an ounce of Cannatonic shake for only $40 to $60! Unfortunately, this strain is more common at medical dispensaries, so it may be tougher to get if you don’t have a green card.
White Widow Strain
4. White Widow
White Widow is a more traditional strain with moderate THC levels and lower CBD and CBG levels. The CBD and CBG levels hover around 1%, while the THC content is 15% or higher. The top effect of this strain is an energized feeling, perfect for social situations and busy days.
It makes people feel more talkative, creative, and happy while relieving bodily pain. It’s especially popular for dealing with migraines or chronic headaches, as it has potent and soothing cerebral effects.
It goes for $30 an eighth, but it is a popular and common strain that tends to be on sale often, so keep an eye out for White Widow deals
Blueberry Strain
5. Blueberry
Despite its popularity and higher THC levels, the Blueberry strain costs only $20 for an eighth at most dispensaries. The THC content ranges from 17% to 20%, with 1% CBD.
People love the strong blueberry aroma and flavor, making it fruity, delicious, and perfect for people who like sweeter-tasting strains. The top side effects are dry mouth and eyes, but some people also report dizziness.
It’s mostly for stress and anxiety, but also has calming effects that can soothe pain and relax your body. It can make you sleepy and delivers a noticeable head high, so may not be the right choice for people who don’t enjoy the sensation of being stoned.
OG Kush Strain
6. OG Kush
One of the most loved and well-known strains, OG Kush seems to be the perfect strain for everyone. It has around 18% THC with very low CBD, but it still eases head and bodily pain. The most common effect is hunger, as people feel a strong case of munchies after smoking this strain.
The woody pine aroma is familiar and cozy. It also has smooth smoke that won’t leave you coughing incessantly. At $30 an eighth, it’s reasonably priced and easy to find. Most dispensaries carry this strain at some point because it’s a common favorite among tokers.
The biggest downside is it can cause a slight paranoia and make people sleepy, but in small quantities, users typically feel fine.
Northern Lights Strain
7. Northern Lights
The Northern Lights strain is known for relieving pain and helping people with anxiety or stress find relaxation. Like OG Kush, it’s a well-known and easy-to-find strain, and you can often take advantage of deals and discounts.
Many dispensaries will sell it for under $30 an eighth or under $100 for an ounce. The strain is 18% THC and 1% CBD and CBG, so it offers a distinct head high that makes smokers sleepy and comfortable.
The spicy herbal flavor reminds people of a lush forest filled with pine trees and moss. It can cause dizziness, dry eyes, and dry mouth, but people choose it because the negative side effects are rare and easy to manage.
Afghan Kush Strain
8. Afghan Kush
Afghan Kush sells for $30 an eighth, sometimes a little more. It’s a mild strain with 15% THC and 1% CBD and CBG. It’s one of the more fun and light strains for easing pain, as it commonly makes people euphoric and giggly.
It’s the perfect strain for relaxing on your couch and binging your favorite comedy. It makes people feel uplifted and light despite the harsh flavor and smoke.
Many stoners dislike the tar-like taste and spicy notes. The smoke tends to hit the back of your throat, resulting in some coughing and dry mouth. Some stoners don't mind this, but you can also find this strain in edibles if you want to avoid the rough smoke.
Sour Diesel Strain
9. Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a beautifully colorful strain with sticky buds, a pungent aroma, and 19% THC. People love this strain for medicinal and recreational purposes, as it can dull bodily pain or headaches while delivering a powerful head and body high.
It’s one of the most energizing strains, thanks to the low levels of CBD. It’s one of the most popular daytime strains because it keeps you awake, energized, and focused. The strain works well in social situations, increasing sociability and creativity.
It can cost between $30 and $40 for an eighth. The diesel, pungent smell is enticing for stoners who love a robust flavor profile. It also has the classic skunky smell of strong weed.
Blue Dream Strain
10. Blue Dream
Blue Dream has a similar flavor profile as Blueberry, with fruity berry flavors and sugary sweetness. Blue Dream has about 18% THC, making people more creative, energetic, and uplifted.
It’s the perfect strain for easing pain while working on your hobbies or hanging out with friends. It’s also useful for combatting stress, anxiety, and depression, leaving you happy and relaxed. Dispensaries usually charge $30 for an eighth, but sometimes it can be a tough strain to find.
It depends on where you live, as Blue Dream is common in Colorado and California, but rare on the East coast in places like DC or NYC. Overall, this Sativa is one of the most invigorating and pleasant strains for relieving pain.
Grandaddy Purple Strain
11. Grandaddy Purple
Last on our list of the best strains for pain is the dark Granddaddy Purple. This sticky, dark purple strain has 17% THC and little CBD, but it still makes people sleepy and comfortable. This robust Indica strain has a sweet berry flavor with floral notes and a strong smell of grapes.
It can relieve stress, pain, and anxiety, helping you feel relaxed, sleepy, and a little hungry! It costs between $30 and $40 for an eighth, but it’s more common in concentrates and cartridges.
You may also find it in prerolls, but Granddaddy Purple flower can be tricky depending on where you live. While the strain can help relieve pain, many of the other strains on this list are easier to find and more effective.
Wrap Up
Managing pain with prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs can result in unpleasant side effects, like nausea or dizziness. Marijuana is a simple alternative to those medications which can relieve pain and help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Any one of the best strains for pain could work for you—you just have to try it!