It’s no secret that weed can alleviate aches and pains, but some breeds do a better job than others. If your body isn’t feeling its best, Budtender Awards nominee Matt Trinidad says these are the best strains for pain relief (and getting high, too).
Gelato
Gelato is an indica-dominant hybrid, which is good news for eliminating pain. Research featured in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that smokers prefer indicas for pain relief, since they’re known for being more physically sedating than sativas.
As an added bonus, Gelato also contains the terpene beta-caryophyllene, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and overall discomfort. One study even concludes that the terpene “may be highly effective in the treatment of long-lasting, debilitating pain.”
The other major benefit of Gelato comes from its sheer potency. “Due to its high percentage of THC, you’ll get fast pain relief accompanied by a calming and euphoric high,” Trinidad says.
Grape Stomper
Also known as Sour Grapes, Grape Stomper is a sativa-dominant hybrid. That means you can expect it to deliver more of a cerebral high, which may actually be good for alleviating pain. One study suggests that weed is more of a pain distracter than reliever, so a high that takes you away from your body and into your mind could serve as a pleasant respite.
Plus, Trinidad says it works almost immediately: “After a few hits of this, you’ll get instant results.” He also mentions that Grape Stomper harbors beta-myrcene and delta-limonene, terpenes that are both science-supported muscle relaxers.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a CBD-heavy strain, which is good for a few reasons:
- A number of studies have shown that regulated CBD has the potential to reduce even chronic pain.
- Europe, England and Canada have already approved and licensed a pain treatment called Nabiximols, an oral spray containing an equal mixture of THC and CBD. That means it must do something good, right?
- Because CBD is non-psychoactive, Harlequin won’t leave you absolutely roasted. As Trinidad puts it, “This alone gets the job done without turning you into a couch potato.”
Jenny Kush
Jenny Kush is known for its balance of indica and sativa effects, which means it takes a holistic approach at busting pain: The indica will soothe your body while the sativa pulls your mind away from the pain you’re feeling.
That should be enough to get you started. As a final note, remember that these are only a few recommendations, and as Trinidad emphasizes, “What works for one person might not work for you.”
In other words, don’t be afraid to try new strains until those aches and pains go up in smoke.
Ian Lecklitner
Ian Lecklitner is a staff writer at MEL Magazine. He mostly writes about everyone's favorite things: Sex, drugs and food.
