jason-crawford

Medically Reviewed by
Jason Crawford

Article Last Updated on December 23, 2022

Inflammation is the body’s response to harmful stimuli like irritants, foreign organisms like bacteria and viruses, and results in activation of the body’s immune system in order to fight the underlying infection. Inflammation can also be caused by a number of medical conditions and ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and other diseases that can cause pain and discomfort in patients.

And even though the treatment for inflammation is tailored to suit each patient individually depending on the source of the problem, the recent increase in the use of the cannabis plant as an effective treatment for chronic pain has led users to try medical marijuana as a treatment for inflammation. The other appeal to using this alternative method of treatment comes as a result of the side effects which can occur by using common anti-inflammatory medications, and because of that, patients choose alternative treatments. So, let’s get into the marijuana strains that may help with inflammation.

Medical Marijuana and Inflammation

People suffering from chronic inflammation are slowly turning to alternative treatments rather than using the standard anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs. Since this type of inflammation can lead to medical conditions like cancer, arthritis, and heart disease, it’s not wise to leave it untreated.

As more and more cannabis products are being used in the form of tinctures, topicals, CBD oil, and others in order to treat chronic pain, people are trying marijuana as a way to treat inflammation as well. Although there are only a handful of studies that focus on using medical marijuana to fight inflammation, more and more research is done on the subject.

A study published in Pharmacological Research showed that Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) could trigger anti-inflammatory responses and help with inflammation by looking into endocannabinoids and immune regulation. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system and may be used as a treatment option in order for patients to have relief from inflammation symptoms.

Another study done in 2018 looked into the role that terpenes play in moderating anti-inflammatory activities. Apart from providing users with a flavor-packed cannabis strain, terpenes might also have an analgesic effect and help the body fight inflammation.

But, not all marijuana strains help with inflammation, so let’s dive into which ones might be used when dealing with it.

What Are the Best Cannabis Strains That May Help With Inflammation?

A 2020 study shows that CBD may improve anti-inflammatory effects and a lot of people decide to try cannabis as a treatment option. Although we can’t say that these are the best marijuana strains for treating inflammation, since more research is needed on the subject, we can explain how these cannabis strains affect inflammation.

ACDC

This high-CBD strain which doesn’t provide psychoactive effects may alleviate symptoms of chronic pain, but also combat nerve pain which may be caused by inflammation. With CBD levels ranging between 16% and 24% and a THC content of no more than 1%, this Sativa-dominant phenotype may be a good option for people who are already using medical marijuana. The strain doesn’t provide couch-lock feelings, rather it provides an uplifting mood accompanied by body relaxation.

Harlequin

This Sativa-dominant hybrid strain which is a cross between a Sativa strain and an Indica strain has a rather variable THC to CBD ratio. While both THC and CBD can reach levels of 15% each, breeders, in general, tend to have a ratio of 5:2 (CBD:THC). Some users report using this strain as a treatment for arthritis-related pain which may reduce sore joints and swelling. And while using some high-THC strains can result in paranoia among users, this strain generally doesn’t have those side effects and is used to treat depression, headaches, anxiety, and stress.

Cannatonic

Cannatonic is a marijuana strain that is a cross of G13 Haze and MK Ultra. This balanced hybrid provides a THC content of up to 6% and a CBD content of up to 17%. That means that it gives a more relaxing and enjoyable high when compared to other strains. Medical marijuana users might use it to prevent inflammation produced by pain, along with seizures and epilepsy. 

Girl Scout Cookies

This Indica-dominant strain is one of the most potent and most popular strains on the market. A cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison, this strain has an exceptionally high THC content of up to 28% and just 0.2% of CBD. Because of its high THC content, this strain isn’t recommended for first-time cannabis users because it can result in a very powerful high. Girl Scout Cookies can be found at almost any dispensary in countries where marijuana is legal and is a go-to for many cannabis users that want to experience a boost of energy as well as immediate pain relief.

Other Potential Uses of Medical Cannabis

Apart from marijuana being used to treat chronic pain with cannabis strains that contain a high CBD content, it may also be used as a treatment for other conditions. 

A study done in 2019, researched how medical cannabis can affect fibromyalgia patients. Research showed that using medical cannabis for this condition might be a promising therapeutic option that has relatively low side effects.

Adult patients who suffer from ADHD report that they prefer using cannabis over their prescribed ADHD medication. While preliminary studies such as this one don’t show definitive results, more research is needed in order to get conclusive results and prescribe cannabis as an alternative to prescription medication for ADHD.

Glaucoma is also one of the conditions that have been researched to see if using medical cannabis can alleviate them, by lowering intraocular pressure. According to this study, only under extremely rare circumstances should marijuana be used as a treatment option to treat glaucoma as the effects of marijuana outweigh the benefits. Further research is needed in order to reach more conclusive results.

Final Thoughts on the Best Marijuana Strains That Can Help With Inflammation

As marijuana research is growing, more and more scientists are focusing on researching the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis and how they can be used to treat some health conditions. 

When it comes to treating inflammation, the four most popular cannabis strains used are ACDC, Harlequin, Cannatonic, and Girl Scout Cookies. While no studies have been done into these specific cannabis strains and how each of them affects inflammation, there are studies that show that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties.

If you decide on using some of these cannabis strains as an alternative treatment option, remember that you should always follow the recommendations of your licensed physician. Treating certain health conditions by using medical marijuana shouldn’t be a decision you make on your own since different strains can produce different effects and you may risk experiencing adverse effects.

A passionate advocate for the benefits of cannabis. Fraser Horton, who has a background in botany and a strong love of nature, has spent years researching how cannabis affects the body and mind. He established Leaf Nation in 2020, where he has devoted himself to educating people about the legalisation of marijuana and its safe and responsible use. Fraser is committed to highlighting cannabis’ potential for improving wellness and working to dispel the stigma associated with its use.

Disclaimer

The information presented on this page is provided as a public service to aid in education and is derived from sources believed to be reliable. Readers are responsible for making their own assessment of the topics discussed here. In no event shall Leaf Nation be held reliable for any injury, loss or damage that could happen if using or abusing drugs.