8 best strains for neuropathy

Neuropathy (nerve pain) is a chronic condition that is caused by nerve damage, and can be challenging to treat. Along with medications and exercises, cannabis offers a potential solution.

Cannabis research has shown promising results, showing that certain compounds in the plant can help manage symptoms of neuropathy. Some strains may be particularly useful due to their high levels of these beneficial compounds.

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Best strains for neuropathy

High-CBD strains and strains with high levels of pain-relieving terpenes are ideal for treating neuropathy. However, not everyone responds to cannabis in the same way. What works for one person may not work for another, and you may need to try a few different strains before discovering what works best for you.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is one of the most popular sativa strains on the medical market, with moderate levels of THC (about 18%). Due to its high concentrations of the terpenes terpinolene and myrcene, Jack Herer may ease nerve pain, lift mood, and enhance relaxation. It’s a great daytime strain for those seeking relief without drowsy effects.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a hybrid that’s neither too energizing nor too sedating. It contains high levels of pinene and myrcene, which have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. The cerebral high of Blue Dream can induce feelings of euphoria while alleviating neuropathic pain. However, with its 20% to 24% THC, its intoxicating effects may be strong for beginners.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a strain that can relieve pain while boosting mood and focus. Sour Diesel gets its uplifting properties from its high limonene content, which can be helpful for those who experience fatigue as part of their condition. However, it can cause dry eyes and headaches in inexperienced users. It contains about 19% THC.

ACDC

ACDC contains about 1% THC and some of the highest CBD levels that exist (around 20% to 24%). Because of its high level of CBD, it can be very useful for soothing inflammation, chronic pain, and other neuropathy-related symptoms, without causing a high.

Cannatonic

Cannatonic is another low-THC (3%), high-CBD strain (17%) that can reduce inflammation associated with nerve pain. This medical cannabis strain also features high levels of myrcene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, which deliver analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory relief.

Harlequin

Harlequin has about 15% CBD and 7% THC, so it’s only mildly intoxicating. People choose Harlequin to ease muscle spasms and nerve pain, and it might be a good option for daytime since it’s unlikely to make you drowsy.

Headband

Headband produces a long-lasting cerebral high while offering pain-relieving properties. It contains higher levels of limonene, myrcene, and ocimene, which work together to produce a sense of calmness and enhanced well-being. However, with THC levels reaching the mid-20s, cannabis beginners may want to go easy.

White Widow

White Widow is a hybrid that’s reported to relax the muscles while reducing nerve pain. It’s also known for boosting creativity and mental energy. It contains high levels of myrcene and limonene, which can improve your state of mind. It contains about 15% THC, so it may be a good choice for beginners.

How cannabis affects neuropathy

Cannabinoids in cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), affect your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to balance bodily functions like pain perception and inflammation.

Research on cannabis for neuropathy is still young. But studies show that even at low doses, it may significantly reduce nerve pain.

Neuropathy is a common HIV symptom. In one study, people with HIV who used cannabis experienced at least a 30% reduction in pain. Other studies have shown positive results for pain conditions like migraines, muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis (MS), and joint stiffness.

Research has also shown that CBD and THC may improve sleep quality and mood in people with neuropathy.

Best ways to use cannabis for nerve pain

When choosing a cannabis consumption method, consider:

• Your tolerance
• Your preferences
• Your doctor’s recommendation

Smoking and vaping cannabis can take effect in a few minutes, but effects last for a couple of hours. The effects of edibles can last for several hours, but may take up to 2 hours to work. Edibles also produce powerful effects, which may not be suitable if your tolerance is low. Tinctures can take effect in 30 minutes and last for about 4 hours, and are easy to dose in precise measurements.

Topical cannabis products like creams and gels produce localized relief without the “high” associated with other consumption methods.

The bottom line: Some strains of cannabis may help with neuropathy

While more research is needed, evidence shows that cannabis can help with neuropathy symptoms.

In some states, neuropathy is a qualifying condition for medical cannabis, allowing you to access it legally. If you want to explore these strains and more, contact Leafwell to get your medical cannabis card.

Resources

• A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of THC/CBD spray in peripheral neuropathic pain treatment. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/j.1532-2149.2013.00445.x
• Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7023045/
• Chronic pain patients’ perspectives on medical cannabis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5845915/
• Low-dose vaporized cannabis significantly improves neuropathic pain. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23237736/
• Medical cannabis for neuropathic pain. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29388063/
• Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions for HIV-neuropathy pain. A systematic review and a meta-analysis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6956009/
• Peripheral neuropathy. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/peripheral-neuropathy
• Terpenes from Cannabis sativa induce antinociception in mouse chronic neuropathic pain via activation of spinal cord adenosine A2A receptors. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10081257/

Get Your Medical Card

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