Fibromyalgia is a painful illness that affects the entire body. For many with fibromyalgia, traditional medications can be ineffective in managing their symptoms because of side effects. Many people are consequently turning to cannabis as an alternative solution. Cannabis has great promise to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms because of its pain relief.
Read on for information about the best cannabis strains for fibromyalgia, how they alleviate pain and associated inflammation, and which factors to consider for the strain you want.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over your body, as well as fatigue and tenderness in specific spots. Although both men and women are affected it is more common in women. Fibromyalgia symptoms can include:
- Chronic pain: Muscles, ligaments, and tendons have a permanent itchiness.
- Fatigue: Tiredness that is so overwhelming that it isn’t even taken care of by rest.
- Sleep disturbances: Not being able to fall asleep and stay asleep, often because of pain.
- Cognitive issues: “It includes memory problems and difficulty concentrating – groups of words for sufferers are referred to as ‘fibro fog’.”
- Mood disturbances: Higher chance of getting depression and anxiety.
Fibromyalgia is treated traditionally with painkillers, antidepressants, and a lot of physical therapy. These treatments however often have side effects. But on the flip side, it’s been discovered that cannabis can bring relief without the other harsh side effects of many prescription drugs.
How Cannabis Helps Manage Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Cannabinoids exist in cannabis that are our endogenous cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) and when taken in sensible amounts interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate pain and inflammation and other functions. Research suggests that cannabis can:
- Reduce pain and inflammation: THC and CBD are both well known for being anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving), and both can reduce muscle and joint pain in fibromyalgia.
- Improve sleep quality: Cannabis can also sleep better in fibromyalgia, reducing pain and anxiety, two common sleep disruptors in many fibromyalgia patients.
- Boost mood: Fibromyalgia patients often have depression and anxiety as well. Certain strains of cannabis may help with these mood disturbances.
- Relax muscles: For those with fibromyalgia, cannabis can be used to relax tight muscles and stop spasms.
Moving on, let’s check out some of the best cannabis strains that can bring some respite to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Best Cannabis Strains for Fibromyalgia
1. ACDC (High-CBD)
- Type: Hybrid
- CBD/THC Ratio: 20:1 (high CBD, low THC)
- Effects: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory, calming effects
ACDC is a high-CBD strain that offers pain relief without the psychoactive effects of THC. It is ideal for those looking for relief from fibromyalgia pain without feeling “high.” ACDC can help reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, and ease pain, making it an excellent choice for daytime use.
2. Harlequin (Balanced CBD/THC)
- Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
- CBD/THC Ratio: 5:2
- Effects: Clear-headed, anti-inflammatory, uplifting
Harlequin is another strain with a balanced CBD/THC ratio, making it effective for both pain relief and mood enhancement. It can help manage fibromyalgia pain while providing a mild, uplifting effect that doesn’t leave you feeling too sedated. This strain is ideal for daytime use.
3. Purple Kush (High-THC)
- Type: Indica-dominant
- CBD/THC Ratio: Low CBD, high THC
- Effects: Relaxation, pain relief, sleep aid
For those who prefer stronger sedative effects to help with sleep disturbances and muscle relaxation, Purple Kush is an excellent choice. With its high THC content, this strain offers potent pain relief and promotes deep relaxation, making it better suited for nighttime use.
4. Jack Herer (Balanced CBD/THC)
- Type: Hybrid
- CBD/THC Ratio: 1:1
- Effects: Uplifting, pain relief, mood booster
Jack Herer is a balanced hybrid strain that provides both mental clarity and physical pain relief. Known for its energizing and mood-boosting effects, it can help with fibromyalgia-related fatigue and depression while easing chronic pain. It’s a great choice for those needing relief during the day.
5. Cannatonic (High-CBD)
- Type: Hybrid
- CBD/THC Ratio: 1:1
- Effects: Relaxation, pain relief, mild euphoria
Cannatonic is often recommended for medical use because of its therapeutic properties. With a balanced CBD/THC ratio, it provides a mild, relaxing effect while easing pain and inflammation. It is ideal for those who want to manage fibromyalgia pain without intense psychoactive effects.
6. OG Kush (High-THC)
- Type: Hybrid
- CBD/THC Ratio: Low CBD, high THC
- Effects: Relaxing, pain relief, stress reduction
OG Kush is a popular strain for its potent pain-relieving properties. With its high THC content, it provides powerful relief from fibromyalgia-related pain and inflammation. It also offers relaxation and stress relief, making it ideal for evening use.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Strain
When choosing the best cannabis strain for fibromyalgia, there are several factors to keep in mind:
- CBD vs. THC: As for the strains, high CBD strains are better for daytime use, and generally won’t give you that ‘high’. INTENSE PAIN or sleep problems may require THC-rich strains which may produce psychoactive effects.
- Indica vs. Sativa: If you’re looking to soothe the pain or relax for a good night’s sleep, Indica strains are the ones to look for. Some sativa strains can be more energizing and better at wearing you out.
- Terpenes: Chances are that you’re familiar with the concept of terpenes: aromatic compounds in cannabis that can influence the therapeutic effects of the strain. We look for strains that contain lots of myrcene (anti-inflammatory), caryophyllene (pain relief), and limonene (mood booster).
Consumption Methods
There are great differences in how cannabis effectively affects you depending on how you use it. Different methods may take longer, or they may give you quicker relief. Common consumption methods include:
- Smoking or Vaping: It gives fast relief but isn’t ideal for people with respiratory issues.
- Edibles: Lesser effects with a longer lasting duration.
- Tinctures and Oils: They provide precise dosing and fast absorption.
- Topicals: Good for localized pain relief, such as a spasm.
Start Your Healing
To learn more about cannabis for fibromyalgia visit certamd.com and explore the benefits of cannabis for fibromyalgia and the best strains to help you. On your wellness journey, we’ve got the expert team behind you.
Conclusion
Cannabis can greatly improve the quality of life of those living with fibromyalgia. To treat fibromyalgia the best strains will usually be those with some level of CBD and some level of THC to provide relief and relaxation. Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia can manage their symptoms and even enhance their well-being if they make the correct choice of the strain they consume and the way they consume it.
