Approximately 54 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with some kind of arthritis.
These numbers are expected to climb dramatically in the coming years, too. In fact, by the year 2040, doctors estimate that a whopping 78 million adults will have been diagnosed with arthritis.
If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, you may want to try using medical marijuana to find relief from pain and other symptoms. In order to experience the greatest benefits, though, you need to make sure you’re using the right strain of cannabis.
Read on learn about the best strains of marijuana for arthritis.
Benefits of Marijuana for Arthritis
Before getting into the best marijuana strains for people with arthritis, it’s important to clarify the different ways that marijuana can provide relief. Some of the specific benefits include:
Reduced Pain and Inflammation
Arthritis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the joint tissue. This chronic inflammation, in turn, leads to joint pain and stiffness.
Many people who suffer from arthritis find that, when they consume cannabis, their pain decreases significantly.
Marijuana reduces inflammation in the body by interacting with the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors. It specifically interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which play an important role in immune system regulation.
Since inflammation is, at its core, an immune response, cannabis can interact with the cannabinoid receptors, modulate inflammation in the body, and relieve pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.
Improved Mobility and Quality of Life
When your joints are less painful and inflamed, you’ll likely find that you can move much more easily than you could before.
When movement becomes easier, you’ll be better able to handle the demands of everyday life — cleaning, cooking, performing work-related tasks, etc.
Improved mobility can also make exercise easier and more attainable.
Regular exercise is essential for all people, but especially those with arthritis who need to lose weight. Being overweight or obese tends to make joint pain and inflammation worse since the excess weight places more pressure on the joints.
Improved Mood
Finally, cannabis consumption can help improve your mood and minimize feelings of depression and anxiety, both of which are common in people who suffer from arthritis.
Some of this relief from depression and anxiety has to do with a cessation of pain. When you’re not in pain and you can move freely, you’re likely to feel better.
Certain cannabinoids can also stimulate the body’s dopamine and serotonin receptors. This, in turn, relieves depression and anxiety.
Best Strains of Marijuana for Arthritis
There are lots of reasons to try using marijuana for arthritis pain relief. The following are some of the best strains you can use to minimize pain and other symptoms:
ACDC
ACDC is a sativa-dominant cannabis hybrid. Sativa strains tend to be more energizing. Indica strains, on the other hand, are more relaxing.
ACDC is a good strain to use during the day since it won’t make you feel sluggish or tired.
It’s also a powerful pain-reliever (it gets rid of discomfort almost instantly) and one of the best options for people who struggle with severe joint pain.
Death Star
Death Star is a strong indica strain. It’s best to consume in the evening since it has high THC levels and tends to make users quite tired. If your arthritis pain keeps you awake at night, this is a good strain to try.
Power Plant
Power Plant is a pure sativa strain that’s perfect for all-day use. It’s highly energizing and even has bone-protecting properties. This, combined with its pain-relieving capabilities, makes it a great option.
Pennywise
This strain is mildly psychoactive, so it’s best to use at the end of the day when you want to relax and unwind. It helps relieve pain and also improves other conditions, such as neurological disorders, that can accompany arthritis.
Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies, also known as GSC, has high THC levels. Because of this, it has a stronger psychoactive effect than some other strains. But it’s also great for treating severe arthritis pain, as well as depression and stress.
Harmonia
This is an indica strain, but it has higher levels of CBD compared to THC. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. This means that it won’t make you feel “high.”
You can use Harmonia if you need to feel relaxed and at ease during the day but also need to remain clear-headed.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a sativa-dominant strain, and it has a high level of CBD. It’s great for minimizing pain and inflammation and will help you feel relaxed without sedating or intoxicating you.
Cannatonic
Cannatonic is another high-CBD strain that’s very popular for medicinal purposes, including treating arthritis pain. In addition to relieving pain, cannatonic can also help relieve muscle spasms and promote relaxation throughout the day.
Banana Kush
Banana Kush has a moderate amount of THC. It’s relaxing and promotes a positive mood. In most cases, it also dramatically eases chronic pain. It also has a faint banana smell, which many users enjoy.
Canna Tsu
Canna Tsu has high CBD-to-THC ratio. It’s another great option for people who want to feel clear-headed while still keeping their pain at bay during the day.
Anesthesia
As the name suggests, anesthesia is great for eliminating pain. It’s also not a strain you want to consume early in the day.
It’s highly sedating and is best for nighttime use. It will help you relax and unwind so you can get a great night’s sleep.
Remedy
Finally, Remedy is a great, well, remedy for arthritis pain.
This high-CBD indica strain helps relieve inflammation and nerve pain. It comes with few, if any, psychoactive effects and is great for daytime use.
Try Using Marijuana to Treat Your Arthritis Today
As you can see, there are lots of benefits of using marijuana for arthritis aches and pains. You just have to make sure you’re using the right strain.
If you’re ready to try using cannabis to treat your arthritis and live in or around the Las Vegas area, we can help.
Come visit us as Inyo Las Vegas Dispensary dispensary today, or order online and have your products delivered right to your door!
