For medical marijuana patients and recreational users alike, implementing the use of cannabis for pain treatment can be life-changing. While there’s still research to be done on the subject,more than decades of anecdotal evidence and recent scientific studies have madea great case for marijuana being used in the treatment of many physical and mental ailments. 

Most predominantly, studies have been able to show how beneficial marijuana can be in treating pain, discomfort and unrest. Headaches and migraines,chronic pain, nausea — cannabis may be helpful in the treatment of all of these issues. Becauseeach strain is so unique, it’s difficult to definitively say which is the best; that’s up to each individual, their reason for use and their needs. However, below is just a small selection of the best cannabis strains for pain, based on users’ anecdotal experience and strain analysis. 

Best marijuana strains for pain relief at a glance

Strain	Terpenes	THC% & CBD%	Believed Benefit for pain relief
OG Shark	Limonene, Linalool and Caryophyllene.	Hybrid. 20-25% THC, <1% CBD.	Immediate cerebral effects. Soothing body high.
Afghani	Caryophyllene, Myrcene, and Humulene.	Indica. 16-21% THC, <1% CBD.	Brings relaxed feelings of euphoria.  Eases nerves.
Island Sweet Skunk	Myrcene, Pinene and Limonene.	Sativa-dominant Hybrid. 17-19% THC, <1% CBD.	Curbs everyday aches and pains. Allows for creativity to flourish by removing painful distractions.
White Widow	Limonene, Myrcene and Caryophyllene.	Sativa-dominant Hybrid. 17-20% THC, <1% CBD.	Uplifts the mind and spirits. Fights fatigue, malaise, and grogginess.
Skywalker OG	Myrcene, Limonene and Pinene.	Indica-dominant Hybrid. 19-26% THC, <1% CBD.	Melts away physically manifested stress. Calms tension and allows for improved sleep.
Jack Herer	Terpinolene, Beta-Caryophyllene and Ocimene.	Sativa. 18-24% THC, <1% CBD.	Inhibits daily aches and pains. High levels of THC promotes impressive potency.
Pink Kush	Caryophyllene, Humulene and Pinene.	Indica-dominant Hybrid. 18-22% THC, <1% CBD.	Relieves headaches and migraines. Helps to combat chronic pain.
Lemon (Sour) Diesel	Myrcene, Caryophyllene and Terpinolene.	Hybrid. 16-18% THC, <1% CBD	Eases mental health issues / head pain. Can help with unrest and erratic sleeping.

Best cannabis strains for pain relief 

OG Shark

Cannabinoid profile:  Hybrid.

Main Terpenes:Limonene, Linalool and Caryophyllene.

A 50/50 hybrid, OG Shark is thought to be the popular byproduct of a cross betweenDiesel and Blueberry strains. OG Shark brings on immediate cerebral effects, but alsoa calming body high that can help relax muscles and relieve body tension. Although there’s more research to be done, OG Shark is considered by many to be one of the best cannabis strains for pain, including those whosuffer from migraines andchronic pain. With terpenes likeLimonene, Linalool and Caryophyllene, the strain provides a strong earthy aroma / taste and instead of being too stimulating, mellows out the system while welcoming creativity. 

Afghani 

Cannabinoid profile:  Indica.

Main Terpenes:Caryophyllene, Myrcene, and Humulene. 

A classic Indica strain, and parent strain to many others like Northern Lights and Blueberry, Afghani has been helping people use weed for pain for decades. With a high THC content, this strain soothes the body from the inside out and brings with it light sedative effects. Afghani has been found useful in the treatment of anxiety, PTSDand insomnia — especially for those kept up by physical aches and pains. A sweet but earthy taste is created by terpenes like Caryophyllene, Myrcene, and Humulene, which you can also thank for those relaxed, euphoric feelings. 

Island Sweet Skunk  

Cannabinoid profile:  Sativa-dominant Hybrid. 

Main Terpenes:Myrcene, Pinene and Limonene. 

With the smell and taste of sweet citrus — plus a little diesel skunk — Island Sweet Skunk provides you with an immediate uplifting cerebral high, followed by a light physical high. Not only is itthought to be one of the best strains for pain, but Island Sweet Skunk is also popular amongst those with mental health conditions, like PTSD, as it helps encourage a good mood and creativity. Because of its hybrid make-up, this strain can also be enjoyed in the daytime without leaving you feeling “couched” or too tired to stay active. A terpene profile including Myrcene, Pinene and Limonene helps Island Sweet Skunk users curb minor physical pains / annoyances and refocus their mental energy elsewhere. 

White Widow 

Cannabinoid profile:  Sativa-dominant Hybrid.

Main Terpenes:Limonene, Myrcene and Caryophyllene.

One of the most famous strains of all time, White Widow is a cross between a Braziliansativa landrace and a resin-heavy South Indian indica. Enjoyed by many for decades now, White Widow typically provides you with steady waves of energy and creativity.Thanks to its uplifting effects on the mind, White Widow is also known to be a great strain for pain,curbing overall fatigue and malaise. Some users find the strain to be effective and efficient in relieving migraines as well. A combination ofLimonene, Myrcene and Caryophyllene terpenes makes White Widow’s aroma and taste fairly light, but makes up for flavor in those powerful cerebral effects that often can enhance your perception. 

Skywalker OG 

Cannabinoid profile:  Indica-dominant Hybrid.

Main Terpenes:Myrcene, Limonene and Pinene. 

If physical limitations, chronic pain and insomnia are the problem, Skywalker OG just might be the solution. With its strong characteristics from classic kush strains and spicy, herbal scent / taste, Skywalker OG makes relaxing and unwinding after a long day seem easy for some. Terpene heavy, with Myrcene, Limonene and Pinene leading in percentages, this strain brings a nearly immediate andpowerful body high that soothes aches caused by injury, disease, etc. Skywalker OG has also proven to be a good strain for those having issues getting a good night’s sleep, not only because of its pain reduction, but because of its ability to melt away extreme stress and anxiety. 

Jack Herer

Cannabinoid profile:  Sativa.

Main Terpenes:Terpinolene, Beta-Caryophyllene and Ocimene.

Originally created in Amsterdam, some time between the 1980s and 90s, Jack Herer has become one of the most widely recognized strains across the globe. The Terpinolene, Beta-Caryophyllene and Ocimene terpene-rich strain is known to provide users with creative mental energy while soothing their physical being. With a spicy, piney aroma, Jack Herer might not be the best for bedtime use as it is more of an upbeat strain. However, this use of cannabis for pain may be ideal forcurbing chronic aches and pains that plague day-to-day life. Established long ago for its potency, Jack Herer remains well-known for its medicinal properties. 

Pink Kush 

Cannabinoid profile:  Indica-dominant Hybrid.

Main Terpenes:Caryophyllene, Humulene and Pinene.

Pink Kush is a powerful indica-dominant hybrid, believed to be a descendant of OG Kush. This strain has been recognized for its success in combating physical uneasiness, minor aches and chronic pain. A heavy presence of terpenes Caryophyllene, Humulene and Pinene can also significantly calm nerves and put a racing mind to rest.In a2018 study by the Journal of Headache and Pain, Pink Kush ranked just below front-runner OG Shark amongst those with chronic pain and tied for second with CBD House Blend. With its ability to soothe you, and itsfloral aroma of berries and vanilla, Pink Kush allows you to literally taste the sweetness of relief. 

Lemon (Sour) Diesel 

Cannabinoid profile:  Hybrid.

Main Terpenes:Myrcene, Caryophyllene and Terpinolene. 

With a thoroughly enjoyable palate that can range from sweet and fruity, to citrus and peppery, Lemon Diesel acts as a moderate-to-powerful hybrid strain. As a cross betweenCalifornia Sour and Lost Coast OG, the strain still brings about a fairly intense body high and, therefore, intense physical relief. Because of this, Lemon Diesel can be ideal for those looking for help with mental and physical strain as well as erratic, uneasy sleep. Like the name alludes, Lemon Diesel has a striking citrusy, diesel scent and taste thanks in part to terpenes likeMyrcene, Caryophyllene and Terpinolene.Depending on the hybrid’s ratios this strain can have slightly different effects, although many users cite enjoying happy and easy-going feelings.

 

To sum it up:

As increasing amounts of evidence points toward marijuana’s effectiveness in treating certain conditions, those interested in using weed for pain may want to consider the strain options above. While certainly not viewed as a cure-all in the modern world, cannabis’s success in the medical field isundeniably growing —and for good reason.