10 of the Best Cultivars for Pain Relief in 2021

As more evidence for the vast therapeutic benefits of cannabis emerges, pain relief is one of the leading reasons why consumers choose the healing power of the plant medicine. In this article, we give 10 examples of the best, most popular varieties that help relieve pain.

Before we jump into these cultivars, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone responds differently to each variety of cannabis and its specific cannabinoids. This is why we added varieties with high CBD content as well as ones with high THC. We made a point of compiling cultivars that have been around a while and are some of the most prevalent, instead of obscure selections that might be harder to find.

Most of these high-THC varieties are typically not ones you will want to consume while micro-dosing or if you need to perform important tasks during the day. As such, be sure to keep that in mind. Without further ado, here are 10 of the best cultivars for pain relief.

Is Cannabis Effective for Pain Relief?

About 20 percent or 50 million Americans suffer from some form of chronic pain, according to figures from the CDC. The number of Americans suffering from chronic pain seems to have been on the rise for the last decade. As a result, prescriptions for potentially dangerous opioids were also on the rise - leading to an opioid crisis which has been no secret at this point. There have been several studies conducted on the potential of cannabis for pain relief, as a simple Google search will reveal.

When someone suffers from chronic pain, one of the worst aspects of their lives can be lack of sleep. When you live with chronic pain, it’s no surprise that you might have trouble getting some quality shut-eye. During REM sleep our bodies restore themselves, so the inability to get enough sleep compounds an already debilitating issue of chronic pain. Not only is cannabis therapeutic at the moment for many who suffer from chronic pain, but the plant medicine also helps by easing off into dreamland. With this in mind, here are ten of the best cultivars for pain relief.

1. White Widow

The classic White Widow cultivar has been well known by cannabis consumers for decades. A 60/40 Indica dominant hybrid, this old school variety was a staple in most Amsterdam coffee shops for many years. The “white” lineage has a lineage of Brazilian Sativa and South Indian Indica varieties, but white widow is the best known of these. White widow offers a nice relaxing feeling, and its 18% - 25% THC content offers great pain relief. Most consumers think this is a great choice to unwind at the end of the day with good conversation, as its cognitive feeling leads to good conversation.

2. (GSC) Girl Scout Cookies

The GSC cultivar can be found in most medical dispensaries and retail locations alike, as has been the case for nearly a decade. Another 60/40 Indica dominant hybrid, GSC has a lineage of OG Kush and Durban Poison. Consumers of GSC tend to feel the effects heavily in the body, leading to lethargy - especially in the body. This is because the GSC cultivar can reach up to 28% THC. Depending on the grower, GSC also can contain up to 1.5% CBD, lending itself to even more pain-relieving properties. GSC is one you will want to avoid consuming during the day.

3. Blueberry Headband

Burberry Headband is a hybrid of the classic blueberry variety crossed with the heavy-hitting Headband. Headband is a cross of OG Kush and Sour Diesel, and gets its name from the relaxing cerebral feeling that consumers tend to experience. Blueberry headband is the cousin of GSC and shares its effects of high-flying Sativa and purely relaxing Indica. Blueberry Headband is excellent for relieving tension headaches and just about any other pain above the shoulders.

4. Master Kush

Master Kush is a classic variety that delivers full-body relaxation while melting away aches and pains. A cross of old school Skunk and Hindu Kush, Master Kush has a range of THC between 16-20%. Experienced consumers might feel cognitive enhancements and mental stimulation, improving hobbies and other leisure activities. However, newbies tend to feel dizzy and paranoid - especially after consuming too much and not staying hydrated.

5. Jack Herer

The Jack Herer cultivar is named after the legendary cannabis activist, arguably the most important of our time, selling over 600,000 copies of his book The Emperor Wears No Clothes. The late great Jack Herer educated Americans about the history of cannabis prohibition in the U.S. since 1986. Herer also opened the eyes of thousands to the vast practical uses of hemp as well as the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, so the least the cannabis community could do was name a cultivar after him. Jack Herer has a lineage of Northern Lights mixed with an offspring of Shiva Skunk and Haze. Even though Jack Herer is Sativa-dominant, it combines a clear-headed body high with a smile-inducing effect that melts away stress. This cultivar makes a great choice while watching your favorite streaming show.

6. Cannatonic

As we evolve as cannabis consumers of the future, many of us search for cultivars that are low in THC and high In CBD. Cannatonic is just that, as its psychoactive effects are mild due to its low THC level. Most Cannatonic flower contains around 7% THC while offering between 5-8% CBD. Cannatonic is an Indica-dominant hybrid blend of MK Ultra and 13 Haze. Vaping or eating the Cannatonic cultivar is a great choice for pain-relieving micro-dosing while still being able to function during the day.

7. ACDC

Named after the legendary Aussie band, ACDC is a cross between Cannatonic and a common ruderalis variety. ACDC offers a lot of CBD content, about 15-20%, and 1% or less THC content - making it great for consumers seeking pain relief who get too anxious from THC. Its high-quality CBD content makes this cultivar perfect for relieving stress aches in your neck and back due to sitting at a desk working from home all day.

8. Harlequin

Another low-THC cultivar, Harlequin contains about 7% THC while offering between 7% - 11% CBD. Harlequin comes from three classic cultivars - Colombian Gold male, Thai, and a Swiss landrace. Named after the classic Batman villain, Harlequin is a rare combination of Sativas that offer remarkable pain relief. Even though it does contain 7% THC, most consumers report that they feel no paranoia or anxiety from Harlequin, making it a great choice to vape while getting things done.

9. Sour Diesel

A classic cross of Chemdawg and an unknown Mexican Sativa, Sour Diesel aka Sour D contains up to 26% THC. It also can offer up to 2% CBD and 4% CBN as well, which is a great combination to relieve a variety of pain-related issues. A word to the wise, newbies - Sour D gets its name for being one of the most pungent and strongest smelling cultivars in existence. This is definitely not one that you will want to consume if you’re looking to be discreet and avoid giving off a potentially offensive smell.

10. Grandaddy Purple

An Indica dominant cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud, Grandaddy Purple contains between 20%-27% THC and up to 1% CBD. Grandaddy Purple is highly psychoactive, leaving consumers with a wash of relaxation, as well as a sense of peace and euphoria. These effects make Grandaddy Purp a great choice for consumers suffering from muscle spasms and insomnia. This cultivar has a taste and aroma that is citrusy and earthy with a hint of sweet grapes.

What Did We Miss?

What’s your favorite cultivar for pain relief, sleep, or relaxation? We want to hear it! Let us know on social media.

Disclaimer:

The content on this page is provided by HashDash for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for professional healthcare advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat any medical condition or ailment on your own. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about treatment. The information and products mentioned herein have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.

HashDash - Cultivating a Community of Conscious Cannabis Consumers

We hope you found value in our content about cultivars for pain relief. If you did, check out our articles on the best cultivars for sleep as well as ones for anxiety. Be sure to check back to our blog often, because we post fresh content every week! Connect with us on social media: @hashdash.com on all platforms. We have some fantastic content coming in 2021, and this isn’t even to mention launching our matching platform.

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