7 Best Strains for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Medical marijuana may help treat Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of connective tissue disorders affecting the tissues of the skin, blood vessels, muscles, bones, and internal organs that affect 10 out of every 5,000 people. Specifically, cannabis may help relieve some of the symptoms of EDS, such as chronic pain and joint issues. Some strains that are anecdotally shown to help EDS symptoms include:

• White Widow
• Sour Diesel
• Hindu Kush
• Cannatonic
• Jack Herer
• Pennywise
• Northern Lights

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How Cannabis Affects Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is often diagnosed in people with a family history of the disorder. Having a parent with EDS is an increased risk factor for the genetic disorder, which causes chronic pain as well as the following common symptoms:

• Easy bruising and fragile skin.
• Joint dislocations due to joint hypermobility.
• Skin hyperextensibility (meaning that the skin is easily stretched).
• Increased hernia risk.
• Increased risk of osteoporosis.

Some of these symptoms may be attributed to a deficiency in collagen production in the body. Collagen affects not only the skin but also the joints and bones, and people with EDS have more fragile bones due to low collagen production. Studies have shown that phytocannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) may strengthen the bones and contribute to preventing osteoporosis, which mainly affects women.  

Traditional treatments for EDS include over-the-counter pain medications containing acetaminophen, prescription opioid painkillers, physical therapy, and mobility aids. Cannabis may be able to help control some of the pain of EDS without the potential side effects and addiction risk of opioids.

Best Ways to Use Cannabis for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Topical cannabis products can help manage pain in the joints and muscles. Rubbing a cool CBD cream or heated cannabis oil directly onto areas of discomfort may provide temporary pain relief.

Another one of the best ways to use cannabis for EDS is to try a potent sublingual tincture. Placed under the tongue and swallowed, tinctures deliver intense results for many people dealing with pain.

In addition, some EDS patients may prefer smoking cannabis or consuming cannabis in edible form (brownies, cookies, etc.) Regardless of consumption method, cannabis may be more effective for EDS when consumed periodically. In other words, dosing every four to six hours may offer more pain relief than consuming cannabis just once per day.

Best Strains for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Pain relief is one of the primary concerns for many people with EDS. Rather than risking addiction with prescription opioids, some people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are turning to medical marijuana. The following strains (cultivars) are reportedly good for chronic pain and other common symptoms of EDS.

White Widow

High in THC (almost 23% concentration), White Widow is favored by many for its intoxicating abilities and pain-relieving properties. While indica-dominant (60%), White Widow is considered a balanced hybrid with dynamic effects.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel can contain an even higher THC concentration than White Widow (26% by some counts). These rocket-high levels make the strain suitable for experienced cannabis users and deserving of caution for beginners.

Hindu Kush

This pure indica strain is one of the most calming and reputedly has pain-relieving effects. Hindu Kush contains approximately 20% THC, meaning you should expect strong psychoactive effects.

Cannatonic

CBD-rich (12%), Cannatonic is comparatively low in THC (7%). The CBD-dominant ratio makes Cannatonic a popular choice among people seeking pain relief.

Jack Herer

As fatigue is one of the symptoms of EDS, sativa-dominant Jack Herer could provide an energy boost. Powerful and THC-rich, Jack Herer is a hybrid of Haze, Shiva Skunk, and Northern Lights #5.

Pennywise

The 50:50 CBD:THC ratio is considered highly effective. Pennywise contains this beneficial ratio, measuring at an even 13.5% CBD and THC.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a popular medical strain that ranks on many lists of the best cannabis varieties. Testing at 90% indica, Northern Lights helps many users relax and feel less pain simultaneously.

Ultimately, the best cannabis strain is always the one that works best for you. Try a combination of indicas and sativas, and experiment with different CBD:THC ratios to determine the most effective for your EDS symptoms.

The qualified doctors at Leafwell are here to help you apply for a medical marijuana card online. Gain legal access to cannabis for pain management and many other medical conditions.

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