8 Best Strains for Neuropathy
Article written by
Shanti RyleContent Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
There are so many types of neuropathy (nerve pain) that it can be challenging to find consistent relief. Fortunately, certain cannabis strains offer a potential solution for those in need due to the plant’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
Research has yielded promising results indicating that specific components in the cannabis plant can help manage symptoms of neuropathy found in strains (cultivars, chemotypes) such as:
- Jack Herer
- Blue Dream
- Sour Diesel
- ACDC
- Cannatonic
- Harlequin
- Headband
- White Widow
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How Cannabis Affects Neuropathy
Cannabis’s potential to help ease nerve damage symptoms lies in how the plant’s components interact with the body. THC and other cannabinoids act on the endocannabinoid system to produce myriad health benefits, from dulling pain perception to soothing inflammation.
While much research on cannabis’s effects on neuropathy is lacking, scientists have revealed a link between THC and nerve pain relief. One study in 2013 indicated that even at low doses, cannabis consumption significantly reduced pain in neuropathy.
A follow-up study also found that people who used medical marijuana for HIV experienced at least a 30% reduction in nociceptive pain or perceived pain. More recent reviews back up this research, while other studies have shown positive results in cannabinoid use with migraines, muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis (MS), and stiffness.
Neuropathy usually results from physical injury or nerve damage, so the neurons tend to become more reactive to stimulus, which causes the tell-tale tingling, burning sensation, and shooting pain neuropathy patients experience. CBD, THC, and other compounds in medical cannabis act on CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors to regulate the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, reducing inflammation and soothing pain perception.
Alongside simply neuropathic pain relief, research has found that patients using combined THC/CBD medicines experienced improved sleep quality and a heightened outlook on the subjective experience of their condition, likely due to the benefits of the entourage effect.
Best Ways to Use Cannabis for Nerve Pain
The best way to consume cannabis for neuropathy depends entirely on an individual’s unique physiology, medical concerns, and lifestyle preferences.
Smoking is one of the most popular methods of consuming cannabis, thanks to its fast-acting effects. However, inhaling carcinogenic plant matter can harm the lungs, a factor that may redirect patients to vaping instead. Vaping heats cannabis flower at a lower temperature than flame, offering a safer but still speedy delivery method to get the plant’s health benefits.
Edibles are another ingestion method that provides longer-lasting effects, though onset times typically take up to 90 minutes to two hours. Edibles are easier to use than other delivery methods but may not suit those requiring faster relief.
Alternatively, topicals produce localized relief without the psychoactivity associated with other consumption methods. If the nerve pain lies closer to the skin’s surface, topicals will deliver cannabinoids through the skin to act on receptors on the applied area.
High-CBD options may also be a good choice for those experiencing neuropathy due to inflammation, thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. CBD oil can also help those seeking to avoid the euphoria of THC by tempering the cannabinoid’s more psychoactive effects.
Best Strains for Neuropathy
High-CBD strains and strains with analgesic (pain-relieving) properties are ideal for those with neuropathy. However, we should note that everyone responds to cannabis differently. What works for one person may not work for another, and it may take trying a few different strains until you find the one that works best for you.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a mild sativa strain with moderate levels of THC that reportedly produces gentle physical relaxation with mood-lifting mental effects. Due to its more tempered potency that hovers around 18% THC, it should help those with mild to moderate nerve issues but may not be enough for those with severe central pain.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant cultivar with high levels of pinene and myrcene content, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The cerebral high of Blue Dream reportedly produces a gentle lift of happiness while alleviating neuropathic pain enough to allow them to accomplish a day’s tasks.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a motivating cultivar with promising analgesic effects, though it can sometimes cause side effects like headaches or dry eyes. The strain is highly energizing, thanks to its limonene content, which can be helpful for individuals who deal with fatigue as part of their condition.
ACDC
Despite its rockstar name, ACDC is a mild cultivar with some of the highest CBD content levels available in a strain, usually around 20% to 24%. ACDC’s high CBD level makes it very useful for soothing inflammation, easing chronic pain, and helping address other symptoms neuropathy patients face.
Cannatonic
Cannatonic is another high CBD cultivar that alleviates inflammation associated with nerve pain. The medical cannabis strain also features high levels of myrcene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, which confer analgesic effects and additional anti-inflammatory relief.
Harlequin
Harlequin is another high CBD option for individuals seeking to avoid the more psychoactive effects of THC. The strain features a ratio of approximately 2:1 CBD to THC, meaning it confers the benefits of the entourage effect. Ideal for soothing muscle spasms or central pain, patients select Harlequin as a daytime option that allows them to interact with the world pain-free.
Headband
Headband is a cultivar with long-lasting cerebral effects and some analgesic effects. It contains higher levels of limonene, myrcene, and ocimene, which work together to produce general calmness and a sense of well-being while muting the sensation of pain.
White Widow
White Widow is a hybrid cultivar that reportedly produces heavy muscle relaxation and provides relief in the sensation of nerve pain and enough mental stimulation to distract from it. It contains levels of myrcene and limonene, which each balance more sedative and analgesic properties with a sense of alertness.
The Bottom Line
While much more research is needed, what evidence exists shows the promising roles medical cannabis can play in treating and reducing pain associated with peripheral neuropathy. The above strains serve as a useful starting point, but if you want to explore the best cannabis options for treating chronic neuropathic pain, contact a Leafwell physician to learn more and discuss the best fit for your needs.
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