13 Best Strains for Pain and Fatigue

For those battling pain and fatigue, finding relief can be a long and arduous journey filled with prior authorizations, insurance loopholes, and medication side effects. However, the best strains of cannabis for pain and fatigue can eliminate those issues. You’ll find yourself pain-free and drifting off to dreamland after the first puff.

The Role of Cannabis in Pain and Fatigue Relief

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a densely packed and extensive web of cellular receptors and chemical signals that span your brain and body. Your ECS controls and regulates many of your bodies' more important functions. Memory, learning, sleep, emotional processing, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory responses, immune responses, and eating are all controlled by this system.

Cannabinoid receptors in the brain called CB1 receptors regulate the functions mentioned above. CB2 is another receptor that lives mostly in immune tissues and is important in controlling your immune functions. It controls intestinal inflammation, contraction, and pain in inflammatory bowel conditions.

For these receptors to do their job, your body must produce molecules called endocannabinoids, which just so happen to be similarly structured to molecules in cannabis. The similarity in these molecules allows the cannabinoids in cannabis to seize control of CB1 and CB2 receptors to modify pain perception and help aid in sleep.

When you use cannabis, the THC binds to your CB1 receptors releasing the psychoactive ingredient that makes you high. This high produces a euphoria, aiding in the reduction of pain perception and allowing the body to relax. Depending on the strain, if CBD is also involved, it will bind to your CB2 receptors aiding in even more pain relief by reducing inflammation.

Additionally, CBD can affect serotonin receptors to boost mood and again reduce pain perception while simultaneously improving sleep, reducing stress, and increasing alertness. The one-two punch of THC and CBD can treat pain, inflammation, insomnia, nausea, and stress; all of which aid in better sleep and less fatigue.

Choosing the Right Strain for Pain and Fatigue Relief

While all cannabis can aid in pain relief and help with fatigue, certain strains will be better than others depending on your unique needs. There are three categories of cannabis you can choose from when deciding your strain; indica, sativa, or a hybrid of both.

Three cannabis categories

• Sativa
• Produces a “mind high”.
• Known to be energizing and anxiety-reducing.
• Higher ratio of THC to CBD.
• Best used in the daytime.

• Indica
• Produces a “body high”.
• Known to be relaxing and increase appetite.
• Higher levels of CBD than sativa but often equal in THC.
• Best used at nighttime.

• Hybrid
• Can produce mind, body, or combo high depending on strain combination.
• Often created to increase THC.
• Can offer a unique combination of effects.
• Time of day use is dependent on the dominant strain.

As important as choosing which strain best suits your needs is its terpene profile. Terpenes are chemical compounds found in the essential oils of cannabis plants that determine their flavor, smell, and color. One terpene, beta-caryophyllene, is the only known terpene that can bind to CB2 receptors and can aid THC and CBD in relieving anxiety, stress, pain, and inflammation.

Specific terpene profiles can impact or reduce the type of high you experience by altering the psychoactive effect of THC, thus potentially increasing its medicinal effects. Choosing a strain with the stress-reducing terpene limonene can boost your mood. Linalool, also found in lavender, and its sedative effects can help you sleep. Pick pinene and its intoxicating piney smell to reduce stress and increase energy. Choosing a strain with a full-bodied terpene profile will increase the relieving properties of the plant, making its medicinal uses that much more potent.

Another, maybe the most, important aspect of choosing the right strain for your needs is its THC content. Since THC is biphasic it will affect you differently at different doses. The same strain that can make you feel euphoric at low doses can make you feel paranoid at high doses. It is best to start your relief journey slowly and with lower THC dosages. The way you ingest your cannabis will also change its effects. Edibles are considered the most potent way to ingest cannabis and take the longest to kick in at anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and can last up to 24 hours. Smoking or vaping on the other hand will take effect almost immediately, but the effects will begin to wane after only 10 minutes, and their effects last typically 1 to 3 hours.

Top Strains for Chronic Pain Relief

Because cannabis affects the same receptors that control your needs involving pain and fatigue, most strains on this list will be a great option for relieving both. However, each cannabis strain's unique makeup will make some better suited for one over the other.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is an indica-dominant (90%) hybrid that is considered a classic choice for managing chronic pain. Its THC levels can range from 16% to 21%. Northern Lights is known for its primarily physical effects. Users say it has an almost narcotic-like effect and eases stress, uplifts mood, and eases chronic pain and discomfort.

OG Kush

Considered one of the greats, OG Kush has paved the way for many hybrids. With anywhere from 19% to 25% THC and 0.3% CBD, this indica-dominant (75%) hybrid is one of the most popular medicinal strains in the game. Known for its potent analgesic effects, OG Kush gives an uplifting mind high while simultaneously being physically relaxing and pain relieving.

Blue Dream

This versatile sativa-dominant (70%) hybrid provides a balancing relaxation and euphoria for pain management. With 19% THC and 0.1% CBD, it is loved for its pain-relieving properties. Blue Dream gives users a mind high that is uplifting and motivating. It has been known to have a wide array of therapeutic benefits from treating anxiety and depression to arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Harlequin

A favorite in the medical cannabis world, Harlequin is a unique hybrid that is sativa-dominant (70%). With only 5% THC and 10% CBD, it isn’t the strongest strain on this list but it is still highly effective in relieving pain and a great starting point for beginners. Users say Harlequin makes them feel uplifted, relaxed, and clear-headed while providing a boost of energy and focus.

Tangerine Dream

As its name suggests, Tangerine Dream is an indica-dominant (70%) but sativa-leaning hybrid that provides a delicious citrusy taste. Containing 25% THC and 1.8% CBD it is great for treating pain and easing stress. Tangerine Dream is a great choice for daytime use and provides increased energy and uplifts mood.

Apple Fritter

Apple Fritter is an indica-dominant hybrid with a THC content between 18% to 25%. As a well-balanced hybrid, it offers a nice combination of mind and body high. It has a complex terpene profile making it a great strain when you want to experience relief without becoming sleepy. Users say Apple Fritter relaxes muscles and relieves tension and provides calming effects to help them relax.

ACDC

For those who want all of the pain-relieving properties of cannabis and none of the high, this is the perfect strain for you. This hybrid made up of 50% sativa and 50% indica is a CBD-dominant strain containing only 1% THC and anywhere from 19% to 22% CBD.

Best Strains for Chronic Fatigue

Most strains that relieve pain will do a great job of providing you with a great night's sleep so you can wake up feeling well-rested. But when you need to stay awake and the sun is still high in the sky, a strain more focused on relieving fatigue will suit you better.

Green Crack

Named Green Crack by Snoop Dogg, this sativa-dominant (70%) hybrid is also known as Green Crush or Mango Crack. With 18% THC and 0.1% CBD, this strain provides energizing effects to combat fatigue. Users say this strain is great for the daytime providing a mental high that is invigorating and stress reducing.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant (70%) strain with at least 19% THC and less than 1% CBD and has an uplifting effect. It increases mood and energy while providing pain relief. Users say it is a great daytime strain as it boosts focus and creativity. Sour Diesel is used to relieve stress and anxiety.

Strawberry Sour Diesel

Strawberry Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant (75%) offspring of Sour Diesel. It has a THC content of anywhere from 19% to 20%. Like its parent, it gives its users increased energy and a rush of euphoria. This hybrid offers a combination of mind and body high, making users feel less stressed and better able to sleep.

Chemdog

The offspring of two greats Sour Diesel and OG Kush, Chemdog is an indica-dominant (70%) hybrid. A strong strain with 21% THC and 1.5% CBD, this strain has a deep and long-lasting narcotic effect. Users experience such a relaxing body high that even a seasoned user will be tucking themselves in for an early night.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a sativa strain known for its energizing effects. It is a high-potency strain with THC levels between 15% to 25%. Uplifting and energizing, users define Durban Poison as a daytime cannabis that boosts creativity and focus. Its upbeat high has been known to make users feel more sociable and outgoing.

White Buffalo

White Buffalo is a sativa-dominant (80%) hybrid with 15% to 20% THC. This hybrid is a perfect balance of mind and body high making users feel extremely happy. Offering a relaxing body buzz this strain eases physical pain while allowing the user to feel focused and creative. This combination makes White Buffalo great for users experiencing chronic fatigue and migraines.

Relieve Pain and Fatigue With As Many Strains As You Want

While you cannot go wrong with choosing any one strain on this list to combat pain and fatigue, one of the great things about cannabis, unlike medication, is that you don’t have to stick to just one. Experimenting with what strains give you the most relief with the least amount of negative effects will always be the best way to find your perfect strains.

By having multiple options you can find relief for pain and fatigue whether it is day or night, you are in need of energy or ready to relax, or if you want to feel a euphoric high or focus more on your medicinal needs. Once you decide which strain or strains are right for you, check out our website for everything you need to consume them.

*The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, or pain relief. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.