The medical use of cannabis has gained widespread acceptance across numerous markets. While it has several medical benefits, many consumers appreciate the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving capabilities of weed. In fact, most medical marijuana users utilize cannabis for inflammation and to help with other bodily discomforts.
Nevertheless, some cannabis strains are better than others at treating symptoms of inflammation. For this reason, finding the best weed strains for inflammation is crucial if you want the most efficient results. This article explores marijuana and inflammation to help you find the ideal remedy for this type of discomfort. Similarly, this information can help business owners source proper medical dispensary supplies for their anti-inflammatory cannabis products.
What is Inflammation?
Essentially, inflammation refers to the natural defense mechanism of the body against various hazards. It’s a crucial component of the immune system and works by producing large quantities of white blood cells to combat harmful stimuli.
Inflammation can either be acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is a short-term response that helps the body heal and is not harmful. On the contrary, chronic inflammation is the body’s prolonged reaction to dangerous stimuli. It’s quite serious and can lead to various diseases and conditions.
How Cannabis Helps With Inflammation
Two primary cannabis compounds help reduce inflammation. These are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known by most people as the principal psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants responsible for making weed users “high.” So, how does THC reduce inflammation?
THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various physiological processes, including inflammation. Studies indicate that THC helps reduce inflammation by modulating the ECS and suppressing the production of white blood cells. Even so, more research is required for us to fully comprehend the capabilities of THC as an anti-inflammatory component.
CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t have THC’s capacity to make you feel high. However, it also interacts with the ECS and works by latching on to pain receptors to help reduce discomfort and inflammation. Therefore, if you want to combat inflammation without experiencing the psychoactive “high” of cannabis, look for CBD packaging and stickers when shopping.
Top Cannabis Strains for Inflammation
When it comes to picking the ideal strains for treating inflammation, consumers must choose either Indica, Sativa, or hybrid marijuana strains. Essentially, indica strains provide a “body high” that results in muscle relaxation and reduced inflammation. For this reason, they are excellent for alleviating arthritis pain. Similarly, hybrid strains are ideal for treating symptoms of arthritis by reducing pain perception. On the other hand, sativa strains provide a “mind high” that is responsible for effects such as mood elevation.
Here’s a look at some of the most prevalent anti-inflammatory strains to help you understand how they affect the body and identify the best one for you.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a Sativa-dominant strain touted for its high CBD content. With a 5:2 CBD-to-THC ratio, this strain is popular among those looking for pain and arthritic relief. Harlequin is also known for its ability to provide relief from inflammation while promoting relaxation and mental clarity. The high CBD content helps reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, making it suitable for daytime use.
Cannatonic
Cannatonic is a balanced hybrid strain with a CBD-to-THC ratio of about 1:1. This strain is known for its relaxing effects. Therefore, it’s excellent for treating a variety of conditions, including inflammation, anxiety, and muscle spasms. Cannatonic’s balanced ratio offers a mild psychoactive effect while still providing the anti-inflammatory benefits of both CBD and THC.
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is a high-CBD, low-THC strain developed specifically for its medicinal properties. It is particularly effective for treating inflammation without any intoxicating effects. Charlotte’s Web gained widespread recognition after successfully treating a young girl’s severe seizures. It has since become a popular choice for patients seeking relief from inflammation and other medical conditions.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a popular Sativa-dominant hybrid strain known for its uplifting and relaxing effects. Despite being low in CBD, this strain is known to provide relief from inflammation and pain. Blue Dream is suitable for those looking for a strain that can be used during the day without causing excessive sedation or impairing cognitive function.
Conclusion
Cannabis has demonstrated potential as a natural and effective treatment for inflammation and its associated symptoms. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis for inflammation management. Similarly, be sure to carefully check the cannabis packaging of items before making any purchases to ensure you get the best anti-inflammatory weed products.
