What Are the Best Cannabis Strains for Muscle Spasms?
If you use medical marijuana for muscle spasms, it’s important to find the ideal strains. The right cannabinoid ratios can make all the difference for helping you to achieve the relief you’re looking for. Your medical marijuana doctor may be able to recommend a few beneficial strains, and we have a few suggestions as well.
The 8 Best Strains for Frequent Muscle Spasms
The following strains have shown tremendous promise for helping to reduce flare-ups in muscle spasm sufferers. Although there is some limited research attesting to the benefits of certain cannabinoid and terpene concentrations, a lot of these recommendations are based on anecdotal evidence—such as common recommendations from the Leafly community. With that in mind, it’s best to explore a variety of strains and discover which ones work best for you.
1. Critical Mass
Critical Mass, or CBD Critical Mass, is an indica strain that averages 9% CBD and 6% THC. The Dinafem Seed Bank specifically recommends this strain for treating muscle spasms and muscle cramps, in part because of the high CBD content.
2. White Widow
White Widow is a sativa-dominant hybrid that works well for daytime use. It’s a popular medical cannabis strain due to its energizing and mood-lifting qualities, and it’s reported to be an excellent strain for muscle spasms. Though it’s not as CBD-rich as some of the medical marijuana strains on this list, it does contain some excellent anti-inflammatory terpenes like 3-carene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene. Low doses are highly recommended, as this one packs up to 25% THC.
3. Afghan Kush
For evening use, Afghan Kush is a powerful 95% indica hybrid with up to 20% THC and 7% CBD. Once again, cannabidiol is the star of the show—as the way-above-average CBD content may be part of the reason why Afghan Kush works so well for many patients with muscle spasms.
4. Sour Power
Sour Power is another good daytime strain on account of its strong sativa genetics. Though the CBD content is low (about 1%), the strain contains a higher-than-average concentration of cannabigerol (CBG), which may be part of the reason why 36% of Leafly readers find it worthy to recommend for muscle spasms.
5. OG Kush
OG Kush is a fairly balanced hybrid with slight sativa dominance and very high THC levels (up to 26%). It also contains about 1% cannabinol (CBN), a minor cannabinoid that has shown promise for muscle conditions.
6. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is another strain that contains higher-than-average levels of both CBD and CBN. This sativa-dominant hybrid may be effective for reducing muscle spasms during the day. Just be careful with the dosage, though, as it’s another high-THC variety (anywhere from 17% to 25%).
7. Northern Lights
One of the most popular strains in the country, Northern Lights is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and physically relaxing properties, which may contribute to reduced muscle spasms. It also contains high levels of myrcene, a terpene known for its sedative properties.
8. Suzy Q
If you want a strain that addresses muscle spasms but doesn’t get you high, Suzy Q is one of your best bets. With only 1% THC and up to 12% CBD, this daytime medical strain provides excellent physical relief without the buzz.
Honorable Mention: Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
If you want to avoid the psychoactive experience altogether, you could start with CBD oil and see if it gives you the relief you’re seeking. While CBD alone typically isn’t as effective as the combined effect of CBD and THC, it may be suitable for some patients with moderate muscle spasms. You can buy CBD without a medical marijuana card in almost all 50 states.
How Does Medical Marijuana Help With Muscle Spasms?
Medicinal cannabis has shown tremendous promise as a potential remedy for muscle pain. That’s why many states recognize muscle spasms as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. For instance, “persistent muscle spasms” is one of Arizona’s qualifying conditions.
Consider that:
THC, CBD, CBG and other minor cannabinoids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD has been shown to act on nerve receptors that promote optimal motor function.
The combination of THC and CBD has been shown to improve spasticity in patients living with multiple sclerosis.
THC on its own has also been found to reduce painful muscle spasms in certain MS patients.
The potential here is significant when you consider that mild muscle spasms affect 60% of adults and severe muscle spasms affect millions. If you suffer from severe muscle spasms and haven’t tried medical marijuana, it may be worth pursuing in your state. For instance, if you live in Arizona and qualify as a patient, you can get your Arizona medical card online. If you live in a state that doesn’t recognize muscle spasms as a qualifying condition, you may still qualify due to any related chronic pain.
Try Different Cannabis Strains to Treat Muscle Spasms
Finding the best cannabis strains for muscle spasms may require a bit of trial and error. The best medical marijuana strain for someone else might not be the best strain for you. It depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your condition, your existing tolerance to cannabis, your unique biochemistry, and the kind of effect you’re hoping to achieve. For instance, if you want to relieve pain in addition to reducing muscle spasms, you’ll need a strain indicated for both effects.
With a bit of time and effort, though, you should be able to achieve meaningful pain relief and reduced muscle spasms. Once you find that ideal strain, it can be a game changer.
