Best Cannabis Strains for Nausea Symptoms
The best strain for nausea largely depends on the condition and preference of the individual. There are a number of cannabis strains that can potentially help to alleviate nausea. Cannabis relieves nausea and vomiting by acting on CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and brain, particularly those located in the dorsal vagal complex. Medical marijuana can be recommended by doctors in AZ and some other states to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy, Crohn's disease, and other conditions.
Several factors, including the terpenes and cannabinoid levels in a given strain, will affect the way in which you might experience cannabis. Because nausea can be caused by so many different conditions, including cancer, motion sickness, and food poisoning, new patients may need a little help understanding which are qualifying conditions for MMJ and which strains might help.
Best Indica Strains for Nausea
Certain indica strains are said to be effective in treating nausea. The best indica strains for nausea symptoms include:
Northern Lights
This indica strain is known as a powerful muscle relaxant with around 16-21% THC. It is often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, appetite loss, and nausea. Because of its relaxing and sedative effects, it's best taken in the evening. Consumers can expect to experience a powerful body high that’s relaxing for both the body and mind.
Granddaddy Purple
This indica-dominant strain with 20-27% THC and 1% CBD is typically used to combat the effects of chronic pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, and appetite loss, as well as to provide nausea relief. Consumers note a sense of peace and relaxation with this strain, combined with a sweet grape flavor.
Best Sativa Strains for Nausea
A 2022 study found that cannabis was effective in providing short-term relief from nausea, noting that sativa-dominant and hybrid strains were more effective than indica strains. The best sativa strains with anti-nausea properties include:
Sour Diesel
Aside from its role in relieving nausea, medical patients use Sour Diesel to combat symptoms of chronic pain, depression, stress, and anxiety. Some consumers like to use Sour Diesel at the start of the day to give them an energy boost. Sour Diesel is a fairly potent strain, with a THC content of around 22%.
Durban Poison
This sativa strain is often used to relieve nausea, ease chronic pain, and stimulate appetite. Durban Poison is commonly consumed in edibles, dabs, or concentrates to intensify the effects of the strain. Durban Poison is highly potent, with a THC content of 17-26% and CBD levels of around 1%. People report experiencing energizing, uplifting, and relaxing effects after consuming this strain.
Hybrid Strains for Nausea Symptoms
Hybrid strains provide the best of both worlds. These hybrid strains may help to reduce your nausea:
Blue Dream
This is a sativa-dominant strain with 18% THC content and very low CBD content, typically around 0.1-0.2%. Medical patients use Blue Dream to relieve symptoms of chronic pain, depression, stress, and headaches, as well as nausea and vomiting. Blue Dream typically offers energizing and uplifting effects so it is best consumed during the day. Consumers note an appealing fruity taste and earthy aroma.
OG Kush
Another sativa-dominant hybrid, OG Kush is a popular cannabis strain for inflammation, chronic pain, insomnia, and nausea. OG Kush has a high THC content of around 23% and leaves the consumer feeling rejuvenated and uplifted.
Important note: Getting access to medical-grade marijuana to treat nausea or other qualifying conditions in Arizona requires an up-to-date medical marijuana card as well as a doctor’s recommendation. Consult a professional to learn how marijuana can complement any medication you are already taking and to understand how cannabis may help to relieve symptoms of nausea.
Research Supports Cannabis for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea
Several studies have investigated the antiemetic effect of cannabis and how it can be used to help people with nausea and vomiting. Nausea in chemotherapy patients is so distressing that it leads to 20% of patients abandoning the treatment.
Parker et al. investigated cannabinoids’ effect on nausea caused by chemotherapy and concluded that they may show promise in improving debilitating nausea caused by chemotherapy. In Arizona, doctors can recommend marijuana for chemotherapy-related nausea.
Other Qualifying Conditions with Nausea Symptoms
A couple of other AZ qualifying conditions for medical marijuana involve nausea. These include:
Crohn's disease
Severe nausea with any cause (such as from irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or vertigo)
If you live in Phoenix or anywhere else in Arizona and suffer from any of these conditions, you may qualify for an AZ MMJ card. Patients should note that medical cannabis isn't considered a recommendable treatment for pregnancy nausea or cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.
FAQs
If you are still unsure about which strain to choose, these questions may help you gain a better understanding of what to look for.
Which Terpene Is Best for Nausea?
Various terpenes are considered to be effective in improving nausea. The following terpenes could be a good place to start:
Limonene
This terpene is responsible for the citrusy smell and taste of fruits like oranges and lemons. Limonene works to support healthy digestion and could help with nausea when consumed in a cannabis strain containing limonene such as Sour Diesel, Super Lemon Haze, Jack Herer, OG Kush, and Lavender.
Myrcene
Myrcene is a terpene that’s often found in essential oils and gives mangoes, hops, and lemongrass their musky smell. Myrcene is said to be a sedative as well as having analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Though most cannabis strains contain myrcene, strains noted for their myrcene content include Durban Poison, Northern Lights, and Skunk XL.
Is Sativa or Indica Better for Appetite?
Consumers note that indica-dominant strains tend to be more effective at stimulating appetite than sativa strains. Several sativa strains are known to contain the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a known appetite suppressant. However, some indica strains contain THCV, too. The precise THCV and THC levels of a given strain will ultimately provide a more accurate picture of the strain’s effects on appetite than its sativa vs. indica designation.
Find the Perfect Strain for Nausea Relief
Nausea affects a lot of medical patients around the country and identifying the best weed strains for nausea will hopefully help many of these patients start to feel better. Because different strains have different effects, experimenting with cannabis for nausea is the best way of finding the strain that works best for you.
When looking for a weed strain to ease your symptoms, remember to look out for the strain type, terpene levels, and cannabinoid content. This information can help you find the right strain faster and ultimately help you experience greater relief.
