6 Best Strains for Restless Leg Syndrome

Medical cannabis often helps sufferers of restless leg syndrome, as it is widely associated with relaxing the mind and body. Anecdotal evidence from those using medical marijuana for qualifying conditions indicates that it also helps them with the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. 

RLS includes uncomfortable sensations in the legs (tingling or crawling sensations) and an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, especially at night, often affecting sleep quality. Though the exact cause of this syndrome is unknown, the impact it has on a person's life is widely accepted, especially where symptoms are severe.

RLS is present in approximately 7 to 10 percent of the population, with common co-morbidities or conditions being other neurological disorders or nervous system issues, iron deficiency, kidney failure, spinal cord conditions, dopamine regulation differences (ADHD & Parkinson's Disease), and pregnancy.

Best Daytime Strains for Restless Legs Syndrome

It might seem difficult to find a strain that helps with RLS symptoms and doesn't put you to sleep or give you unwanted psychoactive effects while you're trying to get on with your day. However, there are certainly options available that help with pain, stress, and relaxation without being heavy on sedation.

Remember that although specific strains are generally associated with certain effects, everyone is different. Cannabis may interact differently for those with particular medical considerations, such as neurological conditions. Smaller doses are sometimes better for relaxation as well, providing the benefits without the anxiety or overstimulation that often come with larger doses.

ACDC

ACDC is a sativa-indica hybrid and a great daytime option. The +/- 1 percent THC and 13 to 18 percent CBD allow you to enjoy the combined relaxed and focused effects of the myrcene and pinene terpenes, respectively, with little to no intoxicating effects of THC, and no couch-lock. 

Caryophyllene is the third most dominant terpene, with the three of them working together to aid muscle relaxation, along with alertness-promoting, analgesic, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory qualities.

ACDC has been said to help with pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and chemotherapy symptoms. That makes it a top choice for patients with Arizona qualifying conditions like chronic pain, seizures, and cancer. With notes of wood, earth, and pine, this strain is a well-loved, all-around option.

Harlequin

Harlequin is another mix of sativa and indica, with slightly more indica, but still not a strain that will send you off to sleep. It has a balanced amount of 12 to 14 percent CBD and 3 to 6 percent THC, giving it a soothing effect without significant psychoactive results.

The myrcene and humulene terpenes help with pain relief, muscle relaxation, and inflammation, while eucalyptol helps with alertness and inflammation. Stress, anxiety, and mood are helped along by limonene terpene. The combined fragrances of the three terpenes result in a citrus, fruit, mint-type aroma.

Due to the terpene properties and effects, Harlequin is useful for RLS patients as well as those with chronic pain, PTSD, severe nausea, and muscle tension or spasms. 

Cannatonic

Cannatonic has 9 percent CBD and 4 percent THC. This strain’s earthy, piney aroma is energizing, uplifting, and relaxing. It's a good choice if you also have pain, muscle spasms, migraines, and anxiety, and don't want to be very high.

This strain features myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene as its main terpenes, and offers anti-inflammatory properties, stress relief, alertness, muscle relaxation, and pain relief.

Best Nighttime Strains for RLS

These higher-THC strains are excellent for sending RLS sufferers off to sleep. However, it's important to be mindful of potential side effects. The main side effect is dry mouth. However, these strains may provide further relief for those with severe RLS and improve sleep quality. 

Please use your common sense and never attempt to drive or do anything potentially dangerous when under the effects of these cannabis strains. They are best enjoyed when settling in for a cozy night at home, ready to wash away the cares of the day. Who would say no to a better night's sleep?

Pre-98 Bubba Kush

Pre-98 Bubba Kush has long been used for its sleep-inducing properties, or as a stress reliever at the end of the day, due to its THC level of 20 percent. This indica-dominant strain features a pungent, earthy, yet citrus aroma, with a coffee flavor on the exhale. 

With main terpenes of myrcene, limonene, and linalool, this strain boasts effects of relaxation, pain relief, and sedation. Pre-98 Bubba Kush is also a good option to help with insomnia, chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, severe nausea, and lack of appetite.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is an indica hybrid with a sweet and spicy flavor that contains around 20 percent THC. It is ideal as a relaxed, nighttime, wind-down strain to de-stress you, stimulate your appetite, and then send you off into a peaceful sleep. 

Patients find relief from depression with its euphoric effect. It also aids those experiencing stress, anxiety, pain, and insomnia, thanks to the effects of myrcene and caryophyllene. This makes it ideal for those who also have PTSD and chronic pain.

Afghan Kush

Afghan Kush features a piney, spicy, and herbal aroma and is 100 percent indica, with no sativa influence at all. This strain originally came from the mountainous region of Afghanistan, and its strong kush aroma sets it apart from similar strains. THC levels range between 15 to 25 percent, making it another ideal nighttime choice.

Myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene terpenes mixed with the high THC level mean this strain has stress and anxiety-relieving powers, and is useful for those with chronic pain, insomnia, and lack of appetite.

How Medical Marijuana Helps With RLS

Cannabis is reported to help restless legs syndrome, though there are a few things to do before seeking this as a treatment option. It's important to always begin by talking to a doctor about your symptoms, ruling out any other possible causes that might need to be treated (such as iron deficiency, which is treated with iron supplements), and to make sure that there won't be any interactions with other medications or treatments you're currently receiving. 

Dopamine agonists were the traditional treatment for RLS sufferers, though now gabapentinoids are the preferred drug to try first, along with lifestyle adjustments such as sleep hygiene, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and stretching. If these treatments are not successful in providing the relief required, looking into medical marijuana is a good next step.

How to Access Medical Marijuana

RLS is not currently a qualifying condition for an MMJ card in Arizona, but there are several conditions that do qualify and commonly co-occur with RLS. If you have any of these conditions, you can also get help for your RLS symptoms. These conditions include AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, cancer, Crohn's disease, Hepatitis C, HIV, severe nausea, seizures, chronic pain, and PTSD.

Speak with your MMJ doctor about your symptoms and ask them to recommend a strain of cannabis that would help both your existing condition and your restless legs. What a great way to treat two conditions at the same time!

The Right Cannabis Strain for Your RLS

Restless leg syndrome ranges from mild to severe, occurs on its own or with other conditions, and has a range of treatments available from medications to lifestyle changes. It is important that the symptoms be effectively managed either through traditional medications and lifestyle changes or with the use of cannabis.

If you have restless legs and qualify for a MMJ card, the cannabis strains listed in this article are a great starting point to help you manage RLS symptoms where other treatments have failed, or if you'd simply rather be on fewer medications. Improve your sleep quality and your life today.