Cannabis and Pain: Top 5 Strains

Pain is a telltale sign that something isn’t right with our bodies. And while it might seem like the simplest symptom a medical practitioner can face, tracking down the root cause of pain, and treating it effectively, can prove very challenging.

As blockades to cannabis research are slowly destroyed, the medical community has become increasingly interested in studying cannabis and its constituents for its relation with pain. With research showing^[1] that the endocannabinoid system plays a key role in mediating many physiological functions, including pain, compounds capable of interfacing with this system are of great interest.

The use of CBD specifically has grown exponentially in recent years, partly because it is far more accessible than other cannabinoids, and does not cause a high. With that said, THC-rich cultivars are still popular for their relaxing effects, as are strains containing novel cannabinoids, such as CBDV.

With that in mind, below we shine a light on some of our favorite strains that help to relax the body, promote a healthy night’s sleep, and clear the mind. In addition to cannabinoids, these cultivars contain specific terpenes that help to promote such chilled, relaxing effects.

1. Royal CBDV Auto

Royal CBDV Auto is a sativa-dominant autoflowering hybrid bearing high concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidivarin (CBDV). The result of crossing Solomatic CBD with Durban Poison, this auto boasts great growing traits, clear mental effects, and physically relaxing properties.

Royal CBDV produces roughly 5% CBD, 5% CBDV, and 0.3% THC alongside a rich array of terpenes. It is particularly rich in pinene, one of the most common terpenes found in nature. Besides cannabis, pinene can also be found in pine needles, rosemary, and basil, and is considered one of the key drivers behind the benefits of “forest bathing”. In 2010, a review^[2] explored how pinene and other terpenes found in forest air directly affected key measures of human immune function.

Royal CBDV Auto delivers subtle, balanced effects that leave you with a clear mind, energy, and focus, all while casting a gentle relaxation over the entire body. This strain is ideal for those looking to utilise cannabis to stay productive or alert without the intoxicating effects of THC.

Royal CBDV Automatic

Royal CBDV Automatic

	Solomatic x Durban Poison
	13 to 16 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	5 - 6 Weeks
	THC: 0,3%

	Sativa 75%, Indica 20%, Ruderalis 5%
	4 to 5 oz/plant
	3 feet
	8 - 9 weeks after sprouting
	Clear, Physically Relaxing

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2. Medical Mass

Medical Mass is one of our best-selling CBD strains, and for very good reason. Combining the genetics of Royal Highness, Royal Medic, and Critical Mass, this indica-dominant hybrid boasts a balanced THC:CBD ratio that makes it suitable for all types of users, and all manner of situations.

Containing equal amounts of THC and CBD (roughly 10%), Medical Mass produces a mild euphoria that helps to take the edge off a long day, but it doesn’t inhibit a user’s ability to function. Still, those looking to release some built-up physical tension will enjoy this strain as well. Thanks to the high CBD content, the effects remain grounded and never too intense.

Aside from their individual effects, THC and CBD may produce more pronounced effects when combined, thanks to the entourage effect^[3]. This makes Medical Mass a great candidate for those looking to harness the synergistic potential of the cannabis plant. Medical Mass’ peppery, fruity, and sweet aroma suggests this strain is rich in terpenes like myrcene (found in mangoes) and caryophyllene (found in black pepper). Myrcene, although often described as the “couch-lock terpene” is one of the most common in cannabis, and is thought to promote the herb’s relaxing effects. Caryophyllene, on the other hand, has been shown to display a high affinity for CB2 receptors^[4], and may therefore stimulate the endocannabinoid system directly.

Medical Mass

Medical Mass

	Critical Mass x CBD dominant plant
	18 to 19 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	10 - 11 weeks
	THC: 10%

	Sativa 40% Indica 60%
	18 to 19 oz/plant
	4 to 5 feet
	Late September
	Calming, Physically Relaxing

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3. Painkiller XL

Like Medical Mass, Painkiller XL is one of our beloved CBD strains with a balanced THC:CBD ratio. A cross between Juanita la Lagrimosa and Royal Highness, this strain typically produces around 9% THC and 9% CBD, bolstering mental focus and providing some lasting physical relaxation.

Besides its balanced cannabinoid profile, Painkiller XL also boasts a rich combination of terpenes that complement its unique effects. The strain is packed with limonene, a terpene present in citrus peels that’s renowned for its invigorating properties. Some studies^[5] have also investigated limonene to assess its analgesic and pro-anabolic potential.

Most users find that Painkiller XL produces a very subtle mental stimulation that’s perfect for daytime use, or for whenever you want to remain focused and motivated. Thanks to its balanced CBD and THC profile, it produces a more complex effect than strains that are just high in THC or CBD, and hence may activate the endocannabinoid system in a more well-rounded manner.

Painkiller XL

Painkiller XL

	Respect 13 x Juanita la Lagrimosa
	18 to 19 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	8 - 9 weeks
	THC: 9%

	Sativa 75% Indica 25%
	18 to 19 oz/plant
	4 to 5 feet
	Late September
	Clear, Physically Relaxing

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4. Special Kush

Though some of the strains on this list bear subtle effects, Special Kush harnesses a THC level of 17% to deliver strong tension-busting effects, and promotes sleep readiness in larger quantities. In other words, she's ideal for anyone in need of deep relaxation! Bred from the holy grail of indicas—Afghan Kush—Special Kush carries on the genetics that made Kush cannabis so sought after.

Given her THC content, Special Kush is capable of delivering a strong stone that’ll likely leave you glued to the couch if used in abundance. We typically recommend this strain for nighttime use, or whenever you need to unwind, relax, and rest. Besides its THC content, Special Kush also gets its effects from a unique terpene profile.

This strain is rich in myrcene and linalool; the former is often found in hops, mangoes, and thyme, while the latter is one of the main ingredients in lavender essential oil. Cannabis strains rich in myrcene have a spicy, almost musky aroma, while strains rich in linalool have notable hints of lavender. Users also find strains with high concentrations of these terpenes to promote very deep physical relaxation typically associated with “couch lock”.

Special Kush 1

Special Kush 1

	Afghan x Kush
	15 to 17 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	7 - 8 weeks
	THC: 17%

	Sativa 20% Indica 80%
	18 to 19 oz/plant
	7 to 9 feet
	Late September
	Heavy, Physically Relaxing, Stoned

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5. Haze Berry

Last but definitely not least on our list is Haze Berry. This powerhouse produces up to 20% THC, low levels of CBD, and combines the genetics of Shining Silver Haze—a Dutch classic—with Blueberry, a Cali favorite.

Thanks to its potency, Haze Berry produces a strong high indeed. Its effects combine the uplifting euphoria of a classic Haze with the heavy physical relaxation of Blueberry. The result is a very versatile strain that’s great for enjoying during the day (when you have time to spare) or in the evening.

Haze Berry derives its unique effects from its high THC content and its diverse terpene profile, which presumably includes the likes of limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene, among others. Such phytochemical diversity allows users to experience the impact of numerous cannabis compounds, and provides a sensational flavor and aroma that connoisseurs can't get enough of!

Haze Berry

Haze Berry

	Blueberry x Shining Silver Haze
	18 to 20 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	9 - 11 weeks
	THC: 20%

	Sativa 60% Indica 40%
	21 to 23 oz/plant
	5 to 6 feet
	Late October
	Long Lasting , Physically Relaxing, Powerful

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