Common Ailments And The Cannabis Strains That Help

Even though I consider my cannabis use recreational, I’m still well versed in its medicinal uses, and let me tell you those uses are plentiful! It can often be intimidating and an information overload when you start getting into the scientific side of cannabis. There are so many cannabinoids and terpenes in the plant, and they're all capable of doing so many things, which can lead to confusion. Because the government isn't on board with all of the medicinal benefits of cannabis, it can be a struggle to find all the information you need when you're looking for targeted relief. I decided to compile the knowledge I have and make an easy to use guide that can help you navigate the medicinal side of cannabis use. All you have to do is scroll through to find the most common ailments and the strains that can help will be listed below. You'll also get some helpful insights and tips on what to look for if your preferred strain isn't available. Keep reading for some of the different cannabis strains that help give relief.

Anxiety

If you're someone who suffers from anxiety then you're going to want to look for strains that have a higher amount of CBD than THC. Sometimes high amounts of THC can actual increase feelings of anxiousness so it's important to pay attention to the percentages especially if you're newer to using cannabis. Terpenes are also and important part of deciding how your high will be. If you're trying to relieve feelings of anxiousness then you'll want strains that are higher in Myrcene and/or Linalool because of their ability to promote relaxation. You can also look for Beta-Caryophyllene because of it's neuro-protectant properties. You may also want to avoid the terpene Limonene as users tend to report an increase in anxiety with strains high in Limonene. Here are some strains that may offer anxiety relief:

*ACDC (high in CBD)

*Blue Dream (high in Myrcene)

*Charlotte's Web (high in CBD)

*Grandaddy Purple (high in Myrcene)

ADHD

While the stereotypes about cannabis all center around making folks lazy and unmotivated, it can actual have the opposite effect when used properly and with intention. The most common symptoms of ADHD are a short attention span, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors, all of which can be managed with the right strains. If you're looking for some help with getting your symptoms in check, then you may want to consider sativa strains that are higher in Limonene and Pinene, specifically alpha Pinene. Both of those terpenes are known to help with mental clarity, focus and provide an energy boost. Terpinolene is another terpene that can help with ADHD due to it's mildly sedative properties. You can also check out one of the newer cannabinoids that has emerged called THCv. In addition to providing an energy boost and strong focus, studies have also shown that it can also suppress appetite, which means you won't have to worry about those dreaded munchies! The only caveat with THCv is that the strains high in this cannabinoid tend to have much lower THC percentages so your high may be effected. Here are some strains that may offer relief from ADHD symptoms:

*Durban Poison (high in Terpinolene)

*Green Crack (high in Limonene)

*Pink Boost Goddess (high in THCv)

*Sour Diesel (high in Limonene)

Chronic Pain

If you're one of the millions of Americans that suffer from chronic pain, then you may be searching for ways to ease your pain that don't include big pharma, and that's where cannabis comes in. Both the THC and CBD cannabinoids have been proven to be a great resource in managing pain for a variety of ailments. For more acute or temporary pain THC is very effective while CBD can aide in reducing pain from more chronic or severe conditions. Terpenes like Limonene and Beta Caryophyllene can also be useful for relieving pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to smoking, vaping or eating your cannabis you can also use topicals as a way to get more targeted results. Topicals are also a great option for anyone who wants to ease their pain but doesn't want the high that comes with ingesting THC. Here are some of the strains that can help relieve chronic pain:

*ACDC (high in CBD)

*Do Si Dos (high in Limonene)

*GMO Cookies (high in Beta Caryophyllene)

*Harlequin (high in CBD)

Headache/Migraine

Whether you're dealing with a full blown migraine or just a tension headache, it's always an inconvenience so fast relief is a must for getting back to normal. If you don't have time for a nap in a dark room, then you may want to consider reaching for some cannabis. In my personal experience you get better results with actual flower than you would with a vape or edible since you're gonna have more minor cannabinoids and a more robust terpene profile. When it comes down to it, headaches and migraines are both painful in varying degrees, so you'll have good luck with any of the strains that are good for pain. You can also keep your eyes out for strains that are high in Beta Caryophyllene as it's anti-inflammatory and neuro-protectant properties will be helpful:

*Harlequin (high in CBD)

*GSC (high in Beta Caryophyllene)

*OG Kush (high in Myrcene)

*White Widow (high in Myrcene)

Inflammation

While inflammation is a very specific term, the list of things that it can effect are extensive. Autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurological and respiratory diseases can all have inflammation as a symptom. Because it can be an underlying cause for so many issues, it's helpful to have something like cannabis that can help inflammation without causing a host of other side effects, which often happens with pharmaceuticals. One of the most anti-inflammatory cannabinoids is CBC, or Cannabichromene. Similar to it's sister CBD, CBC doesn't have the same psychoactive effects that come with THC, so it's great for medical patients. If you're someone that consumes edibles, then you'll have no trouble incorporating CBC into your routine, but for flower smokers you may have more difficulty. Here are some of the strains that may be able to help with inflammation:

*ACDC (high in CBD)

*Cannatonic (high in CBD)

*Purple Punch (high in Myrcene)

*Wedding Cake (high in Beta Caryophyllene)

Insomnia

Not being able to sleep sucks, but more than that, it can actually cause health issues if you're not getting enough of it. Things like depression, obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure can all be brought on or exacerbated by a chronic lack of sleep. In general THC tends to make folks sleepy, but because every body is different, that isn't always the case. It's commonly agreed upon that Indica strains are the go-to for inducing feelings of relaxation, calm and sleepiness, so that's what you want to look out for. Thanks to science we also know that the cannabinoid CBN, or Cannabinol, is excellent at making sleep more elongated and restful. We also know that as THC degrades it converts into CBN, so if you come across some old bud, it will most likely make you sleepy rather than high. Here are some of the best strains for getting a good nights sleep:

*Grandaddy Purple (high in Myrcene)

*Grape Ape (high in Myrcene)

*Northern Lights (high in Myrcene)

*OG Kush (high in Myrcene)

Nausea

Stress, infection, motion, pain and even prescription medications can all lead to feelings of nausea. While you may not actually vomit, the feeling of needing to is not something that feels good, so it can be a huge inconvenience. Overall cannabis in general has proven a very effective tool for those dealing with nausea, due to THC being able to provide immediate relief. More specifically the terpenes within the cannabis plant can provide targeted relief if you know where to look. For instance Myrcene and Terpinolene both have soothing sedative properties, which can help calm an upset stomach. Here are some of the best strains to ease nausea:

*Blue Dream (high in Myrcene)

*Durban Poison (high in Terpinolene)

*Jack Herer (high in Terpinolene)

*Grandaddy Purple (high in Myrcene)

PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder is an unsettling reality for millions of people in this country, it can include flashbacks, nightmares, extreme anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts. Due to the myriad of ways that PTSD presents in people, it can be a complicated issue to treat. Generally a mental health professional will guide you through the process of diagnosing and treating PTSD with therapy, medication and/or a combination of both. If you're someone who tries to stay away from pharmaceuticals unless absolutely necessary, then you may want to talk with your therapist about incorporating cannabis as a part of your healing process. Whether you go with Sativa, Hybrid or Indica, you'll be able to find a strain that can offer relief, but generally Indica strains are great for PTSD due to their calming sedative effects. Certain Sativa strains can be beneficial due to the mental clarity and uplifting feelings they provide, but in high does they can have the opposite effect and actually increase anxiety and cause stress so it's important to start low and go slow, especially if you're new to using cannabis. Terpenes like Myrcene and Beta Caryophyllene are able to reduce anxiety and stress, so strains high in those will be helpful. Since the majority of medical professionals aren't well versed in the medicinal benefits of cannabis, it's important to do some research of your own. Here's some of the best strains for PTSD:

*ACDC (high in CBD)

*Blue Dream (high in Myrcene)

*GSC (high in Beta Caryophyllene)

*Northern Lights (high in Myrcene)

Stomach Trouble/IBS/Crohn's

The way that cannabis works with our bodies is through the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, and it's network of cannabinoid receptors located throughout our bodies. There's a high concentration of these CB receptors located in our gut, so it's no surprise that cannabis is an excellent tool for addressing stomach troubles. Whether you like sativa, indica or hybrid flower, they all contain THC which is excellent at calming an upset tummy all on it's own, but you can always get more specific with your search. For instance, strains that are higher in Terpinolene and Myrcene are going to be helpful because their sedative properties can calm your stomach. You can also look for strains high in Limonene and Beta Caryophyllene due to their abilities to reduce inflammation, particularly in stomach or digestive issues. Here are some of the strains that could help with stomach troubles:

*Jack Herer (high in Terpinolene)

*Sour Diesel (high in Limonene)

*OG Kush (high in Myrcene)

*White Widow (high in Myrcene)

Stress

If you've never been stressed out by anything in your life then you can count yourself lucky because it's a daily hurdle for millions of people. Whether it's something in your own life or just the state of the world, stressors are all around us and they can cause health issues when left unchecked. Hypertension, ulcers, diabetes and depression can all be triggered by chronic stress so it's important to deal with your stress before it gets to the point of doing real damage to your body. If you're someone that doesn't like the feeling of being high, then you'll want to search for strains that are higher in CBD since it can offer relief without the added head change. You may also want to stay away from sativa strains as they sometimes cause feelings of anxiousness and paranoia, which could lead to more stress. Terpenes like Myrcene and Linalool are excellent at promoting calm and relaxation, so they're a great option to relieve stress. Here are some strains that can help reduce stress:

*Charlotte's Web (high in CBD)

*Do Si Dos (high in Linalool)

*Lavender Kush (high in Linalool)

*Zkittlez (high in Myrcene)

As you can see, cannabis is a powerful wellness tool with a myriad of uses that we've only started to discover. I'm not a doctor or medical professional, but if you're suffering, then maybe this plant can help ease your pain without all the negative side effects that sometimes accompany prescription medicines. I encourage you to have an open dialogue with your caregivers so that they can have the full picture, and if your doctor isn't cannabis friendly, then seek one out that is. This plant has been used as medicine for thousands of years and the risks that come with using it are minor in comparison to many legal pharmaceuticals. You deserve relief and it shouldn't come with a list of side effects that are longer than a CVS receipt. I hope that this post gives you the confidence to start incorporating cannabis into your wellness routine not only as a way to relax, but also as a way to heal.

Happy Toking!