One of the most common applications for medical cannabis is pain, whether it’s inflammation, headaches, neuropathic pain, muscle soreness, spinal injury, fibromyalgia, or cramps. Consumers have seen varying degrees of success with cannabis in treating pain-related ailments, depending on the type of pain, the intensity, and the individual’s biology.

This guide is informed both by user-submitted strain reviews on Leafly and chemical profile data.

For pain, it’s generally recommended to try strains with a balance of THC and CBD . Look for strains with a mix of circle and diamond shapes below.

. Early research suggests that the terpene caryophyllene may be beneficial for pain and inflammation, but more studies are needed. Look for strains that are maroon-colored below.

Smoking and vaporizing are great ways to feel cannabis’ effects quickly, but read up on non-intoxicating topicals, long-lasting edibles, and potent cannabis concentrates to get an idea of the full spectrum of options available to you.

ACDC

Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene

Cannabinoid profile: CBD-dominant

All hail ACDC, a strain that is widely cherished for its heavy CBD content. ACDC helps many consumers find physical relief with little to no detectable euphoria, making this strain a great solution to pain when needing to stay sharp, focused, and productive.

Blackberry Kush

Primary terpenes: Myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene

Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant

Blackberry Kush is a heavy THC-dominant strain that wraps the mind in dreamy, blissful euphoria while lifting pain from the body. With the exhale of its sweet, berry flavors, it’s easy to sink into a new mindset—one that isn’t dominated by throbbing aches and pains.

Harlequin

Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene

Cannabinoid profile: Balanced THC/CBD

Looking for cannabis that will quiet the roar of pain without a foggy mind? Try out the high-CBD strain, Harlequin. Its uplifting and clear-headed effects set it apart from heavier, more intoxicating options and make it a perfect choice for daytime medicating.

The White

Primary terpenes: Caryophyllene, myrcene, limonene

Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant

The White is a prolific hybrid best known for its thick coat of white crystal resin. Leafly reviewers praise The White for its pain-relieving qualities, and perhaps the reason for this is its rich terpene profile that typically boasts high levels of caryophyllene alongside a hearty cannabinoid content.

Blueberry Headband

Primary terpenes: Not enough data

Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant

Headband hybrids are commonly described as “cerebral” with effects that go straight to the crown of your head. Blueberry Headband lives up to its name, delivering focused headache relief and a sweet berry flavor.

CBD Critical Mass

Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene

Cannabinoid profile: Balanced THC/CBD

CBD Critical Mass delivers a one-two punch of THC and CBD to chase pain and inflammation out the door. For pain relief with only gentle euphoria, this is a strain you should surely keep in your rotation.

Master Kush

Primary terpenes: Caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene

Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant

Descending from some of the earliest landraces of Afghanistan, Master Kush is a popular choice for pain with potency you can see in her heavy blanket of crystal trichomes. Master Kush not only wraps the body in soothing relief, it can also relax the mind from frustrations that naturally arise from pain.

Looking for specific symptom relief? Browse more strains rated highly by other Leafly users for various types of pain:

inflammation

Strains forand arthritis

headaches migraines

Strains forand

Strains for cramps

Strains for spinal injury

Share Twitter Facebook Share Print

Bailey Rahn Bailey is a senior content manager at Leafly, specializing in strains and health. She's spent 7+ years researching cannabis products, spreading patients’ stories, and exploring healthy ways of integrating cannabis into daily life. View Bailey Rahn's articles