Marijuana for muscle spasms
There are over 600 cannabinoids that are produced by cannabis plants, and many of them have powerful benefits that are only recently gaining traction within the medical marijuana community. Each of the chemical components within marijuana plants will affect a person differently which is why it is important to understand which strains can help to alleviate the symptoms a consumer is dealing with rather than assuming that all marijuana use is equally beneficial. Here we will focus on how to use cannabis to treat muscles spasms.
What is a muscle spasm?
A muscle spasm is an involuntary movement which is caused by the muscle contracting which can be incredibly painful. Inflammation of the joints can cause muscle spasms anywhere in the body, including the arms, legs, feet, stomach and torso. Usually, they will pass relatively quickly, but the discomfort caused can be anywhere from mildly annoying to excruciatingly painful. They can also last for days on end or disappear as quickly as they come on.
What causes muscle spasms?
There are a few different reasons why a person may experience muscle spasms, but this uncomfortable symptom is most often caused by dehydration, recent injury, overexertion, prior spinal cord injuries or inflammation.
Traditional medications to treat muscle spasms
Several pharmaceutical options exist on the market today that can be used to treat muscle spasms such as codeine, acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antispasmodics which all come saddled with a list of side effects and risks after both short- and long-term consumption.
Marijuana muscle spasms research
The studies conducted so far that have shown incredible promise, after patients from varying environments with different severities of muscle spasms were provided with THC, CBD or a combination of both and monitored for the cannabinoids effectiveness. The AMA (American Medical Association) has officially recognized THC as a beneficial alternative to traditional medications, and they have even gone so far as to say that the majority of the muscle spasms patients saw more relief from using THC instead of their regular pharmaceutical prescriptions.
In 1990 one study compared the benefits of THC with codeine specifically, as it was at that point the most prescribed drug for this particular condition. They used patients who had an extended history full of failed treatments and 80% of them reported at least some level of relief after using THC. Though those numbers show excellent promise for the future, they don’t answer the question we all have, which is what strain of medical marijuana is good for muscle spasms?
Marijuana muscle spasms treatment options
THC is found in the highest concentrations in marijuana concentrates like oil, shatter and butter, but often the amount that is produced naturally by a cannabis strain inside of the bud flowers can be more than sufficient. Below you will find a complete list of the most common cannabis products that can be used to treat muscle spasms:
- Bud flowers (dry cannabis)
- Oil (edible)
- Oil (smokable)
- Oil (for cooking and baking)
- THC or CBD crystals
- Terp juice
- Edibles
- Tinctures
- Creams
- Balms
- Shatter
- Rosin
- Wax
- Crumble
- Vape juice
- Beverages
- Capsules
- Spray (oral and topical)
CBD vs THC
Though THC is definitely the most potent cannabinoid which may not be ideal for those who don’t want to get high, there are other alternatives to be considered. CBD products like oil, edibles, tinctures, and more will work as anti-inflammatory agents without producing the buzz. Most individuals who suffer from moderate to severe muscle spasms will likely benefit most from an even dosing of both cannabinoids. Unfortunately, there is no perfect ‘one size fits all’ treatment plan currently available for muscle spasms, so a controlled and monitored experience with both may be necessary to find the ideal solution for you.
Medical marijuana for muscle spasms
Though there may not be a perfect strain that can be listed for you, we do know that these marijuana anti-inflammatory strains are more beneficial than many others when they are used for the specific purpose of soothing muscles spasms. A few of the best weed strains for muscle spasms are:
- 9 Pound Hammer
- ACDC
- Critical Kush
- Platinum Kush
- Romulan
- Cotton Candy
- Northern Lights
- White Widow
- Afgooey
- Blue Widow
- OG
- The White
- Black Jack
- Ogre
- Cherry Kush
- Pineapple Chunk
- Charlotte’s Web
- Mendo Breath
- Shark Shock
- Superman OG
- Trinity
- Grapefruit Kush
- Green Ribbon
- Jupiter
- Fortune Cookies
