The Best Cannabis Strains for Fibromyalgia [Sativa and CBD]

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For most of us, pain is something that only appears in specific situations. However, not many have the privilege of saying the same. People who have fibromyalgia constantly live with fatigue and pain, as well as a sensation similar to a fire burning through their skin.

This neurological disorder comes out of nowhere. While an absolute cure has yet to be found, cannabis has proven to be a good ally for those suffering from this challenging condition. Find here the best strains for fibromyalgia.

Key Takeaways

• Fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder causing intense body pain, with its exact cause unknown. It's more common in women and can be triggered by stress, injury, or infection.
• Cannabis, both THC and CBD, has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain and insomnia, though more research is needed.
• Best Sativa Strains for fibromyalgia include Delta 8 White CBG and Delta 8 Bubba Kush, offering a balance of euphoria and relaxation.
• Top Indica Strains include Purple Sunset, GMO, Snoop Dogg OG, Northern Lights, and Ice Cream Cake, known for their pain-relieving and relaxing effects.
• CBD Strains like Fruit Loops, Sour Space Candy, and Harlequin are ideal for pain relief without the high, suitable for those with low THC tolerance.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder that generates intense pain throughout the body. While its exact cause is unknown, doctors believe it is related to changes in our central nervous system, which modifies our perception of pain. Some situations that can trigger fibromyalgia include:

• Post-surgery injury or infection
• Stressful events like the death of a loved one or a breakup
• Giving birth

Women are especially prone to developing fibromyalgia, being 7 times more affected by it than men. While it usually occurs between 30 and 55, children and adolescents can also suffer from it. For now, fibromyalgia remains a total mystery for the medical community and patients. Researchers are still trying to find an effective treatment for this debilitating condition.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are debilitating and negatively affect the patients' quality of life. As a result, they often need others’ help to be able to go about their days. Some common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Concentration problems
• Toothache
• Sensitivity to cold weather
• Joint pain
• Chronic pain
• Stiffness
• Shortness of breath
• IBS
• Swelling in the hands and feet

Several patients can also experience anxiety, depression, and a lack of appetite. These symptoms can come and go, but usually most patients suffer from their effects daily.

Medical Cannabis for Fibromyalgia

Medical cannabis is becoming a novel and promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of fibromyalgia patients not only because of its efficacy but also, probably, due to its relatively low incidence of serious adverse effects.

Despite exhaustive research on the involved cannabinoid receptors, to date, larger and prospectively-designed clinical trials have not been performed to investigate their role in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia.

The few available studies about the role of medical cannabis in this complex, still unexplained disease suffer from several methodological limitations, such as the small sample sizes and extremely short follow-up.

Nevertheless, it seems that, despite the limited evidence of effectiveness, researchers agree that medical cannabis appears to be a safe option for the treatment of this disorder.

Evidence of the effect of medical marijuana on fibromyalgia is inconclusive.

Some studies have demonstrated positive effect, while others have failed to demonstrate significant effects. The response to medical marijuana can vary from symptom to symptom, and there may be side effects.

We strongly recommend talking to your medical marijuana doctor to receive information specific to your medical condition and needs.

CBD or THC for Fibromyalgia

As the cannabis market expands, so does the information we have about the benefits of compounds like THC and CBD. Clinical studies have shown that synthesized THC can help treat some symptoms, like pain and insomnia.

However, there’s more anecdotal evidence than actual research, so we can’t completely assure you that cannabis helps you treat fibromyalgia. Both CBD and THC are amazing for treating pain and many other struggling symptoms.

For that reason, we can’t choose one that’s better than the other; it comes down to THC tolerance and availability.

Hemp-derived CBD is federally legal, which means you can consume CBD products without dealing with complicated legal regulations. Cannabidiol is easier to find at a nearby dispensary or online, making it easier for patients to benefit from it.

On the other hand, THC isn’t federally legal, and only a few states have a medical marijuana program or fully legalized it. Moreover, many people can’t handle the high that THC provides, so they resort to CBD.

Still, THC is also a great option for those who learn how to microdose cannabis. With the right guidance from your healthcare provider, you can make the most of these compounds to treat some fibromyalgia symptoms.

Best Sativa Strains for Fibromyalgia

While indicas are known for their bodily effects, sativa-dominant strains are also great options for treating several fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, fatigue, anxiety, and lack of concentration.

You should definitely take these uplifting beauties into account when choosing the best strain for fibromyalgia.

Moreover, when using a hybrid strain with Delta 8, a cannabinoid that is milder than the infamous THC, patients can also experience a more calm and sedative high that still allows them to remain functional. Here are some of our picks of the best strains for fibromyalgia.

Delta 8 White CBG

A combination of CBG and D8 promises great results. That’s why we decided to be the first ones to come up with such an amazing combo in a flower with delicious vanilla, wildflowers, and spring notes.

The Delta 8 White CBG strain contains 5% delta 8 THC and 12% CBG, making it a balanced smoke that will allow users to feel euphoric and grounded.

Delta 8 Bubba Kush

For classic lovers, we have come up with a twist to the iconic Bubba Kush strain by combining its 14% CBD content with about 9% Delta 8 for a fun smoke. Relax and enjoy the soft and mellow effects of Bubba Kush, one of the best strains for fibromyalgia.

Best Indica Strains for Fibromyalgia

Purple Sunset

Purple Sunset is an indica-dominant hybrid of Purple Punch and Mandarin Sunset. This enchanting strain not only has a captivating appearance but is also reported to have powerful pain-relieving properties. This makes it a great strain for managing pain while chilling out in the early evening.

GMO

Also making it into this lineup is the robust “GMO.” This Indica strain attests to the healing power of nature and what’s possible when science and nature team up. Despite its controversial name, GMO is nature’s gift to users seeking relief from pain and nausea.

Snoop Dogg OG

Snoop Dogg OG is an indica-dominant strain developed by crossing Lemon OG and Sour Diesel. For users battling with pain, Snoop Dogg OG provides a deep body high characterized by relaxation and a tingly feeling, in addition to its legendary pain relief effects. This strain is also thought to help with anxiety while inducing creativity and deep focus.

Northern Lights

Among the strains mentioned in this section, this particular strain stands head and shoulders above the others. Hailing from a legendary lineage of Afghani and Thai, Northern Lights provide instant relaxation and induce sleepiness.

Ice Cream Cake

This cross of the Wedding Cake and Gelato #33 strains is another great option for managing fibromyalgia. Its potent Indica effects are said to act swiftly, soothing the senses and melting away tension and discomfort. The overall result is deep mind and body relaxation that alleviates pain and helps users drift into a serene state.

Best CBD Strains for Fibromyalgia

Those who only seek pain relief without the high can also benefit from the cannabis flower. In this case, CBD strains are your best bet. Because CBD doesn’t have intoxicating effects, it’s perfect for treating your symptoms only and avoiding any uncomfortable sensations that most people with low THC tolerance experience.

Fruit Loops

Thanks to its low sedative properties, the Fruit Loops strain is perfect for a daytime smoke that can help you focus and stay creative. Meanwhile, your body will relax and feel at ease, making it ideal for treating the pain and anxiety that come with fibromyalgia. Likewise, Fruit Loops is a great strain to smoke at night if you have trouble sleeping.

Sour Space Candy

This CBD beauty is an all-time favorite thanks to its luscious flavors that feel like walking through a forest and savoring the sweet fruits that grow in the dark green bushes. Sour Space Candy is ideal for achieving a relaxed mood while relaxing your muscles, serving as an anti-inflammatory agent, and putting you in a talkative state.

Harlequin

Breeders initially bred Harlequin to offer medicinal benefits to those who were just beginning to experiment with CBD. That’s why this bud is so effective when it comes to treating pain, inflammation, and depression.

Generally, fibromyalgia is an extremely difficult condition to deal with. That’s why every single treatment you decide to use is safer when talking to a physician. Make sure to obtain the right guidance before deciding to use cannabis as a treatment for some of your symptoms.

You can also use topicals to treat pain localized to specific body parts. These treatments are more effective since they induce CBD or THC effects directly in your skin, acting faster than flower or edibles.

Links to sources used in this article:

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/11/6/1621
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/fibromyalgia.htm
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/6/807