Top 8 Cannabis Strains for Chronic Pain & Inflammation

Cannabis Strains

Taking the help of cannabis for the treatment of many major health issues is only natural in a rec state. Rec state is often an informal term for a state that has legalized the use of marijuana for medical as well as recreational purposes. 

It was back in 2014 when the New York state legalized the use of medical cannabis and it was on March 31, 2021 when the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) legalized  the adult-use of cannabis in the state. Which means that the people of the state are free to actively start using cannabis for the treatment or management of any severe medical issues troubling them.

With that in mind we have the medical marijuana doctors, New York sharing their expertise on the cannabis strains that people can smoke for severe chronic pain and inflammation symptoms. Before we list down the top 8 cannabis strains, we have to first know whether there are any studies that explain how cannabis helps in getting rid of the symptoms of chronic pain and inflammation. 

Cannabis for Chronic Pain & Inflammation: What Do the Studies Say?

There are many important research studies that have highlighted and substantiated the use of cannabis for the management and treatment of chronic pain and inflammation. Back in December 2011, University of California San Francisco pointed out that cannabis in combination with opiates can greatly expand the medical effectiveness of the treatment of chronic pain for patients. 

After this many other studies regarding the truly wonderful benefits of cannabis were conducted almost simultaneously. With such a growing popularity there was a need for the market to expand as well. The big cannabis brands started churning out many products to fulfill the requirement that was ever increasing. 

What is important here is the fact that this greatly contributed to people testing out products and finding relief through them. Especially products which have a high CBD and THC content in it. This inevitably also included a huge selection of cannabis flowers and strains that people started smoking for the same. Let us go through a list of the top strains that will help people treat and manage their chronic pain and inflammation symptoms.

Top 8 Cannabis Strains for Chronic Pain and Inflammation

Here is a list of cannabis strains you can try out if you are suffering from both, chronic pain and inflammation. 

Harlequin

A sativa dominant cannabis strain, Harlequin is truly an exceptional one that can actually work to reduce the symptoms of pain. If a CBD high strain doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will. Not just pain, if you’re struggling from inflammation and anxiety, it will help you with that too. Frequent users swear of its pain relief effects for disorders like Epilepsy.

Despite only a little bit of THC in it, it is highly significant for the people to consume in a safe environment. 

ACDC

ACDC is the strain phenotype of the classic Cannatonic strain. It is another major strain that has a really high CBD content which makes it a perfect choice for medical patients. With the ratio of CBD: THC being 20:1, the patient is quite unlikely to feel any of the psychoactive effects. The patient will experience the relaxing effects only followed by immense pain relief.

Improving the mood, treating issues related to pain, the after-effects of chemotherapy, and psychological conditions like anxiety, whatever you want, you can enjoy them with this strain. 

Blue Dream

A strain that is perfect for you if you’re struggling from chronic pain, depression, and nausea is Blue Dream. Made by the mixing of two great strains like Blueberry and Haze, this strain is highly refreshing and sweet. Which is why people prefer using it quite often. One important thing that the patients must practice while consuming this strain is restraint. That’s because its yummy deliciousness can get slightly addicting, if you’re not careful enough. 

Cannatonic

Regarded as one of the most classical strains of all time, Cannatonic is a mix of G13 Haze and MK Ultra and is high in CBD content. The THC content isn’t as low as it was in other CBD rich strains, at around 6%, but with CBD level at around 17-18% the effects like pain reduction, anti-inflammation, as well as seizures and epilepsy pain relief can be experienced optimally.

Charlotte’s Web

A strain with an intriguing name like Charlotte’s Web also has a unique history to support it. Believed to be created for the benefit of a particular patient named Charlotte Figi, this strain was aimed at reducing the number of seizures associated with Dravet’s syndrome. The level of THC in this strain is well under 0.3% which exponentially expands its benefits for the patients. It is particularly brilliant for reducing the inflammation that is often associated with chronic pain.

Sour Diesel

A rather potent THC strain that will give you a mild intoxication high alongwith the special pain relief benefits and is a must try for every patient struggling from these symptoms is Sour Diesel. The experience that the consumption of this cannabis strain gives the users, keeps bringing them back for more and more. What’s even better is the fact that it can improve the energy and happiness levels of the afflicted patients to a great extent.

White Widow

Another rather interestingly named strain that has garnered and maintained the attention of people for a long while now is White Widow. As a highly potent cannabis strain, it is not advisable for beginners to try out. Smoking White Widow and feeling the effects of pain relief, insomnia and even anxiety is truly an exquisite experience. Important to note here is the fact that it should be consumed in moderation without any exploitation.

Blueberry  

Yet another classical strain that is being quite actively used these past few years is blueberry. The level of both major cannabinoids, CBD and THC in this strain is particularly high. It is then one of the best strains out there in the market for you to try out. What matters is the deep mental as well as physical relaxation that you will feel so make sure to only consume it when you have no important work to do during the day.

Why is Your Weed Not Working For You?

weed

A majority of us entered the marijuana march without any basic knowledge of how the lap goes. We either heard about its amazing benefits from a friend, a shady guy in the middle of a frat party, or just some bloke around the block. But there are very New Yorkers out there who’s first introduction to weed was through NY medical marijuana doctors. Which also means that only a few were educated about what product might work for them and why. 

So, for everyone who entered the world of terpenes and trichomes without the basic idea of what any of it means, there’s a possibility that you’ve been consuming your weed wrong this whole time. Might even explain why you don’t feel like it’s taking effect. 

Here are some possibilities pertaining to what might be wrong with your choice. 

Potency

It is usually recommended that first timers opt for lower potency products so things don’t get out of hand. This is especially true for products with high THC concentration. 

Unlike recreational weed (which can only contain a legal amount of 0.3% THC, medical marijuana has no such limit. Higher levels of this psychoactive cannabinoid can lead to elevation in anxiety levels, paranoia, heart rate, blood sugar levels and hallucinations. In short, definitely not the kind of high you’re looking for. 

On the other hand, very low potency products might not have an effect on your body. This depends on your age and body weight along with how tolerant you are to the drug. 

Depending on the type of effect you’ve had (too high or not high enough), you can either adjust the doses or find ones that might fit your requirements better. 

Mode of Consumption

You can smoke em, vape em, chew on them or gargle if you want; there really is no end to it. With the legalization of cannabis, you’re sure to find its traces in every type of product you can find. But just because it’s there, doesn’t mean it’s for you. 

While smokes are a great way of feeling an instant hit, it might not work well for an asthametic patient. On a different note, a gummy might not be the best option when you’re looking for immediate results. 

If you’re new to weed consumption, consult any medical marijuana doctors New York and learn about the best mode of consumption for your ailment. Or, you can start by experimenting with different types of products till you find the one you’re comfortable using. 

Source

One major reason your CBD oil might not be working for you is because it has no CBD. 

You’ll come across multiple hemp oil products that will be marketed as CBD oil. Don’t fall for it. It’s not CBD. 

We already know that any cannabis product that is being legally sold in the market today comes from hemp. But just because it comes from hemp, doesn’t make it a cannabis or CBD product. 

Both hemp oil and CBD oil come from the same plant but different areas of it, making them completely distinct. Just to be clear, hemp oil has no cannabinoids. 

To be cleared of all confusion, read through the product’s label, ingredient list and certificate of analysis to find the precise percentage of CBD or any other cannabinoid present in the product. 

Type of Product

Maybe you read about the purity of an isolated CBD product and got yourself one. Now you sit on the sofa and wait for the high to hit. We’ll make this simpler for you – it isn’t coming. 

There is no THC in this isolated tincture you’ve bought, so any euphoric experience is out of the question. 

On the other end of the spectrum, you might go on a complete mental trip while all you wanted was to relax after a long day at work. 

Whatever the purpose of consumption, you’ll have to find a product that fits right. If you’re looking for the complete entourage effect, look for multiple minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in your ingredient list.  

Strain 

There isn’t one strain or just a handful to choose from, but hundreds. Some more popular than the others. So you’re definitely not short on options. 

It’s good to remember that every strain has its own distinct characteristics, its own terpene profile and a difference in effects. The Kush OG has a higher THC content making it a more apt choice for alleviating chronic pain symptoms. On the other hand, strains like Harlequin, Lifter or Charlotte’s Web have a much lower THC content, making them a better option for a calm and relaxing effect. 

Summarizing the Article 

Every cannabis product you’ll find in dispensaries or retail outlets will have its own signature effects. But you won’t know what they are unless you know how to read between the ingredients. 

To ensure that the product you consume is what your condition requires, begin by deciding the type of product you’d like to consume. Base this decision on the effects you want, how fast you want them and how long you want them to last. 

Follow it up with deciding the potency you want to go for. First timers should definitely go for lower doses. If you end up feeling no effects, double up on the dose and that should help. 

While you’re looking for a good product, go through the ingredient list, the COA and also research about the brand’s authenticity. Make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for and pay special attention to the percentages of all cannabinoids. 

Depending on the effect you want, choose between a CBD isolate, broad spectrum or full spectrum products. Also look for multiple cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids when looking for the full entourage effect. 

Experiment with different strains but not without researching their basic characteristics. Find high THC strains if you want the psychoactive effects and low THC strains when looking for calm and relaxing effects.

Cannabis Inhaling Vs. Ingesting: What Should You Choose?

Cannabis Inhaling

Cannabis is everywhere, from what we put inside our bodies to what we put on it, the market is filled with varieties that we can’t wait to test and experiment with. But just because these products are out there does not mean they’re good for us. Whether the product you’re willing to try is a recreational gummy or a high potency medical vape you bought with a medical marijuana card NY, it’s necessary to be aware of all related implications.

Both inhalation and ingestion are the two most common ways of consuming cannabis. Both, however, have their own set of pros and cons.

In this article, we will pay attention to what these methods of cannabis consumption mean. How effective and convenient they are. And how they affect our health. By the end of the article, you should be able to decide the right method of consumption for yourself.

Cannabis Inhaling: Smoking and Vaping

Inhalation is definitely the most preferred method of administration when it comes to cannabis. Why? Because of how quickly it gets working. 

Smoking and vaping can get you feeling the effects the fastest, delivering the cannabis directly to the lungs, where it enters the bloodstream. You’re sure to start feeling the effects within a minute, that’s how efficient the method is. 

But the method isn’t without cons. Both smoking and vaping can have a negative impact on your lungs, leading to a bunch of other medical conditions. This is why a pro- medical marijuana New York doctor would not recommend this method of administration for an asthamatic patient or one prone to lung infections. 

Smoking is the most dangerous method of consumption, closely followed by vaping. While these methods aren’t as awful as nicotine smoking, they aren’t the most healthy form to get your dosage. 

Cannabis Ingesting: Edibles and Drinks

Anything cannabis that goes through your digestive tract before entering your bloodstream is ingestible. These could be your favorite CBD rich brownies, your Delta 8 energy drinks or broad spectrum gummy rings. It could even be food infused with CBD or your favorite lemon drink with peppermint CBD oil drops added to it. 

In other words, you’ll find the most diverse set of product bundles for ingestibles. 

What’s better, these are easier to dose. Gummies, capsules, chocolate bars, or other edibles, all come with easy dosage directions that you can follow. It’s always preferable to reassure yourself by reading through the certificate of analysis of the product. 

Here’s the thing- every ingestible has to be digested and metabolized by the liver before the CBD and THC can start showing their effects, making this one a slower process. At the same time, this method leads to stronger and long lasting effects as opposed to other fast acting methods. 

Unfortunately, there are a bunch of other factors that decide how you react to these doses. It could be what you’ve eaten or how much, how sensitive you are to the cannabinoids, if you’ve taken the right dosage etc. 

Making the Differences Clear

Difference Inhalation Ingestion
Fast Acting Smoking and vaping take between a few seconds to minutes in taking effect. All products that are digested first take somewhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. 
Long Lasting The effects are quick but short lived. You can take a few puffs after a few hours.  The effects take longer to appear but stay for much longer as well. You need to wait a few hours before ingesting more. 
Easier Dosage It can be difficult to measure how much you’re consuming in puffs.  For packaged goods, doses are predefined so you can easily administer as per directions. 
Safer Administration Smoking and vaping can be harmful for the lungs.  These do not harm any organ specifically. 
Intoxication  Since you feel its effects early on, it’s not prone to over intoxication.  The effects can take a few hours to show, leading users to consume more doses that can lead to over intoxicity. 
Taste The flowers have a natural earthy flavor but you can opt for alternatives with added flavor.  The capsules have no flavor, while the gummies, and drinks are available in multiple flavors. 

Making the Choice

We’ve already discussed what comes with both inhalation and ingestion of CBD products. Now all that’s left is for you to make the choice. 

Picking the right type of product can be pretty easy, if you just keep these questions in mind.

  • Do you need quick effects or long lasting effects?
  • Are you capable of managing your own doses or do you prefer easy dosage?
  • Are you willing to put your lungs at risk or do you prefer a safer method of consumption?
  • What type of consumption does your medical marijuana NY doctor recommend? 

You can also go as far as experimenting with different products and modes of administration till you find the right one. In any case, if you’re a first time user, always opt for smaller doses and lighter potencies. 

For medical marijuana users, a piece of advice from your MMJ doctor can be extremely helpful. They can advise you against any strains, potencies, or modes that might interfere with your prescription medications. 

Once you’ve decided the type of product you want to consume, question yourself about the following.

  • What is your preferred CBD potency?
  • Do you need a full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate CBD product?
  • If broad spectrum, what THC concentration are you comfortable with? (With recreational products you cannot access a potency beyond 0.3%, but products bought with a medical marijuana card NY, you can get high concentrations of THC)
  • What other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids do you want in your products?

There are other modes of administration too that you can opt for. Sublinguals and topicals are also extremely effective and can be found in a wide variety of products. Depending on your suitability you can choose the product that is most beneficial for you. 

It is always better to consult a medical marijuana New York doctor and get their opinion on the most suitable method of consumption for you.

New York Marijuana Laws : Everything You Need to Know

New York Marijuana Laws

The cannabis industry is booming all over the US states. New York recently legalized recreational weed, becoming another state to do so after some failed and stalled attempts in the past. Medical marijuana has been legalized since 2014 when the Compassionate Care Act was passed. One could easily access legal cannabis with the recommendation of a  medical marijuana NYC doctor. 

With the rising demand of cannabis products, many NY medical marijuana doctors also entered the market. All of this led to a more organized and regularized use of cannabis and the state-government made sure that strict cannabis-related laws prevail in New York. 

Before we jump to the NY medical marijuana laws, let’s read some of the basic information about cannabis that you all should know. 

Is Cannabis Legal in New York? 

Yes. Both recreational and medical cannabis is legal in New York. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation permitting the use of medical marijuana in the year 2014 while recreational cannabis got legalized in March 2021, allowing adults aged 21 or above to consume, possess, and cultivate cannabis legally. Though medical marijuana patients get more leverage when it comes to availing the benefits, recreational users still have to buy cannabis with all the necessary guidelines keeping in mind. 

What Are the Marijuana Laws in NY? 

 Possession Laws: As per the NY marijuana laws, a person aged 21 or above can possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower or up to 24 gm of concentrates. Possession of more than 8 ounces of cannabis is considered as a misdemeanor and is punishable by one year of imprisonment and fine of up to $1000. Smoking or vaping marijuana in public places is seen as a violation, as per New York’s tobacco control laws

Laws Regarding Sale: Exchange of up to three ounces of marijuana or 24 gram of concentrates does not lead to imprisonment or any sort of fine. However, selling marijuana to a person aged 18 or below is considered a crime and is punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment and fine of up to $5000. Using a child to undertake the sale of marijuana products is also a misdemeanor and is punishable by four years of imprisonment and fine of up to $5000. 

Laws Regarding Cultivation: A person can cultivate up to six marijuana plants ( 3 mature and 3 immature) for the treatment of his/her medical condition. One will also be able to cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants from the year 2022. If a person is caught cultivating more than six plants, he/she will have to spend a year in prison and pay a fine of up to $1000. Please note that if you are a medical marijuana patient and have a doctor’s recommendation to cultivate marijuana for your health condition, then the cultivation can vary depending on your health requirement. 

Laws Regarding Trafficking: Below are the conditions that make a person the major trafficker of marijuana – 

  • If a person is a director of a company who sells $75000 of marijuana over the period of a year or less. 
  • If a person collects $7000 or more from the sale of marijuana over the period of six years. 
  • If a person aims to sell $7000 worth of marijuana over the period of six years or less. 
  • If a person qualifies for any of the above conditions, he will be known as a major trafficker and will be punishable by 15-20 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $100,000. 

One thing is to be noted here that the federal government considers marijuana as a schedule I drug, hence considers it illegal at the top level. This has led to a cold conflict between the federal government and states legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana. Smoking and vaping cannabis is prohibited in no smoking areas, public places, and near federal places. Violation of this guideline could lead a person in serious legal trouble. That is why a rational and smart consumption of cannabis has become quite important. 

Speaking of the legalization of recreational cannabis, as it has been approved by the state recently, the laws and regulations will take several months to come into effect. Cannabis, being a controversial subject, is quite flexible and is open to changes. The government can introduce different changes in the cannabis-related laws owing to new studies and experiments that keep taking place. 

Bottom Line

Modern research points towards marijuana being a valuable aid in the treatment of an array of ailments ranging from chronic pain to cancer. Having the potential to treat such a wide range of health conditions, marijuana has been a hot topic of discussion for many years now. All this has led to the legalization of marijuana in more and more US states including New York. Everyday cannabis-related new rules and regulations are documented, making the whole system a bit complex. What could be celebrated is the herb’s ability to help thousands of people all across the globe. Also, to keep yourself up to date about New York’s cannabis laws, make sure you frequently check the state’s official cannabis pages on the internet.