Is Cannabis Effective for Muscle Spasms?
Whether you experience them as sudden twitches or involuntary movements, muscle spasms can be painful and make life difficult. Some medications can help you through them, but there may also be a natural solution in the form of cannabis.
If you’ve ever used different marijuana strains for back pain or soreness, then you may be wondering about the effectiveness of cannabis for muscle spasms. So are many other patients and scientists.
So, is weed a reliable option for easing muscle spasms? Stay with us as we answer this question and look closer at the potential benefits of this natural supplement for muscle cramps.
Understanding Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms, also called twitches or cramps, are sudden contractions of one or more of your muscles. They can happen after a hard workout or when you’re stressed and dehydrated.
Spasms are not specific to one muscle group and can occur in different areas, such as the:
- Feet
- Arms
- Hands
- Wrists
- Thighs
- Calves
- Abdomen
- Shoulders
Muscle spasms can be quite painful and unexpected. Their effects, however, may linger for up to five days and even make the muscles temporarily useless. As a result, many people are exploring cannabis for muscle spasms to find relief.
Causes of Muscle Spasms
Cramps can happen to just about anyone. That is why most people are eligible to use weed for muscle spasms. However, some are more prone to them.
Those include athletes who don’t stretch or overstretch before a workout or overwork their muscles during strenuous activities. Another group prone to experiencing muscle cramps is overweight individuals and pregnant women.
Older age groups and patients on certain prescription medications may also suffer from the sudden pain of muscle spasms.
Signs of Muscle Spasms
Using cannabis for muscle spasms may help alleviate the symptoms. However, remember that spasms can vary in severity. Some may feel pain for just a few seconds, while others suffer for days.
People with an underlying health condition can also experience the following symptoms with cramps:
- Tremors
- Paralysis
- Insomnia
- Numb skin
- Double vision
- Slow movements
- Poor coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Back or neck pain
Treatments for Muscle Spasms
Those who have frequent muscle spasms can take medications like baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, and tizanidine. However, these medications have various side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, and liver toxicity.
On the other hand, cannabis can be a natural alternative for muscle spasms with less severe side effects. Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce chronic pain, ease cramps, and offer a range of other potential health benefits.
How Can Cannabis Help with Muscle Spasms?
Scientists are currently studying the effectiveness of medical weed for muscle spasms. What they have found so far is very promising for patients. Their research shows that cannabis can relieve spasms in the following ways.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is a major contributor to muscle spasms as it causes swelling and irritation. Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties that can address this issue.
A team at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine studied the effectiveness of cannabis for muscle spasms. They found that anti-inflammatory terpenes and cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to suppress inflammatory proteins and reduce spasticity.
Alleviate Pain Perception
In addition, cannabis has analgesic properties that can dull the perception of pain and provide much-needed relief for people experiencing muscle cramps.
Studies show that people with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries who used weed for their muscle spasms experienced less pain due to the effects of THC.
Other studies report that a synthetic cannabinoid called nabilone can effectively lower spasticity-related pain in patients who haven’t responded to conventional medications.
Combat Stress and Anxiety
Cannabis can also be beneficial for muscle spasms by combating their causes. Stress is one of the main reasons your body might be stiff and prone to spasticity.
Marijuana’s calming properties can relax your mind and help you battle stress and anxiety. As a result, your body will be less stiff, and you will experience fewer muscle spasms.
Improve Muscle Recovery
Finally, cannabis can help you combat cramps by aiding in muscle recovery. If you’re an athlete or have overworked your muscles in any other way, you have made them vulnerable to spasms.
Applying a topical cannabis solution to your overworked muscles can help them recover faster and make you less prone to spasticity.
How to Use Cannabis for Muscle Spasms
You can use different types of cannabis products to relax your muscles and reduce spasms.
However, to get the best results when using weed for muscle spasms, you should choose a product that addresses your issues the best, and that might be different for each person.
Here is how each type of product can benefit you.
Cannabis Topicals
If you experience mild and simple muscle cramps, cannabis topicals are the best way to go. Choose full-spectrum creams, roll-ons, or oils to benefit from the full entourage effect.
Apply the solution topically to the affected area, and you’ll find relief for 4-6 hours. You can reapply throughout the day if your spasms persist.
Cannabis Topicals
If you experience mild and simple muscle cramps, cannabis topicals are the best way to go. Choose full-spectrum creams, roll-ons, or oils to benefit from the full entourage effect.
Apply the solution topically to the affected area, and you’ll find relief for 4-6 hours. You can reapply throughout the day if your spasms persist.
Cannabis Inhalables
If you prefer to inhale weed for muscle spasms, you can opt for vapes or pre-rolls. This method is ideal for those who experience sudden and intense cramps.
By inhaling marijuana, you will notice a more immediate effect. However, the soothing effect of cannabis vapes or pre-rolls for muscle spasms wears off quicker than other methods, and you must use them 4-5 times throughout the day.
The Best Marijuana Strains for Muscle Spasms
Apart from choosing the correct consumption method, you must also pick an effective strain to fight cramps. Understanding different marijuana strains can help you choose the best ones for your condition.
Here are some of the best weed strains for muscle spasms.
ACDC
A great strain to begin your cannabis journey with is the low-THC strain, ACDC. This sativa-dominant hybrid of Cannatonic and Ruderalis has 6% THC and 24% CBD with scents of cherry you can enjoy to find relief.
Afghan Kush
Another fantastic cannabis strain for muscle spasms is Afghan Kush. This indica cultivar packs 17% THC and 6% CBD with mild earthy aromas. You can try Afghan Kush to ease muscle spasms or neuropathic pain.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is your third-best option for easing muscle cramps. This sativa-dominant descendant of Blueberry Indica and Super Silver Haze contains 18% THC, 2% CBD, and scents of berry that will make you forget your painful spasms in no time.
Grandaddy Purple
Next on our list of the best weed strains for muscle spasms is the indica-dominant hybrid of Mendo Purps, Skunk, and Afghan. With 17% THC, 0.5% CBD, and grape flavors, Grandaddy Purple can be your reliable ally against spasticity.
Harlequin
Another excellent cannabis strain for muscle spasms is Harlequin. This sativa-dominant lovechild of Gold, Swiss, and Thai sativas packs 7% THC and 10% CBD with tropical flavors. You can try Harlequin to alleviate spasms or even migraines.
Northern Lights
A beloved strain with Afghani and Thai parents is the indica-leaning Northern Lights. This cultivar contains 21% THC and 0.1% CBD. You can enjoy its citrusy aromas whenever you feel a tightness in your muscles to help them relax.
OG Kush
Our next weed cultivar for muscle spasms is the indica-dominant descendant of Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Old World Paki Kush. OG Kush has 20% THC, 0.5% CBD, and citrus flavors that help eliminate the tension from your muscles.
Skywalker OG
Another indica-based cannabis strain for muscle spasms is Skywalker OG. This descendant of Mazar, Blueberry, and OG Kush packs 23% THC and 2% CBD. You can enjoy its spicy aromas to reduce muscle cramps while experiencing a mellow high.
White Widow
Lastly, we have White Widow, one of the top 30 strongest marijuana strains. This indica-leaning strain comes from a Brazilian sativa and a South Indian indica, giving you 25% THC, 1% CBD, and citrus fragrances that will relax your muscles.
Try Weed for Muscle Spasms with Ozark MMJ Cards
Research has made it clear that cannabis has immense potential for muscle cramps and recovery. If you want to try cannabis for muscle spasms and experience its effects for yourself, we can help!
Ozark MMJ Cards offers fast and affordable marijuana card certification and renewal services in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. With our virtual appointments, you can get evaluated from the comfort of your home and receive your MMJ card in no time!
Are you ready to begin your marijuana journey and find relief from the pain of muscle spasms? Contact us today to set up an appointment. Don’t forget to visit our cannabis blog for more informative articles like this one!