The 20 Best Weed Strains for Back Pain
Use These Strains To Reduce Pain and Inflammation in Your Back
As usual, weed’s got your back. (Pun intended.)
UPDATED: JUNE 2024
Nearly 8% of all adults in the US battle back pain. That’s about 16 million people, so if you’re one of them, know you’re not alone.
The standard treatment for back pain is opioids and other synthetic medications, most of which are incredibly addictive and not always effective. As an alternative to lab-made medicines, many patients are turning to weed for natural treatment of their back pain.
Science is still determining the best weed strains for back pain, but research is pointing to high-THC and balanced THC-to-CBD strains as the best options for using weed for pain. However, some folks have reported finding the best relief with high-CBD strains, or at least appreciating the less intoxicating effects of those strains, so we’ve included a few of those in our list of the best weed strains for back pain as well.
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain can range from dull muscle aches to sharp sensations traveling down the body. It varies from one person to another and can be caused by issues like:
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Muscle spasms
- Ruptured or bulging disks
- Strained muscles and ligaments
Even if you don’t suffer from any of the above, you can still experience back pain from things like poor posture, work pressure, and non-standard mattresses or sleeping arrangements.
Weed won’t help you address these underlying causes, but the best strains available for back pain can certainly help you manage your symptoms.
How Does Marijuana Help With Back Pain?
More people are turning to medical marijuana to reduce their back pain as various studies have pointed to the benefits of marijuana for pain relief.
For example, a recent scientific review of four studies found that cannabis successfully alleviated back pain with no serious adverse effects for the 110 total participants.
In another study with 186 patients, researchers found weed not only helped participants experience less back pain but also helped to reduce many of the patients’ use of opioids, with nearly 40% eliminating opioids from their back pain treatment altogether.
The positive effects of marijuana on back pain come from the synergy of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the plant. These phytochemicals interact with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to help you feel less pain, reduce inflammation, and restore balance in your body.
The Best Weed Strains for Back Pain
Weed has a history of treating pain, including nerve pain, migraines, and chronic pain.
You may notice some overlap in the weed strains used for pain in these different instances. Here are the 20 best strains to help you with back pain.
1. ACDC
ACDC is a CBD-dominant cross between Cannatonic and Ruderalis. It’s one of the best weed strains for back pain for folks who don’t want to get too high.
It usually has 12%-24% CBD, 5% THC, and a rich terpene profile that gives it notes of cherry and diesel. If you’re looking for a daytime pain reliever that won’t completely sedate you, ACDC is a great choice!
2. Blackberry Kush
Blackberry Kush is also known as one of the best strains for back pain. It’s an Indica-dominant cross between Afghani weed and Blackberry.
Generally, this strain has a THC content of around 20% with minor amounts of CBD. It’s known for having a sweet berry flavor. Between this dessert-like flavor, its high THC content, and its Indica lineage, this strain is ideal for night-time pain relief.
3. Black Jack
Black Jack is a more balanced strain to use for back pain, though it does still lean higher on the THC side. This piney-smelling hybrid is a cross between Black Domina and Jack Herer. It’s known to help users maintain focus while simultaneously relieving back pain, making it ideal for daytime use.
Expect its THC content to be around 18% with around 9% CBD.
4. Blue Cheese
A highly recommended Indica-dominant hybrid on our list of best strains for back pain is the offspring of Blueberry and UK Cheese. It tastes like—you guessed it—blueberry and cheese.
With 20% THC and negligible levels of CBD, it offers relief from back pain while delivering a euphoric high. This one may be more ideal for experienced consumers since it has a higher THC content.
5. Blue Dream
One of the best weed strains for back pain is the Sativa-dominant cross between Blueberry Indica and Super Silver Haze.
Blue Dream is a classic among marijuana smokers, featuring sweet cherry flavors with citrus notes. It generally has around 18% THC and little to no CBD. It’s a fantastic strain for managing back pain and inflammation while enjoying a boost of energy and creativity.
6. Blue Haze
Blueberry makes another appearance on our list of best strains for back pain with the Sativa-dominant hybrid of Blueberry and Haze.
Blue Haze gives you around 16%-26% THC with 2% CBD. A mix of berry and citrus flavors accompanies its relaxing effects. If you’re looking for a potent high and pain-free back, Blue Haze is your strain.
7. Blueberry Cookies
An ideal Indica-dominant strain for those with back injuries is Blueberry Cookies, a hybrid of Blueberry Tahoe and Thin Mint GSC that tastes like what blueberry cookies might taste like—fruity with a hint of roasted nuts.
This strain usually has around 20% THC with only 1% CBD. You can use it throughout the day to benefit from its mid-level euphoria while managing your back pain, though if you’re a novice user, it may be better to save this one for nighttime.
8. Bubba Kush
Another of our best marijuana strains for back pain is Bubba Kush, a popular Indica-dominant strain with unknown origins.
With 25% THC and nearly zero CBD, Bubba Kush provides a body-melting experience that can significantly reduce back pain. Despite having a scent of chocolate and coffee, this strain is not energy-inducing. Expect a tranquilizing high that will calm your back and your mind.
9. Candyland
One of the best weed strains for back pain is the Sativa-leaning hybrid of Granddaddy Purple and Bay Platinum Cookies. Despite its sweet name, Candyland is known to have more of an earthy aroma.
Its 19% THC and 1% CBD content induce an energizing effect while simultaneously releasing overall body tension. Because of its Sativa lineage, it’s best to use it during the day to bring your back pain under control.
10. Gorilla Glue #4
A well-known hybrid strain for back pain is the Indica-dominant cross between Chocolate Diesel and Sour Diesel.
Gorilla Glue #4 gives you an impressive 30% THC with hardly any CBD. It has some of the best terpenes for pain and relaxes your back while putting you in a deep sleep. Save this one for nighttime use. Not only is it sedative, but it has a pleasant chocolatey flavor that makes it great for dessert.
11. Gorilla Punch
Another Gorilla hybrid that’s great for back pain is the cross between Purple Punch and Gorilla Glue #4. Gorilla Punch offers quick pain-killing effects thanks to its 26% THC and around 2% CBD, and it imparts a yummy taste of berries and chocolate.
This can be a good daytime strain to manage your back pain and other severe conditions if you’re an experienced consumer. If you’re new to using weed for back pain, consider saving this strain for nighttime.
12. Grape Ape
Another Indica-dominant hybrid on our list of best strains for back pain is the child of Mendocino Purps, Skunk, and Afghani.
Grape Ape packs 21% THC, little to no CBD, and fruity grape flavors. This strain is the perfect nighttime cannabis for a full-body, couch-locked experience and a relaxed back.
13. Harlequin
Our list of best weed strains for back pain continues with Harlequin, the Sativa-dominant descendant of Gold, Swiss, and Thai Sativas.
Its relatively high CBD content of around 10% combined with 7% THC makes Harlequin one of the best marijuana strains for chronic pain. Enjoy the tropical aroma of this cannabis during the day to reduce your back aches without experiencing a euphoric high.
14. MK Ultra
MK Ultra, named after a secret CIA project, is the potent Indica-dominant hybrid of G-13 and OG Kush.
With up to 20% THC and 0.2% CBD, MK Ultra is one of the best strains to use for back pain. It features pungent flavors with earthy undertones. Find instant relief with this strain and relax with its couch-locking effects.
15. Northern Lights
A popular medical strain with Afghani and Thai roots is the Indica-dominant Northern Lights. Northern Lights is one of the best weed strains for back pain, with 21% THC, 0.1% CBD, and citrusy, spicy scents.
We suggest taking advantage of its deeply relaxing properties during the evening to prepare for a pain-free night.
16. OG Kush
Another Indica-dominant cultivar among the best strains for back pain is OG Kush, thought to be the child of famous strains Chemdawg and Hindu Kush.
OG Kush offers nerve-soothing properties with its 20% THC, less than 1% CBD content, and unique citrusy aromas. Try it in the evening for full-body relaxation and a pain-free back.
17. Skywalker OG
Another Indica-dominant hybrid that can help you manage back pain is the offspring of Mazar, Blueberry, and OG Kush.
Skywalker OG has a sweet, spicy aroma. It features around 23% THC and 2% CBD, imparting a mellow high that helps to reduce pain.
18. Timewarp
Another Sativa-dominant cultivar that frequently makes the list of best strains for back pain is the Canadian landrace hybrid, Timewarp.
Timewarp has an intense lemony scent with pine undertones. With only 16% THC and less than 1% CBD, it’s an ideal daytime pain reliever that gives you an uplifting euphoria with whole-body tension relief.
19. Tropicana Cookies
One of the most exotic Sativa-dominant hybrids on our list of best weed strains for back pain is the cross between GSC and Tangie.
Tropicana Cookies has up to 21% THC and hardly any CBD. This uplifting Sativa can reduce chronic back pain and muscle strain to help you regain full mobility. True to its name, it tastes delicious with a brownie-like flavor and an orange-like scent.
20. White Widow
The last Indica-dominant cultivar on our list of best strains for back pain is the love child of a Brazilian sativa and a South Indian indica.
With 25% THC and 1% CBD, White Widow is considered to be a heavy-hitter, so if you’re new to weed, go slow with it. You’ll enjoy its citrusy aroma and pain-reducing properties.
Try the Best Weed for Back Pain with Ozark MMJ Cards
Medical marijuana can be an excellent natural pain reliever for your back. While cannabis has numerous cultivars, these are the most effective ones for backaches. If you can’t find these at your nearest dispensary, talk to your budtender. They may be able to recommend a strain with a comparable THC content and/or terpene profile.
If you need a medical marijuana card to shop at a dispensary, or if you’re in a rec state but want to take advantage of the tax savings that come with having an MMJ card, we can help! We offer fast and affordable MMJ card certification and renewal services to those in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
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