Best Strains of Cannabis to Help Manage Spinal Cord Disease

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Best Strains of Cannabis to Help Manage Spinal Cord Disease

There are thousands of strains that treat hundreds of symptoms, from nausea to persistent pain. So, how do you know which is right for you to take if you have a spinal cord disease? The best thing to do is look at your individual symptoms.

Spinal cord disease affects each patient differently. The condition, which is caused by an underlying disease or infection, can do damage to the spinal cord resulting in many symptoms. As a medical marijuana patient, there are many types of strains you can choose from to best treat your most prominent symptoms.

How Medical Marijuana Treats Spinal Cord Disease

Medical marijuana is made up of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. These mimic cannabinoids found in our own body’s endocannabinoids system (ECS), which is made up of receptors located throughout our body. Since it’s the job of the ECS to bring bodily balance, cannabinoids produce many different medicinal benefits when they interact with receptors, from pain relief to reduced inflammation and more.

Since receptors are found in every major bodily system, cannabinoids can treat many different symptoms. That’s good news for patients with spinal cord disease, since the side effects of the condition can be quite varied.

Some of the spinal cord disease symptoms you can treat with medical marijuana include:

  • Chronic pain
  • Muscle spasms and spasticity
  • Insomnia
  • Emotional health issues

Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain

There are three kinds of cannabis strains: indica, sativa and hybrids. Indicas produce a heavy sedative quality, while sativas are known for giving the user energy. Hybrids are cross-bred to combine certain qualities of both sativa and indica plants.

Patients should also be aware of the cannabinoid content found in each strain. The two major cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC produces weed’s psychoactive effects but still has many healthful benefits. CBD does not get users high, yet still has incredible medical effects. The combination of CBD and THC working synergistically is thought to be best when looking for a cannabis medication.

Here’s how certain strains can treat four of the most common symptoms of spinal cord disease.

  1. Strains for Chronic Pain

Many people with spinal cord disease experience chronic and severe pain. These strains are known for combatting pain associated with this condition:

  • ACDC (Hybrid): An effective painkiller because of its double dose of CBD and THC.
  • Blackberry Kush (Indica): With its high CBD content, this strain is known to knock out pain. It may be better to use this indica at night, as it could create that “couch-locked” feeling.
  • Cataract Kush (Hybrid): This strain is especially useful for treating pain associated with spinal injuries.
  1. Strains for Muscle Spasms and Spasticity

This symptom can be quite difficult to manage. Certain strains help patients calm spasms and spasticity, giving their body the plant’s relaxing effects:

  • Granddaddy Purple (Indica): Sends users into a blissful sleep free of muscular issues.
  • Maui Waui (Sativa): Good for helping users deal with stress and fatigue, as well as getting rid of muscle spasms.
  1. Strains for Insomnia

When a patient can’t sleep, not only does it exasperate their condition, but it can lead to additional health complications. These strains will help any user go nighty-night:

  • Tahoe OG Kush (Hybrid): A hybrid with a higher-than-average CBD content, this strain relaxes muscles and slows racing thoughts so users can have a peaceful night’s rest.
  • God’s Gift (Indica): This strain both relieves stress and gives users a sense of peace, allowing them to drift to sleep.
  • Afghan Kush (Indica): This strain is cherished as insomnia’s worst enemy.
  1. Strains for Emotional Health

Coping with spinal cord disease can cause many to struggle with depression. Here are some strains known to combat negative feelings and thoughts:

  • Jack Herer (Sativa): This both improves users’ moods and gives them feelings of happiness.
  • Pineapple Express (Sativa): With a bright citrusy flavor, this strain is known for taking users to their happy place.
  • Harlequin (Hybrid): If you need a mood boost, this strain is the right choice. The almost-equal CBD and THC content balances the psychoactive side effects with a calming sensation.

Assistance Choosing the Right Strain

For additional assistance making a strain selection, turn to the helpful staff at a local medical marijuana dispensary. Also, be sure to keep your doctor in the loop about medicating choices you make. If you don’t have a marijuana doctor, search our database to find one near you today.

Information About Medical Marijuana & Spinal Cord Disease