Medical marijuana is effective for pain management because of the scales of cannabinoids termed THC, CBD, and a slew of others held within it. It is these diverse degrees of cannabinoids that determine the medical marijuana strain and its individual qualities. Explore this article to go through the science behind muscle spasms and pick the best strains for muscle spasms and leg cramps.
Typically, high CBD medical marijuana strains are associated with pain-relieving qualities, although this is not always the desired choice. Understanding the THC-CBD ratio and the other cannabinoids will help you pick the right strain for your medical condition.
Can Marijuana Relieve Muscle Spasms and Leg Cramps?
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Individuals generally use medical marijuana to soothe several medical ailments, particularly chronic pain. Researchers have demonstrated that cannabinoid compounds, THC and CBD, can ease pain. Several studies have also uncovered that medical cannabis is safer than traditional medications made for the alleviation of pain.
The potent cannabinoid compounds in medical cannabis can ease pain, mostly muscular pain. Numerous cannabinoid receptors in the body are also there in the brain, spinal cord, gastrointestinal system, and muscles. These receptors are the sections where cannabinoid compounds THC and CBD link. When this happens, pain in the muscle spasms is blocked.
Take note that pain stops just temporarily. Marijuana won’t treat or kick out the pain permanently. The underlying causes of the pain should be eliminated so that you’ll get better.
Interestingly, medical cannabis relaxes muscle spasms by working on the cannabinoids THC, CBG, and Myrcene terpene. Research shows that THC binds to the CB-1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and, at medium doses, creates body-relaxing and stress-relieving effects. It also reduces muscle spasms, similar to those accompanying multiple sclerosis (MS).
The cannabinoid CBG (Cannabigerol) and the Terpene Myrcene are gainful as they manage muscle spasms and assist THC with working more effectively through what scientists currently call the “Entourage Effect.”
How Medical Cannabis Relieves Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms in the body can be very painful. They can even be startling, especially when you’re in a profound sleep and suddenly wake up by that chronic pain. For most individuals who suffer leg cramps, their calves and hamstrings are affected.
Most adults have random leg cramps, but they are more common in older people. According to a study, 1 out of 3 individuals beyond 60 years old and some beyond 80 years old regularly suffer from leg cramps. Approximately 40% of individuals who suffer from leg cramps experience them around three times a week!
Body muscles have two healthy states, relaxed and contracted. A muscle is comfortable when all of the fibers are extended. When muscle spasms happen, calcium moves into the muscle cells, and sodium races out. It causes muscle fiber to shrink and turn out to be tight, resulting in muscle spasms.
A leg cramp is a disorder that happens when muscle spasms occur vigorously. Leg cramps can last for a couple of moments. However, the after-effect of the contraction may remain for 24 hours.
Studies on the Effectiveness of Medical Marijuana on Muscle Spasms
A study on multiple sclerosis (MS), distinguished by inflammation that harms nerve fibers, also proved that medical marijuana reduces inflammation. The 2013 study showed that CBD and THC content diminished the phenotype liable for multiple sclerosis (MS) inflammations.
Researches on the impacts of medical marijuana on muscle spasms focus on its use on muscle spasms produced by an underlying condition like dystonia and multiple sclerosis (MS) because of the prevalence of these illnesses and the fact that muscle spasms are often not chronic and are usually reparable.
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Medical marijuana could be a more convenient alternative than pharmaceutical drugs. Besides, medical cannabis legalization has opened doors for millions of patients who seek to move away from pharmaceutical medications for the pain to include more natural alternatives with fewer side effects.
Other studies have shown that oral cannabis extract improved the patient’s spasticity and muscle cramps at double the pace of the given placebo. Another study highlighted more than 500 cases. More than half of the subjects were reported to improve by more than 20% in spasticity after a month of therapy with Sativex, an oral cannabis spray offered by GW Pharmaceuticals.
More pharmaceutical firms have become interested in manufacturing and distributing medical marijuana products. Thus, we can conclude how and why medical marijuana affects chronic muscle spasms caused by issues random to diseases like MS, such as muscle spasms.
Marijuana’s proven competence for treating muscle spasms makes it a proper and ideal alternative for patients, which is why such huge numbers of states have approved its use as a treatment for muscle spasms and leg cramps.
THC or CBD — which is better?
Estimate how much THC and CBD content resides in a strain if you have to use medical marijuana for pain relief. You also need to find the best alleviation for pain and infection in a strain with high CBD and THC or high CBD and low THC balance. You must utilize such medical marijuana strains because CBD can reduce THC’s side effects and give you pain alleviation.
| THC:CBD | Effects |
|---|---|
| 1:0 | Psychoactive effects, uplifting emotions, uncontrollable laugh, more prominent side effects for beginners |
| 2:1 | Laugh and euphoria with more peaceful thoughts, moderate side effects |
| 1:1 | Therapeutic benefits for the peace of mind, very few side effects |
| 1:2 | Mild sedation and body relaxation, weak euphoria effect |
| 0:1 | Antipsychotic and relaxing effects, significant for remedial practice, no high cerebral effects |
Then, there are times when a high THC strain is better and not a strain with high CBD content. If you are suffering from inflammation and need pain relief to work on your day by day activities minus psychoactive effects, then a high-CBD strain is better. This sort of strain can deliver you muscle spasms relief without making you excessively high.
There are also times when you need help from severe pain, so choose a strain that will take your mind off the pain but still have excellent alleviation from pain. Moreover, it is the effect you can anticipate from a strain with high THC content.
Users typically take it in the form of a mouth spray — It has increased in acknowledgment and is available in a wide range of countries. Patients not just report a decrease in spasticity and muscle spasms but also sleep disturbances and pain. Although CBD administration through mouth spray is well known, vaping medical marijuana high in CBD can also ease pain and other symptoms.
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With the primary perception of muscle spasms relaxants, we can now see through CBD oil’s function as a neuromuscular blocker.
When muscle spasms happen, it responds to a nerve stimulus beginning within the central nervous system. Large neurons stretch from the spinal cord and extend outwards to multiple organs and muscles throughout the body.
When these neurons arrive at the synapse of a specific muscle fibers group, it carries out cell-to-cell communication, and the fibers contract.
Apart from that, for CBD to act as a muscle spasms relaxant, cannabinoid receptors must be there at the place of strong synapses. That’s where the endocannabinoid system comes in.
Best Cannabis Strains for Muscle Spasms and Leg Cramps
We explore which strains alleviate pain, especially specific medical marijuana strains that work best to treat muscle spasms. Here are the top 5 best marijuana strains for muscle spasms and leg cramps.
#1 – Cannatonic
Cannatonic was explicitly bred for high CBD and low THC to treat a wide assortment of pain-related diseases and other conditions like panic and stress. First produced in Spain, it quickly caught the medical marijuana community’s attention. With its anti-inflammatory property, Cannatonic may treat muscle spasms, stress, anxiety, depression, and multiple sclerosis.
You won’t get sucked into the loveseat, but you won’t be out running any marathons, either. Cannatonic tastes are somewhat sweet, with a slight bit of citrus. The flavor is not overwhelming, but it fits the calming atmosphere that is sure to set in. Cannatonic has the property of reducing inflammation in muscle spasms and joints, making it a fantastic choice for the post-workout chill-off.
#2 – Afghan Kush
Afghan Kush (or Afghani) is a 100% Indica landrace descendant strain from the Hindu Kush mountain range near the Afghanistan-India border. often used for crossbreeding. With around 17% THC and 6% CBD, this strain is famous for its intense body-high. People with insomnia choose this strain for its powerful, sedating effects. Afghan Kush might be useful to relieve pain caused by leg cramps. Beginners should note that Afghan Kush can produce some adverse reactions in high doses.
Some users also reported heightened anxiety, insecurity, and dizziness after consuming this strain. This strain may leave users couch-locked because of its robust, sedating effects. Because of the idea of Afghan Kush’s effects, it is just suitable for evening time use. You can also use White Widow if you want to try another high THC strain. White Widow offers Limonene, Myrcene, and Caryophyllene terpenes to render exuberant effects.
#3 – Buddha Kush OG
Buddha Kush OG medical marijuana strain is a cross between Mystery Californian O.G Kush and Reversed 98 Bubba Kush cannabis strain. Buddha Kush OG Cannabis strain is an 85/15 Indica hybrid strain that is too strong for those starting with the herb. This potent strain is piney, pungent, and reminiscent of Kush. The flavor is of an intense and spicy classic OG Kush.
Besides, it heals nausea, stress, muscle cramps, and chronic pain because of illness or injury. Besides, it’s a perfect strain for daytime and evening usage. Unlike a Sativa-dominant hybrid, the Buddha Kush OG cannabis strain’s high is rapturously uplifting and leaves you peaceful. With its anti-inflammatory property, Cannatonic may treat muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis, stress, anxiety, depression, and pain.
#4 – Blueberry
Blueberry is a hybrid strain with 80% Indica and 20% Sativa genetics. Sativa strains or Sativa-dominant hybrid strains produce energetic high, while Indica hybrid strains render sedative effects. Thus, Indica-dominant hybrid Blueberry is known for its sweet blueberry fragrance and earthy aftertaste. With its anti-inflammatory property, Cannatonic may treat muscle spasms, stress, anxiety, depression, and pain.
With a profound fruity fragrance and a sweet flavor similar to blueberries, It offers a calming experience. Besides, this Indica-dominant hybrid strain is most frequently preferred by those looking to relax and get healthy sleep. It’s because the effects of this strain usually keep anxiety, muscle cramps, or pain away.
While Indica-dominant Blueberry can sometimes cause dry mouth, it is well-known among users who experience anxiety with high-THC medical marijuana usage. Unlike a Sativa-dominant hybrid, the Blueberry cannabis strain provides a relaxing, euphoric, blissful, and sleepy feeling. Numerous medicinal users have noted pain alleviation. It is suggested for experienced smokers just and is generally best enjoyed as a nighttime indulgence.
#5 – Critical Mass From ILGM
Critical Mass medical marijuana strain is a cross between Afghani Indica and Skunk #1. Critical Mass marijuana strain is an 80/20 Indica hybrid. Unlike Sativa-dominant hybrid, this Indica-dominant hybrid weed has intense, complex aromatics and takes its name from large and heavy yielding buds that weigh down the branches and make them snap.
It’s a great all-around strain with a slow, soft onset and gentle high. This marijuana is intense, with high THC levels of up to 23%, it is not the best choice for beginners. Critical Haze marijuana is good for evening time medicinal and recreational use. With its anti-inflammatory property, Cannatonic may treat muscle spasms, stress, anxiety, depression, and pain.
Unlike a Sativa-dominant hybrid, the Critical Mass marijuana strain induces uplifting cerebral high and heightened senses. It helps in keeping the mind clear and practical. Moreover, it gives the body relaxation and stress help. Finally, it also helps with lethargy, sedation, pain, and insomnia. Overall, it’s one of the best medical marijuana strains for muscle spasms.
Final Verdict
The Federal government hasn’t done it straightforward for researchers to know the association between medical marijuana and leg cramps since marijuana is still under a schedule-1 drug. Therefore, numerous patients testify that specific strains help them deal with their conditions, including muscle cramps, spasms, and chronic pain.
When you visit any cannabis vendor’s store, you’ll be amazed at the variety of marijuana strains. There are numerous types of medical marijuana strains for muscle spasms relief. There will surely be a strain for pain that is right for your condition. Your doctor would probably suggest an ideal medical strain and the right dose for your muscle spasms.
Most states in the USA have legalized the medical use of cannabis. Still, you need a prescription to purchase medical cannabis for muscle spasms. Medical strains are available at local and online dispensaries. And if you are looking for cannabis seeds for growing indoors or outdoors, purchase them from local or the best online seed banks.
