The ongoing pandemic awoke an important discussion that people haven’t had for a while; how to boost the immune system. People are popping vitamins and eating citrus fruits in a bid to protect themselves from the virus, while some folks have been looking into marijuana as well.
But are there strains that protect against the virus or a prevention treatment that people can look into? We take a dive into what we already know and have.
Does Cannabis Work for Colds and Viruses?
First, one’s immune system would have to be compromised for them to get the virus, which then lets us know what we need to guard. While eating foods rich in vitamin C is great, people also need to manage their stress levels so as not to weaken the immune system. Cannabis helps lower stress, which in turn helps strengthen the system. If you can help it, don’t overthink the pandemic or the virus. Instead, focus on getting through one day at a time.
Second, it helps to be cautious when smoking during these times. You would be putting yourself and others at risk if you passed a joint around, even if the people you are smoking with are known to you personally. The best way to combat this virus is to eat right, observe personal hygiene, lower stress levels through cannabis if you are a user, and mask up as has been recommended. It would also do no harm to try the best cannabis strain for pain if you have inflammation or general fatigue. While it will not protect you from the virus, it will give you relief from pain.
While marijuana is known to treat conditions such as epilepsy and cancer, you don’t just get to pick up any strain and hope for the best. It is recommended that you see a doctor who will administer the right one for your condition as well as the required dosage.
Let’s look at some of the strains known for pain relief, inflammation, and fighting fatigue.
Best Strains for Pain Relief
Though there are quite a number of these on the market, these two are the best known for pain relief.
- Blackberry Kush
- Harlequin
Blackberry Kush
Basic characteristics:
- 13 – 15% THC
- 0.82 – 1.27% CBD
- Terpenes: Linalool, Pinene, Terpineol, Ocimene, Phellandrene, and Geraniol
- Feelings associated with its use: Creativity, Hunger, Talkative, Tingly, Giggly.
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Blackberry Kush has been known for long as one of the strains that relieve pain, among other things. Given its levels of THC, it is quite strong and known to treat severe headaches and migraines while also releasing an uplifting effect to the user. Some users say it also helps with eating and sleeping disorders, anxiety, and stress.
Harlequin
- Basic characteristics:
- 5 – 8% THC
- 8.81 – 11.19% CBD
- Terpenes: Pinene, Bisabolol, Sabinene, Phellandrene, and Geraniol
- Feelings associated with its use: Creativity, Concentration, Talkative, Calmness
The lower levels of tetrahydrocannabinol in this strain do not make it any less effective than others. It only means the anxiety and paranoia associated with higher levels of THC are countered while releasing a relaxed mood and easing pain for users. It is ideally used by those who suffer chronic pain.
Best Strains for Inflammation
Cannabis is generally known for its anti-inflammatory properties, though the best-known strains for this are GSC and AC/DC.
Girl Scout Cookies – GSC
Basic characteristics:
- 17 – 19% THC
- 0.51 – 1.16% CBD
- Terpenes: Pinene, Humulene, Carene, Ocimene, and Phellandrene
- Feelings associated with its use: Relaxation, Sedation, Focus, Uplifting.
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This award-winning strain has been used for a long by patients to combat nausea, loss of appetite, severe pain, and even inflammation. It is also one of the best cannabis strain for sleep because when the body is relaxed and not in pain, you are able to fall asleep. Unless growers come up with an even better option, GSC is likely to stay at the top of the tables for a long time.
AC/DC
Basic characteristics:
- 1 – 4% THC
- 16.67 – 19.01% CBD
- Terpenes: Limonene, Valencene, Sabinene, and Ocimene
- Feelings associated with its use: Creativity, Giggly, Arousing.
People suffering from chronic pain that is made worse by THC are recommended to go for this strain. Being low on THC, it will not make you high, but will work on pain and have a calming effect. AC/DC is common among users suffering from epilepsy and the consequences of chemotherapy.
Best Strains to Fight Fatigue
Cinex and Cannatonic have different compositions, but they are both ideal for fighting fatigue. Since they also help calm the mind, they are some of the best cannabis strains for mental health too.
Cinex
Basic characteristics:
- 13 – 17% THC
- 0.52 – 1.16% CBD
- Terpenes: Myrcene, Linalool, Ocimene, and Phellandrene
- Feelings associated with its use: Euphoria, Hunger, Calmness, Focus.
This super energizing and mood-improving strain does the brain some good. It works for those dealing with depression, ADHD, and chronic pain.
Cannatonic
Basic characteristics:
- 6 – 9% THC
- 9.31 – 11.44% CBD
- Terpenes: Limonene, Linalool, Valencene, and Phellandrene
- Feelings associated with its use: Focus, Creativity
This strain’s composition makes it a calming, uplifting option for those suffering from severe mood swings. It also treats chronic pain, migraines, and spasms effectively.
Best Cannabis Strain for Insomnia
Motorbreath
Basic Characteristics:
- 22 – 24% THC
- 0.48 – 1.7% CBD
- Terpenes: Linalool, Camphene, Valencene
- Feelings associated with its use: Relaxation, calmness
Due to its high levels of THC, this strain leaves the user with a relaxing high that even the most stubborn insomniac is likely to be knocked out. Other common uses include pain relief for Arthritis, Bipolar disorder, and Muscular dystrophy.
Conclusion
While you will easily find a specific cannabis strain for anxiety, you will not find one that fights viruses and boosts the immune system. Since scientists have yet to prove that an existing strain can combat viruses, you should not use cannabis for this purpose. What you can do is use it to lower stress levels that will then strengthen your immunity. Important Note: Do not smoke cannabis if you have any respiratory conditions. There are other more appropriate ways, such as edibles and topical application on localized pain.
This article originally appeared on AskGrowers.com and has been reposted with permission.
