Weed Wednesday: Strains of the Week

Living with chronic pain that is not adequately addressed by traditional pharmaceutical medications means that we often look to alternative treatments for relief. Aside from gentle stretching, doing the best I can with stress management (a perpetual struggle), and warm Epsom salt baths, I use cannabis to help me to have some semblance of life.

For those who have not ventured into the world of cannabis, there are several different strains that can be helpful in mitigating the often debilitating pain that chronic pain patients experience, often on a daily basis. I like having a variety, as I use cannabis as my medicine cabinet, in a sense. Here in Colorado, where recreational cannabis is legal, there are several dispensaries in our area. Just avoid the touristy areas, because those often have higher prices, which do not necessarily mean that you are getting a better product.

We typically pick up $5 grams, along with 10 pre-rolls, which typically lasts us two weeks or so. Medicine that has very limited undesired side-effects that has given me the ability to clear our driveway of snow during the winter, mowing the yard in the summer, and allows me to create on a nearly daily basis.

Here is what we will be toking on this week!

Afghani: Afghani is a heavy indica strain. It delivers a deep, sedating relaxation and euphoria. Patients most commonly turn to this potent indica to treat insomnia, pain, and stress disorders.

Cherry Lime Haze (Ilera Healthcare): Cherry Lime Haze strain may be recommended for day and morning time use due to stimulating properties. Cherry Lime Haze induces functional cerebral effects laced with creativity and uplifted mood.

Fluff’s Travels: Fluff's Travels is a mostly indica variety from The Bank Genetics. Relatively new strain, so there is not too much information on it. My personal experience will be uploaded at a later date.

Grape Krypt: OG Grape Krypt is a mostly indica variety from DNA Genetics. Great medicinal strain that helps many people with a whole range of ailments. The power of this strain makes it great for the high tolerance smoker. Great for pain relief and insomnia.

Orange Kush: Orange Kush was bred by Green Devil Genetics and is the child of Orange Bud and OG Kush. It eases the body into relaxation while lifting moods with a sweet and tangy citrus flavor. This strain is good for reducing stress, pain, depression, insomnia, and headaches.

Quintessa: This high CBD strain is perfect for taking the edge off chronic pain. Works well on anxiety too.

Reba (Fall ’97 [Purple Urkle x OG Kush] x Durban Poison [African Landrace Genetics]): This strain has a good general skunky taste and made my Epsom salt soak very relaxing. The
Fall ‘97 is a cross of Purple Urkle and OG Kush. This strain is great for use throughout the day for smokers looking for a strain that tones down the potent OG Kush high and makes it a bit more functional. It has gained popularity worldwide for its sweet smell and energetic, uplifting effects. Durban Poison is the perfect strain to help you stay productive through a busy day, when exploring the outdoors, or to lend a spark of creativity. When the effects of these strains are combined, it makes for a very functional pain relief option that doesn’t have a couch lock effect.

Royster OG (OG Kush x Overflo): The OG Kush was highlighted earlier in this post. Take all of that awesomeness and add in the effects of Overflo, which includes the award winning Flo. Flo is good for stress, depression, pain, fatigue, and nausea. The combination of benefits makes this a strain to keep on hand. When paired with Quintessa, your pain will likely start to melt away.

Skunk x Northern Lights: An excellent bud for all-around medicinal use, Northern Skunk brings a beneficial set of effects for nearly any ailment. Common concerns of pain, headaches, and even nausea can all be quelled with just a few puffs. Anyone susceptible to being overly stressed out or feeling depressed will also find relief with this lovely strain. When you want to have a restful night, try a bit of Northern Skunk just before the end of the work day. This strain has been found to be good for stress, pain, inflammation, insomnia, and nausea.

Tahoe Alien (Ilera Healthcare): Tahoe Alien may help you feel relaxed, without becoming overly sedative or narcotic. Tahoe Alien has been known to help with significant relief from any mental pain or racing thoughts without any feelings of paranoia or anxiety. These heady effects are accompanied by a mellow relaxing body feeling that rids you of any physical body pain without leaving you couch-locked or sedative.

Z7 (Ilera Healthcare): Upon inhaling the sweet, floral notes of Z7, you are lifted into a state of mellow relaxation that differs greatly from the jarring experience induced by high THC strains. This strain has high levels of the pain relieving CBD, which makes this one a standout in our arsenal of painkillers. Patients looking to medicate without the pronounced head and body effects may turn to Z7 to treat seizures, pain, inflammation, and anxiety disorders.

Have you tried cannabis for treating your pain? What are some strains you swear by? Do you lean more towards sativa or indica strains?