Cannabis is frequently used medicinally to alleviate muscle spasms, primarily because of how cannabinoids and terpenes engage with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Not only is there research that shows the ECS helps regulate spasticity and muscle spasms, studies have also shown that cannabinoids may support neuromuscular transmission, or the way your brain tells muscles what to do. Moreover, one study found that nearly 50% of multiple sclerosis patients have contemplated using cannabis, with 26% reporting positive outcomes from its use. The best weed strains that may help with muscle spasms are typically those with high concentrations of terpenes known for their soothing physical effects like myrcene and Caryophyllene. Keep in mind that cannabis affects everyone differently, meaning the best strains that may help with muscle spasms are found in an array of different cultivars.
Best weed strains that may help with muscle spasms
If you’re prone to muscle spasms, you’ll be pleased to know that cannabis could help ease the pain and discomfort of these uncomfortable tight cramps that can come on suddenly out of nowhere. Whether caused by stress, overuse, or underlying health conditions like multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia, there’s a handful of strains known to calm the nerves and ease physical stress and tension associated with muscle spasms.
The best strains for muscle spasms
Whether you’re looking for an energizing sativa strain known to help with muscle spasms, something more suited for evening use that also supports sleep, or prefer a balanced hybrid blend of relaxation and uplifted energy, you’ll find the best options below.
Raspberry Parfait
Raspberry Parfait is a highly dominant sativa hybrid with a calm focused high and therapeutic effects said to help with muscle spasms. With 20% THC, this sweet and creamy berry flavored strain delivers manageable effects that takes a minute to feel, but soon becomes a relaxing, happy and focused high. This is one of the best strains for muscle spasms to use during the day that’s also reported to ease stress and depression.
Red Pop
Red Pop is a popular medical cannabis strain thanks to its wide-ranging therapeutic benefits. This sweet fruity strain with amazing apple undertones is reported to help support muscle spasms, chronic pain, hypertension, eye pressure, headaches, inflammation, and asthma. And with 15% THC, it’s one of the best strains for muscle spasms that’s ideal for both new and experienced consumers. Expect an uplifting, euphoric head high and warm, relaxing physical effects that soothe mental and physical tension — ending in couch-lock and a super sleepy, sedative-like state that also makes it a powerful aid against insomnia.
Cookies Kush
Cookies Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid with a lazy but energizing high commonly used by medical marijuana patients to alleviate pain, cramps, muscle spasms, and mood swings. It delivers award-winning effects you’d expect from a GSC and OG Kush cross, with a relatively low 15% THC and high 1.5% CBD concentration that make it a desirable medical cannabis strain. Expect a sedative-like sensation at the onset, which then transforms into an uplifting and blissfully euphoric creative buzz, giving it a strange balance of lazy and revitalizing.
Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple, aka Granddaddy Purps, is a legendary indica-dominant hybrid with deep purple buds that’s won multiple awards since it was created in 2003 — including Best Indica at the 2015 High Times Cannabis Cup. This Northern California classic cross of Big Bud and Purple Urkle delivers the powerfully relaxing full-bodied high you’d expect from an old-school iconic indica. Expect a soaring cerebral euphoria at the onset, with a powerfully relaxing body high that follows, soothing physical aches and pains and leaving you in a perfectly content, blissfully calm state. MMJ patients commonly turn to Granddaddy Purps to alleviate muscle spasms, pain, anxiety, and appetite loss.
Green Poison
Green Poison is an indica-dominant hybrid with 17% THC and quick hitting high that’s largely physical, delivering a tingling sensation that relaxes the body to a point of full-on sleepy sedation. These soothing effects combined with its long-lasting high make this sweet flowery flavored strain with a subtle skunky finish a popular medical cannabis option for muscle spasms, insomnia, and stress. Green Poison is one of the best strains for muscle spasms that provides sustained relief thanks to its effects that linger for hours.
How can cannabis help with muscle spasms
The best weed strains that may help with muscle spasms are typically those with high concentrations of terpenes known for their soothing physical effects. Myrcene, the most commonly occurring cannabis terpene, is one of them — known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties that are believed to contribute to its antispasmodic potential. Caryophyllene is another terpene found in some cannabis strains known to relieve pain and inflammation, which could contribute to managing muscle spasms.