Cannabis research and user testimonies have shown that the popular plant has a lot of medical potential. From managing chronic pain and alleviating the symptoms of mental health conditions to easing nausea and relieving insomnia, the benefits of certain cannabis strains for medical patients simply cannot be ignored.
That is why we have compiled a list of our top strain choices for you to use if you are suffering from any ailment. Each strain has its own unique characteristics, so have a look to determine which strains will work best to relieve your symptoms.
Our top strain recommendations for medical cannabis patients include:
- Romulan
- White Berry
- A-Train
- Dr. Grinspoon
- Crimea Blue
- S.A.G.E
- Mazar
- G-13 Haze
- Satori
- Canna Sutra
- Lavender
- Nigerian Silver
- Purple Kush
- Jack Herer
Romulan
Romulan is an indica strain with an average THC concentration of 19%. Bred by crossing White Rhino with North American Indica and named after the popular alien race from Star Trek, this strain is well known for its potent therapeutic characteristics. It has a peppery flavour with a pine scent.
Your experience will start with some strong cerebral effects, which will soon melt into sedation and relaxation. This strain can be used to relieve pain, specifically related to nerve damage and muscle spasms. It is best to use this strain at night due to its potent couch lock effects.
ROMULAN | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Indica | Pine / Spicy / Tobacco | Sleepy / Relaxed / Hungry | Pain / Muscle spasms / Insomnia / Stress | 19% |
White Berry
This versatile indica strain is a cross between Blueberry and White Widow. With a THC content of 20%, you can expect calming effects accompanied by a gentle boost in energy. Ingesting this strain in larger quantities is said to produce a head high similar to sativa strains with a body high akin to indicas.
White Berry is said to spark creativity and reduce stress, making it a great strain to relax on the couch with. Most medical cannabis patients use this strain to help them find relief from muscle spasms and restless leg syndrome (RLS).
WHITE BERRY | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Indica | Blueberry / Berry / Sweet | Euphoric / Creative / Sleepy / Relaxed | Stress / Anxiety / Pain / Muscle spasms / RLS | 20% |
A-Train
Mixing Trainwreck, Humboldt County, and Afghani Mazar provides the cannabis community with A-Train – a strain that is easy to grow and gives off great flavour. This hybrid has a 16% THC content and leans more towards the indica side, producing that classic “stoned” feeling that leaves you in euphoria.
Due to its euphoric properties and moderate THC content, this strain can be beneficial for those struggling with stress, anxiety, and/or depression. A-Train also boosts appetite and is said to lower ocular pressure, the latter of which can be beneficial for glaucoma patients.
A-TRAIN | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Indica – dominant | Spicy / Ammonia / Herbal | Relaxed / Giggly / Hungry / Aroused | Stress / Depression / Anxiety / Low appetite | 16% |
Dr. Grinspoon
This pure sativa strain receives its name from the Harvard professor and cannabis advocate, Dr. Lester Grinspoon. Bred in honour of the doctor who worked to correct misinformed science in the 70s, Dr. Grinspoon heightens sensory awareness and boosts cerebral activity. You can expect long-lasting effects from this strain.
This strain has lots of potential when it comes to aiding medical cannabis patients. Patients with attention deficits, mood disorders, and/or chronic pain may find relief in the euphoric and energising experience Dr. Grinspoon offers.
Dr. Grinspoon | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Sativa | Honey / Herbal / Tea | Energetic / Uplifted / Creative / Euphoric | Depression / ADHD / Pain / Bipolar disorder | 16% |
Crimea Blue
Crimea Blue is an indica-dominant strain with genes from different Blueberry strains and Ukrainian Hash, making its DNA quite complex. With a 20% THC content, this strain delivers a potent and long lasting high. Interestingly, you will not taste much on the inhale if you smoke this flower – the sour and blueberry notes only come forward on the exhale.
This will start off as a mind-altering sativa experience that will move on into a couch lock and/or sleep. Medicinal values of Crimea Blue include alleviating muscle spasms related to multiple sclerosis, and reducing pain from neuropathy experienced by HIV/AIDS patients.
CRIMEA BLUE | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Indica – dominant | Blueberry / Pine / Tea | Sleepy / Relaxed / Tingly / Hungry | Pain / Insomnia / Muscle spasms / Stress | 20% |
S.A.G.E
Sativa Afghani Genetic Equilibrium (better known as S.A.G.E) is a well-balanced hybrid created by crossbreeding Haze and Afghani indica landraces. Seeds of this strain are readily available, making it very popular for breeding along with its immediate onset and long lasting effects. With an average THC concentration of 23%, you can expect potent results from S.A.G.E.
Users report experiencing muscle and general relaxation along with a mental boost and feeling energised. Some even compare S.A.G.E to a mild psychedelic experience, so be cautious when consuming this strain. Its high THC content with an added 1.8% of CBD makes it effective in managing symptoms of PTSD and mood swings. Users with chronic pain, cramps, arthritis, and migraines can also benefit from S.A.G.E.
S.A.G.E | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Hybrid | Sage / Woody / Herbal | Energetic / Uplifted / Creative / Relaxed | PTSD / Mood swings / Anxiety / Pain / Cramps / Arthritis / Migraines | 23% |
Mazar
As a legendary indica that can reach over 4m in height, Mazar produces an immense yield of flowers covered in a thick layer of resin. This strain can have a THC content up to 19%, producing an immobilising mind-altering effect. Rather use this strain at night as it is one of the more potent and sedative indicas.
Physical relaxation and stress-relief are key properties of Mazar, and this strain may also be recommended for patients with insomnia or those who will benefit from muscle relaxation. Although we do not know for certain, its great pain-relieving effects could be due to a high CBD content working alongside the THC.
Mazar | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Indica | Herbal / Tobacco / Sage | Sleepy / Relaxed / Hungry | Stress / Insomnia / Pain / Anxiety / Muscle stiffness | 19% |
G-13 Haze
Crossing G-13 and Haze brings about this killer sativa-dominant hybrid with uplifting mental stimulation and heavy-hitting bodily effects. G-13 Haze was specifically bred for its potency and medical benefits, so new users should proceed with caution. It is a great strain to enjoy in the daytime as it will keep you energised.
This strain can be particularly beneficial to those who suffer from depression, ADHD, and ADD as it promotes creativity, relaxation, and focus. G-13 Haze is also good for fast relief from chronic pain and inflammation due to its 21% THC concentration.
G-13 HAZE | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Sativa – dominant | Pine / Sage / Pepper | Euphoric / Talkative / Creative / Relaxed / Focused | Stress / Depression / Anxiety / ADHD / Pain / Inflammation | 21% |
Satori
With a THC concentration of 23-28%, Satori is an intense sativa-dominant hybrid that is sure to satisfy anyone in need of an uplifting experience. Although the exact origins of this strain are unknown, it is suspected that this strain is a mixture of Lucid Dream and some unnamed sativa hybrids.
Due to its naturally energising and mood-enhancing properties, users who suffer from depression and anxiety will benefit greatly from this strain. Satori is a powerhouse combination for those who need a boost of energy to start their day, get some chores done, or tackle creative endeavours.
SATORI | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Sativa – dominant | Tobacco / Tea / Herbal | Energetic / Uplifted / Creative | Anxiety / Stress / Depression | 23-28% |
Canna Sutra
Canna Sutra is a 70/30 indica-dominant strain with Sensi Star and Reclining Buddha as parents. The name is a play on the Sanskrit love-guide, the Kama Sutra, indicating its potential to enhance the senses for more intense romantic encounters. You can expect to feel mellow, yet functional to a better extent than with most strains that are so indica-dominant.
This strain will elevate and stimulate your mind while leaving your body relaxed and providing relief from pain. Canna Sutra is a great choice if you want to have a productive day or cosy evening, alleviating stress and insomnia.
CANNA SUTRA | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Indica – dominant | Pineapple / Pepper / Fruit | Aroused / Sleepy / Hungry | Pain / Stress / Insomnia / Loss of appetite | 12% |
Lavender
This indica strain comes from all around the world, containing DNA from Super Skunk, Afghani Hawaiian, and Big Skunk Korean. Its 18% THC content still provides potent effects due to the fact that it is pure indica. Prepare to sink into the couch and get enveloped in a blanket of relaxation. Just note that Lavender is known to cause dry mouth, so keep a glass of water nearby.
Users appreciate this strain’s relaxing qualities, making it ideal for relieving stress and inducing a peaceful night’s rest. This is also a typical munchies strain, making it good for those who struggle with nausea or a loss of appetite.
LAVENDER | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Indica | Lavender / Violet / Flowery | Relaxed / Sleepy / Hungry | Stress / Insomnia / Loss of appetite / Nausea / Pain | 18% |
Nigerian Silver
Jokingly referred to as “ampheta-weed,” this sativa-dominant cross between Nigerian and Haze is known to produce an energy boost that may shock new users upon first use due to its intensity. Nigerian Silver hits quickly and will leave you feeling energised and buzzy while still maintaining focus. It is ideal if you are looking for a good daytime strain, pairing well with fun activities like dancing or hiking.
The key benefits of Nigerian Silver include relief from symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, users should mentally prepare for how strong the effects may be and start with a small dose to ensure they reap the benefits of this strain.
NIGERIAN SILVER | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Sativa – dominant | Pepper / Menthol / Skunk | Focused / Energetic / Uplifted | Anxiety / Stress / Depression / PTSD | 22% |
Purple Kush
Purple Kush is an almost pure indica hybrid bred by crossing Purple Afghani and Hindu Kush. It certainly lives up to its name with grape-flavoured purple buds. The most notable effect of Purple Kush is its ability to completely relax the entire body, although it also provides an accompanying sense of overall wellbeing.
This strain will wrap up your mind in euphoria while relieving your body from physical pain, stress, and tiredness. Chronic pain patients will appreciate the deep bodily effects, while the euphoric effects may aid users who suffer from depression.
PURPLE KUSH | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Indica – dominant | Grape / Violet / Herbal | Sleepy / Giggly / Hungry | Stress / Pain / Insomnia / Depression | 19% |
Jack Herer
This sativa-dominant hybrid is energising and uplifting, relaxing your body and giving your mind an energising push. Named in honour of the cannabis activist, Jack Herer was bred by crossing Shiva Skunk and Northern Lights #5 with a Haze hybrid, combining uplifting cerebral effects and heavy resin production all in one bud.
Jack Herer has a few benefits for medical cannabis patients. Its indica characteristics shine through in its ability to bring fast relief from pain and a boost in appetite. Fibromyalgia patients especially report finding this strain useful, as well as those who suffer from anxiety and/or depression.
JACK HERER | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Sativa – dominant | Pine / Woody / Herbal | Energetic / Creative / Uplifted | Stress / Depression / Anxiety / Pain / Loss of appetite / Fibromyalgia | 18% |
Blue Dream
Another famous sativa-dominant strain that many medical cannabis patients prefer is none other than Blue Dream. This is mainly due to its intense euphoric effects without the sedation. It is a cross between Blueberry and Haze with a THC concentration of 18%, along with some CBD to curb users from experiencing paranoia.
Blue Dream is good for users who experience stress, depression, and/or anxiety due to its uplifting and euphoric effects. Users who suffer from chronic back or stomach pain may also find relief in Blue Dream.
BLUE DREAM | ||||
Genetics | Flavour | Effects | Helps With | THC |
Sativa – dominant | Sweet / Blueberry / Berry | Energetic / Creative / Uplifted / Euphoric | Stress / Anxiety / Depression / Back pain / Stomach pain | 18% |
With a wide range of effects and benefits, different cannabis strains have the potential to help countless medical patients. In fact, it has been doing so for many years in both traditional and modern medical practices, the latter of which will only continue to increase as we keep broadening our cannabis knowledge base. However, it is important to talk with a healthcare professional to ensure that cannabis will not interfere with any existing treatment plans you are on. Harness the full potential of cannabis with our list of the best strains for medical cannabis patients.