Here are the 5 best strains to consider, tailored for specific pain types and times of use:
- Harlequin: High-CBD strain for clear-headed, daily pain relief. Best for arthritis and neuropathic pain.
- Blue Dream: Balanced hybrid for migraines and stress relief. Ideal for daytime use.
- Cannatonic: Medical strain with a balanced CBD:THC ratio for pain and muscle spasms. Great for anytime use.
- Northern Lights: Indica-dominant strain for nighttime relief, sleep aid, and muscle relaxation.
- OG Kush: High-THC strain for stress-related pain, best for evening or late afternoon use.
Quick Comparison:
| Strain | Best For | THC:CBD Ratio | Time of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harlequin | Arthritis, nerve pain | Balanced | Daytime |
| Blue Dream | Migraines, stress | High THC | Daytime |
| Cannatonic | Muscle spasms, chronic pain | Balanced | Anytime |
| Northern Lights | Sleep aid, muscle relaxation | High THC | Nighttime |
| OG Kush | Stress-related pain | High THC | Evening |
For beginners, start with low doses and gradually adjust. In Bangkok, dispensaries like House of Pot and Siam Green Cannabis Co. offer these strains with prices ranging from ฿450 to ฿900 per gram. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
The 5 Best Marijuana Strains for Chronic Pain
1. Harlequin: High-CBD Strain for Daily Pain Relief
Harlequin is a hybrid strain with 10–15% CBD and 7–15% THC, offering clear-headed pain relief suitable for daily use. With a 75% sativa and 25% indica makeup, it provides consistent relief without affecting mental clarity. Its genetic background includes Colombian Gold, Thai and Swiss landrace sativas, and a Nepali indica [3]. User feedback and clinical data back its effectiveness.
Here’s how users rate Harlequin’s effects:
| Attribute | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Pain Relief | 10 |
| Stress Management | 9 |
| Focus | 8 |
| Energy Levels | 6 |
Studies show that 47% of users report noticeable pain relief, and 41% experience reduced anxiety [4]. Harlequin’s terpene profile - dominated by myrcene, with β-Pinene and caryophyllene - targets various types of pain:
- Neuropathic pain: Managed through its balanced CBD–THC ratio
- Inflammatory pain: Alleviated by high CBD content
- Muscular pain: Eased by reducing spasms and tension
For the best results, use Harlequin in the morning or early afternoon to benefit from its focus-boosting properties. Side effects are minimal, with dry mouth being the most commonly reported [3].
"Harlequin's high levels of CBD make this strain one of the most effective strains for treating pain and anxiety, as CBD can counteract THC's paranoia while amplifying its painkilling properties." – Leafly [4]
In Bangkok, Harlequin concentrates are available in half-gram portions, priced between $25 and $45, making it a good choice for those new to medical cannabis.
2. Blue Dream: Balanced Hybrid for Pain Management
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid created by crossing Blueberry and Haze. With THC levels ranging from 17–24% [5], it offers pain relief while maintaining mental clarity. Unlike Harlequin, which focuses on high CBD, Blue Dream relies on higher THC levels for a more dynamic approach to pain management.
Users have reported relief from various symptoms, including stress, anxiety, and depression:
| Symptom Relief | Percentage of Users |
|---|---|
| Stress Relief | 37% |
| Anxiety Management | 31% |
| Depression Alleviation | 28% |
These insights are based on user feedback [6].
Blue Dream's therapeutic effects are largely attributed to its terpene profile:
| Terpene | Aroma | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Berry, Musk | Promotes relaxation |
| β-Caryophyllene | Pepper | Anti-inflammatory properties |
| α-Pinene | Pine | Boosts alertness |
| Limonene | Citrus | Enhances mood |
This terpene combination not only supports effective pain relief but also makes Blue Dream versatile enough for both daytime and evening use.
Tips for use: Start with a low dose, consume during the day, stay hydrated, and for an added boost, try pairing it with mangoes [7].
"Blue Dream's balanced effects and therapeutic benefits make it a top choice for many."
Blue Dream's ability to address multiple types of pain at once is due to the entourage effect. This phenomenon occurs when cannabinoids and terpenes work together to amplify their benefits, enhancing pain relief and reducing anxiety. This makes it a strong option for those dealing with complex pain conditions.
3. Cannatonic: Medical Strain for Pain Control
Cannatonic, developed from Reina Madre and NYC Diesel genetics, stands out as the first strain with a balanced cannabinoid profile. With around 9% CBD and 4% THC [8], it’s designed to ease chronic pain without clouding your mind.
This balance of CBD, THC, and the terpene myrcene works together to provide targeted pain relief [1]. Thanks to its composition, Cannatonic is a great option for daytime use - it helps with pain and muscle spasms without making you feel drowsy [1]. Many users also report feeling more focused and relaxed.
How you consume Cannatonic affects how quickly you feel the effects. Sublingual application (placing oil under your tongue) works within 15–30 minutes; hold it there for 60–90 seconds to allow direct absorption into your bloodstream [1][10]. If you prefer edibles or capsules, expect a slower onset - around 60–90 minutes - but with a steadier release of cannabinoids. These options make it important to adjust your dosage carefully.
Start with a small dose and increase gradually, as cannabinoids can have different effects depending on the amount used [1].
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4. Northern Lights: Night Pain Relief
Northern Lights is a powerful indica-dominant strain (95% indica, 5% sativa) known for its nighttime pain relief properties. With THC levels ranging from 16–21% and CBD content between 0.1–2%, it also features compounds like beta-caryophyllene and myrcene, contributing to its relaxing effects [11][13][14]. This makes it a go-to option for those looking to ease pain and enjoy a restful night.
| Key Properties | Effects |
|---|---|
| THC Content | 16–21% |
| Primary Benefits | Pain Relief, Sleep Aid, Muscle Relaxation |
| Best Time for Use | Evening/Night |
| User Rating | 4.4/5 (3,738 Leafly ratings) [12] |
According to user feedback, 31% report noticeable pain relief when using Northern Lights [12]. Starting with a low dose through inhalation is recommended, allowing for a gradual transition into deep relaxation that helps alleviate pain and tension.
This strain’s genetics, a mix of Thai and Afghani origins [13], result in a unique combination of uplifting and calming effects, boosting its therapeutic appeal. However, research suggests it may cause nervous system side effects in some users (61% compared to 29% with a placebo) [15]. Always consult a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your routine.
5. OG Kush: Effective for Pain Relief
OG Kush is well-known for its ability to ease pain, thanks to a THC level ranging from 20–26% [16][18] and a low CBD content of 0.1–0.3% [19]. It also contains around 1% CBN, which adds to its overall effects [18].
| Key Properties | Details |
|---|---|
| THC Content | 20–26% |
| CBD Content | 0.1–0.3% |
| Primary Effects | Pain Relief, Relaxation, Stress Reduction |
| User Rating | 4.6/5 (138 votes) [18] |
| Best Time for Use | Evening/Late Afternoon |
Research highlights that OG Kush's cannabinoids work by blocking pain signals and reducing inflammation [2]. Users often report added benefits like relaxation, stress relief, improved appetite, and even a boost in energy [16].
However, there are some possible side effects, including dry eyes, dizziness, and anxiety [16]. It’s important to consult a medical professional before trying this strain [2]. Given its high THC levels, starting with a small dose is a smart approach to gauge your tolerance. OG Kush's potency makes it especially effective for evening use [17], when stronger pain relief is often needed.
With its unique characteristics, OG Kush stands out as a strong choice for managing pain during the later part of the day.
Where to Buy and How to Use These Strains in Bangkok
If you're looking for quality cannabis strains to help with pain management, Bangkok offers several reliable options. Here's where to find them and how to use them effectively.
Verified Dispensaries in the Silom Area
Some of the top dispensaries include House of Pot and Siam Green Cannabis Co.. Here are a couple more worth checking out:
| Dispensary Name | Location | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| THE DISPENSARY | Sala Daeng | - |
| Cannabis Twins | Silom | Lounge facility |
Usage Guidelines and Legal Requirements
-
Dosing Recommendations
Start with oral options like CBD oil drops, which typically take effect in 15–30 minutes. For a slower and longer-lasting experience, consider edibles or capsules [1]. - Legal Compliance
These steps are crucial for ensuring a safe and effective experience when using cannabis for pain relief.
"Please use it for medical purposes as possible." – Kajkanit "Gem" Sakdisubha, co-owner of cannabis lab Taratera [20]
Pricing Guide
Here’s a look at the current pricing for cannabis products in the Silom area:
- Standard strains: ฿400–800 per gram [20]
- CBD/THC oils: 5ml for ฿1,900 and 10ml for ฿4,900 (available at HE Clinic) [21]
Summary and Next Steps
| Strain | Primary Benefit | Best Time of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Harlequin | Clear-headed relief for arthritis | Daytime |
| Blue Dream | Full-body relaxation for migraines | Daytime |
| Cannatonic | Effective pain relief with minimal intoxication | Any time |
| Northern Lights | Deep relaxation ideal for managing pain and insomnia | Evening |
| OG Kush | Balanced relief for stress-related pain | Any time |
Use this table to help determine the best strain for your needs as you move forward with treatment.
Action Steps:
-
Schedule a Consultation
Visit HE Clinic for a professional evaluation. They provide GPO Cannabis Oil, which is approved by the Thai FDA and meets international standards [21]. -
Choose Your Treatment
If you're new to cannabis-based treatments, start with CBD-dominant strains like Harlequin or Cannatonic. These options offer effective pain relief with minimal psychoactive effects [9]. -
Begin Treatment Safely
Start with a 5 ml initial treatment (฿1,900) under medical supervision [21]. Adjust the dosage based on how your body responds.
"The clinic's goal is to provide patients with holistic and comprehensive medical care by incorporating traditional Thai remedies and cannabis-based treatments."
– Dr Wichares Bunjitpimol, Vice President, Navamin Hospital Group [24]