THC vs. CBD: Which Is Better for Pain Relief?

The world of medical cannabis can seem overwhelming. With so many new strains and products available, how do you choose the right one? Unfortunately, many patients have to experiment with cannabis to find what works best for them. When it comes to pain relief, some strains may be more effective than others, and the same question always arises: which compound is better for pain, THC or CBD?

THC vs. CBD: Which Compound Relieves Pain More Effectively?

The best answer is: both. While both THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) have pain-relieving properties, they work best together. These two cannabinoids interact synergistically, enhancing the plant’s overall analgesic effect.

THC is considered the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Many patients who regularly use high-THC cannabis report that it helps relieve their pain. However, it often takes some trial and error with different types of cannabis to find what works for each individual condition.

CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive but still affects the brain. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce a noticeable “high.” Instead, it tends to calm and elevate mood, can reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, relieve pain, and treat inflammation. Many patients prefer CBD-rich strains for their pain-relieving effects, especially for muscle spasms.

It may seem surprising that both THC and CBD strains can effectively relieve pain, but research confirms that strains high in both compounds are often the most effective for pain management. Here’s why.

The Entourage Effect: Why THC and CBD Work Better Together

Synergistic interactions between THC and CBD create what’s known as the “entourage effect.” This theory suggests that all the various phytochemicals in cannabis work together to produce stronger effects than any single compound alone. That’s why whole-plant buds and extracts are often considered more effective than isolates.

THC and CBD not only interact with each other to fight pain, but they also work with various terpenes—aromatic molecules found in the resin glands of cannabis. According to this theory, it makes sense to choose strains with a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes for maximum benefit in treating chronic pain.

Medical Cannabis Products for Pain Relief

Some lucky patients already have access to cannabis-based pain relievers. For example, Sativex, a Canadian product from GW Pharmaceuticals, is available for those suffering from cancer pain. Sativex is a medication for multiple sclerosis that contains THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio, along with beneficial terpenes.

Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids. Due to decades of research restrictions, scientists are only now beginning to study the plant in depth, although research has been ongoing in Israel since the 1970s. Some lesser-known cannabinoids may also have analgesic properties, including:

• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Cannabinol (CBN)
• Myrcene
• β-Caryophyllene

What Makes a Good Pain-Relief Strain?

When searching for the best strain for pain relief, keep a few things in mind. Many people don’t have access to a wide variety of cannabis, making the choice even more challenging. Additionally, everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabis.

For some, high-THC strains may be more helpful. While THC’s psychoactive effects can be intimidating, many patients say the “high” helps them distract from pain and focus on other things. CBD strains, on the other hand, may help with inflammation and improve mood, which is also beneficial for pain management.

When choosing a strain for pain relief, consider the following tips:

• Sedative indica strains are the most popular for chronic pain.
• Strains containing both CBD and THC may be more effective than those with only THC.
• High THC levels can make it easier to forget about pain.
• CBD strains are often better for daytime use.
• Sativa strains are commonly used for neuropathic pain and chronic headaches, but this is highly individual.
• Choose the most aromatic strains and products, as these are high in terpenes.

Although everyone’s body responds differently to cannabis, the following strains are often considered especially effective for pain relief:

• Cannatonic
• Sour Tsunami
• CBD Critical Cure
• Harlequin
• Critical Mass (THC)
• Afghan Kush (THC)