In addition to having a number of other advantages, weed, also referred to as cannabis or marijuana, has the ability to relax muscles. For instance, it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Therefore, cannabis may be the best option if you need a treatment that can address multiple symptoms. However, in order to legally obtain marijuana in your state for medical purposes, you must have a medical cannabis recommendation.
It’s also important to understand the key distinctions between medically prescribed muscle relaxants and cannabis. Although there are benefits and drawbacks to both treatments, they can both reduce pain and tension in the muscles to some degree.
Using Cannabis for Muscle Relaxation
Most people agree that muscle relaxants belong to a class of medications that help relax the muscles by reducing tension, cramps, spasticity, and spasms. Certain muscle relaxants can also reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles.
Prior to the general public’s awareness of the potential uses of cannabis, prescription muscle relaxants like orphenadrine were commonly used. Subsequent research, however, has demonstrated that the two main cannabis cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), can also relax muscles.
While CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and slows down the chemical signals linked to muscle spasms, THC relieves pain and lessens muscle spasticity. Because of this, users frequently experiment with different THC to CBD ratios until they discover the ideal combination that works best for them.
Because of the entourage effect, CBD seems to have more relaxing effects on muscles than THC, but it functions best when combined with THC. Therefore, for the best effects, it might be best to try using equal amounts of THC and CBD or slightly more CBD than THC.
Try the following THC-to-CBD ratios, for instance:
- THC:CBD – 1:1
- THC:CBD – 1:2
- THC:CBD – 1:3
It is simple to achieve these muscle-relaxant effects with any cannabis consumption method. Some of the examples are:
- Smoking
- Vaporizers
- Tinctures
- Edibles, including tea, candies, and baked goods
- Topical medications or cannabis-containing creams are applied directly to the sore spot
Minor Cannabinoids and Their Role in Muscle Relaxation
Other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, besides THC and CBD, are also thought to benefit muscles. For example, cannabigerol (CBG) reduces inflammation and muscle pain, and cannabinol (CBN) may help you sleep better when you have muscle pain.
Though they have a lot of potential, CBN and CBG are found in nature in far smaller amounts than THC and CBD. If available, strains with higher-than-normal concentrations of CBN and CBG might be a further option to think about.
Terpenes and flavonoids, two more chemical components found in cannabis, also have some effects. These substances give cannabis more taste, aroma, and color while also having a number of medicinal benefits. For instance, flavonoids have anti-oxidant qualities, and terpenes’ relaxing effects can help with spasticity. Additionally, both kinds of compounds are capable of combating muscle inflammation.
Therefore, even though cannabis extracts containing THC and CBD can offer appropriate relief, it may be worthwhile to take into account the plant’s whole spectrum of effects. While extracts such as THC or CBD oils may lack specific compounds, dried cannabis will have a variety of compounds.
Muscle Relaxants vs. Cannabis: A Comparison
Prescription drugs known as muscle relaxants are used to treat issues relating to the skeletal muscles, including pain, tension, cramps, spasticity, spasms, and occasionally stiffness. They are typically used when pain arises because they are not meant for long-term use.
Tizanidine, metaxalone, and orphenadrine are a few examples of muscle relaxants. Some of their potential adverse effects include fatigue, drowsiness, low blood pressure, depression, and more.
People refer to cannabis as a “pharmacy in a plant.” This means that, depending on its intended use, it can be categorized under a variety of headings.
THC and CBD, two of the cannabinoids found in cannabis, function by interacting with the body’s own endocannabinoid system. These substances have the ability to interact with this system to produce a variety of physiological effects, including the relaxing of muscles. The main ingredients for relaxing muscles are THC and CBD, although terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids can also be somewhat helpful.
Cannabis has certain negative side effects, just like any other drug or therapy. Cannabis may cause vertigo, dry mouth and eyes, headaches, paranoia, and other adverse effects.
In addition to its natural ability to relax muscles, cannabis may also have the following advantages:
- Reduced vomiting and nausea
- Increased appetite
- Relief from stress
- Relief from anxiety
- Sedative effects (to help with insomnia)
Therefore, before adding cannabis to your medical regimen, it is recommended that you speak with a medical marijuana doctor online. A physician will determine whether or not marijuana is appropriate for you.
Is It Safe to Combine Muscle Relaxers and Weed?
Because the side effects of cannabis and muscle relaxants are so similar, using weed or cannabis along with them is not advised.
For instance, they can occasionally lower blood pressure and induce dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. Therefore, these side effects could get worse or more uncomfortable when cannabis is combined with muscle relaxants.
It would be best to talk to your doctor if you are worried about cannabis interacting with muscle relaxants or any other kind of medication. They may be able to provide you with alternatives or a different course of action.
It is unlikely that you will need muscle relaxants as additional support if you are using cannabis for muscle relaxation. To get the job done, either cannabis or muscle relaxants alone should be sufficient. If not, a doctor’s discussion of the matter may be necessary in order to rule out the possibility of another underlying issue.
Top Strains for Relieving Muscle Soreness and Spasms
Certain strains (chemotypes, cultivars) are more suitable for relaxing muscles than others. You might find that one of the strains listed here works better for your symptoms than another.
But the majority of the effects are contingent upon the concentrations of THC, CBD, and CBG. Finding the ideal strain with the correct ratio of these particular cannabinoids may therefore be the key.
- Great White Shark
While Great White Shark usually contains 20% THC, it may not contain much CBD. Users have nevertheless suggested this strain for soreness and stiffness in the muscles.
- Sour Cheese
Typically, sour cheese has 23% THC and trace amounts of CBD. It compensates for the absence of CBD by providing 3% CBG, which reduces inflammation and muscle soreness.
- Cherry Wine
Cherry Wine is a strain where the ratio of CBD to THC is 19:1. This non-psychedelic strain has a high concentration of CBD, and some users may find that this proportion suits them better.
- Ringo’s Gift
Because of its higher CBD content—some strains have a ratio of as much as 24:1 CBD to THC—Ringo’s Gift is another worthwhile strain to take into account. Furthermore, if you would prefer not to experience an intoxicating high, a higher CBD-to-THC ratio may lessen your chances of doing so.
- Mixing Strains
Consider combining two distinct cannabis strains if you’re having trouble selecting the ideal one. For instance, you could cross a strain with a high THC content with one that has a high CBD content.
Key Takeaway
A class of medications known as muscle relaxants helps ease tension, spasms, cramps, and spasticity in the muscles. Although it isn’t usually thought of as a muscle relaxant, cannabis can have effects that are comparable. Cannabis also has a number of additional therapeutic effects that may be advantageous.
Get your medical marijuana card right away if you’re interested in using it to treat chronic pain or muscle cramps.
