Living with pain can make even the simplest days feel like an uphill battle. Whether it’s chronic, nerve-related, joint, or from an old injury, finding the best strains for pain becomes essential for many patients.
Traditional pain medications have their place, but more patients and healthcare professionals are exploring medical marijuana’s benefits for chronic pain as a natural remedy for effective relief.
In New Jersey and beyond, cannabis is helping many patients manage pain and reduce inflammation. Medical marijuana helps patients regain quality of life, sometimes when nothing else worked.
Not every cannabis strain for pain is the same. The right choice depends on the type of pain you’re experiencing and your body’s response. Your lifestyle also plays a role in selection.
At Silverleaf Dispensary, we know the difference a carefully chosen strain can make. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top weed strains that help you manage pain. We’ve carefully selected each strain by assessing its pain-relieving effects, real user experiences, and proven track record of its pain-relieving properties.
Our guide helps you discover the best strains for pain and understand what makes each strain unique.
Important medical disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The effects of cannabis and medical marijuana products vary by individual, depending on your health, tolerance, and medical conditions.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before using cannabis for pain management, especially if you:
- Take prescription medications
- Have underlying health conditions
- Experience severe chronic pain or other serious health issues
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of substance use disorders
Cannabis products sold at Silverleaf Dispensary have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Cannabis laws and product availability may vary by state.
The Best Strains for Pain Relief
Here’s a quick overview of the 10 best strains for relieving pain:
| Strain | THC Content | Primary Terpenes | Pain Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Lights | 16-21% | Myrcene, Caryophyllene | Chronic pain, muscle spasms, insomnia |
| GMO | 22–28% | Caryophyllene, Limonene | Severe pain, nerve pain |
| Ice Cream Cake | 20-25% | Limonene, Myrcene | Chronic pain, sleep disorders |
| Granddaddy Purple | 17–27% | Myrcene, Linalool | Pain management, muscle tension |
| Do-Si-Dos | 19–30% | Limonene, Myrcene | Joint pain, ongoing pain, stress |
| Wedding Cake | 20–27% | Myrcene, Pinene, Limonene | Neuropathic pain, localized pain |
| White Widow | 15–25% | Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene | Neuropathic pain, localized pain |
| Blue Dream | 17–24% | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene | Chronic pain, nerve pain, migraines |
| Sour Diesel | 19–26% | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene | Nerve pain, mental relaxation, fatigue |
| Jack Herer | 15–24% | Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene | Mild pain, joint inflammation |
Found any strains that caught your eye? Let’s learn about them some more.
Detailed Overview of the Top 10 Strains for Chronic Pain
1. Northern Lights
THC: 16-21% | CBD: 0-1% | Best For: Chronic pain, muscle spasms, insomnia
Northern Lights is a classic indica strain, cherished by many patients for strong pain relief and its ability to melt away stress. With deep, earthy aromas and hints of sweet spice, Northern Lights provides calming effects that quickly progress from a euphoric head high to full-body relaxation.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, earthy, with subtle pine and spice notes.
Effects of consuming the Northern Lights strain:
- Produces a quick wave of relaxation, easing muscle tension and helping manage chronic pain.
- Notable for its ability to calm both body and mind, making it a top choice for managing pain signals and reducing sleep disorders.
Here’s when you should ideally consume Northern Lights:
- Best for evening or nighttime use, especially for ongoing pain or when pain disrupts sleep.
Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, red eyes, mild dizziness, sleepiness
Check out these products with the Northern Lights strain
Ready to try Northern Lights?
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2. GMO
THC: 20-30% | CBD: 0-1% | Best For: Severe pain, nerve pain
GMO (also known as Garlic Cookies) is an indica-dominant hybrid renowned for its powerful pain-relieving effects. Its distinctive, savory “spicy aroma” (a mix of garlic and diesel) sets it apart.
Flavor Profile: Garlic, earthy, diesel, with spicy undertones.
Effects of consuming GMO:
- Delivers potent full-body relaxation and strong pain relief, ideal for neuropathic pain and stress-related pain.
- Provides noticeable anti-inflammatory properties, making it a favorite among patients with severe pain or chronic conditions.
Here’s when you should ideally consume GMO:
- Nighttime use is recommended, especially for managing pain that keeps you up.
Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, couch-lock, hunger, dizziness
Check out these products with the GMO strain
3. Ice Cream Cake
THC: 20–25% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Chronic pain, sleep disorders
Hailing from Wedding Cake and Gelato #33, Ice Cream Cake is an indica-dominant hybrid, known for its sweet vanilla and creamy flavors and its ability to alleviate pain and stress.
Flavor Profile: Creamy vanilla, sugary, with a slight earthy finish.
Effects of consuming the Ice Cream Cake strain:
- Induces deep relaxation, easing muscle tension and helping relieve pain from chronic conditions or injury.
- Sedative effects make it effective for managing sleep disorders that stem from pain.
Here’s when you should ideally consume Ice Cream Cake strain:
- Best suited for nighttime use or days when you can fully relax.
Potential Side Effects: Dry eyes, dizziness, heavy sedation, hunger
Check out these products with the Ice Cream Cake strain
4. Granddaddy Purple
THC: 17-23% | CBD: 0-1% | Best For: Managing pain, stress, and insomnia
Granddaddy Purple, a legendary indica, offers powerful relief from muscle spasms, joint pain, and other chronic pain issues. Its signature purple buds give off sweet grape and berry notes.
Flavor Profile: Sweet berry and grape, with earthy undertones.
Effects of consuming the Granddaddy Purple strain:
- Produces calming effects and deep relaxation, making it perfect for pain relief and stress relief.
- Supports restful sleep, which is vital for patients with ongoing pain.
Here’s when you should ideally consume Granddaddy Purple:
- Evening or nighttime use; perfect for winding down after a long day.
Potential Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, mild headache, appetite increase
Check out these products with the Granddaddy Purple strain
5. Do-Si-Dos
THC: 19–30% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Joint pain, ongoing pain, stress
Do-Si-Dos is an indica-dominant hybrid with a rich, earthy, and sweet aroma. It offers strong pain-relieving effects without knocking you out completely.
Flavor Profile: Earthy, sweet, floral, with nutty notes.
Effects of consuming the Do-Si-Dos strain:
- Promotes muscle relaxation and mood enhancement while reducing both mental and physical pain perception.
- Calming, balanced effects that help manage stress-related pain and ongoing pain conditions.
Here’s when you should ideally consume Do-Si-Dos:
- Late afternoon or evening, especially for those managing persistent or flare-up pain.
Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, dizziness, possible sedation
Check out these products with the Do-Si-Dos strain
6. Wedding Cake
THC: 20–27% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Neuropathic pain, localized pain
Wedding Cake, an indica-dominant hybrid, stands out for its balanced effects and delicious flavor. You get Wedding Cake weed from crossing Triangle Kush with Animal Mints.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, vanilla, slight peppery finish.
Effects of consuming the Wedding Cake:
- Delivers strong pain relief with both body and mind relaxation.
- Particularly effective for nerve pain, joint inflammation, and localized pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Here’s when you should ideally consume Wedding Cake:
- Evenings, or when pain and inflammation become overwhelming.
Potential Side Effects: Increased appetite, dry mouth, mild anxiety in sensitive users
Check out these products with the Wedding Cake strain
7. White Widow
THC: 15–25% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Acute pain, stress-related pain
White Widow is a balanced hybrid cherished for its uplifting, euphoric effects and moderate pain relief. The White Widow strain is a genetic cross between a Brazilian sativa landrace and a resin-heavy South Indian indica.
Flavor Profile: Earthy, woody, with a slight hint of spice.
Effects of consuming the White Widow strain:
- Reduces pain while promoting stress relief and mental relaxation, without heavy sedation.
- Ideal for managing acute pain that doesn’t require a full-body “couch lock.”
Here’s when you should ideally consume White Widow:
- Daytime or early evening for ongoing pain management and stress relief.
Potential Side Effects: Mild anxiety, dry mouth, increased energy
Check out these products with the White Widow strain
8. Blue Dream
THC: 17–24% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Chronic pain, nerve pain, migraines
Blue Dream is a hybrid known for its effective pain relief and gentle mood enhancement. Patients love its sweet berry flavor and uplifting effects.
Flavor Profile: Blueberry, sweet, herbal.
Effects of consuming the Blue Dream strain:
- Uplifts mood and delivers strong pain relief, especially for nerve pain, migraines, and chronic pain.
- Supports daytime activity, thanks to its balanced effects.
Here’s when you should ideally consume Blue Dream:
- For daytime use, great for staying functional and positive.
Potential Side Effects: Mild dry mouth, occasional paranoia at high doses
Check out these products with the Blue Dream strain
9. Sour Diesel
THC: 19–26% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Nerve pain, mental relaxation, fatigue
Sour Diesel, also known as ‘Sour D’, is a legendary East Coast sativa-dominant hybrid strain with energizing properties and spicy aroma. Its lineage consists of Chemdawg and Super Skunk.
Flavor Profile: Diesel, citrus, pungent.
Effects of consuming the Sour Diesel strain:
- Relieves pain while delivering a burst of mental clarity and energy, making it ideal for nerve pain or pain accompanied by fatigue.
- Reduces pain perception without heavy sedation.
Here’s when you should ideally consume Sour Diesel:
- Daytime use for active pain management and mood lift.
Potential Side Effects: Dry eyes, increased alertness, rare paranoia
Check out these products with the Sour Diesel strain
10. Jack Herer
THC: 15–24% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Mild pain, joint inflammation
Jack Herer is a legendary sativa-dominant hybrid that offers gentle pain relief along with mental clarity. Its uplifting nature makes it ideal for new or sensitive users.
Flavor Profile: Pine, citrus, earthy
Effects of consuming the Jack Herer strain:
- Reduces pain and joint inflammation without causing drowsiness.
- Enhances focus and mood, helping you stay productive despite discomfort.
Here’s when you should ideally consume Jack Herer:
- Morning or daytime use for mild pain and joint issues.
Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, mild stimulation, rare headache
Check out these products with the Jack Herer strain
Found the Perfect Strain to Tackle Your Pain?
Silverleaf Dispensary offers a wide range of premium weed products that rid you of pain. Browse our collection and find the perfect weed today.
Order the Best Marijuana Strains Online for Pickup at Silverleaf➔
How Does Cannabis Relieve Pain? (Science & Benefits)
Medical marijuana offers pain relief by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors responsible for regulating pain perception, inflammation, and mood. The two most researched cannabinoids, THC and CBD, each contribute to effective pain relief in different ways:
- THC binds to receptors in the brain and nervous system, reducing pain signals and altering pain perception. This helps alleviate pain from conditions like multiple sclerosis, nerve pain, and severe pain due to injury.
- CBD is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to relieve pain without psychoactive effects. It helps reduce inflammation in joints and muscles, making it beneficial for arthritis and chronic pain.
Terpenes—natural plant compounds like myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene—work alongside cannabinoids to boost pain-relieving effects, providing both physical and mental relaxation.
Different Strains for Different Pains
Indica strains are generally chosen for strong pain relief, muscle spasms, and sleep disorders due to their sedative effects and deep relaxation. On the other hand, sativa-dominant hybrids are preferred for daytime pain management and nerve pain, as they help reduce pain without heavy sedation. Hybrids, like Blue Dream or Wedding Cake, offer a middle ground for ongoing pain and stress relief.
Pro Insight: The effectiveness of any specific strain depends on your condition, your body chemistry, and your personal experience. Many patients report that finding the right cannabis strain for pain is a process of experimentation, often guided by a healthcare professional or dispensary expert.
6 Tips for Using Cannabis Strains to Reduce Pain
Pain isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is cannabis. Here’s how to choose the best marijuana strain for your unique pain relief needs:
- Identify Your Pain: Is it chronic pain, acute pain, neuropathic pain, joint pain, muscle tension, or stress-related pain? Certain strains for pain relief work better for specific types.
- THC vs. CBD Balance: If you want strong pain relief with a sense of euphoria or deep relaxation, higher-THC strains like Northern Lights or GMO are great. For daytime relief or those sensitive to psychoactive effects, strains with balanced THC and CBD (or higher CBD) may be more suitable.
- Consider Terpenes: Terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene help enhance pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote calming effects.
- Timing and Effects: Use indica strains and sedative effects for nighttime use or sleep disorders; hybrids or sativas for daytime and mild pain.
- Ask for Advice: Consult a healthcare professional if you’re using cannabis for medical purposes, especially if you’re on traditional pain medicines or managing multiple conditions.
- Experiment Safely: Everyone’s body processes cannabis differently. Start with a low dose, observe the pain-relieving properties, and adjust as needed.
What do Experts and Research Say?
Pro Insight: A recent meta-analysis of clinical trials of cannabis and cannabinoids for pain found modest evidence supporting the use of cannabinoid pharmacotherapy for pain.
National Library of Medicine
“THC binds to cannabinoid receptors that are located throughout the central nervous system, producing a variety of responses. One of those responses is the high associated with cannabis use, and another is pain relief. Additionally, THC is believed to reduce inflammation in a manner similar to anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.”
The Conversation
“Cannabis has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years. Still, there is much we don’t know about how it works and for what conditions. But pain management is an area where both science and personal anecdotes tend to support its use.”
McLean Hospital
Silverleaf Pro Tip: Because everyone’s experience with cannabis is unique and research is still evolving, consider keeping a simple log of which strains you try, the dosage, and how they affect your pain. Tracking it will help you and your healthcare provider (or a Silverleaf expert) pinpoint the most effective pain relief strategy for your needs.
Visit Silverleaf for the Top Pain-Relieving Strains in New Jersey
Cannabis has helped countless patients find strong pain relief, better sleep, and improved quality of life. At Silverleaf Dispensary, we’re proud to offer the best cannabis strains for pain, handpicked for their potency, consistency, and lab-tested quality.
If you’re ready to explore natural pain management, visit Silverleaf in Somerset, NJ, or browse our full selection online. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the right cannabis strain for your needs, whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, nerve pain, muscle spasms, or just looking for a better night’s sleep.
- Order Online for quick in-store pickup
- Get personalized strain recommendations from our knowledgeable budtenders
- Conveniently located in Somerset, NJ — serving Franklin Park, New Brunswick, and beyond.
Find Your Pain Solution Today
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cannabis strains for pain relief?
Northern Lights, GMO, Ice Cream Cake, and Blue Dream are among the top cannabis strains for pain relief, each offering unique benefits for different types of pain.
Can medical marijuana help with neuropathic pain or joint inflammation?
Yes. Strains with strong pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, such as GMO and Wedding Cake, are particularly effective for neuropathic pain and joint inflammation.
Are there strains with strong pain relief but minimal psychoactive effects?
Yes. Strains higher in CBD or with balanced THC/CBD, such as White Widow or Blue Dream, at lower doses, can provide relief with milder psychoactive effects.
What are the risks and side effects?
Side effects may include dry mouth, red eyes, drowsiness, mild anxiety, or headache. Consult a healthcare professional if you’re on other medications or have underlying health conditions.
Can you use cannabis with traditional pain medications?
Always consult your healthcare professional before combining cannabis with any prescription medications to avoid any unnecessary interactions.
How do you choose the right cannabis strain for your pain?
Work with a dispensary expert or medical professional to match strains to your pain type and personal needs, and be open to trying a few options to find the most effective pain relief.
Do I need a medical marijuana card in New Jersey?
Yes. Medical cannabis is legal for qualifying conditions in NJ, but you must have a valid medical marijuana card to purchase from licensed dispensaries like Silverleaf.
Have more questions? Need personalized strain recommendations? Visit our Somerset location, where our expert budtenders can help you find the ideal cannabis strain based on your specific pain challenges.
