Crohn’s Disease is a life-long inflammatory bowel disease that, depending on severity, can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss, among other symptoms.
Symptom management can be challenging to cope with, so lately, a lot of people have searched for alternative therapies as ways of gaining some relief. It is possible cannabis could have massive benefits for anyone suffering from anything that affects their digestive tract. The following blog outlines some of the best cannabis strains to help manage the symptoms associated with Crohn’s.
Management strategies for Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness, are needed throughout life. These strategies reduce flare-ups and improve one’s quality of life. Traditional treatment approaches mainly involve medication and changing lifestyles, although they might not work for everyone. As more research emerges, many are finding symptom relief with cannabis.
Therapeutic Cannabis
Cannabis contains a wide array of cannabinoids, the two most popular being THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD, or cannabidiol. These compounds act upon the endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain, inflammation, and mood.
The potential benefits of marijuana for Crohn’s disease are anti-inflammatory, can treat pain, and produce an effect on anxiety and stress. Most people with Crohn’s report that marijuana alleviates symptoms, stimulates their appetite, and generally feels better. Of course, everyone reacts differently to marijuana and must find a strain that suits them.
Gastown OG: The Relaxing Indica for Crohn’s Disease
- Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid
- Description: Gastown OG, derived from OG Kush, is renowned for its relaxing effects, making it suitable for easing physical and mental tension. With its anti-inflammatory properties, this strain can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease, offering relief from abdominal discomfort and promoting a calm, serene state without overwhelming psychoactive effects.
Double Death Bubba (AAA+): The Potent Sedative
- Type: Indica-Dominant
- Description: Double Death Bubba is a highly potent strain with THC levels between 26-29%, providing significant pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits. It benefits Crohn’s patients looking to manage chronic pain and reduce inflammation. The deep body relaxation from this strain aids in getting restful sleep, which is crucial for those dealing with the night-time symptoms of Crohn’s.
Skywalker OG (AAA+): The Cerebral and Body Relaxation
- Type: Indica-Dominant
- Description: Skywalker OG offers the dual benefit of mental clarity followed by deep body relaxation, which can benefit Crohn’s patients experiencing physical and psychological pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the inflammation in the gut. At the same time, its calming effects relieve abdominal discomfort, making it a dual-action strain for symptom management.
Pink Gas GasCan (7g): The Muscle Relaxant for Crohn’s Disease
- Type: Indica
- Description: Pink Gas is known for its muscle-relaxing capabilities, which can be particularly useful in alleviating the muscle cramps and spasms sometimes associated with Crohn’s disease. Its strong indica effects help manage chronic pain by providing a calming, almost sedative experience. This can also aid in better sleep quality, thus indirectly supporting gastrointestinal health recovery.
ACDC: The High-CBD Strain
- Type: High-CBD
- Description: ACDC is a prevalent strain containing high CBD and hardly any or no THC. This strain works very effectively in the treatment of patients without any psychoactive high caused by THC.
- ACDC contains anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate chronic pain and inflammation of Crohn’s disease. People who have taken it experience relief from abdominal discomfort, accompanied by an overall feeling of calm, and it is an excellent symptomatic reliever.
Harlequin: The Balanced Hybrid
- Type: CBD-rich hybrid
- Description: 5:2 is the balanced composition ratio of THC and CBD, which is what it is mainly known for. That is, it contains psychoactive effects while still retaining the curative properties of CBD.
- Harlequin is the best for patients with Crohn’s because, besides reducing the pain, this strain allows users to relax and become less anxious. When the stress is relieved, patients can avoid emotional flare-ups resulting from anxiety or even depression.
Blue Dream: The Versatile Hybrid
- Type: Hybrid
- Description: Blue Dream is popular among hybrid strains. It boasts both a mellow indica and an uplifting sativa. Its general average THC level makes it potent in relieving pain and elevating mood.
- This will benefit patients with Crohn’s by controlling emotional and physical symptoms caused by flare-ups. The balanced effect of Blue Dream reduces general discomforts caused during flare-ups, improving quality of life.
Granddaddy Purple for Crohn’s Disease
- Type: Indica
- Description: Granddaddy Purple is a classic indica strain with highly relaxing effects. This strain is fit for those suffering from pain and anxiety, mainly when flare-ups occur.
- Granddaddy Purple will ease abdominal cramps and encourage better sleep, which is vital to Crohn’s patients. This strain relaxes the body, and a subtle feeling of well-being will improve, reducing stress in general.
Cannatonic: The High-CBD Hybrid
- Type: High-CBD hybrid
- Description: Cannatonic acid is high in CBD and low in THC. This is one of the medication strains, for it is primarily used for pain relief, thus helping patients alleviate chronic pain in the context of Crohn’s disease.
- Cannatonic allows users to stay clear-headed and manage their symptoms simultaneously. This also has sedating properties that help in calming anxiety attacks that are commonly associated with this medical condition.
Sour Diesel: The Invigorating Sativa
- Type: Sativa
- Description: Sour Diesel is a potent sativa that does well with its energetic high. It is not mainly used to cure pain; it is more used to diminish fatigue while helping improve the mood.
- For those with Crohn’s, a case that stresses a person or leaves them without vitality is bound to worsen it. Sour Diesel instills an energetic sense of motivation, developing positivity in everything that surrounds your daily life.
Jack Herer: The Energizing Hybrid
- Strain: Sativa Dominant hybrid
- Description: The positive effects of Jack Herer are balanced, and its nature is uplifting. This strain can reduce stress and improve mood. Such effects can also be helpful to patients undergoing the emotional fight with Crohn’s disease.
- Jack Herer is anti-inflammatory and may alleviate symptoms of this condition; therefore, it would be helpful in cases where Crohn’s disease requires medication management.
Northern Lights: The Comforting Indica
- Type: Indica
- Description: The Northern Lights is a classic indica strain known for its soothing effects, which put users at ease. It helps reduce pain and anxiety in individuals suffering flare-ups associated with Crohn’s disease.
- As Northern Lights is a sedative strain, individuals will be in an even better state to relax, relieving them of a few symptoms, thus bringing about overall wellness.
- Consult Healthcare Professionals: Always consult a healthcare provider who is experienced in cannabis use, especially if you have Crohn’s or other health conditions.
- Go Low, Go Slow: This would involve starting low and observing the body’s reaction before gradually increasing the dosage to a dosage that may be considered or needed.
- Consider Alternative Methods of Consumption: There are different ways of consuming—smoking; vaping, edibles, and tinctures are just among others that affect how cannabis interacts with your body. Choose one that best suits your preference and your lifestyle.
While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, many find symptomatic relief with the right strains of cannabis. The right strain can help with pain and reduce inflammation for general wellness. Knowing the specifics of different strains can help individuals make good decisions about using cannabis in their wellness routines. Always refer to healthcare professionals for individual recommendations.