It has been nine months since I first stepped into a local dispensary, seeking relief from the chronic pain that had taken over my life. I know that I am extremely fortunate to live in a state where it is legal (medically and recreationally.) I know that it is fortunate that I have decided to embark upon this adventure just as cannabis is becoming more accepted. Even mainstream media is beginning to report on the growth of the industry and the benefits that can be derived from this plant. (Just this morning the Today show ran a segment on edibles.) I know that I am fortunate to have the full support of my family and friends, to not feel judged by them is huge. But most importantly I know that I am fortunate to have found something that is helping, something that I feel I have control over.
“Living with a chronic illness that constantly throws unpredictable bullshit at you, to have control over anything is an amazing feeling!”
So far my MMJ Adventures have led to relief; relief that is unparalleled to any that I found using various different prescription drugs. That is not to say I have found the perfect regimen, but even with the ups and down of trying different products, different strains and the occasional “technical issues” like a vape pen failing or a broken cartridge, my day to day life has improved immensely.
“I am actually living again,
rather than just trying to survive living.”
Although there are still plenty of stigmas surrounding the use of cannabis, the more people share their experience and tell their stories about how it has helped them find a better quality of life, the better others may begin to understand the legitimacy of this plant as a medicine.
Isn’t that what we aspire to achieve as we try and “grown-up” and look like we know what we are doing? A better life? Isn’t that what we all want?
If cannabis can provide a better life, if it can allow someone to start actually living again, enjoying life and all its wonders, then I don’t know how it can be denied. It helps, plain and simple. The fact that it does, without the crappy side effects (dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, lack of sex drive, weight gain) that came with the prescribed medications I’ve tried is just an added perk!
I have to admit, the reservation I had in sharing my MMJ Adventure is dwarfed by how I felt when I was on Methadone (one of the prescription drugs I tried during the first years of pain.) It is a schedule one narcotic, which meant that it is highly regulated by the FDA (especially given our countries opioid addiction epidemic.) Beyond being a pain in the ass to get – I could only get one month’s supply at a time, I had to physically go in and pick up the prescription from my doctor’s office every 30 days and often times my pharmacy didn’t even have the medicine on hand and I would either have to go without for a few days or drive around the city to other stores in order to get refills – it really didn’t help with the pain after the first six months. My body grew used to the drug, and I would have needed to increase my dosage in order to find continued relief. I didn’t want to take more. I was scared that I would become an addict, like so many people we hear about in the news these days. A prescribed medication led them to addiction, I didn’t want that to happen to me. I didn’t want to become an addict, I just wanted the pain to stop.
There is also the perception that methadone is used solely for recovering heroin addicts and I know for a fact that a few people in my life wondered if maybe my “disappearance” from many things was because I had become an addict. (Ironic that that is exactly what I was trying to avoid and was the reason that I stopped taking it.) I knew the truth. I knew that it was because the pain had taken over and I had slipped away because I couldn’t cope with anything beyond the bare minimum of existing. I knew I wasn’t an addict. I knew I wasn’t recovering from an addiction. I knew I was just trying to survive the pain, but others wondered and I hated that feeling.
No one likes to feel judged!
With cannabis, I am actually extremely proud to tell people that I am using it and that it is providing me with relief. I am excited to have something other than the disease to learn about and share with others. As I have chronicled my MMJ Adventures over the past months, I have shared about various strains and products that I have tried. One of the most common questions I get is which strain works for my pain. Here is how I answer that – it really depends.
“It is about finding what works for you and your body. What I have learned (for me) is that it is all about the strain. Above and beyond Sativa Vs. India, THC vs CBD levels, and how I choose to ingest the cannabis, it all has to do with the strain. The strain is what helps with the pain and not all cannabis provides relief. What strain I use matters – it is the difference between relief from the pain and feeling like crap!”
Which can be a bit daunting when you consider that there are 100s of strains out there already with more and more arriving on the scene. As legalization expands and more people get into the business of producing cannabis (both professionally and individually) new strains are popping up as they experiment with breeding the plants.
I found it extremely helpful to have a jumping off point – to find recommendations about strains from other MSers using cannabis for their pain. There are so many different choices and it can be beyond overwhelming, stressful and potentially expensive to try and just pick randomly. Finding a budtender that is educated on MMJ who is able to make suggestions based on my experiences with previous strains has also been a big help. Just as I have found strains that help, I have found ones that don’t touch the pain. It has been a process of trial and error – that still continues. I am always looking for new strains that will help, but I wanted to share a list of what has been helping me.
You will see that my list is heavily weighted towards the Indica plant. – I tend to be an Indica person, Sativa’s often make me paranoid. Although it is known as more of the mellow, “couch potato” plant, I don’t find it drags me, or my energy level down. The strains that actually help with the pain, and don’t leave me feeling high or fuzzy minded, seem to do just that…help with the pain without making me feel less motivated or active. That being said I have continued to try and find Sativa strains that don’t make me paranoid and that help with the pain. After all if it can help with the pain and give me energy, that would be awesome. I have learned that for me, what tends to work is a high THC % – but with some CBD (2-4%.) This is not always the case, but knowing this has helped me in finding a few of these strains.
******PAIN STRAINS******
(I have listed the actual company whose product I use, but have found that the same strain by another company tends to be fairly similar.)
(Indica) Optimum Extracts THC 69.05% CBD 3.02%
THIS was my very first success story. The first strain that helped with the pain without notably messing with my brain. I haven’t actually used this in quite a few months – haven’t been able to find it, and I have been busy trying other strains, but I definitely intend to hunt some down soon to see if it is all that I remember it to be!
(Indica) Indigo Pro/Harmony Farms THC 76.6% CBD 1.55%
Originally this was my favorite “Nighttime Strain” but due to one of the above mentioned “technical issues” I found myself on a camping trip without a day time strain, so I used Bubba and found that in small doses (few small puffs) it is great at helping with the pain without the time to sleep feeling.
(Hybrid) Indigo Pro/Harmony Farms THC 76.3% CBD 0.66%
This was my first venture away from a straight Indica and so far is the only hybrid that I have found that helps with the pain. Hybrids are created when two (or more) strains are combined, but I have found that finding out WHICH strains are used is not that easy (not usually included on the packaging) and yet as I have said, it’s all about the strains. So if I can find hybrids that indicate which strains, I might have more success in finding ones that help with the pain.
(Indica) Ionic THC 62.86% CBD 5.35%
This is a fairly new addition to my PAIN LIST but it’s been fairly consistent with helping with the pain and not messing with my brain.
(Sativa) Lit Raw CO2 Oil THC 60.1% CBD 7.1%
This is the only Sativa on the list at the moment. Love that it does not make me paranoid and does seem to bump up my energy/productivity level. It was definitely one of my favorite strains while we were vacationing this summer. Great for playing on the beach with the kids, fishing on the jetty and even riding a bike (something I haven’t been able to do for the past 3-4 summers!) Kids found it very appropriate that I was using “Great White Shark” while hanging out on Martha’s Vineyard and that allowed me to once again jump off the famous bridge from the movie JAWS!
(Indica) Crystal Clear THC 90.50% CBD 5.9%
This is another failrly new addition to the pack, although with the high levels of both, I was pretty sure it would work – and it does! This is a small disposable vape pen, super convient for more active days when I am out and about and don’t want to worry about picking out cartridges and vape pens. Just grab and go.
(Indica) Willie’s Reserve THC 87.78% CBD 0.14%
I bought this one when looking for a new “Nighttime Strain” but it is another one that is great at helping with the pain, without messing with my mind. A few small puffs and I am good to go!
(Indica) Harmony Farms THC 83.1%
This is the only strain that I have tried that doesn’t have any CBD – and yet it helps with the pain, significantly. I tend to use this one as a “Nighttime Strain” but I also really enjoy using it before working out – either going for a hike or even just doing yoga stretches. It relaxes my muscles, eliminating the constant “about to have a charley horse” feeling that I often have in my legs.
(Indica) Artizen THC 88.45% CBD 1.34%
An early addition to my Pain Strain list, this is one that I used only at nighttime but I am excited to try it as a day strain as well.
(Indica) Pearl Extracts THC 76% CBD 2.1%
Does a great job of killing the pain without any notiable changes to my mind.
(Indica) Avitas THC 76.8% CBD 2.18%
I have only ever used this as a “Nighttime Strain” but it does a great job of squelching the pain while relaxing me – ensuring a great night’s sleep.
Having spent a bunch of time perusing Leafly in preparing to write this post, I found a new strain that I am going to have to try. NOT because it is touted as helping with pain and not because someone recommended it. Based solely on its name, I need to find Fucking Incredible and give it a shot –
because my MMJ Adventure has been pretty fucking incredible!
IF YOU HAVE FOUND STRAINS THAT HELP YOU WITH YOUR PAIN – LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS SECTION. I LOVE RECOMMENDATIONS AND LEARNING ABOUT WHAT IS WORKING FOR OTHER MMJ PATIENTS!!!
**This is my personal blog and all opinions are my own. I am not a doctor, nor do I play one here on my blog. The content here is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of medical professionals. Be sure to contact your doctor before trying any new medications/vitamins/supplements, physical activities or therapies **
Hi, I have been reading blogs and such about people’s journey with MS and MMJ. No one has said if they take MS meds such as Copaxone as well. I was wondering if you use just MMJ or are you also taking other types of meds for MS?
Hi Tamara! Sorry for the delayed response – summertime fun has kept me away a bit:) Personally, I am no longer using anything other than cbd and cannabis – I tried a number of different DMD’s (did Avonex, Tysabri, Rituximaub and Tecfidera) and none of them worked or agreed with my body. BUT I know many other MSers that are currently on DMDs and other prescription medication that use MMJ daily. My biggest advice to start slowly and listen to YOUR body – for instance – everywhere I went and everyone I talked to told me that Indica strains made you mellow/chill- I was told it was the “couch-lock” effect and so I used it at night time. Turns out for ME and MY body – Indica’s make me want to move – they are what I use to go on my walks and hikes Start slow- I would give each thing I tried at least a week before making any judgement on it’s effectiveness or even it’s effects on me. When I used to take precription pain meds (methadone being one) I remember feeling super loopy the first few days – as in, not ok to drive type of loopy, but then after a few days it’s like my body figured out it was supposed to be using the chemicals to counter the pain and not to make me loopy and after that I would be fine. The same applies for me and new strains, products or consumption method – it can take a bit for your body to figure it out.
Good luck and let me know if you have other questions
Cheers!
Meg
Hi, I have been reading different blogs and such from people about their journey with MS and MMJ. No one writes specifically if MMJ is all they use. I was wondering if you also take MS meds such as Copaxone or just use MMJ?
Have you found strains that do not cause bad cotton mouth? I have extreme dry mouth caused by Sjogren’s Syndrome and have not found any Indica strains that do not make it worse.
I have found that the strain Red Headed Stranger really helps my severe nerve pain. You know the days where the electrical shocks going down your arm make you want to take a saw to it to make the pain go away? I take two puffs and the nerve pain is gone. Poof!
Haven’t seen that one yet. Will keep my eye out for it though! And yes, know the annoying shocks – but mine are in my legs 🙂
I really wish I could utilize this list! I tried to ask a dealer in my non legal state what strain she was selling me and she rolled her eyes at me. I really need to know!
;( Yes, that has got to be frustrating. Although I am sure that there are growers/sellers out there that do know the strains (because awareness and education is growing so rapidly) but my guess is that your typical dealer wouldn’t know.
Hopefully more and more states will get on board with MMJ and then you can find sources that DO know what they are selling!
Good luck!
Cheers!
Meg
Well, she probably doesn’t even know. It’s whatever they get. Is it in “bud” form, or broken up?
Thanks for your info I am waiting for Ohio to open up it stores, wish it were now!! You r a kind person to share what u have found. Awesome. Linda
Hey Linda,
Good luck!!!! Hope they open up soon and you find something that works for you!!!
Cheers,
Meg
I live in n.e. Ohio…let me know too !
My biggest complaint is RLS. It consumes me, worrying about it and suffering from it. What do you think would be a good strain of mj for it? Also, I’ve never used a vape pen. Guess I could learn how to do it. But how long does the relief last from vaping? Maybe this could be the answer, ya think?
There are absolutely strains that might help with RLS – one of the things I love about the strains I use for sleeping – my legs -which are usually consumed with spasms, cramping and annoying “electrical shock” feelings at night just relax and feel “almost” normal. It is lovely! One other big difference for me – now that I am using MMJ to help with my sleep I no longer HAVE to wear my big fuzzy slippers. Because my feet have always had the sensation of being cold (even in the dead heat of summer) I have had to wear something on my feet in order to sleep. But super happy to announce that I have not had to wear anything on them for the entire summer. Might not seem like much – but truthfully, it is kind of nice to once again run my feet along the sheets and FEEL the fabric on my feet – that is a HUGE difference:)
As for vaping, yes, pretty easy to learn and the relief I experience when using one of my pain strains is almost instant. Since I micro-dose (meaning I take just small tiny puffs) I tend to repeat every 2-3 hours which provides me with a fairly even, steady level of relief. BUT what I am doing can certainly dictate how much I need for that relief. If I am sitting at my desk writing, a few small puffs every few hours is great! If I am out on the boat – reeling in fish and hauling up the crab pot – I need a whole lot more – but the great thing is that more doesn’t mean stoned….just allows the relief to keep up with my activity level.
Good luck and please let me know if you find something that works for you!!!:)
Cheers,
Meg
I’m looking for a strain to ease horrible spasticity .. which is causing me so much pain right now! Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Donna
Part of my chronic pain stemmed from severe spaticity, and each of the strains I listed help with that. As I have said, it is different for each of us, but maybe start with one on the list, and see how it goes. Here are a few things that I have learned. 1.) The first try, or two or three, is not always relective of how it will work for the pain. There have been some strains that don’t seem to do much for the first day or two, but as I continued to use it, the relief arrived.
Because MS is so damn random – and how I feel varies so often – I have given each strain at least a week or two before making any decision on whether it helps or not. It’s been a slow process, but for me, the results are so worth it:) Good luck and let me know if you find something that helps!!!!:)
Cheers!
Meg
But what are they using to make the oil? Some nasty stuff can be used for this process. Have you tried making your own tincture or oil or edible, that would last longer?
yes, unfortunately, it is true that there are many products being sold that have not been tested for safety and that many have harmful levels of pesticides, chemicals, or mold. I have tried to find suppliers/growers/brands that stick to their claims of valuing safety, but there is no guarantee. I have begun exploring the idea of growing a bit myself and trying to make edibles and topical lotion but that is a ways away for me:)
Optimus Prime is my favorite strain right now. Kautu Bubba Kush is good also.
Ever tried RSO ? It works but make sure u take it as directed because this will have you high, and pain free for up to 10 hrs, IMO. It freaked me out when I first took it but I was with my daughter at American Girl Place so it helped a lot. It’s more of a body high, not a head high! Thanks for the great info.
Hey Reysi!
Yes, I have tried RSO and it didn’t help much with my pain:( Again, it is so interesting to me how it is different for everyone. Although I guess it is like all the different pain medicines that are out there. Some worked on the pain for a while and some didn’t help at all.
I had to chuckle at thinking of you “freaking” out at the American Girl Place:) Thanks for sharing!
Cheers!
Meg
Hi Bill,
Back in the earlier days of my MMJ Adventures I calculated it to be about $175 a month, but that is not reflective of what I have been spending, as I search for the right strains. I think that if I stop exploring new things that my cost per month would probably be around $100-$120 a month. I have saved every receipt (and even made a spreadsheet to track how long each cartridge lasts) so I can begin to look back and figure it out:)
Cheers!
Meg
Thank you for the info! I have been starting my search for the right strains for pain as well. I started with mostly hybrids and sativas because that was what was recommend for MS. But I actually prefer the indicas. I’ve always thought low THC and high CBD was the way to go so I found it interesting that you have found the opposite to be helpful. Thank you again!!
I know! I was told the same – high CBD and low THC especially since I kept yaking on about not wanting to get high. But all of the CBD strains I tried did very little to touch the pain. Then I started thinking I keep saying I don’t want to get high, I don’t want it to mess with my mind, but it is my mind that THINKS I am in pain, so I’m pretty sure I want to mess with it.
The strains that I have found work, don’t mess with my mind in any noticeable way. I like to think that it is too busy fighting the pain – which may or may not be true, but it’s what I go with. Those that don’t help DO make me feel stoned…and not saying that isn’t enjoyable every once in awhile, but not for my every day – I got shit to do and fish to catch!!!:)
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing!
Cheers!
Meg
I love your columns! I’m still searching for the right combination. Mostly concerned about RLS which drives me crazy. I was wondering if you get any payment from the marijuana industry?
Hi Marilyn! Thanks so much for the kind words! At this point no, no compensation or products. I have purchased everything with my quickly dwindling savings. what I would like is to find a place in the industry to continue to help educate people. I love meeting with people and hearing their stories but also am passionate about helping others and for me- MMJ has definite helped! Good luck finding the right combo:)
I hope you can find a place in the industry to help people. I think it’s wonderful that you’re taking your own time and money to explore avenues to help people who have this hideous disease. Good luck.
🙂 I do too! Although the time and money was as much about finding relief from the pain as it was learning about cannabis and then sharing my knowledge:)