Monday, August 17, 2015

25 of the Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Treating Fibromyalgia

25 of the Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Treating Fibromyalgia:


Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic pain disorder. Known by many as an "invisible illness," Fibromyalgia is often mistaken for other diseases and disorders, written off as general pain, or sometimes even misdiagnosed or ignored. People with fibromyalgia are aware of how real the disorder is, however, and positive progress is being made in the medical community every day to help the people who live with this incurable (but somewhat manageable) condition. One positive step in the right direction involves the use of medical marijuana in treating Fibromyalgia. Several studies have already shown benefits to using medical marijuana for Fibromyalgia, and as we learn more and more all the time, hopefully in the near future we will see even more proof of it's effectiveness, as well as more medical marijuana (and fewer "Big Pharma" narcotics) in the hands of fibro patients everywhere.
But before we get ahead of ourselves though, we have to remember that, as is the case with most medical conditions treated with marijuana, there will probably be certain strains that will help more than others. There may even be certain strains that exacerbate symptoms and flares much more; so it is very important to know what you are looking for in your meds.  

And that is where the staff here at Green Leaf Clinic comes in...

We have been tirelessly researching the connections between Fibromyalgia and medical marijuana for weeks now, in the hopes of discovering the very best strains for our patients with Fibro to consume, and we have come up with a great list for you all. We took in a variety of factors when it came to our final decisions, including which strains truly addressed key Fibromyalgia symptoms, CBD content (as high CBD's offer pain relief, strengthen bones, relieve anxiety, and act as anti-inflammatories, and anti-epileptics, as well as easing nausea), and even smell, taste, potency, appearance, and strain names and histories.  We also read reviews from patients on several websites and informally spoke with Fibromyalgia patients in the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program in Lansing, Eaton Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids.

What we came up with, was a great list of 25 amazing strains (and a few honorable mentions as well) to use in treating Fibromyalgia.  But before we get to that list, let's go over exactly what these meds are treating...

Picture from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147083.php


Common and Uncommon Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Associated Conditions:

A person who has Fibromyalgia will experience many, though probably not all, of the afflictions on this list. If there is something you see missing, please let us know in the comments. 

-chronic muscle, skeletal, joint, and deep tissue pain
-muscle spasms/tremors
-"brain fog"
-fatigue/sleep issues/sleep apnea/insomnia
-depression
-anxiety
-headaches/migraines
-social isolation
-memory and mood issues
-neuropathy (nerve pain)
-abdominal cramps
-irritability 
-menstrual problems
-fertility problems
-muscle/joint stiffness
-nausea
-bloating
-constipation
-tingling in hands/feet
-itchy skin
-temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
-irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
-restless leg syndrome (RLS)
-sexual disfunction
-worsened allergies
-gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease
-thyroid problems
-other rheumatic and/or autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Grave's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

That is quite a slew of problems! But luckily, Green Leaf Clinic has solutions! 
Without further ado, here are...

25 of the Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Treating Fibromyalgia:


1. Permafrost
Sativa dom. Hybrid
This very frosty strain of medical marijuana has relaxing, yet uplifting, euphoric effects. It is effective in treating muscle and joint pain, depression, spasms/tremors, gastrointestinal disorders, and more. It is also a rather great strain for MS patients with, or without, Fibromyalgia as well.

2. Canna-Tsu
Indica dom. Hybrid
This medical marijuana strain is packed with powerful CBDs and is great for treating muscle, joint, and deep tissue pain, inflammation, anxiety, social disorders, muscle spasms/tremors, etc.

3. Violator Kush
Indica
Violator Kush is high in both THC and CBDs, making it a very desirable medical strain. It offers relaxation, slight sedation, and pain relief and can assist with both depression and insomnia.

4. Romulan
Indica dom. Hybrid
This strain, named after a smart, devious, manipulative, and mysterious alien race from the Star Trek universe, is wonderful for massive relaxation. It acts as a sedative and is one of the best strains for insomnia. Romulan also assists by melting away stress and anxiety...

5. Green Queen
Sativa dom. Hybrid
Green Queen is a great daytime medication for Fibro patients because it is uplifting and energizing, even as it aids in the relief of joint and muscle pain, muscle spasms, and symptoms of IBS. With it's high levels of THC, this strain is just a fun one to smoke - the fact that it helps with stress and depression too is just icing on the cake.

6. MediHaze
Sativa dom. Hybrid
This strain's high CBDs are matched with high THC for a VERY potent combination.  This sativa dominant medical marijuana strain of canna-power is great for pain, inflammation, anxiety, attention and social disorders, and for providing focus - it's rather heavy pain relief does not come with a fogginess or sedative feeling, but instead a clearheaded, focused "high" which is great for any patient with Fibromyalgia who still has to go to work every day.

7. ACDC
Sativa dom. Hybrid
ACDC is full of CBDs and has little to no THC; meaning, there are no psychoactive effects associated with this particular marijuana strain, making it a great choice for those who want relief from pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, anxiety, and more without the "high."  This is also a good choice for those with Fibro who are at a higher risk for cancer, as it helps prevent cancer and kills cancer cells.

8. Blue Dream
Sativa dom. Hybrid
Blue Dream is a great all day medication for Fibromyalgia patients as it provides energy, euphoria, and feelings of happiness, as well as a clear-headed, yet creative and dreamy, focused vibe.  It is relaxing without being sedating and it is a great medical marijuana strain choice for the pain, depression, nausea, stress, and digestive upset Fibromyalgia can cause.

9. Grape God
Indica dom. Hybrid
This Indica dominant medical marijuana strain is a great choice for right after dinner... it provides relief from pain, stress, and depression and makes it's users happy, euphoric, relaxed, and peaceful, without being too heavily sedating. 

10. Tangerine Dream
Hybrid
Tangerine Dream is this writer's personal favorite of this bunch, because Tangerine Dream is a medical marijuana strain that you can smoke all day! It smells and tastes great, it looks great, and of course, it is an amazing medicine. It provides massive pain relief and relaxation but while still stimulating energy, creativity, focus, and drive. It makes one feel euphoric and uplifted, and it truly knocks out pain. It is best for chronic muscle and joint pain, stress, depression, and for those who tend to socially withdraw when their chronic illness flares up.

11. White Berry
Indica dom. Hybrid
This lovely Indica heavy strain is a wonderful choice when it comes to treating pain, depression, stress, and spasms related to Fibromyalgia. It provides relaxation and a significant amount of pain relief, while also making one feel very happy, euphoric, creative, and almost as if floating!

12. Remedy
Hybrid
Got the sickness? We've got the Remedy! This medical marijuana hybrid strain was crafted to be very high in CBDs and very low in THC, making it a great choice for patients who do not desire psychoactive effects or to "get high." It is great for joint and muscle pain, spasms/tremors, anxiety, inflammation, and neuropathy.

13. Blueberry Skunk
Indica dom. Hybrid
One of the best strains for addressing multiple issues, Blueberry Skunk is a great choice for Fibromyalgia patients.  It eases pain, stress, depression, anxiety, nausea, inflammation, etc. plus it is potent, sweet smelling, and flavorful, especially well cured to perfection.  For patients with a lower tolerance, Blueberry Skunk may provide the giggles and the munchies as well.

14. Cannatonic
Hybrid
If the name wasn't a hint enough in itself, I will let you know now: Cannatonic is one of the very best strains for RELAXATION! It is high in both CBDs and THC and it helps with muscle and joint pain, spasms/tremors, neuropathy, inflammation, stress, depression, anxiety, and the negative effects of cancer treatment.  It is an especially important strain for any Fibro patients with a family history of cancer to take as a preventative measure and equally important for Fibro patients who are currently battling cancer as it can help kill cancer cells and slow disease growth.

15. Charlotte's Web
Sativa
Charlotte's Web is a great strain for patients with Fibromyalgia, but it was originally designed for a little girl with seizures, hence why it is high in CBDs, low in THC, and is a very functional medicine.  It provides great relief from pain, stress, and depression by inducing euphoric and happy feelings and allowing for an energized, yet calm, focus. It's nice.

16. MediBud
Hybrid
MediBud is another strain on our list that is great as an all-day smoke, as it gives pain relief and other wonderful benefits while still providing energy, happiness, and focus (mixed with a hint of euphoria to keep that depression at bay.) It is a wonderful hybrid medical marijuana strain for patients with Fibro!

17. Afghani CBD
Indica
Afghani is an amazing medical marijuana strain as is, but someone made it even better by making it  more CBD heavy. Afghani CBD is the perfect medicine for Fibromyalgia patients to take before bedtime.  It is a sedating, relaxing, sleep inducing, dream maker of a med, and it is great for treating pain, depression, restless leg syndrome, muscle spasms, stress disorders, and of course, insomnia.

18. Purple Alien OG
Indica dom. Hybrid
This very relaxing mmj strain is a wonderful choice when it comes to treating symptoms of Fibromyalgia, especially stress, anxiety, pain, nausea, and insomnia.  

19. White Rhino
Indica Blend
White Rhino is actually a favorite with our patients and staff members here at Green Leaf Clinic. Why? Well, White Rhino addresses multiple issues (much like Blueberry Skunk) and it is a pleasure to smoke. White Rhino helps with pain, anxiety, depression, inflammation, nausea, spasms, social disorders, insomnia, and more. 

20. Northern Lights
Indica
This medical marijuana strain is another good one for the end of the night, right before bed, as it is one of the best aids for insomnia there is.  It is also good for pain, stress, and anxiety - it lends a calm, dreamy euphoria to the mind, and a soothing, sedative, relaxation to the body. 

21. Avi-Dekel
Sativa dom. Hybrid
This particular strain is another that is high in CBDs and low in THC, a common trend when it comes to treating chronic conditions, and it is a great help for spasms, tremors, seizures, inflammation, pain, insomnia, and digestive disorders such as IBS.

22. Sour Tsunami
Hybrid
One of the first to be bred as a high CBD, low THC strain, Sour Tsunami lead the way for many other strains, but it is still a giant in its own right! Sour Tsunami allows the patient to be relaxed and focused simultaneously while it addresses pain, muscle spasms, inflammation, stress, neuropathy, and more.

23. Somango
Indica Blend
Somango is a wonderful medical marijuana strain for Fibromyalgia patients because it provides a clear-headed, functional, and euphoric energy that is good for pain, anxiety, stress, depression, and frankly... getting through the day!

24. Island Sweet Skunk
Sativa
This strain can be very good or just kind of good. To be very good, one must find an Island Sweet Skunk that is bred to be high in CBDs as those are best for Fibro patients.  If you can find high CBD variants of Island Sweet Skunk, you will be in luck.  Island Sweet Skunk relieves anxiety, pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, and more, making it a great choice of medicine to treat Fibromyalgia.

25. Casey Jones
Sativa
Finally, we have the fun, free-spirited feels of Casey Jones to round out our top 25 strains for Fibromyalgia. Casey Jones made the cut because it is a potent, uplifting strain that inspires creativity, daydreaming, and a rather overwhelming euphoria. It can make people rather talkative, so it is great for social gatherings, sporting events, parties, etc. and it lends relief to stress, anxiety, pain, fatigue, depression, nausea, digestive issues, malaise, and more! 

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
CBD Mango Haze, Critical Mass, UK Cheese, God Bud, Jedi Kush, GDP x Purple Urkle, Pineapple Trainwreck, Super Cheese, LA Confidential, Hawaiian Dream, Avi, Midnight, Nebula II CBD, Zen, CBD Shark, Digweed, Satori, ChemDawg, Blueberry Chunk, Purple Pineapple, Deathstar OG, Deep Purple, White Lightning, Belladonna, Jack Herer, Alien Blues, Holy Ghost, Kali Mist, Jesus, Ringo's Gift, Grand Daddy Purps, Purple Urkle, Dr. Funk, Purple Crack, Shaman, Blue Cheese, Harlequin, and Bubba Kush.

Picture from:Wikimedia Commons

Other Methods of Relief to Try with Medical Marijuana in Treating Fibromyalgia:

-massages
-exercise
-water therapy / swimming
-meditation
-acupuncture
-talk therapy
-healthy diet changes
-dancing
-Pilates and Yoga (w/ accommodations)
-aromatherapy
-vacation/sick days/time off/mental health days/medical leaves
-other prescriptions or herbal supplements
-heating packs / ice packs

SOURCES:

Michigan Medical Marijuana Program Patients

Saturday, August 1, 2015

The 10 Best Marijuana Strains to Smoke with Your Coffee

The 10 Best Marijuana Strains to Smoke with Your Coffee:



Are you a marijuana patient who also LOVES coffee? Well, you're in luck! Coffee and marijuana go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly, cookies and cream, bread and butter, etc. (I think you get the picture.) This may surprise some of you, as for years there was a popular misconception that weed was less potent and effective when consumed with coffee (particularly, the caffeine in coffee); but we have recently come to find that marijuana and coffee combined actually can provide mutually beneficial effects. Like what? Well, decreased inflammation in the brain, improved blood flow and circulation, feelings of euphoria, and an increased level of energy, alertness, and focus to start.

But according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, just how much you consume of each does make a difference. (Hence where the misconceptions about coffee and marijuana combined probably come from.) You see, in low amounts, the coffee and weed can almost cancel one another out, it's true. But in high amounts, the beneficial effects of both the coffee and the marijuana are enhanced. 

So... the medical advice implied here is seemingly to smoke more weed and drink more coffee? Alright!

But what are the best medical marijuana strains to pair with your coffee? In the opinion of this writer, the best strains to combine with the caffeinated jolts of java you inhale throughout the day would be marijuana strains that compliment the coffee (both smell and flavor wise), marijuana strains that provide several similar benefits to coffee, so as to thus be enhanced (like energy, euphoria, etc.), and marijuana strains with clever names that actually match their characteristics and can be paired with other cuisines as if they were foods themselves.

Keeping that in mind, here are my recommendations for 
The 10 Best Marijuana Strains to Smoke with Your Coffee:

Photo from: http://undergroundcannabis.com/2013/12/08/coffee-and-weed-15-best-pics-on-web/

1. Chocolope 
Sativa
Chocolope is (surprisingly) the only full fledged Sativa on this top 10 list; for though Sativas lend themselves well to providing energy and focus, many Sativa marijuana strains do not fit the flavor profiles of marijuana strains that would pair well with coffee. However, this groovy, chocolicious strain does, so it makes the cut! With it's Earthy, sweet, chocolate/coffee aromas and flavors, it is an absolute pleasure to smoke with a hot cup of coffee. Plus, it is uplifting, euphoric, energizing, and it induces happiness and creativity, so this is definitely one of the strains to pair with your morning coffee; that way, you can enjoy your whole day!

2. Girl Scout Cookies
Hybrid
As one of the (seemingly) most popular strains of 2014/2015, Girl Scout Cookies (also called GSC) is a great hybrid medical marijuana strain to have with coffee. If it wasn't obvious due to the pairing of cookies and coffee, a few other reasons I chose this particular strain is that it is potent, usually loaded with THC, and it lends itself well to increasing good feelings of happiness, euphoria, relaxation, and stress relief. Good for stress, depression, and both mild and severe chronic pain, Girl Scout Cookies could be great with your morning coffee or that mid-afternoon cup that keeps you going. 

3. Vanilla Kush
Indica
This pain relieving marijuana strain is perfect for night time with a pot of dark roast. With it's sweet, vanilla-infused Earthy scent and taste, it's thick, therapeutic smoke that acts like aromatherapy, and it's calming, soothing, and euphoric effects, Vanilla Kush will have you savoring every moment; every smoke, and every sip, until eventually you'll just want to slide away into dreamland, It is a wonderful strain for severe pain, muscle spasms, depression, and insomnia and it just tastes so good with coffee!

4. Royal Caramel
Indica
This beautiful marijuana strain has a sweet caramel aroma when ground (which smells great with coffee brewing) and a deep, sweet, Earthy, nuttiness added to it when smoked. It is an absolute delight to the taste buds, and it makes perfect sense on this list. Much like the Vanilla Kush, Royal Caramel is probably better for night time with a dark roast, as it sedates the body slightly, lends itself well to relaxation and stress relief, and acts as a sleep aid, making it very effective for insomnia. 

5. Chocolate Chunk
Indica
With Earthy, coffee and chocolate like aromas and flavors, Chocolate Chunk is an absolute pleasure to smoke while drinking coffee.  Not only does it taste great, but it actually pairs well with the caffeine in the coffee to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow for healing purposes. Chocolate Chunk is a particularly good medical strain for muscle and joint pain, insomnia, muscle spasms, migraines, and neuropathy, so once again, we are looking at a dark roast in the night...

6. Ice Cream
Hybrid
With it's smooth, creamy, vanilla taste, the marijuana strain Ice Cream is like a creamer you smoke instead of stirring into your coffee. It's a wonderful pairing, Ice Cream and coffee, and it works well for depression, stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and more; and as the effects of smoking Ice Cream are relaxing yet uplifting simultaneously, it works as a morning or mid-day smoke for sure. Yummy!

7. Maple Leaf Indica
Indica
With aromas and flavors of a sweet, caramel incense, and a syrupy maple perfume, Maple Leaf Indica is one of the most perfect marijuana strains, flavor wise, to pair with coffee. Not only that, but this particularly sweet smelling strain is also quite an aphrodisiac, and can make one feel romantic, happy, giggly, elated, euphoric, relaxed, and even a bit tingly. It can also increase arousal. So maybe save this strain and coffee combo for those nights alone with your significant other/lover. It will be worth the wait...

8. Kaya's Koffee
Hybrid
A relatively unknown hybrid marijuana strain, Kaya's Koffee is actually a great choice to smoke with your coffee - if you can find it! It has a fresh, sweet, and slightly bitter and spicy flavor to it that makes for a good match with a morning cup of coffee : black. 
Kaya's Koffee is best for those with chronic pain, ongoing depression, neuropathy, and anyone receiving cancer treatment, as it makes it possible for them to get through the day. But really, this happy strain addresses a lot of issues, inspires creativity, and lends itself well to euphoria, so actually, it is really good for everyone. Smoke up!

9. Dairy Queen
Hybrid
With it's sweet, pungent, creamy smell and taste, this strain is much like a yummy, frozen, dairy treat from the ice cream truck. It is a mood boosting, energizing, creativity inducing marijuana strain whose effects are most definitely heightened when paired with coffee. With a boost of euphoric feelings and energy as well, this strain is a perfect way to start your coffee drinking day.

10. Cookies and Cream
Hybrid
This marijuana strain has a sweet, vanilla cookie like flavor with soft Earthy and nutty undertones, making it a balanced choice to pair with your morning or mid-day cups of coffee. With it's ability to relax the body without sedating it and chill the mind while still simultaneously stimulating and uplifting it, Cookies and Cream is a great marijuana strain to combine with coffee, especially if you suffer from stress, depression, or chronic pain.  The euphoric feelings are another added bonus, making this a great medical strain for those patients who still have to work all day. Enjoy!

Other Contenders:
Cookies Kush
Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies
Black Velvet 
Black Cherry Soda
Sugar Black Rose
Sin Mint Cookies
Night Train
White Rhino
Blueberry Skunk
Chocolate Rain
Cocoa Kush
Hash Heaven
Sugar Babe
Vanilluna (aka: Vanilla Moon)
Chem Cookies
Platinum Girl Scout Cookies
Vanilla OG
Sugar Shack
Sweet Tooth
Chocolate Thai
Northern Lights
OG Kush
Purple Power
Peacemaker

Sources:
Journal of Neuroscience
Medical Marijuana
The Green Leaf Clinic Staff