What Is the Best Strain for Sciatica?

The cannabis plant is well known for its pain-relieving properties, and when pain is nerve-related—like sciatica pain—this effect is especially pronounced. "Sciatica pain"—which describes various kinds of pain affecting the nerve path through the lower back to the hips, buttocks, and legs—has a wide range of causes ranging from injuries to slipped discs and osteoarthritis. It's important to see a medical professional to help you find the problem and treat it if you can. However, if treatments aren't enough, many patients find that certain cannabis strains can help to provide some welcome pain relief.

Top Marijuana Strains for Sciatica Pain Relief

There are dozens of marijuana strains that may help with chronic back pain. In fact, chronic pain is the number one reason cited for becoming a medical marijuana patient in Seattle, WA. Cannabis is simply that effective at relieving pain.

However, because sciatica pain is a type of nerve pain rather than mechanical or axial pain (the kind you feel if you pull a muscle), there are certain strains that really shine when it comes to providing non-pharmaceutical relief.

AC/DC

AC/DC is one of the most popular medical marijuana strains, and for good reason. This sativa-dominant hybrid is said to relieve pain and muscle tension while lifting mood and providing a burst of energy. 

With around 1% to 5% THC and around 12% CBD, AC/DC is also one of the most non-intoxicating strains out there. This makes AC/DC ideal if your goal is to soothe your chronic back pain rather than to get high. 

Bubba Kush 

For something more relaxing, consider Bubba Kush. This indica-dominant strain is said to provide a gentle lift, followed by hours of unfocused happiness and pain-free relaxation.

With an average of 25% THC, this strain will definitely get you high, so start out slowly if it's your first time smoking weed. If severe pain or muscle spasms make it hard to sleep, this could be an excellent marijuana strain to try.

OG Kush

OG Kush is a popular choice for relieving pain as well as anxiety, depression, mood swings, appetite loss, nausea, headaches, and migraines. Slightly sativa-dominant with 20% to 26% THC and 1% CBN, OG Kush is great for times when you need to socialize without falling asleep. Consumers report feeling happy, uplifted, relaxed, and hungry after consuming this iconic cannabis strain.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is one of the most sought-after strains for treating pain because its soothing effects are so powerful. A pure indica with 16% to 21% THC, Northern Lights is heavily body-focused with reported effects including euphoria, relaxation, and relief from chronic pain. If you struggle with anxiety, insomnia, or appetite loss on top of sciatica pain, Northern Lights could be a great choice.

White Widow

White Widow is a slightly sativa-dominant hybrid strain that is often consumed for pain relief. With 60% sativa, 40% indica, 18% to 25% THC, and 1% CBD, this marijuana strain really is a great all-rounder and is described as providing a mental high with a relaxing undertone. If you need to stay aware and alert while relieving sciatica pain during the day, White Widow is ideal.

Other Strains for Sciatic Pain

Finding the best strain for sciatica pain can very much be a process of trial and error as each person's experience is unique. If none of the strains mentioned so far work for you or you can’t find them in your area, these cannabis strains could also help.

• AK-49

• Blue Widow

• Blueberry

• Blueberry Kush

• Gorilla Glue

• Granddaddy Purple

• Harlequin

• Headband

• Jack Herer

• Purple Kush

• Skywalker OG

• Super Sour Diesel

Visit Higher Leaf in Bellevue or Kirkland, and you can find many of these popular strains available as flower, pre-rolls, cannabis concentrates, and edibles. 

With Cannabis, Sciatica Patients Can Find Short-Term or Long-Term Relief

As an herb with bioactive chemicals that directly interact with the nervous system and perception of pain in the brain, cannabis provides an excellent short-term or long-term source of relief for people suffering from sciatica.

If you've only just started to sense back pain or pain that radiates down through your glutes and legs, the first thing to do is see a medical professional for an evaluation. Then, if standard treatments are unable to resolve the pain—or you just need a break—the strains that we've laid out here will often do the trick.