Quiz: What Cannabis Strain is Best for Pain Relief?

Cannabinoids are compounds produced by the cannabis plant, with the most common known being THC and CBD. These compounds resemble the shape of compounds produced internally, called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids and cannabinoids both interact with the endocannabinoid system, found throughout the body, to help keep the body and its systems in homeostasis.

The human body (and all other animal bodies) have an endocannabinoid system, made up of receptors known as endocannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and endocannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). It is with this system and its receptors that THC and CBD interact - THC with CB1, CBD with both.

CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, including the brain. The way in which THC binds to these CB1 receptors is what produces the psychoactivity associated with marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors - when interacting with CB1, CBD has an affinity of counteracting some of the cerebral effects of THC; when interacting with CB2 receptors, CBD has shown potential in mitigating inflammation.

THC is the most well-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and produces the euphoric or "high" feeling associated with marijuana consumption. THC has shown to provide a host of benefits, including pain relief, an appetite stimulant, antiemetic (anti-nausea, vomiting), antispasmodic and neuroprotective, though more research is needed.

Cannabis has a range of effects based on the strain consumed. Some strains may leave you feeling happy, chatty and euphoric, while others may induce a body high, or a feeling of "couchlock."

The unique thing about cannabis is that its effects vary from person to person. While the cultivar Sour Jack may leave one person ready to tackle the day, it may put another person to sleep. With all forms of marijuana, it is best to start with low doses and go slow when adding more to find your optimal dose.

Smoking and ingesting cannabis produce vastly different effects.

When marijuana is smoked, THC, CBD and other beneficial plant compounds are released. These compounds are inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream through the airways, leading to an immediate onset of effects.

Ingesting cannabis has an onset time of anywhere from 30-90 minutes (and sometimes longer). Digesting cannabinoids means they must be broken down in the stomach, to then be processed through the liver. When THC goes through this process, known as the first-pass effect, it is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC - a compound 5x's more psychoactive than inhaling a vape. The effects of marijuana edibles are primarily heavy, body effects.

Vaping cannabis is the act of heating the oil, whole flower or concentrate to the point that the desired cannabinoids and terpenes are released in vapor format. The vapors are then inhaled for immediate onset of effects.

Dabbing is the term used to describe consuming marijuana concentrates. Dabs are consumed using a dab rig, similar to a water pipe with special pieces to withstand high heats, or e-rigs or dab pens. Dabs are potent forms of cannabis and considered a macrodose of the cannabinoids. Because dabs are typically 5 times more potent than vaping a cannabis vape or smoking flower, dabs are not recommended for beginners.

Still unsure of what cannabis piece to add to your medical routine? Take the quiz above to find out!