In the UK, doctors can prescribe medical cannabis to treat endometriosis symptoms like chronic pain, inflammation, and mood disorders. The choice of cannabis strain often depends on the individual’s specific symptoms and how their body responds to it. The following Sativa and Indica strains may help endometriosis patients:
Indica strains
People often recommend indica strains for their relaxing and pain-relieving properties. People typically use these strains to manage pain, insomnia, and inflammation. They may be better suited for evening or night-time use due to their calming effects.
- Purple Kush: Known for its strong pain-relieving properties, Purple Kush is a potent indica that can effectively manage severe pain, including endometriosis-related pain. It also promotes relaxation, which can help with insomnia or difficulty sleeping due to pain.
- Northern Lights: This Indica strain is well-known for its ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It also has calming effects, making it useful for managing stress, anxiety, and muscle tension that can be associated with endometriosis flare-ups.
- Granddaddy Purple: Known for its ability to alleviate pain, muscle spasms, and insomnia, Granddaddy Purple is another popular Indica strain. Its soothing effects can help manage both physical and emotional symptoms of endometriosis.
Sativa strains
People typically choose sativa strains for their energising and mood-lifting effects. They may help with fatigue, mood swings, and low energy, which are common symptoms for those dealing with endometriosis.
- Jack Herer: A Sativa-dominant strain known for its uplifting and energising effects, Jack Herer can help manage pain while also boosting mood and alertness. It may be beneficial for those who need to manage fatigue while dealing with chronic pain.
- Super Lemon Haze: This Sativa strain is known for its mood-enhancing effects, which may help manage emotional symptoms of endometriosis, such as stress and anxiety. It also has mild pain-relieving properties and can provide a gentle energy boost.
- Durban poison: Durban Poison, a pure Sativa known for its energizing and uplifting effects, could potentially alleviate the fatigue and depression that often accompany chronic pain. Durban Poison also aids in enhancing appetite, which could prove advantageous for individuals experiencing nausea or appetite loss due to endometriosis.
Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains combine both Sativa and Indica properties and can provide a balanced effect. People often recommend them when they seek both pain relief and mood enhancement during the day.
- Girl Scout Cookies: This hybrid strain is popular for its ability to relieve chronic pain while also offering a sense of euphoria and relaxation. It’s useful for managing both physical symptoms and emotional stress from endometriosis.
- Blue Dream: A well-balanced hybrid, Blue Dream is known for its ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help with mood swings, making it a beneficial option for endometriosis sufferers who need both daytime energy and pain relief.
- Cannatonic: Known for its balanced CBD-to-THC ratio, this hybrid strain effectively manages chronic pain and inflammation without causing strong psychoactive effects. It’s useful for reducing cramping and pelvic pain related to endometriosis.
Choosing the right strain
Consultation with a medical professional familiar with medical cannabis is essential, particularly in the UK where specific guidelines prescribe cannabis for medicinal use. A healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate strain and dosage based on individual symptoms and needs.