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9 best weed strains for multiple sclerosis

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Created on Apr 26, 2023

Last updated on Mar 31, 2025

a doctor examining/explaining details to his patient beside the medical imaging equipment

Article written by

April AcernoContent Writer

Content reviewed by

Dipak HemrajMedical Cannabis Researcher

Table of contents

  1. Best strains for multiple sclerosis
  2. How cannabis affects multiple sclerosis
  3. Best ways to use cannabis for MS
  4. The bottom line: These strains may offer the most relief to MS patients
  5. Resources

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that impacts the central nervous system. It can cause symptoms like:

While traditional treatments can be effective, many people with MS use cannabis for their symptoms. Certain cannabis strains may be more helpful for MS symptoms than others. When choosing a strain, consider its dominant chemical compounds, which play a large role in whether you find relief.

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Best strains for multiple sclerosis

Cannabinoids in cannabis, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), may help with symptoms like pain and muscle spasms, while terpenes like myrcene and beta-caryophyllene can add to the plant’s benefits.

Certain cannabis strains, including high-THC and high-CBD options, are commonly recommended for managing MS symptoms.

Cannatonic

Cannatonic is a high-CBD strain (17%) known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Because it contains only about 5% THC, its intoxicating effects are very mild.

Cannatonic may help with MS symptoms like pain, muscle spasms, and anxiety. Its dominant terpenes include myrcene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.

ACDC

ACDC contains only 1% THC and 18% CBD, making it one of the highest-CBD strains available. It may help with MS-related inflammation and pain. Its dominant terpenes include myrcene and pinene. It also contains a high concentration of limonene, which may improve mood.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a hybrid containing high levels of myrcene and pinene. It may relieve anxiety and pain without causing excessive drowsiness. However, with THC levels between 17% and 24%, Blue Dream’s intoxicating effects may be overwhelming if you have a low tolerance.

Critical Mass

While different versions of Critical Mass exist on the market, the variety containing equal parts CBD and THC offers the most potential relief from MS symptoms. It has about 20% THC, and its dominant terpenes include myrcene, pinene, and humulene, which may add to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple contains 27% THC, and its dominant terpenes are myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. In addition to its potential pain-relieving properties, it may calm anxiety and promote better sleep.

Ringo’s Gift

Ringo’s Gift may help with chronic pain and inflammation. With 10% CBD and 7% THC, it’s also commonly used for depression and anxiety, both of which may affect people with MS. You might prefer it during the daytime since it’s unlikely to cause drowsiness.

Pennywise

Pennywise features a balanced 15% CBD and 15% THC, plus high levels of myrcene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene. Together, these compounds may ease inflammation and pain related to MS.

Cinderella 99

Cinderella 99 (aka C99 or Cindy) averages about 15% THC. Its high linalool content may help with sleep and stress. Linalool can also relieve inflammation and muscle tension.

Forbidden Fruit

Forbidden Fruit has about 25% THC, along with high amounts of myrcene and linalool. Its strong sedating effects may help you relax. It’s also commonly recommended for muscle spasms.

How cannabis affects multiple sclerosis

Studies show that certain cannabinoids in cannabis may relieve nerve pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. The most commonly recommended cannabinoids for MS include:

MS causes inflammation that damages nerve cells. These cannabinoids have neuroprotective properties, which means that they can protect nerve cells from damage.

Sativex is a prescription-only THC and CBD-based oral spray for people with MS. While it’s approved in some countries, it hasn’t been approved in the U.S.

Anti-inflammatory terpenes in cannabis may also relieve MS symptoms, including:

  • Myrcene
  • Pinene
  • Linalool
  • Beta-caryophyllene

When combined with cannabinoids, terpenes’ properties may become more powerful. This is known as the entourage effect.

Animal studies show that linalool, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene may be particularly effective at reducing MS-related nerve pain.

Best ways to use cannabis for MS

When choosing how to take cannabis for MS, consider:

  • Your symptoms
  • Your tolerance
  • Your personal preferences

Ask your doctor for personalized guidance when choosing a strain, product type, and dosage amount. With dosing, you should generally start with a low dose and gradually increase the amount until you reach your desired results.

Cannabis is available in a variety of product types, all of which may offer relief from MS symptoms.

Smoking and vaping are popular choices because of their fast-acting effects which can peak within 15-30 minutes. But the effects typically last for no more than a couple of hours.

Tinctures offer another fast-acting method. They’re easy to dose, and their effects may take place in as little as 15-30 minutes. Edibles can take 2 hours to work, but their effects can last for up to 8 hours, and are more potent than other product types.

Cannabis topicals like creams and gels can be used for localized relief. They don’t cause intoxication, which can be helpful if you want to benefit from THC without any ‘high.’

The bottom line: These strains may offer the most relief to MS patients

Some strains are high in anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and nerve-protecting compounds that may relieve MS symptoms. If you’re considering cannabis for MS, talk with your doctor and experiment with multiple strains to find what suits your unique needs.

If you live in a state with a medical cannabis program, you may be able to obtain a medical card for MS, to save money on cannabis and access higher-potency products. Make an appointment with Leafwell today to begin your card application.

Resources

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Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some common questions about cannabis for MS.

What strain of marijuana is good for MS?

The strain that works for one person may not work for you. Explore strains high in anti-inflammatory terpenes like myrcene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, and choose a THC concentration that matches your tolerance level.

What cannabinoids are good for multiple sclerosis?

CBD, THC, and CBG may relieve MS symptoms like nerve pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation. They may also improve sleep and lower stress levels.

Is indica or sativa better for MS?

Many indica and sativa strains may help you with MS. Indica strains are more popular because they contain higher levels of myrcene and pinene, which may relieve common MS symptoms.

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