Muscle spasms may result from various factors. The treatment approach for muscle stiffness varies based on its underlying cause.
People with ongoing muscle stiffness often don’t get relief from standard treatments. This leads us to explore alternative treatments, such as cannabis.
Let’s delve into how cannabis, available through weed delivery in Canada, can contribute to muscle relaxation for patients with muscle spasms.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- A muscle spasm happens when a muscle tightens up really strongly due to various reasons.
- THC binds to CB1 receptors to decrease muscle spasms.
- Indica strains are excellent weed selection to cause muscle relaxation.
What is a Muscle Spasm?
An involuntary, strong contraction of a muscle, usually in the thighs, calves, feet, hands, or arms, is referred to as a muscle spasm, often called a charley horse or muscle cramp. They may also develop along the rib cage or in the abdomen. Although most muscle spasms are not harmful, they might cause temporary immobility in the affected muscle.
Causes
- Dehydration
- Inactivity
- Overuse of a muscle
- Stress
- Depleted electrolytes
- Pinched or compressed nerves
- Poor circulation
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Thyroid disease
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Kidney disease
- ALS
- Nerve damage
Symptoms
Different causes of muscle spasms result in different symptoms. For instance, although having comparable symptoms, people with MS and those with spinal cord injury most likely have distinct types of spasms. The following are some of the most typical signs of muscular spasms:
- Sudden twitches in the muscles
- Jerky or uncontrollably contracted muscles
- Joint and muscle soreness and stiffness
- Feelings of side stitches
- Touching the skin feels rough
- Neural numbness
- Feelings of needles and pins
- Immobility
Traditional Treatment
Muscle spasms usually go away on their own, therefore, therapy is not usually necessary. Taking a break from the triggering activity and gently stretching or massaging the affected muscle can help alleviate a muscle spasm instantly.
Another way to relieve symptoms is to apply light heat from a heating pad to stiff or tight muscles. If the pain persists, some folks might consider reaching for over-the-counter pain relievers.
Cannabis for Relaxing Muscle Spasms
While there’s been a fair amount of research on how effective cannabis is for treating muscle spasms, most of it has focused on addressing the spasms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Marijuana as Medicine helps with spasms by attaching to receptors in the brain that manage muscle control. Since there are plenty of these CB1 receptors in that region, THC binds to them effectively. While researchers couldn’t objectively measure decreased spasms, many multiple sclerosis patients reported relief from their muscle spasms.
Another study from the Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment Journal found comparable outcomes. Though the researchers could not quantify a decrease in muscle spasticity, most subjects reported improvement from both pain and spasms.
In a clinical study from CMAJ, the rate at which patients using medical cannabis reduced their spasticity was twice as high as that of the placebo group.
Sativex (nabiximols), a 1:1 THC: CBD spray, was created by GW Pharmaceutical to treat MS-related spasticity, neuropathic pain, and spasms. Although this medicine is only available via prescription in the United Kingdom, its efficacy is positive.
What Elements in Cannabis are Responsible for Muscle Relaxation?
CANNABINOIDS | TERPENES | FLAVONOIDS |
THC: Reduces pain and relaxes twitchy musclesCBD: Reduces inflammation and the molecular impulses that produce spasmsCBN: Sleep-aiding sedative effectsCBC: Elevate mood and reduce anxiety and sadnessCBG: Pain and inflammation reduction | MyrceneCampheneLinaloolPineneHumuleneBeta-caryophylleneLimonene | Cannflavins A, B and CApigeninQuercetinKaempferolCatechin |
Weed Delivery Strains for Muscle Relaxation
STRAIN | EFFECT | THC CONTENT |
The Gas | Sedating | 23% |
Afghani | Relaxing, sleepy, euphoric | 23% |
Blueberry | Euphoric, hazy, calm | 24% |
Master Kush | Creativity, focus, relaxation, sleep/sedation | 21% |
White Rhino | Uplifting euphoria, relaxation, energy boost | 22% |
The Gas
The renowned Loompa breeder Clouds farms in San Jose, California, is the source of the pure Indica strain known as Gas. Her lineage remains undisclosed.
- Buds: Beautiful light green buds with translucent trichomes and golden hairs.
- Usage Time: This strain is suitable for medical and recreational usage in the evenings and at night.
- Tastes: Sharp, earthy, pine, and gas
Afghani
The Hindu Kush mountain range is the place on earth most closely linked to the cultivation and manufacture of marijuana. The majority of contemporary cannabis strains may be traced back to these mountains because of their breathtaking heights and diverse climates.
The Kush family of marijuana is, as its name suggests, the closest to the original landrace strains. The Kush family leaves a strong Indica impact and a strong, distinct smell no matter where you go.
- Buds: Huge, blunt-topped nuggets that produce large amounts of resin
- Usage Time: Nighttime
- Taste: Hash, piney, smooth, sweet
Blueberry
It is a three-way cross of Sativa Thai and Purple Thai variation parents with an Afghani Indica parent. Known as the “Willy Wonka of pot,” DJ Short was an enigmatic but prolific breeder who created blueberry in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Buds: This bud features blazing orange hairs, grape-shaped olive green nugs with brilliant blue overtones, and a thick layer of tiny amber-coloured crystal trichomes covered in frost.
- Usage Time: Evening or nighttime
- Taste: Sweet
Master Kush
Master Kush is a south Amsterdam strain once known as High Rise. It is a hybrid strain created by Nirvana from a cross of Skunk #1 and a real Hindu Kush. This unusual tetraploid variety, which is primarily Indica, became well-known in coffee cafes there.
- Buds: Dense, broad leaves on compact plants. Their neon-green nugs are covered in white trichomes and yield orange hairs.
- Usage Time: Evening or nighttime
- Taste: Sweet and woody
White Rhino
The combination of White Widow with an unidentified Indica strain from North America produced a hybrid strain known as White Rhino. The resultant hybrid is a favourite among cannabis aficionados due to its intense effects and strong, distinctive scent.
- Buds: Tiny, spherical, extremely dense mint green nugs covered in tiny, icy white crystal trichomes and covered in a profusion of thin orange hairs.
- Usage Time: Evening or nighttime
- Taste: Sweet, spicy, woody, flowery
How to Use Indica Weed for Muscle Relaxation
People being more open to weed has allowed manufacturers to develop various products. Many individuals opt for topicals or patches with cannabinoids to alleviate pain. However, the effects of weed flower can differ from those of localized topicals. Here’s how you can use weed for muscle relaxation.
METHOD | DETAILS |
Smoking | Most people go for smoking as the usual way to enjoy the perks of cannabis. You’ve got various ways to smoke weed flower.JointBluntSpliffBongPipe |
Edibles | If you’re not into smoking, you can turn your flower into edibles. Just a heads up, though—it takes a bit of time because you have to go through the process of decarboxylating the flower to activate those cannabis compounds. |
Vaporize | Vaping provides a smoother option compared to smoking, being easier on the lungs. When vaping buds, choose the right vaporizer capable of burning your herbs. Keep in mind that not all vape pens can handle flowers, so be sure to check the label. |
Conclusion
While the research mostly centers around spasms, the findings indicate promising effects. Those experiencing soreness or stiffness can turn to Indica strains for relief. Thanks to weed delivery, getting access to these strains is both convenient and budget-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get weed delivered in my area?
If you’re wondering whether you can get weed delivered in your area, the best bet is to contact local dispensaries or check online platforms offering delivery services. Availability varies due to delivery service policies.
Many weed delivery services have online tools or customer support to help you confirm if they deliver to your location. Just be aware that certain areas might have restrictions on cannabis delivery, so double-check the details based on where you are.
What’s the expected delivery time for my weed orders?
It will depend on your location, the delivery service, and other factors like holidays, traffic, etc. It can usually take 2-5 business days.
Are there delivery fees associated with ordering cannabis online?
Some dispensaries offer free delivery when your order hits a certain amount. Others charge a flat fee or calculate it based on where you are.
What are ways to save money when buying weed online?
- Look for online dispensaries that offer promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs for regular customers.
- Many online platforms provide discounts when you buy larger quantities. Consider purchasing in bulk to get better deals.
- Check out various online dispensaries to compare prices for the products you’re looking for. Prices can differ, so making this comparison can help you snag the best deals.
- Some online dispensaries offer exclusive deals to subscribers. Sign up for newsletters to get updates.
- Seek out internet retailers that provide free shipping.
- Some dispensaries have these cool package deals or bundles. Basically, you get to save some cash by grabbing a combo of different products.
- Take advantage of referral programs if the online dispensary has one. Referring friends may earn you discounts on future purchases.
Are there age restrictions for using weed delivery services?
When it comes to using weed delivery services, the age for buying and enjoying cannabis can depend on your location, but it’s generally around 18 or 21 years old.