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What you will learn in this post:
Key Takeaways
- Depending on the terpene and cannabinoid content, some strains are reported to offer nausea relief in patients.
- Limonene, citronellol, geraniol, menthol, and linalool are five specific terpenes to look for in strains best for nausea.
- To choose strains for nausea, consider terpene and cannabinoid profiles, read the COAs, and note how each affects you.
Hundreds of strains are available to patients, each offering unique effects. The sheer number of options can make it confusing and even overwhelming for some patients. Patients looking to find the best strains for specific conditions like nausea are often looking to not only ease symptoms but also improve their quality of life.
But what are the best strains for nausea? And why are some effective while others aren't?
Can Weed Help with Nausea?
Several clinical trials suggest that oral cannabinoids, like THC and THCA, might be the most effective for nausea. These trials focused on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting only.1,2
Other cannabinoids might also offer relief without the intoxicating effects of THC. CBDV holds massive potential, and CBDA has known anti-nausea effects.3,4 Combinations of CBD and THC may also provide relief from nausea and vomiting, according to research, with 85% of participants preferring a THC:CBD product to the placebo.5
Patients' experiences help further support these findings. User feedback is that cannabis provides some users with rapid, significant relief from nausea symptoms. According to data from the Releaf App, 96.4% of users experienced symptom relief within an hour of consuming cannabis. In addition, relief started just 5-minutes after consuming cannabis in most cases.6
User data reveals that strains labeled as sativa or hybrid are reported to offer more significant relief. Likewise, joints were often preferred over pipes or vapes. In sessions using flower, high-THC and low-CBD strains generally provided the most support.5
However, everyone is different. Some patients may discover that certain types of weed make them hungry. Others find that it's effective against their nausea without affecting their appetite. Terpenes and other cannabis compounds also affect how each strain feels. Ultimately, it comes down to learning how to choose which strain suits your needs best.
Which Terpenes Help With Nausea?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds in plants, including cannabis. They're partly responsible for giving plants their unique smell and flavor. Likewise, terpenes may influence the effects a strain provides. As a result, some terpenes for nausea may help more than others.
Limonene
Limonene is a terpene with a familiar lemon-like scent.
A clinical trial examined its ability to help with pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. The conclusions suggest that limonene's lemony aroma might reduce nausea and vomiting.7 More studies with a broader participation group are necessary, but results are promising for aromatherapy’s potential.
Citronellol & Geraniol
A study observed citronellol and geraniol and saw the two terpenes as effective blockers for nausea-associated serotonin receptors. These terpenes may help block a receptor involved in the vomiting reflex.8
Menthol & Linalool
Separate research examined menthol and linalool, two additional terpenes with anti-nausea effects. Menthol can help reduce the vomiting response urge.9 Meanwhile, linalool may provide relief for postoperative nausea and vomiting.10
Patients seeking the best strains for nausea should consider those high in one or several of these terpenes. Different strains offer varying levels of these beneficial compounds and are not strictly tied to the labels of indica or sativa.
How to Choose Strains for Nausea
Below are several key components to consider when choosing the best strain for nausea. Everyone is different, so determine which variables matter most for your needs.
Cannabinoid Ratios and Concentrations
A balanced combination of THC and CBD might offer relief while minimizing THC's intoxicating effects. Especially for those new to cannabis, it can be an easier introduction to the plant than starting with a high-THC option.
Terpene Profiles
Terpenes may influence how each strain affects nausea. Some terpenes, like limonene, citronellol, and linalool, have known anti-nausea effects.7,8,10 Strains high in these terpenes might provide better relief from nausea symptoms.
To identify a strain's terpenes, check its certificate of analysis (COA). It will provide information about terpene and cannabinoid content, among other details.
Certificate of Analysis
While you can use a COA to examine the terpene content, it’ll also reveal the strain's safety qualifications. Lab results are proof that a strain is accurate and safe for consumption. COAs should be easily accessible and listed directly on the product or the brand’s website.
Types/Families of Strains
Different families of strains may offer varying effects. For example, according to patient reviews, sativa and sativa-dominant hybrids may deliver more relief for nausea than an indica strain. Likewise, high-THC strains are generally preferred as they seem to offer more support for nausea. Users report that consumption methods like joints outdo the symptom relief from pipes or vapes.5
Some popular strain families patients report success with include Haze and Diesel strains. These strain families are known for their uplifting effects, which also calm the stomach.
Personal Experience and Preferences
Everyone's body chemistry is different, so what works for one might not work for another. Some patients prefer high-THC, low-CBD strains, while others need more balance. Start with small doses, try different strains, and note what works for your needs. And when in doubt, talk to your medical cannabis doctor for guidance on finding the best option for nausea relief.
The 5 Best Strains for Nausea
The following strains were selected based on patient reviews, terpenes and cannabinoid content, and other factors.
Motorbreath
Motor Breath is a cross of Chemdawg with an OG Kush variation. Its effects include relaxation, upliftment, and relief from certain symptoms.
Limonene is a well-known nausea-relieving compound in Motor Breath. Some patients report that it even helps stimulate appetite, making it easier for those with nausea to still eat throughout the day.
Bubble Gum
In addition to nausea, Bubblegum is a berry-sweet cultivar commonly used for inflammation and pain.
Patients report that Bubblegum’s blend of caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, THC, and CBG delivers a body-numbing high. Then, a cerebral boost often follows, resulting in an improved mood. It may also stoke an appetite, leaving consumers hungry and happy.
Lemon Haze
Lemon Haze is popular among medical cannabis patients. Its spicy, earthy, and lemon-like aroma is a memorable fusion for many consumers.
Beyond its classic energetic, giggly, and talkative effects, Lemon Haze’s combination of CBG, THC, and limonene may help with nausea. Patients also report that it helps pain and general mental health.
GSC, or Girl Scout Cookies, is a famous variety that’s a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison. GSC is sweet, minty, spicy, woody, nutty, and even earthy.
Patients report various effects, including body relaxation, euphoria, sociability, hunger, and energy. It’s commonly used for loss of appetite, making it one of the best strains for nausea. In addition, patients report using GSC for chronic stress, pain, migraines, and more.
Also known as Tropicanna Cookies, MTN Trop, and Tropical Cookies F2, Tropicana Cookies has a rich history. First made by crossing GSC and Tangie, it was refined further by a team that dubbed it Tropical Cookies F2. Its tasty terpene profile includes limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, and linalool, making it ideal for various symptom relief.
Patients commonly use Tropicana Cookies for symptoms of depression, stress, and nausea.
References
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids In: The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. National Academies Press (US); 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425748/ ↩︎
- Rock EM, Parker LA. Cannabinoids As Potential Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2016;7. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2016.00221 ↩︎
- Russo EB, Marcu J. Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. In: Advances in Pharmacology. Vol 80. Elsevier Inc.; 2017:67-134. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.004 ↩︎
- Walsh KB, McKinney AE, Holmes AE. Minor Cannabinoids: Biosynthesis, Molecular Pharmacology and Potential Therapeutic Uses. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.777804 ↩︎
- P. Grimison, A. Mersiades, Kirby A, et al. Oral THC:CBD cannabis extract for refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase II crossover trial. Annals of oncology. 2020;31(11):1553-1560. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annonc.2020.07.020 ↩︎
- Stith SS, Li X, Orozco J, et al. The Effectiveness of Common Cannabis Products for Treatment of Nausea. Journal of clinical gastroenterology. 2021;56(4):331-338. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/mcg.0000000000001534 ↩︎
- Yavari Kia P, Safajou F, Shahnazi M, Nazemiyeh H. The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014;16(3):e14360. doi:10.5812/ircmj.14360 ↩︎
- Ziemba PM, Benjamin S.P. Schreiner, Flegel C, et al. Activation and modulation of recombinantly expressed serotonin receptor type 3A by terpenes and pungent substances. Biochemical and biophysical research communications. 2015;467(4):1090-1096. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.09.074 ↩︎
- Al Kury LT, Mahgoub M, Howarth FC, Oz M. Natural Negative Allosteric Modulators of 5-HT3 Receptors. Molecules. 2018; 23(12):3186. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23123186 ↩︎
- Karaman S, Karaman T, Hakan Tapar, Serkan Dogru, Suren M. A randomized placebo-controlled study of aromatherapy for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Complementary therapies in medicine. 2019;42:417-421. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.019 ↩︎
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
