Key Takeaways
- Cannabis may be an option for managing specific MS symptoms.
- Different terpenes may help with individual symptoms of MS, like pain, sleep, and depression.
- Strains high in CBD like Harlequin, Critical Mass, and CBD Shark may be best for treating MS symptoms.
The cannabis world has changed drastically in the last decade, and there are more cultivars and terpene combinations available than ever. While more options are nice, it may feel overwhelming for new patients who haven’t made a trip to the dispensary before.
Sometimes, it’s the terpenes in a cannabis strain that emphasize its effects. For MS symptoms, it’s essential to find the right combination of terpenes, cannabinoids, and more in a cannabis product. What are the best terpenes for MS, then?
Which Terpenes Help Most With MS?
The best terpenes for MS center around relieving MS-related symptoms. These include sleep issues, pain, inflammation, depression, and more.
When picking out terpenes to help with MS, it’s important to consider your specific symptoms. Thinking about your goals can help you pinpoint the terpenes that make sense for your specific health situation.
Those with sleep issues as a symptom might find some relief through strains or products rich in α-pinene and β-pinene.1 Another terpene that may help with sleep is linalool.2 Research suggests these terpenes may help consumers fall asleep faster and with greater ease.
One of the most common reasons why people with MS use cannabis is pain. Research reports that some of the best terpenes for pain may include limonene, linalool, and geraniol.3
While these potential benefits may be helpful, consider terpenes with other benefits. One of these might be β-caryophyllene. This terpene may help with depression and also work as an antifungal and an antioxidant.4
Another great terpene to consider is α-humulene. This terpene may help with pain, reduce appetite, and act as an antibacterial agent.5
Which Terpene Combinations Help Most With MS?
Different cultivars will have different combinations of terpenes, which can potentially further improve their effects on symptoms.
According to research, hybrid-labeled strains are most often reported as preferred for pain, including migraines and other types of chronic pain. The best terpenes for MS may be in a specific hybrid strain, depending on the symptoms you wish to target.
A strain like OG Shark might be a great option for MS patients, containing β-caryophyllene and β-myrcene. These terpenes may help relieve pain and inflammation, provide relaxation, and more.6
One of the most helpful things you can do if you’re new to cannabis is to experiment with different options. Products with a variety of terpenes can provide you with a more comprehensive view of the available benefits you may get from cannabis.
How to Choose Strains for MS Based on Terpenes
Heading to your local dispensary and asking which cultivars contain certain terpenes may help you narrow your options.
Likewise, choose a brand that puts its products through third-party lab testing or uses trustworthy sources.
Many patients with MS find that strains high in THC and low in CBD are the most effective for them. While this is the case for many people, it’s important to think about your situation. Make sure that you’re taking your personal health and reaction to cannabis into account.
The 5 Best Strains for MS Based on Terpenes
Below are some popular strains that patients report helping with symptom relief. These strains may contain some of the best terpenes for MS.
Lemon Jack
If pain and fatigue are common MS symptoms, Lemon Jack may be an ideal option. Its combination of terpinolene, caryophyllene, and myrcene may enhance the potential benefits. While potent, some patients report that it helps them feel focused and energized. Drawing from its lineage, Jack Herer and Lemon Kush, Lemon Jack is said to deliver effects like a strong cup of coffee might for some consumers. However, it may exacerbate anxiety symptoms, so it may not be the right option if you also experience anxiety.
CBD Shark
With a mix of CBD, THC, and even CBG, CBD Shark is said to be a powerfully beneficial strain. Combine that with its most abundant terpenes of myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, and it might even help with MS symptoms. Patients report that the strain helps with anxiety, pain, and stress, offering a relaxed but focused and tingly feeling.
Harlequin
Harlequin contains more CBD than THC and terpenes like myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene. This combination may be effective for relaxation, as it is said to help with pain and anxiety. Consumers note that it offers uplifting effects, and the CBD may counteract THC’s paranoia-inducing abilities while amplifying its pain-reducing properties.
Golden Goat
A unique strain, Golden Goat, may help with symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Its energetic and uplifting energy may help with certain MS symptoms, especially throughout the day. Some patients report that it provides full-body effects, which may also help with various types of pain. Combined with a creative spark and rush of euphoria, Golden Goat may help boost moods even when MS symptoms are rough.
Critical Mass
Lastly, this cultivar is high in pinene, myrcene, and caryophyllene, another powerful combo against MS. Patients report that CBD Critical Mass regularly helps with anxiety, pain, and inflammation. It also contains more CBD than THC, so it may be calming and even help with certain sleep issues.
References
- Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211
↩︎ - Cui J, Li M, Wei Y, et al. Inhalation Aromatherapy via Brain-Targeted Nasal Delivery: Natural Volatiles or Essential Oils on Mood Disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2022;13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.860043
↩︎ - Liktor-Busa E, Keresztes A, LaVigne J, Streicher JM, Largent-Milnes TM. Analgesic Potential of Terpenes Derived from Cannabis sativa. Pharmacological Reviews. 2021;73(4):98-126. doi:https://doi.org/10.1124/pharmrev.120.000046
↩︎ - Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules. 2020;25(24):5792. Published 2020 Dec 8. doi:10.3390/molecules25245792
↩︎ - Hanuš LO, Hod Y; Terpenes/Terpenoids in Cannabis: Are They Important?. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020; 3 (1): 25–60. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509733
↩︎ - Baron EP, Lucas P, Eades J, Hogue O. Patterns of medicinal cannabis use, strain analysis, and substitution effect among patients with migraine, headache, arthritis, and chronic pain in a medicinal cannabis cohort. J Headache Pain. 2018;19(1):37. doi:10.1186/s10194-018-0862-2 ↩︎
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.
