Key Takeaways
- Terpenes like linalool, pinene, caryophyllene, humulene, and limonene have demonstrated possible benefits.
- Combos like linalool, pinene, and limonene or caryophyllene and humulene may be best.
- Look for Kush strains or those like White Runtz, Critical Mass, or Golden Goat.
Nowadays, there are hundreds of cannabis varieties across the medical market. The one downside is that this massive overload of options can make it confusing for new patients to navigate into the cannabis world.
Finding the right blend of terpenes can be key to relief from various conditions treated by cannabis. For example, what are the best terpenes for muscle spasms? Does weed relax muscles, and if so, what terpenes and cannabinoids are best for the job?
Which Terpenes Help Most With Muscle Spasms?
Several terpenes for muscle spasms stand out among the thousands of aromatic molecules found in plants.
Linalool, Pinene, and Limonene
According to current research, terpenes such as linalool, pinene, and limonene present in bergamot oil may help ease muscle contractions and even have an antispasmodic effect. Although linalool is thought to be the primary terpene driving this effect, pinene and limonene may deliver relaxant effects at higher doses.1
Eugenol, Menthol, and Eucalyptol
Current research examines eugenol, menthol, and eucalyptol as terpenes with potential antispasmodic effects.2 While research in humans is limited, some individuals may benefit from strains containing these terpenes.
Humulene and Caryophyllene
Researchers have observed that essential oil of the Valeriana pilosa root containing humulene and caryophyllene may be effective against muscle spasms.3 Caryophyllene, known as one of the most common terpenes in cannabis, may also offer some anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties alongside humulene as well.4,5
More to Know
More studies and clinical trials with wider participant groups are necessary before concluding what terpenes can help ease muscle spasms. However, the terpenes listed above are a starting point for finding strains that help.
Alternatively, some may wonder, based on past experiences, does weed cause muscle tension? The answer isn’t so simple, as this may be very patient-specific and not dependent on the cannabinoids or terpenes present in a strain. While some users may experience small muscle twitches, cannabis is unlikely to cause severe muscle spasms. If you experience severe muscle spasms after using cannabis, it is best to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Which Terpene Combinations Help Most With Muscle Spasms?
It’s not just the individual terpenes but the blend that makes some combinations more effective than others. The right blend of terpenes for muscle spasms can be powerful for some patients. Some patients might also swear by certain cannabinoids, like CBD, for muscle spasms, but there are still other factors involved.
For example, caryophyllene may reduce inflammation, and when combined with terpenes like linalool and humulene, it may be more effective against muscle spasms.1,3
Another effective blend may be linalool and pinene. When experiencing the intoxicating effects of THC, patients often report that products rich in these terpenes help reduce muscle spasms. Strains with both terpenes might deliver a uniquely uplifting relaxation.
Discovering the right fusion of terpenes might take some experimenting, but the symptom relief makes it worth it. Take your time. Start with low doses and consume slowly. It may be helpful to note how each strain makes you feel to narrow down your best option.
How to Choose Strains for Muscle Spasms Based on Terpenes
There are several factors patients should consider when choosing strains for muscle spasms.
Terpene Profile
Look for strains rich in terpenes known for muscle relaxation, including caryophyllene, humulene, eucalyptol, and linalool. While research is still limited, these terpenes may have the most potential in reducing muscle spasms.
CBD Content
Strains high in CBD are often preferred because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties.6 Some patients take CBD gummies to relax muscles, and others may consider strains that offer a balanced THC and CBD ratio. Some research has even found that a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD provides relief from spasticity to multiple sclerosis patients.7
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Before making a purchase, always ask to view the COA for a strain or cannabis product. A COA verifies, at minimum, the cannabinoid content and, depending on the brand or state testing requirements, the terpenes, ensuring you get an accurate terpene combination and potency.
Entourage Effect
Some cannabinoids and terpenes work better together, potentially working synergistically to enhance individual therapeutic benefits. Choose strains that promote this entourage effect to maximize relief for muscle spasms.
Strains like Bubba Kush and OG Kush are known by many consumers for their potent relaxation effects. These strains might help alleviate muscle spasms and other tension in some patients.
The 5 Best Strains for Muscle Spasms Based on Terpenes
Here are five strains specially selected based on consumer feedback for their reported ability to ease muscle spasms and provide a blend of relaxation, anti-inflammation, and pain relief.
Black Runtz
A phenotype of the original Runtz strain, Black Runtz is a cross between Zkittles and Gelato. The result is a strain rich in limonene, myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene, and linalool. Consumers report that the strain makes them feel relaxed, creative, and energetic.
Its trinity of potential effects may make it an excellent cultivar for muscle spasms, stress, and fatigue.
White Runtz
Also known as Runtz Weed, White Runtz crosses the genetics of Zkittles and Gelato 33. Its consumers note feelings of a tingly high body paired with relaxation and euphoria. A sense of overall calm is not uncommon, possibly accompanied by a case of the giggles or a spark of creativity.
With a terpene blend of myrcene, limonene, and pinene, White Runtz may help to reduce muscle spasms. While it has a higher THC-to-CBD ratio, it still may be a suitable choice for some patients.
Golden Goat
Golden Goat has spicy tropical aromas and sour and sweet flavors. Its citrus, lemon, and sweet aroma wave stems from its terpinolene, limonene, caryophyllene, and myrcene blend.
The combination may make Golden Goat a worthwhile solution for some patients with muscle spasms.
Critical Mass
Critical Mass has a high CBD content that may be beneficial for muscle spasms, as well as inflammation, symptoms of anxiety, and certain types of pain.6,7
Critical Mass is said to be a calming, relaxing cultivar, containing myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.
Maui Bubble Gift
Maui Bubble Gift effects are reported to be ideal for consumers with muscle spasms, inflammation, anxiety, and pain.
References
- Rombolà L, Straface M, Scuteri D, Sakurada T, Sakurada S, Corasaniti MT, Bagetta G, Morrone LA. Antispasmodic Effect of Bergamot Essential Oil on Rat Isolated Gut Tissues. Pharmaceutics. 2022; 14(4):775. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14040775
↩︎ - Heghes SC, Vostinaru O, Rus LM, Mogosan C, Iuga CA, Filip L. Antispasmodic Effect of Essential Oils and Their Constituents: A Review. Molecules. 2019; 24(9):1675. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24091675
↩︎ - Ybañez-Julca RO, Pino-Ríos R, Quispe-Díaz IM, Asunción-Alvarez D, Acuña-Tarrillo EE, Mantilla-Rodríguez E, Minchan-Herrera P, Catalán MA, Zevallos-Escobar L, Vásquez-Corales E, et al. Antispasmodic Effect of Valeriana pilosa Root Essential Oil and Potential Mechanisms of Action: Ex Vivo and In Silico Studies. Pharmaceutics. 2023; 15(8):2072. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15082072
↩︎ - 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
↩︎ - Lowe H, Toyang N, Steele B, Bryant J, Ngwa W. The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target for the Treatment of Various Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22(17):9472. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22179472
↩︎ - Nouh RA, Kamal A, Oyewole O, Abbas WA, Abib B, Omar A, Mansour ST, Abdelnaser A. Unveiling the Potential of Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and the Dawn of Nano-Cannabinoid Medicine. Pharmaceutics. 2024; 16(2):241. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16020241
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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.
