How to use cannabis for muscle relaxation

Growing evidence suggests that cannabis can relax your muscles and help with spasms, inflammation, and muscle pain.

Cannabis is also a versatile treatment option that can be used in many different ways for muscle relaxation, from inhaled or ingested forms for total body relief to targeted massages with infused creams and balms.

If you’re new to using cannabis for muscle pain, soreness, or spasms, here’s a how-to guide.

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How does weed relax muscles?

Studies show that certain compounds in cannabis, including cannabinoids and terpenes, may have muscle-relaxing properties. This makes cannabis helpful for people who have muscle spasms or spasticity that cause their muscles to contract suddenly or unpredictably, often leading to pain and decreased mobility.

Some individuals also find cannabis to be a helpful tool for recovery from sore muscles after sports or intense exercise.

Cannabinoids in cannabis interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system to balance functions like:

• Inflammation
• Pain sensitivity
• Muscle spasticity

A growing body of research supports cannabis for muscle relaxation. Across 16 studies that included over 2,500 patients, researchers found that the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) decreased muscle spasms and pain in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Both CBD and THC can be effective at relieving muscular symptoms, but they can affect you differently. Consider which cannabinoid may be right for you:

• THC may offer more intensive relief from pain and spasms, but it can also produce intoxicating effects.

• CBD may help ease pain and inflammation. CBD is nonintoxicating, so it won’t produce a “high.”

Terpenes in cannabis also contribute to the plant’s effects and potential health benefits. For example, the terpene beta-caryophyllene may help relieve pain and inflammation.

Learn more about cannabis for muscle spasms.

How to use cannabis as a muscle relaxer

Finding the right cannabis-based treatment plan for your muscle pain or inflammation may take some trial and error.

Cannabis comes in a variety of forms, including different product types, strains, and cannabinoid ratios.

Popular cannabis forms for muscle relaxation include:

• Topicals: Cannabis topicals, such as creams and gels, can be massaged into the skin above sore or tense muscles to provide localized relief.
• Edibles: Edibles can produce powerful effects that last for several hours.
• Inhalable products: Vaped or smoked cannabis products, like flower, work quickly to provide rapid relief.
• Tinctures: Tinctures can be both fast-acting and long-lasting.

Always speak with a licensed healthcare professional before using cannabis for muscle relaxation. A Leafwell pharmacist can provide personalized guidance based on your needs and preferences.

A Leafwell pharmacist can provide personalized guidance based on your needs and preferences.

Best strains for muscle soreness and spasms

Each cannabis strain has a unique composition of cannabinoids and terpenes. Certain strains may be more effective at relaxing your muscles than others.

According to anecdotal reports, these strains are particularly helpful:

• Great White Shark is a high-THC, low-CBD strain commonly used to help with chronic pain.
• Sour Cheese is a high-THC, low-CBD strain that may help ease muscle soreness caused by inflammation.
• Cherry Wine is a high-CBD, low-THC strain that may help relieve pain and muscle spasms.
• Ringo’s Gift is a high-CBD, low-THC strain that is frequently recommended for muscle pain.

Consider experimenting with these strains to find what works best for you. You can also ask a dispensary staff member or Leafwell provider for help choosing a strain that suits your specific needs.

What is a CBD massage?

If you’re seeking relief from sore or stiff muscles, consider trying a CBD massage.

Research shows that applying CBD directly to the skin may help relieve localized muscle pain. CBD topicals are easy to apply and can work quickly. 

How to give yourself a CBD massage

Follow these steps for a CBD self-massage:

1. Place your CBD topical product in your palm or apply it directly to the affected area. Use enough product to generously cover the muscle.
2. Using your fingers or palms, massage the product into your skin for 30 to 60 seconds, or until it’s fully absorbed. Apply gentle pressure to the affected muscles.
3. Reapply as needed, referring to the product’s packaging for information about dosing.

How to give someone else a CBD massage

You can also give a CBD massage to a loved one or someone you care for:

1. Ask your loved one to share their needs or expectations for the massage, especially around their affected muscles, desired pressure or movements, and pain level.
2. Place your CBD topical product in your palms or apply the product directly to the affected areas.
3. Spread the topical onto your palms or evenly across the affected area before massaging it into their skin for 30 to 60 seconds, or until it’s fully absorbed. Apply gentle pressure and ask your loved one for feedback before increasing intensity or duration.
4. If your loved one’s discomfort persists, reapply as needed, referring to the product’s packaging for information about dosing.

Can you use muscle relaxants and weed?

While cannabis can help relax your muscles, combining it with common prescription muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) may put you at risk of a medication interaction.

Both cannabis and muscle relaxants can cause the following side effects, and combining them may increase their severity:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Low blood pressure

If you’ve been prescribed a muscle relaxant, ask your doctor if it’s safe to use it with cannabis.

The bottom line: Cannabis can help with muscle relaxation

Studies show that cannabis may have muscle-relaxing properties that can help with soreness, stiffness, and spasms.

When choosing a cannabis product for muscle relaxation, consider the product type, strain, and cannabinoid composition for relief that’s tailored to your needs.

A pharmacist at Leafwell can help you find a cannabis treatment plan that works for you. Schedule an appointment to get started.

Resources

• Cannabinoids for spasticity due to multiple sclerosis or paraplegia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229917304466
• Cannabis use for exercise recovery in trained individuals: A survey study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10403841/
• The cannabinoid CB2 receptor-selective beta-caryophyllene exerts analgesic effects in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X13003027
• Topical cannabidiol (CBD) in skin pathology — A comprehensive review and prospects for new therapeutic opportunities. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9210160/

Get Your Medical Card

Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.

• 

  Larger purchase limits

• 

  Access to higher potency strains

• 

  Save up to 40% on product taxes

• 

  Enhanced legal protection

Select State

Get started