Best 2024 Cannabinoids for Those Nagging Aches, Pains, and Inflammation

We all experience physical pain - that’s just a part of life. But, for about 20% of us, the pain we feel is chronic, causing disruptions to our day-to-day life while reducing our quality of life overall. And, of course, there are all kinds of treatments out there for pain-related conditions, but more and more people nowadays are seeking out the properties of hemp-derived cannabinoids in lieu of more traditional options. Cannabinoids are the cannabis-derived compounds that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate our physiological processes, including inflammation, our pain tolerance, and more.

With so many different cannabinoids in today’s hemp marketplace, it can be hard to pick exactly which one is going to best address our unique needs for relief. After all, every cannabinoid interacts with the body in a unique way, and even has its own dominant effects. But, we’re here to help, by offering our list of the absolute best cannabinoids for pain and inflammation based on our expert understanding of what makes each one of these compounds unique.

The Reality of Pain and Inflammation

Pain is a physiological response that is performed by the nervous system to let us know that we’ve been injured, or that we are ill. Messages are transmitted along the nerves to inform the brain that something is wrong with our bodies, and that we should take action immediately. The problem is that many of us experience pain chronically, and as a result, the discomfort that we feel greatly interferes with our ability to live a “normal” life.

One of the most common catalysts for pain is inflammation, and we have the body’s immune system to thank for that. When the immune system perceives that we are injured or have been infected with a foreign body, it floods the affected area with immune cells that can lead to swelling, tenderness, and other symptoms that can be either acute or chronic depending on the underlying issue, as well as the health of the immune system. Chronic inflammation is a state in which an area of the body, or the entire body, experiences consistently high levels of inflammation, which often points to an autoimmune condition - that is, a dysfunction of the immune system that leads to persistent symptoms of discomfort. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and even eczema are classified as autoimmune conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue of the body due to poor immune health.

Of course, there are plenty of pills we can take for both chronic pain and chronic inflammation, but we’re seeing a growing number of people turning to cannabis, thanks to the plant’s diverse array of cannabinoids, many of which have been shown to possess a multitude of potential benefits via its relationship to the ECS. In fact, the medical marijuana market that has become extremely successful across the United States considers chronic pain a qualifying condition for cannabis use, because of how effective cannabinoids may be.

Which Cannabinoids Can Offer the Most Effective Relief from Pain and Inflammation?

Within the hemp plant, we find over 100 unique cannabinoids that each have a distinctive chemical structure. And, this distinctive chemical structure determines which cannabinoid receptors in the body any given cannabinoid has an affinity to, and how effectively it binds to them, to regulate specific processes of the body. Certain cannabinoids in hemp are better at attaching to receptors that regulate processes such as pain tolerance and inflammation.

Basically, what this means is that certain cannabinoids are clearly more pain-relieving and inflammation-reducing than others. So, let’s go ahead and start discussing them now.

Best Pain-Relieving Cannabinoid #8: PHC

What PHC is: Hydrox4PHC (PHC) is a semi-synthesized form (created by chemically modifying an existing component of the hemp plant, extracted from its natural source) of delta 9 THC. Basically, it’s delta 9 THC with acetate added to it, and once it absorbs into the body, the acetate metabolizes almost immediately, leaving behind 99% pure delta 9. PHC behaves just like delta 9, with no real noticeable differences in terms of effects.

Why PHC Can Help: Because PHC essentially provides the body with a legal form of delta 9 THC, we’re going to talk about the potential relieving properties of delta 9. Keep in mind that no studies on the effects of PHC exist just yet, as the development of the cannabinoid is very recent. What we know is that delta 9 carries notable potential for pain relief, and has the ability to reduce pain caused by both inflammation and neuropathy. After all, like we said earlier, many people across America have a medical marijuana card for chronic pain and inflammation, as the medical industry generally recognizes the effectiveness of delta 9 as a treatment option.

PHC Product Recommendation: Binoid Premium PHC 2G Disposable Vape Pen in Ice Cream Cake. PHC disposables are rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, so by combining high-quality 99% PHC distillate with the terpene profile of Ice Cream Cake (a very popular hybrid), this disposable offers major appeal. Ice Cream Cake is a strain known to supply positive effects to those with physical discomfort, and the PHC distillate is super pure, making for an overall fast-acting and potent solution.

Best Pain-Relieving Cannabinoid #7: THCV

What THCV is: Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a minor cannabinoid discovered in 1973, and is known to have only very mild psychoactive properties – when taken in high doses, mind you, as low doses don’t seem to have any intoxicating effects whatsoever. THCV is regarded highly for its numerous potential properties that relate to metabolic processes.

Why THCV Can Help: THCV has been shown in studies to reduce inflammation and pain signals in mice, and has the chemical structure needed to attach to receptors in the human body that regulate pain threshold and inflammation levels. Basically, it’s a solid option, and one that won’t get you super high in the process.

THCV Product Recommendation: CBD Made Easy Appetite Suppression - THCV/CBD Hemp Oil. THCV does have appetite-suppressing qualities, hence the product’s name, but at the end of the day, you’re going to get all of the other potential benefits of the cannabinoid, plus those of CBD, with this convenient tincture. Each dropper of oil contains 10mg, and it’s easy to take daily.

Pain-Relieving Cannabinoid #6: THCP

What THCP is: Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is another cannabinoid naturally found in cannabis, and it was discovered back in 2019. THCP is the most potent cannabinoid in the plant, estimated to be 10x as strong as delta 9 THC, due to its enhanced carbon sidechain which allows it to attach to CB1 receptors (cannabinoid receptors in the brain) at up to 33x the rate of delta 9. Basically, THCP has been found to bring about the identical effects as delta 9, only much stronger.

Why THCP Can Help: THCP has been found to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, and again, cannabis researchers believe that THCP behaves like delta 9, only more potently, meaning that if you do get relief from delta 9, it’s likely that THCP can dish out even more substantial effects in that department.

THCP Product Recommendation: Kind Oasis THCP Tangerine Vegan Gummies have a deliciously fruity chew, are 100% vegan + gluten free, and are made with natural colors and flavors. Each gummy is hand-crafted in small batches in Milwaukee, WI and has 2.5mg of THCP per serving.

Best Pain-Relieving Cannabinoid #5: THCA

What THCA is: Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the raw precursor to delta 9 THC, and it’s found in raw cannabis flower. When THCA is heated, it turns into delta 9 THC through a process called decarboxylation, which changes its chemical structure and enables it to attach to CB1 receptors to produce the THC effects we all know.  THCA vapes, flower, and dabs may not be labeled as THC products, but when they’re used, the heat to which the THCA is exposed converts the cannabinoid into delta 9, meaning that you’re really just getting high off of delta 9 like you would if you were taking marijuana.

Why THCA Can Help: Already, we covered the manner in which delta 9 may address pain and inflammation, and THCA products that’re heated before use are giving you a nice serving of delta 9 THC with each dose.

THCA Product Recommendation: VIIA Organic Top-Shelf Indoor THCA Flower in Apple Tartz. These premium THCA flower buds are hand trimmed and slow-cured for optimal freshness and potency. Perfect for your smoking, vaping, or edibles-making needs, the strain Apple Tartz is a hybrid that can do wonders for any discomfort that’s in your body.

Best Pain-Relieving Cannabinoid #4: Delta 9 THC

What Delta 9 THC is: Delta 9 THC is the dominant chemical compound in marijuana, and it’s found in trace amounts in the hemp plant. Legally, hemp products must contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC per dry weight, so companies have had to get creative in order to create products that deliver an effective number of milligrams of THC. THC is also the most widely studied cannabinoid in history, and the reason why medical marijuana exists in the United States.

Why Delta 9 THC Can Help: Of course, we’ve already talked about the incredible potential for relief that delta 9 THC provides earlier. So, once again, this can be a phenomenal option if you’re dealing with aches and pains or persistent inflammation.

Delta 9 THC Product Recommendation: Wild Orchard Baked Delta 9 THC + CBD 1:1 Trippy-Os Cookies. These delicious cookies presents a balanced blend of 30mg CBD and 30mg delta 9 THC, giving you two outstanding, relieving cannabinoids at the same time in a uniquely tasty way.

Best Pain-Relieving Cannabinoid #3: CBD

What CBD is: CBD (cannabidiol) is the dominant cannabinoid in the hemp plant, and it’s nonintoxicating, which makes it a good choice for those seeking relief without any psychoactive effects. CBD is a cannabinoid that’s been studied at length since its discovery several decades ago, and it has been found to provide a substantial number of potential benefits.

Why CBD Can Help: CBD has been studied at length for its potential role in pain relief and inflammation reduction, and the results have consistently pointed to promising abilities to help in either department. It’s also a great choice if you want relief, without the high.

CBD Product Recommendation: Hempzilla Connoisseur Select Premium Hemp CBD Cigarettes. These single-serving CBD “cigarettes” are tobacco-free pre-rolls containing 100% pure hemp flower that’s naturally high in cannabidiol. They’re slow-cured and made with hemp grown organically in the USA to offer a smooth, rich, and potent pull. Convenient and potent, they can provide fast-acting results.

Best Pain-Relieving Cannabinoid #2: CBG

What CBG is: Cannabigerol (CBG) is a nonintoxicating cannabinoid known as the “mother cannabinoid”, because it’s the first cannabinoid to develop in immature cannabis buds before splitting itself into over 100 new cannabinoids. CBG works mostly on CB2 receptors, found in the immune and digestive systems, while also affecting cognitive functions and certain nervous system functions.

Why CBG Can Help: CBG may be one of the most effective cannabinoids for addressing inflammation, according to researchers, while also offering positive effects to those who are dealing with all sorts of chronic pain. Again, the cannabinoid favors CB2 receptors that are engaged in the body’s inflammatory response.

CBG Product Recommendation: Nam Hemp CBG Flower Pre-Roll in Platinum Cookies. This single pre-roll can get you through the day with an abundant amount of pure CBG flower that’s free of additives and is encased in a RAW 98 Special Cone. Platinum Cookies is a strain that can take those relieving properties further thanks to its unique terpene profile.

Best Pain-Relieving Cannabinoid #1: Delta 8 THC

What Delta 8 THC is: Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis, which comes from oxidized delta 9 THC. A small amount of delta 9 THC converts into delta 8 THC as the plant ages, resulting in an entirely new chemical structure. Delta 8 is 30% less intoxicating than delta 9, and the cannabinoid has a strong affinity for CB1 receptors which regulate nervous system functions. First discovered in the 1960s, delta 8 has a surprising amount of research behind it to demonstrate real potential therapeutic value.

Why Delta 8 THC Can Help: Delta 8 THC seems to act as a potent analgesic, which means that it may disrupt the process of communication between pain receptors in the nerves and the brain. Many people have found that delta 8 has provided them with the most impressive level of relief out of any cannabinoid.

Delta 8 THC Product Recommendation: Farma Barn High Produce Delta 8 THC Gummies. Flavored to perfection, these gummies contain 25mg delta 8 each, which is plenty to get the desired effects from the cannabinoid. And, because these are edibles, those effects can last for a solid several hours at a time.

Turn to The Calm Leaf for Natural, Plant-Based Relief!

If you’re seeking out a more holistic solution to your pain or inflammation, it’s worth exploring these cannabinoids, many of which have substantial research behind them. And, all of these cannabinoids are available at The Calm Leaf in various strains, formulations, delivery methods, strengths, and more, to cater to your most specific needs. Check these cannabinoids out today!