The Best Marijuana Strains to Help Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy saves lives—but it often comes with a steep cost. Patients undergoing treatment for cancer frequently battle nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, fatigue, neuropathy, insomnia, and emotional distress. These side effects can make an already difficult journey even harder.

For decades, patients have turned to medical marijuana as a natural option to help manage these symptoms. Today, modern research supports what many people have long experienced: cannabis can ease some of chemotherapy’s most disruptive effects, improving comfort and quality of life.

But not all cannabis is the same. The type of strain, its balance of cannabinoids (like THC and CBD), and its terpene profile all play a role in how it helps. Below, we’ll explore how medical marijuana helps chemotherapy patients, and which strains are often considered the best for relief.

How Medical Marijuana Helps with Chemotherapy Side Effects

Before diving into strains, it’s important to understand why cannabis is useful for chemotherapy patients.

• Nausea and Vomiting Relief
  THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, is highly effective at calming nausea and reducing vomiting. In fact, synthetic THC (dronabinol, known as Marinol) is FDA-approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
• Stimulating Appetite
  Chemotherapy can cause appetite loss and weight loss. THC is well-known for stimulating appetite (“the munchies”), which helps patients maintain strength.
• Pain and Neuropathy
  Many chemotherapy drugs damage nerves, leading to tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands and feet. Both THC and CBD show promise in reducing neuropathic pain.
• Sleep Support
  Cannabis can calm the nervous system, making it easier for patients to fall and stay asleep. Strains high in relaxing terpenes, like myrcene and linalool, are especially helpful.
• Mood and Anxiety
  Living with cancer is stressful. Cannabis, particularly CBD-dominant strains, may ease anxiety, uplift mood, and help patients cope emotionally.

Choosing the Right Strain: THC, CBD, and Terpenes

The “best strain” depends on the patient’s specific needs.

• THC-dominant strains work best for nausea, appetite, and pain relief.
• CBD-dominant strains are better for reducing anxiety, inflammation, and balancing out THC’s psychoactive effects.
• Balanced THC:CBD strains can deliver a mix of benefits with fewer side effects.

Terpenes also matter:

• Myrcene → sedating, helpful for pain and sleep
• Limonene → uplifting, eases anxiety and depression
• Linalool → calming, anti-anxiety, aids sleep
• Caryophyllene → anti-inflammatory, pain relief

The Best Marijuana Strains for Chemotherapy Side Effects

Here are some of the most commonly recommended strains for chemotherapy patients, based on their cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

1. OG Kush

• Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
• Primary effects: Relaxation, pain relief, improved sleep
• Best for: Pain, insomnia, stress

OG Kush is a classic strain loved by patients seeking full-body relaxation. Its high THC content helps reduce pain and nausea, while its earthy, pine-like aroma contains myrcene and limonene for sedation and mood support. Many chemotherapy patients use OG Kush in the evening to relieve discomfort and fall asleep.

2. Granddaddy Purple (GDP)

• Type: Indica
• Primary effects: Sedation, appetite stimulation, muscle relaxation
• Best for: Insomnia, appetite loss, anxiety

Known for its deep purple buds and sweet grape flavor, Granddaddy Purple is one of the most popular indica strains for chemotherapy patients. Its heavy sedating effects make it a go-to nighttime option. GDP not only encourages rest but also sparks appetite, helping patients regain interest in food.

3. Blue Dream

• Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
• Primary effects: Uplifting, balanced pain relief, mental clarity
• Best for: Fatigue, mood, daytime use

Blue Dream is ideal for patients who want relief without heavy sedation. With its balanced effects, this strain reduces pain and nausea while keeping the mind clear and energized. Patients often choose Blue Dream for daytime use when they need symptom control without feeling couch-locked.

4. Northern Lights

• Type: Pure indica
• Primary effects: Deep relaxation, pain relief, improved sleep
• Best for: Pain, insomnia, stress

Northern Lights is a soothing strain that delivers strong body relaxation. Its myrcene-rich profile makes it one of the best options for patients struggling with nerve pain and insomnia. Many chemotherapy patients report that Northern Lights helps them unwind at night and sleep soundly.

5. ACDC

• Type: CBD-dominant hybrid
• Primary effects: Clear-headed, anti-anxiety, pain reduction
• Best for: Anxiety, inflammation, neuropathy

Not all patients want high-THC strains. ACDC is a CBD-rich strain that provides symptom relief without intoxication. Patients often use it for anxiety, nerve pain, and inflammation. ACDC is especially helpful for those new to cannabis or those sensitive to THC’s psychoactive effects.

6. Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)

• Type: Hybrid
• Primary effects: Euphoria, appetite stimulation, body relaxation
• Best for: Appetite loss, nausea, mood enhancement

GSC is a powerful hybrid with high THC content. Patients undergoing chemotherapy often find it helps combat nausea and sparks hunger. It also provides a strong sense of euphoria, which can uplift mood and ease stress.

7. Harlequin

• Type: Sativa-dominant CBD-rich strain
• Primary effects: Clear-headed relief, reduced anxiety, gentle relaxation
• Best for: Daytime use, anxiety, mild pain

Harlequin is unique for its high CBD-to-THC ratio, usually around 5:2. This makes it excellent for chemotherapy patients who want symptom relief without feeling overly sedated or intoxicated. It’s often chosen for daytime use to ease mild pain, inflammation, and anxiety.

8. Sour Diesel

• Type: Sativa
• Primary effects: Energizing, uplifting, appetite boosting
• Best for: Fatigue, depression, daytime use

Chemotherapy can drain energy. Sour Diesel is a stimulating sativa that provides an uplifting mental boost, along with relief from nausea and appetite loss. Patients often turn to Sour Diesel in the morning or afternoon to fight fatigue while keeping spirits high.

9. Purple Kush

• Type: Indica
• Primary effects: Sedation, full-body relaxation, appetite stimulation
• Best for: Insomnia, appetite loss, pain

Purple Kush is another classic indica that provides strong physical relaxation and encourages sleep. Patients struggling with restlessness, pain, and lack of appetite often find relief with Purple Kush at night.

10. Jack Herer

• Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
• Primary effects: Energizing, mood-enhancing, mild pain relief
• Best for: Depression, fatigue, daytime relief

Named after the famous cannabis activist, Jack Herer delivers a clear-headed and uplifting experience. For chemotherapy patients, it can ease mild nausea and improve mood without heavy sedation—making it a favorite for daytime use.

Tips for Using Medical Marijuana During Chemotherapy

Finding the right strain is only part of the equation. How you use cannabis matters, too.

• Start Low and Go Slow
  Especially with THC-rich strains, begin with a low dose and gradually increase as needed.
• Consider Alternatives to Smoking
  Chemotherapy can irritate the lungs, so many patients prefer dry vape devices or edibles, tinctures, and capsules.
• Balance THC with CBD
  Adding CBD can help reduce THC side effects like anxiety or paranoia.
• Work with a Medical Cannabis Doctor
  A qualified physician can help tailor strain selection, dosing, and product type to your specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Chemotherapy is tough, but medical marijuana can make the journey more manageable. The best strain depends on your individual symptoms—whether it’s nausea, appetite loss, pain, or fatigue. Indicas like Granddaddy Purple and Northern Lights are excellent for rest and appetite. Sativas like Sour Diesel and Jack Herer provide energy and mood support. CBD-rich strains like ACDC and Harlequin offer relief without intoxication.

Every patient responds differently, so a little trial and error is often necessary. With guidance from a medical professional, cannabis can provide real comfort and improve quality of life during chemotherapy.

At ReThink-Rx, we’ve helped thousands of patients find relief with medical marijuana. If you or a loved one are undergoing chemotherapy and want to explore cannabis as part of your treatment plan, our experienced physicians are here to guide you.

👉 Learn more about getting your Virginia medical marijuana card with ReThink-Rx.