Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) sounds deceptively simple.

Just some tingling in the legs, right? Wrong.

RLS is exhausting, and what feels like a never-ending trampoline routine, causing you to spend hours laying awake.

While traditional treatments like dopamine agonists and iron supplements are often the go-tos, there’s a growing buzz around cannabis as a potential solution.

But not just any weed—specific strains and terpenes may play a key role in helping those restless limbs finally settle down.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually in the evening or at night.

It’s not just fidgeting—RLS comes with uncomfortable sensations like tingling, itching, or a pulling feeling in the legs. These symptoms tend to kick in when you’re resting, making sleep or relaxation a constant struggle.

The exact cause of RLS isn’t fully understood, but it’s often linked to genetics, issues with dopamine regulation, and conditions like iron deficiency or nerve damage. Stress, caffeine, and even certain medications can make it worse, turning downtime into a challenge.

RLS can affect your day-to-day life, too. Whether it’s trying to sit through a meeting or relax on the couch, the restlessness can feel relentless.

While treatments like medications and lifestyle changes help some, many people are exploring alternatives, including cannabis, for more consistent relief.

Cannabis is gaining attention as a promising remedy for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), and for good reason.

A notable study revealed that some individuals experienced total remission of their RLS symptoms after using cannabis.

Cannabis has antinociceptive effects, meaning it reduces the brain’s ability to perceive pain or discomfort. By quieting the nerve signals responsible for RLS symptoms, cannabis offers a way to address the problem at its root.

Cannabis also has muscle-relaxing and sleep-promoting properties that could help those with RLS get a better night’s sleep.

Now, here are the ten best weed strains for restless leg syndrome relief.

This sativa might not seem like it would be beneficial for relaxation and pain relief, but when you consider the high CBD content, you might think differently. Put your body at ease with this strain that contains a microscopic amount of THC (less than 1%), but will provide relief for those suffering the harsh effects of RLS. The strain is named for Charlotte Figi, a young girl who was in the national spotlight after using it to stop her seizures that resulted from epilepsy. 

With CBD levels reaching an average of 17%, Charlotte’s Web will ease RLS symptoms without any of the psychoactive effects that some patients might not be comfortable with.

There’s an old rumor that Grandaddy Purp is named after Grandpa Joe from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, who was so stoned off the strain that he planted his ass in bed for decades. Okay, that might not be factually accurate, but if your RLS is making you want to leap out of bed like Grandpa Joe on the way to the factory, this strain is just what you need to finally knock out and get some sleep. 

GDP is one of the most popular indicas out there, that happens to be especially effective at alleviating insomnia, muscle spasms, stress, and pain.

Don’t worry, you won’t be singing “Shook Me All Night Long” after taking a few puffs of this. Another strain with a high CBD level (around 14%), ACDC is made from the popular CBD strain Cannatonic, which leaves you feeling as relaxed as a puppy in a sea of pillows.

This extreme comfort does not diminish your focus or consciousness, which makes CBD strains like this extremely beneficial for conditions like RLS. This strain is also used to combat epilepsy, chemotherapy, and pain. 

Continuing down the list of strains with high CBD levels, Cherry Burst contains a high CBD to THC ratio. This strain tastes of sweet berries and cherries that are mixed with pine and woodsy notes. Used to treat inflammation, chronic pain, and seizures, there’s no double Cherry Burst is worth a shot for RLS patients. 

Stephen Hawking Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid that boasts a 5:1 CBD to THC ratio, making it another beneficial addition to our list. You won’t quite feel like you’ve been sucked into a black hole with this low THC content, but you will be excessively soothed and relaxed.

Hints of berries and mint will also provide an enjoyable smoke. The theory of everything tranquil might be proven as fact after you’ve consumed this strain. 

Don’t let the name fool you with this strain. You won’t be jumping off the walls like you just escaped from Arkham Asylum after a few puffs of this. The sativa-dominant hybrid is rich in CBD and usually contains about 5-10% THC.

The CBD to THC ratio is about 1:1 on Harlequin, with the relaxing effects of the CBD taking command while providing a focused and clear experience. Even with THC levels higher than some previously mentioned strains, many users claim the calming feeling heavily outweighs any psychoactive high they might’ve felt. 

Speaking of the strain sparked the decision to add this famed strain to the list. I remember fondly the first time I tried Cannatonic, I smoked it in a parking lot before work and had one of the best shifts in a long time. I was super relaxed, but not in a goofy and giggle kind of way that some sativas would generate.

I can best describe it as a ‘tranquil awareness.’ It’s how all of us deserve to feel, all the time. It would be a much friendlier and helpful world if we all had some Cannatonic in our lives, and the CBD that envelops the chemical makeup of the strain is so beneficial to those suffering from RLS. 

The next few strains that round out our list will feature higher THC content for those looking to elevate their minds as well as their comfort levels. Key Lime Pie is an intense indica that weighs heavily in THC content (around 20%) and is ideal for relieving symptoms of disorders like PTSD, manic depression, arthritis, and insomnia.

Your high will be mostly felt throughout your body, but your mind will also have a creativity boost that won’t have you leaping out of your seat but will keep you focused enough to get stuff done. 

With THC levels above 20% and CBD usually north of 6%, this is a great body high that will do wonders against an agitation you might be having as a result of RLS. Plant your head on the pillow after a bowl of Afghan Kush, also known as Afghan OG, that originates from the Kush mountains of the Middle East. As it is a heavy indica, your appetite will increase. 

Very similar to Grandaddy Purp, this strain will provide a relaxing and happy high that is great for chilling out and resting up. Grape Ape offers a dash of sativa in its genetic makeup, providing some cerebral effects to pair with the sedating and calming feeling. This uplifting hybrid that is about 90% indica would provide an intoxicating feeling while pacifying the user’s restlessness.