The concept of using cannabis to help mental and physical health goes back years and years.
But when you’re wondering if the cannabis plant can truly reduce anxiety, things can get a little more complicated. While there are plenty of satisfied people who felt that cannabis reduced their stress, others ended up experiencing stronger anxiety plus a heightened sense of paranoia. This is definitely not relaxing!
Part of the reason for things being so varied is the THC content. This natural compound is what causes the psychoactive effects we experience while using cannabis. But not everyone knows that there are different levels of THC, and some cannabis plants and seeds contain very little THC, with instead larger amounts of CBD, which is another compound. High CBD or high THC strains can provide entirely different experiences for someone with existing anxiety symptoms, and what fits you perfectly might be somewhere in between.
Discover the Right Strain
When searching for the ideal anti-anxiety strain, a good starting place is understanding your body and how it handles cannabis. Do you know your general sensitivity and tolerance? How much experience have you had with different forms? Have you tried a certain strain before, even if you weren’t aware of your anxiety?
It’s a good idea to try different types to narrow down what you like and understand what helps your anxiety, or what might be less effective. It may not be easy! With hundreds of strains out there, there are a lot of combinations to choose from. If you’re on the hunt for your ideal match though, we’ve been able to provide you with a headstart in this blog.
Top Cannabis Strains for Anxiety
This strain is intended to help your brain and body relax. Whether you’re working with Cannabis Seeds or the cannabis plant first, Granddaddy Purple is a satisfying Indica cross of Purple Urkel and Big Bud, which have created buds with lovely grape overtones. It has a reputation for creating a relaxed experience with a bit of euphoria thrown into the mix. With this strain, your mind can wander, your body feels light, and you’re uplifted. The relaxation can also lead to a lovely sleep.
Granddaddy Purple is recognized as helping depression and anxiety by encouraging more positive thoughts and feelings.. It’s also recommended for those who have difficulty sleeping, poor appetites, or those going through painful medical treatments.
It’s important to note though that Granddaddy Purple includes some THC, which means there is a possibility of feeling dizzy and paranoid, especially if you’re not as familiar with this strain.
People who have experienced Jack Herer say it’s all about feeling good. After just a few puffs, you may feel energized and like you’re finally giving your brain a break.
Jack Herer can provide an uplifting experience which causes worries to fall away and gives off the energy to power through a tough task or a tough day. People call it a “daytime” strain since it gives them a boost and helps shake off feelings of fatigue and pain. Some even use it in the afternoon, so they can remain focused and worry-free until bedtime.
It can, however, cause feelings of paranoia and dizziness, especially if someone hasn’t tried Jack Herer before. It also is known for its natural analgesic properties that reduce pain through the body, including headaches, sore muscles, and much more.
3. Cannatonic
Part of this hybrid strain’s appeal is its 1:1 CBD-to-THC ratio. This means it can soothe pain, help you to relax, and work to cut down some feelings associated with high-THC products like paranoia.
The secret ingredient is myrcene, which is a natural terpene that makes you feel relaxed while boosting energy levels and chasing away negative thoughts. It’s recommended for those who like to multitask but still keep focus.
At the same time, it is known to cause dry mouth, headaches, and dry eyes. You may experience dizziness or anxiety, but these symptoms are less common in smaller doses.
Cannatonic remains popular recreationally and medically. It can help you relax and sleep or just manage any pain you’re experiencing.
The youth organization really isn’t a fan of this unlicensed name. However, the cannabis plant and the spring treat are both intended to make you feel good. GSC is designed to relax the brain first and then the body next. Many users say it makes them feel comfortable and hungry, and that it welcomes feelings for those battling pain, insomnia, nausea, or a loss of appetite. The “munchies” are very much possible with this strain too, so plan accordingly.
Part of the appeal of Girl Scout Cookies is that this strain relieves pain and elevates mood. It also reduces feelings of stress, depression and fatigue.
5. Canna-Tsu
This hybrid strain brings together Cannatonic and Sour Tsunami to create a special strain that’s low in THC, but high in CBD. This removes some THC effects while enhancing CBD properties, such as reducing pain and improving focus.
Planting and growing Canna-Tsu Cannabis Seeds can be useful for those who want to experience a mellow day, but fewer negative thoughts, along with less stress.
This Sativa strain is great starting with the first whiff – mmmm, strawberries. Along with an aromatic boost, consumers will get a soothing burst of positive energy that has a duration of several hours. It helps with alertness and energy, so you can jump into a new project or jump back into a past effort that you needed to put on the backburner in the past.
Some also recommend this strain for reducing social anxiety at social events. The energy boost can translate into self-confidence and a lack of fear to make small talk, introduce yourself, and do all that socializing that you’re usually afraid to tackle.
Users of this strain do say dry eyes and dry mouth are possible, along with some headaches and restlessness (that energy sometimes keeps going even when you’re ready to crash). With this being said though, a moderate amount should be a great starting place.
Several people swear by Strawberry Cough when they need help with stress and depression, as this strain boosts their mood and reduces unhappy thoughts. In addition to this, the mental and physical fatigue that might come from feeling depressed regularly can be combated using these buds.
Another strain that many say gives a boost in social situations is ACDC. It’s high in CBD, which can help users feel relaxed, focused, and confident. The impressive CBD-to-THC ratio is about 20-to-1, which could bring forth healing properties for brain and body, but leave some THC psychoactive effects behind.
ACDC, which is a Sativa-dominant strain, is suggested as a useful tool to help you stay focused and keep your head clear. Besides having recreational value, it also provides relief for people suffering from a variety of health conditions, including severe pain, epilepsy, nausea, and a poor or non-existent appetite.
Side effects for newcomers can include restlessness, dry mouth, and dry eyes. It’s also a relatively simple strain to grow, which definitely gives it some extra points in our book!
If you’re ready to chill, this could be the perfect strain for you, as it provides all-over relaxation. You’ll feel comfortable, with many mental and physical pains being put on pause, especially when consumed moderately. Once it wears off, it usually leads to a good night’s sleep, which many users have been missing due to pain or other health conditions. Many also discover another benefit afterward: a boost of hunger, which could be incredibly helpful for those struggling with a poor appetite.
Of course, a great need to sleep and a great need to eat could be seen as liabilities in some situations, but could also be appealing for many people.
Northern Lights is considered potent and known to cause dry mouth and dry eyes, headaches and a small degree of paranoia as it relaxes you, and the level of comfort often feels deeper than first expected. Again though, moderation is always key.
9. White Fog OG
This Sativa hybrid of Fire OG and the White contains high amounts of myrcene and limonene, which are terpenes that provide relaxation and stress reduction. Though this strain does contain THC, it also helps you relax, but not so much that you want to stay in bed. It’s definitely handy for social activities and having fun.
It’s also recommended for those dealing with health conditions that come with a lot of pain. It improves blood flow and can make you feel good.
Those interested in cultivation should know that White Fog OG is considered fairly easy to grow in many conditions.
Beautiful to look at with bright purple buds and a pleasant berry smell, Blackberry Kush is also prized as a strain that helps to reduce the effects of depressive thoughts. It can take effect quickly and divert anxiety attacks, so it has a lot of value both recreationally and medically.
Blackberry Kush, a potent Indica strain, is recommended for those who want to feel less stressed and be in a better mood. Its sedative powers cut through pain, reduce inflammation, and can help to increase mobility for some users.
This strain is also known as an easy way to secure a good night’s sleep, especially for those battling insomnia.
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