Best Cannabis Strains For Anxiety
Key Takeaways:
- Different strains of cannabis can have different effects on anxiety, depending on their levels of THC and CBD.
- Strains of medical marijuana that are high in CBD are thought to be more effective for treating anxiety symptoms than those with higher THC content.
- It’s important to start with a low dose if using cannabis for anxiety relief and increase gradually until desired results are achieved.
Cannabis can be a bit of a wonder drug, and anxiety is just one of the conditions it has been shown to help with. However, the weed that is used to ease anxiety needs to be high in CBD as this is what produces the calming effect – THC can make anxiety a lot worse.
Some of the best high-CBD strains of cannabis for anxiety include cherry wine, charlotte’s web, sour space candy, and critical mass. These will help calm the mind and bring you back to a state of relaxation without any psychoactive effects.
In this guide, we will take you through what you need to know about the best marijuana strains for anxiety as well as how cannabis can be used to treat it. That way, you can decide if this is going to be the best course of action for you.
Table of Contents
What are Cannabis Strains?
Cannabis comes in THREE main varieties – Indica, Sativa, and hybrid. Each of these has a different effect on the user and can be better for CERTAIN conditions than others.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which cannabis strain is going to work best for your anxiety disorders, your dispensary can help you find the right one.
Indica
Indica is known for its STRONG body effects, helping to relax both the mind and body. It’s good for stress relief and can help you drift off into a peaceful sleep.
Sativa
Sativa is known more for its energetic effects, helping to BOOST your mood and improve focus. It’s great for creativity and concentration.
Hybrid
Hybrid varieties are a MIX of both Indica and Sativa, giving you the best of both worlds. It’s a great option to get the best of both varieties in one strain.
Does Cannabis Help Relieve Anxiety?
Yes, cannabis can be used to TREAT anxiety [1]. However, it is important to understand that the way in which you consume it will have an effect on the outcome.
For example, smoking may provide short-term relief from anxiety but could also make your symptoms WORSE if done too often.
On the other hand, ingesting cannabis through edibles or tinctures can provide a STEADY, prolonged relief that is more suited to TREATING the symptoms of anxiety.
Additionally, CBD can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, and it is IMPORTANT to use strains that are high in CBD as this will have the most CALMING effect. This is because THC can sometimes increase anxiety and make it WORSE due to its psychoactive effects.
What are the Best Marijuana Strains for Anxiety?
There are some EXCELLENT strains out there that can be used to treat anxiety, but it is important that you select a high-CBD strain so that you can AVOID the potential negatives that often accompany THC strains.
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is a high-CBD strain bred SPECIFICALLY to treat anxiety and other mental health issues. It is NOT psychoactive, so it will not give you any “high” effects associated with THC consumption.
Cherry Wine
Cherry Wine is a hybrid strain known for its CALMING effects, making it an excellent option for those suffering from ANXIETY. It has a high CBD content and is relatively low in THC, so you can rest assured that it will not make your symptoms WORSE.
Pro Tip: An Indica-dominant strain can be great for relieving stress and for generalized anxiety disorder because it produces a head-high.
Sour Space Candy
Sour Space Candy is a Sativa-dominant strain known for its uplifting effects, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce stress and anxiety. It has a moderate content of both CBD and THC so you can get the best of both worlds with this one.
Elektra
Elektra is a high-CBD strain that is PERFECT for those who suffer from anxiety and stress. It has a moderate amount of THC, so you can expect some MILD psychoactive effects while still being able to benefit from the CALMING characteristics of CBD.
Pro Tip: CBD is an important part of the cannabis plant, and it has many of the health benefits found in marijuana. Not all cannabis strains have to have THC or large amounts.
Sour Tsunami
Sour Tsunami is a hybrid strain specifically bred to FOCUS on increasing CBD and reducing THC. This makes it an IDEAL choice for those who want an anxiety-relieving strain without the HIGH associated with THC consumption.
Critical Mass
Critical Mass is a high-CBD strain bred for its calming effects. It has a fairly BALANCED ratio of CBD to THC, so you can expect some mild psychoactive effects while still being able to BENEFIT from the anxiety-relieving qualities of CBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sativa or Indica Better for Anxiety?
It really depends on the person and what type of effects they are looking for. Generally speaking, Indica is better for those who want to relax and reduce stress, while Sativa can be more suited to boosting mood and energy levels.
Is CBD or THC Better for Anxiety?
CBD is generally the better choice for those looking to treat anxiety, as it has no psychoactive effects and is known for its calming properties. THC can sometimes increase anxiety levels, so it should be used with caution.
Are Edibles Good for Anxiety?
Yes, edibles are a great option for those looking to treat anxiety as they provide a more prolonged effect than smoking and can be tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, many edibles contain high levels of CBD, which is ideal for treating anxiety.
To Conclude
When it comes to TREATING anxiety with cannabis, there are a number of options available. It is important to select the right strain for your NEEDS, as some strains can exacerbate symptoms if used too often.
High-CBD strains are usually best for TREAT anxiety, and edibles and tinctures are often PREFERABLE over smoking due to their longer-lasting effects.
Regardless of which option you choose, it is important to CONSULT with a medical professional BEFORE beginning any cannabis treatment plan.
Always obtain only quality cannabis from licensed dispensaries, such as Mission Organic.
By following these guidelines and selecting the RIGHT strain for your needs, cannabis can be an effective tool in managing anxiety and stress. With FURTHER research being conducted into the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis, the possibilities for relief MAY become even greater.
Sources:
- Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
