What are the Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety?
Ever feel anxious and stressed, like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? You’re not alone. Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in the US, and many are turning to cannabis for relief. The good news is there are certain strains bred specifically to help chill you out and calm your nerves. Before you light one up though, you need to know which strains are best for anxiety. Some can actually make feelings of anxiousness and paranoia worse.
How Cannabis Can Provide Anxiety Relief
Cannabis contains compounds known as cannabinoids that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a vital role in regulating mood and stress levels. Two cannabinoids, THC and CBD, have shown potential for anxiety relief.
THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can induce a “high” feeling. In lower doses, it may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Consider strains with slightly higher CBD and lower THC levels, usually around 5-10% THC.
CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you high. It works by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, which can influence mood and stress levels. High-CBD, low-THC strains are often preferred for anxiety relief without intoxicating effects.
In addition to cannabinoids, cannabis contains aromatic compounds called terpenes, which can also have therapeutic properties. Strains high in terpenes like limonene and linalool tend to have anxiety-reducing and stress-relieving properties. Myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene are other calming terpenes to look for.
Using cannabis strains with the right combination of cannabinoids and terpenes can potentially help boost serotonin and dopamine levels, relax the body, and calm racing thoughts, all of which contribute to anxiety and stress relief. It’s essential to start with a low dose of a high-CBD strain and gradually adjust to find the right balance of THC for your individual needs. This synergy of chemical compounds is what gives cannabis its potential for anxiety relief.
Top Indica Strains to Relax and Unwind
When anxiety starts to creep in, Indica strains are your new best friend. These relaxing cannabis varieties are bred specifically for their calming, sedative effects. Check out some of the top indica strains for chilling out and relieving anxiety.
Granddaddy Purple
This popular indica strain is known for its relaxing, stress-relieving properties. With aromatic grape and berry notes, Granddaddy Purple provides a soothing full-body buzz that melts away anxiety and leaves you feeling blissfully calm.
Northern Lights
A legendary Indica, Northern Lights is one of the most popular strains of anxiety and insomnia. It offers a profoundly pacifying high that relaxes the mind and body, easing away worries and quieting racing thoughts. The effects are long-lasting but not overpowering. Check out the menu at Leaf Haus – we have Verano – Northern Lights Disposable.
Afghan Kush
A potent indica derived from the Hindu Kush mountain range, Afghan Kush is a prime choice for anxiety relief. Its heavy, sedating effects diminish stress and calm the nerves, transporting you to a state of deep tranquility. The earthy, sweet flavor is as relaxing as the high.
Bubba Kush
With a dank, coffee-like aroma, Bubba Kush is a highly sought-after indica strain. It induces a heavy stoned feeling that melts away anxiety, stress, and negative thoughts. The effects tend to be very sedative, even causing couchlock in high doses, so start slowly. At Leaf Haus, we sell Bubba Kush or Botanist – Bubba Kush Vape Cart and it is ideal for nighttime use or when you have nowhere to be.
Find Bubba Kush strains at Leaf Haus
There are many indica strains that can help quell anxiety and provide soothing relief. Experiment with different options to find one that works for your needs and tolerance level. Sweet dreams and pleasant relaxation await!
Best Sativa Strains for Uplifting Calm
Sativa strains are known for their uplifting, energizing effects. For those dealing with anxiety, certain sativa strains can help boost your mood in a calm, focused way. Here are some of the best Sativa options for uplifting your spirits without intensifying feelings of anxiety:
Sour Diesel
A popular sativa strain with a citrusy, diesel-like aroma. Sour Diesel has uplifting, happy effects that relieve stress and anxiety. Many say it boosts creativity and focus, making it a great choice for daytime use. Start with a lower dose as it can be potent.
Strawberry Cough
As the name suggests, this sativa strain tastes like fresh strawberries. It has light, airy buds that produce an upbeat, euphoric high. Strawberry Cough is ideal for elevating your mood while keeping anxiety under control. It tends to make people very giggly and social.
Blue Dream
A balanced hybrid with relaxing indica and uplifting sativa effects. Blue Dream eases anxiety while boosting your mood and focus. It has a sweet berry aroma and flavor, with light fluffy buds. The well-rounded effects make it suitable for any time of day. Blue Dream is a very popular, crowd-pleasing strain that is easygoing on both the mind and body.
Jack Herer
Named after the legendary cannabis activist, Jack Herer is a creative and clear-headed sativa. It has a spicy, piney aroma with hints of citrus. The buzz is uplifting and motivating, ideal for artistic projects or social gatherings. Although potent, Jack Herer does not usually exacerbate feelings of anxiety or paranoia when taken in moderation. Start with a single puff or small dose until you know how it will affect you.
Find Jack Herer strains at Leaf Haus
In summary, these select sativa strains can elevate your mood in a mellow, anxiety-free way. Start with a low dose to gauge the effects, then adjust as needed to find your perfect balance. When taken responsibly, cannabis can be used as an effective tool for enhancing life’s positive experiences.
High-CBD Strains for Soothing Medical Use
High-CBD strains are ideal for anxiety relief without the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD is a cannabinoid that helps reduce anxiety, inflammation, and pain. These strains have little to no THC, so you can benefit from the calming effects of cannabis without feeling high.
ACDC
This sativa-dominant strain is a popular choice for anxiety. It has a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio, so you get all the therapeutic effects of CBD without the THC. ACDC helps calm the mind and body, easing tension and worry. Patients report feeling very relaxed but still clear-headed after using this strain.
Charlotte's Web
Named after Charlotte Figi, a girl with severe epilepsy who found relief from this strain, Charlotte’s Web is a CBD-rich hemp plant. It has less than 0.3% THC, so you can use it without feeling intoxicated. This strain is very effective for reducing anxiety, stress, and panic. It creates a sense of calm focus and well-being.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a sativa-dominant strain with a 5:2 CBD to THC ratio. It has enough THC to provide pain and anxiety relief but not enough to cause impairment or euphoria. Patients find this strain helps relax the mind and body, easing stress and worry. The clear-headed effects make this a good choice for daytime anxiety relief when you need to remain productive.
Other high-CBD, low-THC strains to consider for anxiety include Cannatonic, Pennywise, Stephen Hawking Kush, and Ringo’s Gift. These therapeutic strains provide natural relief from anxiety and worry without psychoactive side effects. The soothing properties of CBD can help calm a racing mind, relax tense muscles, and ease panic and fear. For anxiety, choose a high-CBD, low-THC strain and start with a low dose, increasing gradually as needed to find the right balance of relief for you.
Different Ways to Consume Cannabis for Anxiety
When it comes to consuming cannabis for anxiety relief, you have several options to choose from. The method you select comes down to your personal preferences and what works best for managing your symptoms.
Smoking
The fastest way to feel the effects of cannabis is by smoking the dried buds. You can smoke joints, blunts, pipes, or bongs. Smoking allows the cannabinoids like CBD and THC to enter your bloodstream quickly, providing fast relief from anxiety and stress. However, smoking can be harsh on your lungs and the effects tend to fade faster.
Vaping
Vaping cannabis oil or flower is a popular method for many medical marijuana patients. Using a vape pen or vaporizer, you heat the cannabis to release the cannabinoids without combusting the plant matter. This allows for fast relief from anxiety but in a potentially less harmful way than smoking. Vape pens and cartridges also offer more discreet and convenient usage.
Edibles
Cannabis edibles, like gummies or OZONE – Grape CBN Gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and candies, provide longer-lasting relief from anxiety since the cannabinoids are absorbed through your digestive system. However, the effects can take 1-2 hours to kick in and can be difficult to dose properly for your needs. Start with a low dose, around 5-10mg of THC or CBD, and wait at least 2 hours before ingesting more.
Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures, made by infusing cannabis in alcohol, are a popular method for anxiety relief. Place a few drops of the tincture under your tongue for fast absorption into your bloodstream. Tinctures allow for accurate dosing and effects that last 4 to 6 hours. The alcohol base does burn slightly, but tinctures are still more discreet than vaping or smoking.
Topicals
Cannabis topicals, like lotions, balms, and oils, provide localized relief from anxiety and stress when applied to your skin. The cannabinoids interact with receptors in your skin, muscles, and joints but do not enter your bloodstream. Topicals are non-psychoactive but can be very soothing for anxiety. They provide relief that lasts for several hours.
Conclusion
There you have it, some of the top cannabis strains to help relieve your anxiety and calm your nerves. Anxiety is no joke, but with the right strain and proper dosage, cannabis can help you find your zen. The key is starting low and going slow until you find what works for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strains and methods of consumption to discover your sweet spot. You deserve to live a happy, healthy life without anxiety holding you back. With the help of cannabis, you can gain control over your anxiety instead of the other way around. Stay positive and remember, this too shall pass – but for now, puff, puff, pass the peace pipe! You’ve got this.
For more information on cannabis strains and personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to visit our friendly bud-tending team at Leaf Haus. We’ll be more than happy to provide you with expert advice and a wide range of options to help you on your journey to anxiety relief.
