The Top Marijuana Strains for Alleviating Anxiety
Anxiety affects over 15 million adults in America alone (1). Its debilitating symptoms can greatly reduce one’s quality of life. Pharmaceutical medications used to treat anxiety often come with a host of side effects and risk of dependence. However, natural alternatives like cannabis are emerging as safer, non-addictive options for anxiety relief.
With so many cannabis strains available, it can be daunting finding the right one for your needs. Here we explore some of the top-rated cannabis strains for alleviating anxiety based on user experiences and medical recommendations.
How Marijuana Helps Combat Stress and Anxiety
Marijuana is able to tackle many of the bodily effects of stress thanks to its active cannabinoids THC and CBD. Some of the ways cannabis helps mitigate stress include:
- Inducing deep muscular relaxation to relieve tightness and pain (2)
- Lessening headaches and migraines related to tension
- Calming the mind and providing mental clarity
- Promoting restful sleep to help restore the body
- Lifting mood and stimulating dopamine to combat irritability (3)
- Settling the stomach and reducing discomfort
- Boosting overall calm to lower blood pressure
With versatile applications for both the psychological and physiological symptoms, marijuana is an unparalleled ally for breaking the anxiety-stress cycle. A puff can swiftly shift the mindset and melt away the physical burden.
For combating daily stressors or highly stressful situations, indica strains tend to work best with their sedative, numbingly peaceful effects. The heavy, relaxed sensation these strains provide acts as the perfect counter to a tense, aggravated body and mind. Just a few puffs can replace feelings of stress with tranquil clarity.
What to Look for in an Anti-Anxiety Cannabis Strain
When selecting a cannabis strain for anxiety, there are a few key features to look for:
- High CBD content – CBD is non-psychoactive and has anti-anxiety properties that counteract THC’s intoxicating effects. Strains higher in CBD tend to be more relaxing.
- Low THC content – Too much THC can exacerbate anxiety in some. Seek strains with moderate THC levels, around 5-10%.
- Indica-dominant hybrids – Indicas provide full-body relaxation perfect for easing tense muscles and anxious thoughts.
- Terpene profile – Pinene, limonene, and linalool terpenes have calming, stress-relieving benefits.
- Lab-tested – Opt for lab-tested products so you know exactly what you’re getting.
5 Top Shelf Strains for Anxiety Relief
Otto CBD Strain
An evenly balanced hybrid with an impressive 20:1 CBD to THC ratio, Otto CBD provides clear-headed pain and anxiety relief. Its peppery, citrus flavor and happy, uplifting mental effects make it suitable for daytime use when you need to remain focused.
Jack Frost Weed Strain
Jack Frost is a sativa-dominant hybrid crossed from Jack Herer and White Widow. Its frosty buds impart focused, energetic effects while its high 15-20% CBD content mellows out any anxiety. Users report it stabilizes mood and relieves stress.
Ringo’s Gift CBD Strain
Named after CBD pioneer Lawrence Ringo, this strain was bred specifically for anxiety relief. A cross between Harle-Tsu and ACDC, it contains over 24% CBD and only traces of THC, allowing you to reap therapeutic benefits without any intoxicating effects.
ACDC CBD Strain
A sativa-dominant phenotype of Cannatonic, ACDC clocks in with a whopping 20:1 CBD to THC ratio. Its uplifting, mood-elevating effects make it ideal for managing anxiety, pain, inflammation, and stress during the day.
Granddaddy Purple
This indica-dominant legend packs a potent psychoactive punch perfect for nighttime use. Known for its mental clouding effects, GDP alleviates pain, anxiety, and insomnia, replacing racing thoughts with a sense of tranquil relaxation ideal for restful sleep.
Other Notable Anti-Anxiety Strains
While the strains above are some of the most highly recommended for anxiety relief, there are many other excellent options to explore:
- Harlequin – sativa-dominant high in CBD, uplifting and clear-headed
- Remedy – indica-dominant, 15:1 CBD to THC ratio, deeply relaxing
- Canna-Tsu – hybrid with equal CBD and THC, calming effects
- Purple Kush – pure indica with sedative, anxiety-reducing effects
- Blue Dream – sativa-dominant hybrid that stabilizes mood
- Northern Lights – strong, pure indica beloved for its anti-anxiety qualities
Using Cannabis Safely and Responsibly
When consuming cannabis for anxiety relief, there are some best practices to follow:
- Start with a low dose, around 2-5mg of THC or CBD.
- Wait at least 2 hours before taking more to allow full effects.
- Keep a usage log to find your ideal strain and dosage.
- Use only legally purchased, lab-tested products from licensed dispensaries.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after use.
- Consult your doctor before combining with other medications.
While cannabis can be a safer alternative to prescription medications, it affects everyone differently. Monitor your reaction closely and discontinue use if any adverse effects occur. When used properly, high quality cannabis offers a promising path to naturally easing anxiety’s distressing symptoms. With an abundance of strain options now available, finding your perfect botanic ally to promote peace of mind is within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does indica or sativa work better for anxiety?
For reducing anxiety, indica strains tend to work better than sativas. Indicas provide full-body relaxation that helps calm both the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety. Sativas can sometimes exacerbate anxiety with their energizing effects. However, for some, a mix of indica and sativa may provide the best anxiety relief.
How to legally purchase marijuana for anxiety and stress?
In states where medical marijuana is legal, you can qualify for a medical marijuana card by getting a doctor’s recommendation. We can help connect you with licensed physicians who can evaluate your condition and determine if medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option. This will provide you legal access to purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries.
What is the best method of consuming marijuana for anxiety?
Inhalation methods like smoking or vaping offer the fastest relief as cannabinoids enter the bloodstream quickly. Oral methods like edibles, oils, and tinctures provide longer-lasting effects but have a delayed onset. Topicals infused with cannabinoids can also help relax tense muscles. The best method comes down to personal preference.
What should I do if a strain makes my anxiety worse?
If a strain ever increases anxiety or causes unwanted effects, discontinue use immediately. Anxiety worsening is often a sign of too high a dose of THC. Seek out strains lower in THC and higher in CBD. The key is experimenting slowly to find the strains with the right cannabinoid profile for your biochemistry.
Sources:
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Anxiety Disorders – Facts & Statistics
- Furrer, D., Kröger, E., Marcotte, M., Jauvin, N., Bélanger, R., Ware, M., Foldes-Busque, G., Aubin, M., Pluye, P., & Dionne, C. E. (2021). Cannabis against chronic musculoskeletal pain: a scoping review on users and their perceptions. Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00096-8
- Blum K, Khalsa J, Cadet JL, Baron D, Bowirrat A, Boyett B, Lott L, Brewer R, Gondré-Lewis M, Bunt G, Kazmi S and Gold MS (2021) Cannabis-Induced Hypodopaminergic Anhedonia and Cognitive Decline in Humans: Embracing Putative Induction of Dopamine Homeostasis. Front. Psychiatry 12:623403. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.623403
