Anxiety isn’t an easy condition to handle.
From worrying intensely about the future to physical symptoms of stress and unease, the conditions can be so severe that they prevent people from carrying out their day to day activities.
While there are treatment options out there–like therapy or medication–anxiety relief might come in a different form than you’d expect.
Lighting up a joint could be just the thing you need to treat anything from moderate to severe anxiety.
Just keep in mind–some strains of marijuana can increase anxiety and make your condition even worse. You have to know what to look for before diving in.
Before we get into the best strains for anxiety, let’s take a closer look at how marijuana can be used to treat anxiety disorders.
Why is Marijuana Effective for Anxiety?
Conventional medicine is most often used to treat anxiety disorders. If you have anxiety, you might be given a prescription for a serotonin reuptake inhibitor like Zoloft or a tranquilizer like Valium.
But for many patients, these medications just aren’t giving them the results that they need. Whether they aren’t effective enough or the side effects outweigh the benefits, there are a lot of reasons a patient might turn to alternative treatment options.
One of the components of marijuana that is commonly used to treat anxiety is called cannabidiol (CBD). It’s been found to have a calming effect on the mind and nervous system, and it can be used to treat different anxiety symptoms, including:
- Nervousness
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Social anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
However, the relationship between marijuana and anxiety can be complicated. For some users, cannabis can provide relief for stress and induces a calming effect. For others, ingesting marijuana might provoke the opposite effect–including heightened paranoia and intense anxiety.
The difference between strains that treat or worsen anxiety comes down to the components. Strains that are high in CBD can reduce anxiety, while THC heavy strains are more likely to worsen your condition.
It’s crucial to pick the right strain and know what your tolerance and sensitivity is to the different elements of marijuana.
Best Strains for Anxiety
It’s not always easy to predict what kind of effect a strain will have you on you. Whether you’re a complete newbie or you’ve been smoking for years, it’s best to start slow.
We’ll walk you through the different effects of each strain, as well as the THC/CBD levels–but each type of cannabis affects the mind and body differently.
The best weed for anxiety might not be the best for your anxiety. It’s up to you to experiment with some of your options and see what works best for you.
If you feel like the strain you’re consuming isn’t working for you–or if you experience unexpected side effects–it’s okay to stop and try a different one.
With that being said, let’s get into the best strains for anxiety.
1. Granddaddy Purple
This hybrid strain has a unique berry and grape flavor and deep purple color. It provides the user with physical relaxation and a peaceful mindset.
It’s popular with sufferers of chronic pain, muscle spasms, depression, insomnia, and stress–but it’s also been shown to be effective for anxiety.
Above all, it allows users some relief from stress and tension of their day to day lives–both physical and mental.
2. Amnesia Haze
Just as the name suggests, Amnesia Haze is primarily a strain that affects the mind.
It can help relieve anxiety, depression, fatigue, migraines, and physical pain. Even though it reduces fear by relaxing the mind, it still keeps your thought process clear and focused for daytime use.
Even though the THC levels are higher than CBD levels, this strain still works well for anxiety–it’s just less likely to put you to sleep.
3. White Widow
This sativa dominant hybrid induces a full body high.
It’s popular with people who suffer from anxiety or PTSD because it promotes a “spacey” or out of body feeling. Although the taste is soft and sweet, it packs quite a punch and can put you in a trance.
Although the intensity depends on your tolerance level and how much you consume, it’s best not to underestimate the White Widow strain. This is the best strain for anxiety and panic attacks that are unusually severe.
Also, keep in mind–this strain often makes users cough. It might be easier to consume through a vape pen instead.
4. Strawberry Cough
If you suffer from social anxiety or you’re just looking for something you can use during the day, Strawberry Cough might be right for you.
This strain strikes a tricky balance between calming and energizing. It keeps you mellow while still alert and able to socialize.
With this strain, you can still go about your daily activities or talk with others without the issue of paranoia, anxiety, or a sedated effect.
5. Chocolate Chunk
This strain has about 10 to 20% THC and a strong potency. With a nutty, chocolatey taste, Chocolate Chunk is ideal for relieving chronic pain, everyday aches, tension, and anxiety.
While it’s great for relieving anxiety, keep in mind that this is a pretty strong strain. It has a sedative effect, which makes it best for unwinding after a long day or getting drowsy right before bed.
The Bottom Line
When it all comes down to it, marijuana is an effective medical alternative for treating anxiety. It might take a little experimentation to narrow down the right option for you, but this selection of the best strains for anxiety should give you a great place to start.
Don’t be afraid to take some risks and try something new–figure out your sensitivities, preferences, and tolerance.
Looking for more cannabis options to relieve your anxiety? Contact us to learn more about our selection of strains so that you can find the one that’s right for you.
