Best Weed Strains for Anxiety

best weed strains for anxiety

Best Weed Strains for Anxiety

Anxiety ranks among the top reasons cannabis patients take an interest in medical marijuana.

Cannabis is calming and euphoric and can help you forget about your worries and stress and concentrate on the present.

It can also help you to identify the root cause of your anxiety.

A 2017 survey revealed that 13 percent of cannabis patients prefer the flower over benzodiazepine medication.

There were 271 respondents to the survey, and a staggering 63 percent said that they preferred the herb to pharmaceutical drugs.

However, there is a complicated relationship between cannabis and anxiety.

best weed strains for anxiety

Some strains of cannabis can actually increase anxiety and make it much worse. 

Research also reveals that some might be more genetically predisposed to have more anxiety when consuming cannabis than others.

Further research has shown that cannabis can be used in low- to moderate doses to relieve stress. Higher doses are more likely to cause stress.

So how can you find cannabis strains that are good for anxiety?

Here are some tips to help you sort through the data, and put science into practice to find the best strains of anxiety.

weed strains for anxiety

Best Weed Strains for Anxiety

Finding the right strain for you takes some trial and error. It is not the easiest task.

Everyone reacts differently to the herb, and what works well for one person may be disastrous for another.

Unfortunately, the lack of research on cannabis use in humans means there is no real way to know if a particular strain is helpful for anxiety. However, we have anecdotal evidence to refer to as well as trial and error.

However, based on all the clinical and preclinical evidence, it’s possible to make an educated guess about which strains might be most beneficial

Here are the top cannabis strains to help you find the perfect flower for anxiety:

#1 Stephen Hawking Kush

This strain is high in CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that helps with anxiety. For the most part, strains high in CBD are gonna be better for anxiety than strains with low amounts of CBD.

Stephen Hawking Kush is also known for producing CBD:THC ratios as high as 1:1. This ratio provides consumers with a pleasant yet calming and mellow experience that never gets too out of hand. 

Furthermore, this strain produces a significant amount of linalool, a relaxing terpene common in lavender plants.

In addition, this strain is also abundant in myrcene and limonene, both of which provide balancing, mood-boosting, and relaxing effects.

Together, these terpenes offer a tranquil and calming experience. Combining these terpenes with CBD is believed to have stronger anxiolytic properties.

CBD, unlike THC has an energizing effect.

Although the plant is classified as an “indica”, a CBD dominant indica will not produce as much sedation as other indica strains that are high in THC.

Stephen Hawking Kush has no known side effects and can be used at any time during the day.

weed strains for anxiety

#2 Pennywise

Similar to Stephen Hawking Kush, Pennywise has a nearly 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC. This strain is also an Indica, known for its relaxing effects.

For those looking for the benefits that the cannabis plant has to offer without the over-the-top high, this strain is an excellent option. Pennywise, similar to the strain above, is extremely high in CBD content. Its high levels of CBD make for an excellent strain for dealing with anxiety.

Not only is this strain high in CBD but it is also high in the terpene linalool. This terpene is known for its relaxing effects, which is why it is present in many strains recommended for anxiety. 

As we mentioned above, this terpene is abundant in the lavender plant and flowers. You may have heard of lavender essential oil for its relaxing effects on the body and mind, this is due to the terpene linalool.

Both in clinical and rodent trials, anxiety and aggression levels were significantly reduced by inhaling lavender oil, which contains high amounts of linalool.

Experts believe that linalool, in combination with CBD, might increase the anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety properties of the herb.

Pennywise has high levels of linalool and other calming terpenes so it is a great candidate for anxiety-reducing strains.

anxiety

#3 Master Kush

This strain is another Indica strain with high levels of THC and an abundance of calming terpenes. 

The strain often tests positive for significant amounts of bisabolol, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene.

Beta-caryophyllene (terpene) acts in a manner similar to CBD and can potentially be used to complement psychoactive THC.

This spicy terpene which is found in black pepper is known to function the same way as a cannabinoid in our bodies. It is the only terpene that is known to function as a cannabinoid in our bodies. Read more about it here.

This spicy terpene is naturally anxiolytic and may offer additional relaxation for anxiety-prone people who respond well to THC.

Master Kush

#4 Skywalker OG

Although high-THC strains can cause anxiety, most consumers find that psychoactive effects decrease anxiety and encourage mindfulness and presence.

Furthermore, not everyone with anxiety is prone to THC-induced anxiety. However, many people who experience anxiety experience THC-induced anxiety. It really depends on your tolerance levels and how your body individually reacts to THC. 

In addition, the larger the dose, the larger your chances of getting anxiety. 

So, start low and go slow to be safe. 

Similar to the other strains listed here, Skywalker OG tests positive for high levels of anxiolytic terpenes like bisabolol, limonene, and linalool.

Limonene is a terpene present in citrus fruits. It produces enlivening and uplifting effects while also producing calming and balanced effects. 

Bisabolol is another flower terpene that is most abundant in the Chamomile flower. It is believed to be at least partially responsible for the plant’s relaxing and stress-relieving properties.

Skywalker OG

#5 ACDC

For those with chronic anxiety, it may be a good idea to use a strain that contains little or no THC. 

ACDC is a high-CBD, energizing cannabis strain that has a focused and energetic vibe. 

This flower is great for morning time use due to its uplifting beta-pinene. 

Pinene is a terpene that is abundant in the plant kingdom. In fact, it is one of the most commonly found terpenes in the plant kingdom. It has a pine-like aroma and a clear-headed feeling.

It is most commonly found in pine trees and is responsible for the relaxing yet uplifting aroma that pine has to offer. 

Yet, the ACDC strain also has substantial amounts of inspirational Limonene and calming Bisabolol.

All of these compounds combine to create a plant capable of providing both mental stimulation and anxiety relief.

Anxiety is often treated with tranquilizers and sedatives. ACDC on the other hand offers the same anti-anxiety benefits without drowsiness or other harsh side effects.

Best weed strains for anxiety

Best Weed Strains for Anxiety: Tips on Choosing The Best Strain

When it comes to anxiety, cannabis can have complicated effects. 

Furthermore, if you know that you struggle with anxiety, tread carefully when choosing a strain and also when ingesting the cannabis.

If you are already paranoid, that paranoia can manifest even further when you ingest a THC product. 

So, we recommend that you try a high CBD strain with little to no THC, to begin with. Then, as you slowly build a tolerance and get more comfortable, you can incorporate whatever cannabinoid you think will fit your needs best.

Many people do indeed use THC cannabis strains for anxiety and experience amazing results. It all depends on the person, their metabolism and genetic makeup, and much more. Each person reacts differently to THC or cannabis in general.

These are some tips to help you select the best strains of cannabis for anxiety.

Best Weed Strains For Anxiety: Try Strains With Higher CBD Levels

As we mentioned earlier, THC sometimes induces anxiety in users. For some, it helps to relax them and take the edge off. For others, THC can induce anxiety, paranoia, and even panic attacks.

Additionally, some people might experience discomfort from rebound anxiety as THC wears off.

CBD is a natural anxiety reliever, so choosing strains with a CBD:THC ratio of 1:1 or greater may be a good option for anyone with anxiety.

Opt for a high CBD strain first and then see how you feel. Work your way up from there.

Best Weed Strains for Anxiety: The Importance of Reading Third-Party Lab Tests

The strains included in this list are known for having anxiolytic terpenes and calming effects, however, each sample is different.

A given cannabis strain can change its genetic composition based on how it is grown and its environment.

An example of this is with ACDC, some samples may test high for significant amounts of myrcene while others might express more pinene. 

This is where it is very important to look at the test results. Reading the test results is an essential aspect of purchasing any cannabis product. It is the only way to ensure accuracy and safety. Sometimes cannabis products can have heavy metals or other toxins and the seller may not be 100% transparent. 

If the seller doesn’t provide test results, it’s best to find a vendor that does.

Search for Strains Based on Their Specific Terpene Profiles

Most terpenes will help with anxiety, however, in combination with certain cannabinoids, some terpenes are better than others.

When looking at test results or for certain strains, these are some terpenes to look out for:

  • Nerolidol
  • Linalool
  • Bisabolol
  • Beta-caryophyllene
  • Limonene
  • Myrcene
  • Pinene

Best Weed Strains for Anxiety: Be Mindful of Dosages

As Paracelsus once said, “it’s only the dose that makes the poison.”

If you are concerned about THC-induced anxiety, we recommend starting with as low of a dose as possible and working your way up. Or, skip the THC entirely and get yourself some CBD flower or a CBD product with low THC levels.

Cannabis can have biphasic effects which means that the right amount may prove to be extremely beneficial depending on the individual.

But, if the dose is too high, it’s more likely that you will experience side effects.

Paranoia and anxiety are the two most frequent negative side effects of cannabis.

Avoid getting too high to the point you experience paranoia and other negative side effects and dose carefully.

If you do happen to get too high and start experiencing symptoms of anxiety or panic, check out this guide we put together How To Sober Up From Being Too High

If you want to learn how to grow your own medicine, check out our online and in-person courses that will turn you into an expert cannabis cultivator in no time!

Also, if you love the cannabis plant and want to start your own business in the cannabis industry, look no further! This course is taught by an industry expert, and will let you know everything you need to know about getting started in the world of cannabis!

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