The 6 Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety
We all feel anxious from time to time (some people far more often), and fortunately, there are several cannabis strains that are well known for their ability to relieve stress and promote relaxation.
Before trying cannabis to treat anxiety symptoms, it's important to go for an evaluation with a mental health professional and discuss your interest in cannabis along with other options like therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. He or she will help you find the right wellness-promoting program for your individual situation.
Top Indica Strains for Anxiety
Indica-dominant strains are popular for anxiety because of their relaxing, body-focused effects. If you have an afternoon to chill or need help calming racing thoughts so you can sleep, these are some of the best cannabis strains to try.
Blackberry Kush
Blackberry Kush is a pure indica that has around 17-20% THC and offers a potent sedative body high. As the name suggests, it tastes of sweet berries combined with hash and jet fuel. This is a great strain if you need to de-stress.
Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies is an indica-dominant hybrid strain that's known for its delectable minty flavor and wide range of therapeutic properties. People report consuming this indica-dominant strain for anxiety, depression, stress, nausea, insomnia, and chronic pain.
Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is one of the strongest indica cannabis strains, with powerful euphoric and sedative effects. Consumers will note grape and berry flavors with effects including euphoria and physical relaxation.
Top Sativa Strains for Anxiety
If panic attacks are stopping you from going out during the day, you'll want weed strains that will leave you feeling clear-headed and won't put you to sleep. Please note that these strains still have strong psychoactive effects, so start with a small dose and never drive while high.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a favorite in both the adult-use and medical marijuana communities because so many have found it helpful for anxiety disorders as well as nausea and chronic pain. The other reason this sativa-dominant hybrid strain is so popular is its deliciously sweet blueberry flavor. A must-try for any cannabis enthusiast.
Jack Herer
Named after marijuana activist Jack Herer, this slightly sativa-dominant hybrid is popular for mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Consumers report the effects as being blissful, creative, and clearheaded with an aroma that’s reminiscent of spices and pine.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is an energizing sativa-dominant strain with cerebral effects that tend to make people feel more talkative and creative. Sour D tastes like pungent diesel and skunk and is a popular strain for anxiety, depression, and stress.
High-CBD Strains for Anxiety
Preliminary research indicates that CBD oil could be helpful for several anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
High-CBD marijuana strains such as ACDC, Cannatonic, Charlotte's Web, Critical Mass, and Remedy offer the anxiety-relieving benefits of CBD in a pre-roll or joint.
Things to Know about Cannabis and Anxiety
If you're consuming cannabis products to treat long-term anxiety that's affecting your quality of life, we have a few suggestions to ensure a positive experience.
Try CBD tinctures. CBD oils and tinctures are often formulated specifically with the purpose of promoting calm and mental well-being with minimal (if any) intoxicating effects. Some research indicates that 300mg to 600mg of CBD could be an effective dose for social anxiety [1,2], and even doses as low as 25mg could help with anxiety-related sleep problems.
Avoid paranoia-inducing strains. While some cannabis strains help you feel calm, some people experience panic attacks after smoking weed. For best results, stick with our suggested strains, eat and drink before you consume cannabis, have the lowest possible effective dose, and avoid strains with extreme amounts of THC.
Watch your consumption habits. It's not entirely clear yet how cannabis affects anxiety, but we know that certain mental health conditions put cannabis consumers at an increased risk of cannabis use disorder. If you find yourself consuming increasing amounts of cannabis to calm your anxiety, can't stop consuming it if you try, or find that your cannabis consumption is leading to social withdrawal or risky behaviors (such as driving under the influence), seek medical help.
Find Your Calm with Cannabis
If you're struggling with anxiety and looking for options, the cannabis plant offers many potential properties that could offer short-term relief—including physical and mental relaxation and a lift in mood. You can find many of the strains on this list among our selection of premium Seattle pre-rolls and flower.
When treating anxiety with cannabis, be sure to talk with a medical professional first to avoid any potentially dangerous drug interactions and to monitor the effectiveness of different strains. The best strain for anxiety is highly individual, but with a little trial and error, you should soon find a cannabis strain that helps.