Recently, there has been growing interest in using weed for anxiety and depression as some studies have suggested that certain cannabinoids may have therapeutic potential for these conditions.
Cannabis has been used for both medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. It contains compounds called cannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of using weed for mental health issues.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is the result of ongoing stress and usually manifests as a sense of apprehension leading to panic attacks. It can be attributed to stressful work life, problems at home, pre-existing physical or mental conditions, and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD).
The physical effects of any anxiety disorder vary and can be difficult to self-diagnose. If you suspect that you are suffering from a mental health issue, always go and seek professional medical advice. Being unable to identify and treat the anxiety can lead to symptoms like:
- Problems getting a night of restful sleep or even insomnia
- Chronic muscle tension
- Mood changes and disorders
- Difficulty concentrating from anxious thoughts
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Stomach cramps
The symptoms lie on quite the spectrum with high levels of anxiety and stress mimicking other conditions. The mentality is starting to shift where people are now looking to lower anxiety through natural means.
Can cannabis help with anxiety symptoms?
More research still needs to be done but preliminary studies over the last decade have indicated that the cannabis plant has been effective at reducing anxiety. This is due to its interaction with our endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors and proteins that help regulate bodily processes.
Cannabis high in THC has been found to relieve stress and anxiety in low doses according to The Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida (MMTCFL). However, as soon as high doses of the same THC are consumed, there is a counter effect that increases anxiety symptoms and makes matters worse.
CBD products are currently being investigated for their properties in negating the effects of THC-induced anxiety.
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for managing several processes, including:
- Appetite
- Stress
- Mood regulation
- Anxiety
- Fear
For more information on your endocannabinoid system check out our article on how CBD helps with anxiety.
10 best marijuana strains for anxiety and depression
We have some of the best cannabis strains for anxiety and our list of the 10 best covers a range of varieties, terpenes, and effects so that everyone can find their own favorite strain to reduce stress and anxiety.
Keep in mind that these effects will vary from person to person and if you have questions about them be sure to talk to your doctor.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is one of the classic marijuana strains and is a Sativa dominant strain. Treat anxiety during the day with this cannabis strain as you’ll feel inspired and motivated. It has a high THC ratio of 22% with a good balance of CBD to help offset the psychoactive effects. Sativa strains are great at keeping you going through the day without the need to lie down.
Advantages
- High THC and CBD content
- Easy to grow with a 10-week flowering period
- Great for growing outdoors
ACDC
If you’re looking for a high CBD to THC ratio then look no further as this has the highest levels of CBD we sell at 15%. THC content is only at 2% so the psychoactive effects will be minimal. Be prepared for inspirational energy and spicy citrus thanks to the Sativa dominant genetics.
It does not cause a euphoric effect but will induce full-body relaxation. ACDC is a great strain for all grower experience levels and has a nice yield at about 300 grams per plant.
Advantages
- Beginner friendly strain
- High CBD content
- Finishes flowering in 9 weeks
Blueberry CBD
Depending on the way it’s grown, Blueberry CBD can have between 8 and 12% CBD to 7%. It’s an Indica-dominant hybrid with a fruity taste and hint of earthy tones to it. Even though there is a small amount of THC within you can still get the slight body buzz associated with the Indica traits. If anxiety keeps you awake at night then you’ll be able to rest easily using this strain since it can be used for improved sleep purposes.
Advantages
- Easy to grow for beginners
- Eases anxiety soon after consuming
- Large yields at around 600 grams per plant
CBD Black Diesel 1 to1
CBD Black Diesel 1 to 1 plays a balancing act with its CBD to THC ratio at 8%. You’ll feel a smooth high without the urge to nap. The effects don’t take place right away as you’ll generally want to wait up to a half hour for them to kick in. You’ll love the feeling of your stress melting away as cannabis works to fix any inflammation.
Beginners can grow this indoors and outside with ease since the moderate height won’t get out of control. Average flowering times mean you can take your time and develop dense buds with loads of trichomes.
Advantages
- Perfectly balanced CBD and THC levels
- Eases symptoms of anxiety, pain, nausea, and seizures
- Moderately easy to grow
Girl Scout Cookie Strain
If a simple stress and anxiety reliever is all you need then you should go and pick up some Girl Scout Cookies. A Sativa-dominant hybrid, you’ll find that this plant will grow more like an Indica, keeping it rather short. It is a potent strain at 20% and will improve the mood of anyone who tries it. Most who consume this weed talk about how it was like eating candy as the fruity notes dance along your tongue.
Advantages
- Flowering time is only 65 days long making for quicker harvests
- Expected yields are up to 550 grams per meter squared indoors and 450 grams for outdoor
- Cerebral head high guarantees an uplifting feeling
OG Kush
An original California strain that has the highest THC content that we sell. This Sativa prominent hybrid has been named “the best strain of all time” around the world. Expect a full body and mind high which promotes deep relaxation.
It’s a fantastic strain for those who need a break from the mental stimulation and physical tolls of day-to-day life. It has a THC content of 27% with a low learning curve, which is rare.
Beginner growers will have great success cultivating this medical marijuana indoors and outdoors. You’ll notice an initial stretch as the plant fills in but then the branches will become laden with heavy flowers.
Advantages
- Almost balanced Sativa Hybrid strain with heavy Indica growing traits and effects
- Highest THC levels available
- The ultimate anxiety and chronic pain relief therapy
Shark
This strain is categorized as a medical marijuana variety since it has such a high CBD content. The low psychoactive effects are a result of the 6% THC content as opposed to the 8% CBD. As it is an Indica-dominant strain, you will feel an instant relaxing effect while it spreads across your body. These types of cannabis strains are designed to help with anxiety while also treating pain and insomnia.
CBD Shark Medical seeds grow great in soil and hydroponics systems. It requires less maintenance than different strains as long as it has a proper environment. Be prepared for a moderate 300-400 grams per plant.
Advantages
- Medium-sized, easy-growing plant for beginners
- Low THC and high CBD help with intense symptoms of anxiety and chronic pain
- Grows well in a variety of mediums
Strawberry Cheese
Flavorful cannabis strains are always a plus and if you’re into fruity strawberry items this is one to check out. Strawberry Cheese autoflower is an Indica dominant cannabis strain with a THC percentage of 21%. Enjoy a before-bed nightcap with Strawberry Cheese to feel uplifted as you slowly drift off.
Growing this cannabis plant outdoors will let it reach its full height of up to 35 inches. You can train it to spread out as opposed to up which would make it effective as an inside crop. Feel free to implement some low-stress training techniques like cropping or Sea of Green (SOG)
Advantages
- The outdoor yield of about 6 ounces and the indoor yield of 18 ounces.
- Uplifting properties for mood disorders
- 12 weeks of flower means incredibly developed buds
Super Silver Haze
Another classic strain, this mild Sativa dominant hybrid will surprise you with its sweet and spicy terpene profile. It can reach a potency of 18% which is high enough to push our stress and anxiety away. Sufferers from headaches claim that this strain can relieve pressure and throbbing migraines. Super Silver Haze is great to see during the day since it’ll help spark that creative mindset needed to distract the mind.
Advantages
- Effects can last up to two hours
- New growers can get 7 ounces per plant
- Autoflowering seeds don’t need a photoperiod to start flowering
Stephen Hawking Kush
In honor of black holes, quantum gravity, and the legend who modernized them, Stephen Hawking this Indica dominant CBD hybrid will elevate your mood and find yourself rejuvenated. It has 10% CBD and a paltry 5% THC so the psychoactive effects will be minimal, great if you have to be somewhere during the day.
Advantages
- Very high CBD content
- Great for indoor grow rooms since it has a short height and dense flowers
- One of the top strains for fending off depression or tension
Grow your best weed for anxiety
Cannabis is so customizable that you can grow any type of cannabis you want, depending on what type of symptoms you want to address. If you’re looking for CBD-only strains where you don’t feel any unwanted effects, check out our article on high CBD weed seeds.