Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety

One of the main reasons that cannabis is able to help to treat anxiety is the non-psychoactive chemical compound (cannabinoid) Cannabidiol (CBD). This is due to the calming effect CBD has on both body and mind. CBD has been found to interact with serotonin levels in the brain, relieving stress and anxiety while boosting mood.

Recent studies have also shown that CBD works together with other chemical compounds in cannabis called Terpenes (Terpenoids). This cooperation of chemicals is called ‘The Entourage Effect’. Combined, CBD and terpenes Limonene and Linalool have been found to more effectively help reduce a range of anxiety disorders. On the other hand, high levels of THC can have the opposite effect and in some cases, increase anxious feelings and paranoia.

Anxiety is a battle that so many of us are all too familiar with. Anxiety can present itself in various guises such as social anxiety disorder or generalised anxiety. Regretfully, for millions of people across the planet, the number of people suffering from the condition continues to grow and grow. 

Indeed, with so many social and political issues affecting the stability of our planet, the conditions of anxiety and depression have never been more prevalent in our societies. Some of the main anxiety symptoms include aches and pains, muscle spasms, excessive worrying, agitation, and restlessness.

While there are many different treatments for anxiety, one of the most interesting to emerge in recent years has been that of medicinal cannabis.

With increasing legality and understanding of cannabis potential, researchers are beginning to examine more closely the effects of cannabis on anxiety management. Although there is always a need for more studies, there is increasing evidence to suggest that medical marijuana and specific medical marijuana strains may help people with panic attacks, chronic pain, anxiety attacks, and stress disorders.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most intriguing medical marijuana strains that offer real potential as an alternative anxiety treatment.

How does cannabis help anxiety?

The Journal of Affective Disorders recently published a study that shows the potential that cannabis has in helping to reduce depression levels and forms of anxiety.

In the study, Washington State University scientists asked participants to stay at their homes to consume medicinal marijuana. Then, using a tracking app, they had the participants rate their symptoms for the following conditions: stress, anxiety, as well as depression. 

The findings showed that cannabis strains with a low level of THC content and a higher amount of CBD could help reduce short-term depression while high THC content with lower levels of CBD was able to lower stress. It was discovered that any combination of the cannabinoids also helped to reduce anxiety. While the short-term benefits for stress relief and anxiety are known, the long-term benefits and potential side effects need further and deeper levels of analysis.

If you suffer from anxiety attacks and you`ve been thinking about trying medicinal cannabis, we have compiled a list of some top-rated cannabis strains that might just offer you some genuine relief from the symptoms of anxiety. 

Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple or GDP was first developed as a pain-relieving, stress fighter for California’s medical cannabis patients and could be an ideal strain for those living with anxiety. This deliciously fruity strain is well known in the medical marijuana industry for helping to steer the mind clear of uncomfortable thoughts and excessive worrying.

A Californian indica dominant hybrid strain, GDP inherited its fruity berry aroma from its Purple Urkle parent while its compact bud structure is a trait of its Big Bud lineage. With a THC content averaging 17%, GDP urges your mind to release all tension and stress, allowing a peaceful mindset to reign supreme. This dominant indica strains potent effects are evident in both mind and body as this delicious strain delivers a beautiful blend of cerebral euphoria with full-body relaxation.

GDP’s primary terpenes include myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene, which are said to synergise with significant effect when used for social anxiety disorders and reducing anxiety levels. GDP was actually developed as a pain-relieving, stress fighter for California’s medical cannabis patients in the ́00s and is considered an ideal medicinal strain for both mind and body.

This spectacular Californian choice inherited its fruity berry aroma from its Purple Urkle parent and given its reputation,  could be a good choice for those living with anxiety.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a sativa dominant cannabis strain that has gained worldwide fame in recent years. Combining a Haze hybrid with a Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk cross, the iconic strain is famed for its stress-relieving and uplifting qualities. 

This slightly sativa dominant hybrid can lift you from your anxiety into a warmer, uplifting emotion while gently easing those symptoms of anxiety. Indeed, many users of Jack Herer find that it can provide a positive mood adjustment without taking too much effect on energy levels. This makes Jack an ideal day-time (or social situation) strain for anxiety.

Thanks to its well-blended mix of sativa and indica genetics, Jack Herer offers brilliant therapeutic potential for a wide range of conditions including anxiety and depression. If you’re feeling a bit down, or anxiety is getting the better of you, Jack Herer is undoubtedly a strain worth considering.

With its terpene profile rich in myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene, this spicy, pine-scented strain with a THC content averaging around 17%, Jack Herer offers a mellow and mentally uplifting high. This cannabis all-star has taken home numerous awards (9 cannabis cups} and could be an ideal strain for those looking for anxiety relief.

Cannatonic CBD

This high in CBD hybrid strain could be an ideal choice for those who want the soothing effects of cannabis to treat anxiety symptoms without many of the psychoactive effects associated with high THC strains. Indeed with a higher CBD to THC ratio, Cannatonic CBD really stands out at as one of the most effective marijuana strains for anxiety. 

Cannatonic CBD successfully combines genetics from two cannabis superstars, MK Ultra and G13 Haze to produce a light, mellow high that is uplifting and relaxing, thanks to the high CBD content. The indica-leaning genetics of MK Ultra contribute to the instant body-calming effect while the sativa side of its G13 heritage is displayed in the focused and clear head-high that follows soon after. 

With a terpene profile that includes myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene, the sweet, somewhat indica/earthy piney,  citrusy flavours of Canna-Tsu are quite subtle and with no sedative effect, this popular medicinal strain is a great anxiety treatment as it can be used during the day or in a social situation. 

Cannatonic CBD´S CBD content is usually somewhere around 10% (compared to just 6% THC content), making it an impressive medicinal strain that boasts several potential health benefits, including the ability to reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Because of its high-CBD, low-THC cannabinoid profile, this CBD strain produces mellow effects while maintaining mental clarity. Strains high in CBD content are highly demanded by patients looking for anxiety relief, or to treat pain, inflammation, and seizures. 

While these are some of the most popular strains for treating anxiety, several other cannabis strains could help in the treatment of mental health issues. If you suffer from anxiety, or you have experienced symptoms of anxiety, please visit our growing community to learn more about our extensive range of cannabis seeds and strains including famed cannabis legends like White Widow, Girl Scout Cookies, Amnesia Haze, Chocolate Chunk and Blue Dream.