Best Cannabis Strains for Stress

What are the best cannabis strains for stress? Cannabis can help to provide stress relief because of its main cannabinoids; THC and CBD. In low doses, THC does this by activating the CB-1 receptor of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the brain. The CB-1 receptor then regulates and decreases your stress levels, giving you a more relaxed feeling. 

CBD reduces your heart rate and blood pressure, by interacting with the serotonin receptor (5-HT1A). Both effects of THC and CBD are enhanced by the terpene Limonene, which on its own, also has stress reducing-properties. 

As per Hans Selye’s definition, stress refers to the “the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change”. In addition to affecting our minds, stress can also be physical as well as emotional. The most common symptoms of stress include anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, and depression.

While there are several traditional medicinal treatments to combat these symptoms of stress, a new level of attention has begun to focus on the therapeutic qualities of cannabis strains for anxiety and for stress relief.

In recent years, a growing body of research has indicated that cannabis and CBD have some real medicinal qualities that could make it an ideal choice to combat stress anxiety and depression.  Indeed, a growing number of people across the globe have quietly begun to realise the potential benefits of using cannabis to counter a whole host of conditions related to mental health.

Cannabis can be a relaxing catalyst for the body as it boasts a combination of nearly 120 cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, which have shown tremendous potential as stress relievers.

CBD is said to have therapeutic effects that stimulate the production of serotonin in the body. With an increase in the level of serotonin, mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and stress can be curtailed due to the therapeutic effects of the cannabinoid. Additionally, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol also has psychoactive effects that can help to induce a relaxed state by regulating positive mood changes. It can also help to boost appetite.

But don’t just take our word for it, let’s take a closer look at the science behind the evolution of cannabis as a treatment for stress relief.

Research Shows the Benefits of Cannabis for Reducing Stress

With cannabis receiving so much attention in recent years, particularly as an alternative form of medicine, an increasingly large number of people have begun to consider the possibility of using medical cannabis as a method of relaxing and calming the body. 

Thanks to a whole new body of research, scientists are beginning to unlock the secrets to cannabis success when used as a stress reliever.

Research conducted in 2018 exposed animal models to marijuana smoke to study the effect of cannabis on relaxing and reducing stress. They found out that cannabis helped to alleviate weight gain caused by stress without having any effect on pulmonary functions. 

Research conducted in 2014 by the Hawaii Journal of Medical and Public Health suggested that using cannabis can help to provide stress/anxiety relief and reduce insomnia. And there were positive physical effects too. 64% of the patients involved in the analysis reported a decrease in pain. Additionally, scientists didn’t find any adverse impact on the overall health of the patients included in the research.

Another piece of research conducted in 2014 revealed that patients suffering from anxiety and depression might benefit by using CBD that, as mentioned above, can help to increase the level of serotonin in the body. An increase in serotonin also helps to boost appetite, mood, and sleepiness which can, in turn, reduce stress levels.

With more and more research continuing to match up with the litany of user testimony, there can be little doubt about the potential of medical cannabis in helping to provide stress relief.