Anxiety is an everyday part of life, but for some, it can become debilitating. While some prescription medications can help with this condition, they often come with side effects or may be expensive. Fortunately, there’s another treatment option: cannabis. Some weed strains are beneficial for treating anxiety and can help you manage your symptoms naturally and effectively, whether you need help winding down after work or have frequent panic attacks.
Read on to learn more about what anxiety is, the best weed strains for anxiety, and how to integrate cannabis into your lifestyle responsibly.
According to an overview provided by the National Library of Medicine, anxiety is an overwhelming — and often disproportionate — reaction to daily life. Everyone experiences anxiety to an extent, and it can sometimes be a great motivator to get things done. However, there comes a point at which it becomes a problem, and it crosses into the territory of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Cannabis has long been used to treat anxiety, and there is a plentitude of personal testimonials, along with substantial research, to back up that claim.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders confidently states that cannabis “significantly reduced ratings of depression, anxiety, and stress.” They also note that high THC and high CBD strains are most powerful for anxiety management.
Likewise, a case report published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports explores the connection between cannabis use and social anxiety and deficits experienced by some people with autism. Some people with autism experience great anxiety as a result of nerves surrounding interactions with others, and cannabis can act as a social lubricant to calm those nerves and help fill in some of the gaps in communication styles. This can be particularly beneficial in improving communication between autistic and “neurotypical” people.
Typical pharmaceuticals often fail patients with anxiety due to ineffectiveness or overwhelming side effects, and the need for a natural alternative is dire. A study published in Dialogues of Clinical Neuroscience concluded that CBD can be one such intervention, helping situations such as:
The authors of the study caution that proper dosage of cannabis is essential, for a dose too low or too high can actually contribute to anxiety.
Using medical cannabis for anxiety can take some trial and error. To help you get started, we’ve compiled some of the best marijuana strains for anxiety.
Ringo’s Gift is a strain with a THC-to-CBD ratio of 1:24 that can yield as much as 2-5 ounces per plant. It has a nutty, earthy, and woody flavor and aroma, with a flowering time of 8-10 weeks. Known for its extreme relaxation effects, it’s one of the best Indica strains for anxiety. Due to its high CBD content, this strain can become sedating when overconsumed, so it’s recommended to start with a low dose and increase slowly if you’re sensitive to CBD or new to cannabis. Additionally, avoid using heavy machinery while under its effects.
RS11 has a THC-to-CBD ratio of 20:1. It has a sweet, fruity flavor and aroma. This strain is excellent for easing social anxiety, acting as a great social lubricant that helps you relax with friends without feeling too self-conscious. It’s also reported to help with pain relief. Due to its high THC content, first-time users should consume slowly. Start with a gentle one-second inhale, and wait 15 minutes to assess the effects before increasing the dosage.
Bubba Fett has a THC-to-CBD ratio of 16:1. Known for its daytime relaxation effects, Bubba Fett is perfect for taking the edge off without causing significant sedation. With a moderate THC percentage, this strain is approachable and well-suited for first-time users. It also has a pleasant and sweet flavor.
Bubba Fett is often recommended for managing mild stress and anxiety during the day since it eases tension and takes the edge off without clouding mental clarity. Its gentle effects also make it a solid option for those looking for relief from mild pain or muscle tightness without running the risk of drowsiness.
ACDC has a THC-to-CBD ratio of 1:20 with a sweet, earthy taste. Thanks to its high CBD content, ACDC is incredibly relaxing. Similar to Ringo’s Gift, its THC to CBD ratio can lead to sedation if you’re sensitive to CBD or consume high doses.
Although ACDC doesn’t produce a “high” in the traditional sense, the high CBD content can still be sedating at higher doses, so users new to CBD or sensitive to it should approach it with caution. It’s a go-to strain for daytime use, as it offers relief without affecting mental clarity and is considered ideal for people needing help with chronic conditions without an impact on their daily routine.
There is an increasingly wide variety of ways to use cannabis. Different ways to safely consume cannabis for anxiety relief include:
Inhalation is the fastest way to get cannabis in your system, so if you need to stop anxiety in its tracks, that is likely the most effective way to go about it.
Sublingual and edibles are excellent options, but it’s important to plan ahead as they can take as long as 2-4 hours to fully hit. It’s also an effective way to have a consistent dosage of cannabis in your system throughout the day.
Topical cannabis comes in creams, salves, and oil so your skin absorbs the cannabinoids. This is most commonly used for CBD and pain management, but can theoretically be used for all kinds of cannabis consumption.
Veriheal has satisfied millions of patients nationwide by giving them access to these benefits
It’s important to understand how THC/CBD ratios, terpene profiles, and strain types (indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid) affect anxiety relief, so let’s break it down!
THC/CBD ratios: THC is one of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis, known for getting you “high,” while CBD is a relaxing cannabinoid without psychoactive effects. Both are abundant in the plant and are the most scientifically studied cannabinoids. The THC/CBD ratio tells you how much THC there is compared to CBD. For example, a 2:1 THC/CBD ratio indicates that there is 2x the amount of THC as there is CBD in the plant.
Terpene profiles: There are aromatic and medicinal compounds in cannabis called terpenes, which are responsible for the smell and taste of your cannabis. They are also what give the plant relaxation, mood-boosting, and pain-easing effects.
Strain types (Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid): Each strain of cannabis falls under one of three categories: Indica, Sativa, or hybrid. Indica strains tend to be relaxing and sedating, and when consumed in large quantities can lead to a “body high” or “couch lock.” Sativas produce a nearly opposite effect and are more uplifting and mood-enhancing. However, Sativas are more likely to induce anxiety or paranoia. Lastly, hybrid strains are developed by crossing indica and sativa strains, tending to have the benefits of both Indicas and Sativas.
If you accidentally get too high and feel dizzy or disoriented, there are a few ways to manage it until the effects begin to pass.
Deep breathing is vital. You can try box breathing — simply inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and then hold for four seconds before repeating until you’ve calmed down.
For dry mouth, drink some water. Hibiscus, plantain, and/or marshmallow tea are all mucilaginous and provide an extra layer to coat your mouth and fight dry mouth.
Dizziness can be helped with ample water and substantial food like a protein shake or bar.
Paranoia is best handled by getting as cozy as possible, turning on a soothing show, and waiting it out. You can “reality check” with a friend, in which you tell your friend your paranoid thoughts and they help you work through them.
Make sure you know what strains to avoid when you’re feeling jittery.
There is a huge relationship between cannabis use and mental health, with a lot of correlations between mental health disorders and cannabis usage due to its medicinal properties. Over 40% of self-identifying medical cannabis patients report using the plant for anxiety, demonstrating how popular it is as a mental health tool.
However, the relationship between cannabis and mental health is complex and not without risks. For some individuals, particularly those with a predisposition to mental health disorders, cannabis use can worsen symptoms or lead to adverse effects. Chronic use or high doses of THC, in particular, have been associated with increased risks of anxiety, paranoia, or even psychosis in susceptible people.
The medicinal use of cannabis is a balancing act, where the benefits for conditions like anxiety are weighed against potential risks. This highlights the importance of personalized medical advice and monitoring when using cannabis as a treatment option.
It’s vital to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any cannabis-based treatment. With over 700 strains and counting, it can be hard to find the best weed strains for anxiety. While many self-medicate with cannabis, a professional can help you tailor your strain, dosage, and method of consumption for the best therapeutic effects.
Cannabis can greatly improve your quality of life if you suffer from anxiety. No matter what the source of the anxiety is, there’s a weed strain for anxiety on our list that can hopefully help.
It’s important to approach cannabis from an informed position, using the plant legally and responsibly.
Veriheal is committed to patient education and access to medical cannabis for varying health needs. Book an appointment with us today for further guidance on your cannabis journey.
Energizing Sativa weed strains are generally considered to be bad for anxiety. The terpene limonene can also induce anxiety.
Indica is typically better than Sativa for calming anxiety due to its more relaxing and sedative effects.
Relaxing Indica strains high in CBD like ACDC and Ringo’s Gift are best for nerves.
CBD definitely can help with anxiety. Scientists have studied the effects of CBD and concluded that it’s a relaxing cannabinoid.
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