The symptoms, risks, and experiences of anxiety widely vary among different people. Instead of taking prescription drugs, many prefer natural ways to alleviate anxiety. That said, what could be a better alternative than cannabis?
By analyzing user reviews and talking to some doctors and anxiety patients, it has been concluded that Harlequin is the best strain to curb anxiety.
Anxiolytic drugs carry anti-anxiety traits and are used to manage several anxiety disorders. Some terpenes and cannabinoids are observed to nurture anxiolytic-like properties. So, there might be a perfect strain out there that may calm your anxiety.
If you’re looking to buy a suitable strain to soothe your Generalized Anxiety Disorder, explore this guide and get to know the best anti-anxiety weed strains!
Indica vs. Sativa: Marijuana Strains to Curb Anxiety
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The connection between anxiety and marijuana is ambiguous. Some strains cause anxiety in some users, while the same strain makes many users anxiety-free!
Many medical marijuana strains produce anxiolytic effects to ease severe anxiety symptoms. While some prefer Sativa, most people use Indica for treating anxiety.
If a particular Sativa or Indica is not working for you, try hybrid strains and see how it plays out.
Top 10 Best Strains for Anxiety Relief
Let’s make it easier for you to explore the best marijuana strains for anxiety.
#10 – Northern Lights
Type: Indica-dominant
Terpene profile: myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene
Cannabinoid profile: high THC
Northern Lights is one of the best marijuana strains known to foster long-lasting relaxation. The fast-acting body-focused high provides much-needed relief from anxiety, stress, and mood swings.
Besides, it’s also helpful in arthritis, PMS, headaches, and muscle spasms. Inhale Northern Lights and exhale those sufferings right away.
#9 – Granddaddy Purple
Type: 100% Indica
Terpene profile: pinene, caryophyllene, myrcene
Cannabinoid profile: Extreme THC
A pure Indica to enjoy the truest sense of relaxation! Having nearly 23% THC, it offers a profound calming buzz. Inhaling GDP doesn’t make you couch-locked, yet it can drive you to sleep like a baby.
Munchies and giggles could flare up, but the balanced mind-body relaxation makes it one of the best marijuana strains for anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and insomnia.
#8 – Blueberry
Type: Indica-dominant
Terpene profile: caryophyllene, myrcene, pinene, humulene
Cannabinoid profile: high THC
Smoking this award-winning strain is going to entice you with its juicy blueberry flavor. Many reviewers say that Blueberry helps them to become anxiety-free.
Myrcene and caryophyllene terpenes are reported to have the best anti-anxiety properties, so the fusion of both obviously works like a charm to alleviate anxiety.
#7 – ACDC
Type: Sativa-dominant
Terpene profile: myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene
Cannabinoid profile: high CBD
This CBD-rich strain manages medical conditions comfortably without psychoactive effects. Having a 1:18 THC to CBD ratio, this Sativa-dominant strain is a perfect therapeutic strain. Not only does it helps with anxiety, but chemotherapy patients can also use ACDC to ease their symptoms.
#6 – Jilly Bean
Type: Sativa-dominant
Terpene profile: caryophyllene, myrcene, pinene
Cannabinoid profile: high THC
Jilly Bean entails 20% THC, promoting powerful euphoria and subtle energy. If you have ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, fatigue, or bipolar disorder, Jilly Bean is an all-rounder medical marijuana strain for you. Take it in a lower dose, and you’re all geared up for the day.
#5 – Harlequin
Type: Sativa-dominant
Terpene profile: pinene, myrcene, limonene, terpinolene, bisabolol, linalool, caryophyllene
Cannabinoid profile: high CBD
The 9:1 CBD to THC ratio in Harlequin is truly amazing to experience. Having won multiple Cannabis Cups, Harlequin has richly earned its reputation for being the medical-grade weed. Take a few tokes of this terpene-rich Sativa-dominant strain to eliminate your anxiety, stress, and depression.
#4 – Jack Herer
Type: Sativa-dominant
Terpene profile: terpinolene, caryophyllene, pinene, myrcene, limonene, ocimene
Cannabinoid profile: high THC
If you need an immediate boost of remedial high, Jack Herer is the perfect Sativa-dominant hybrid. Many users even reported having lots of laughter upon whiffing a joint.
Laughter is the best medicine, but when fused with weed, it’s even better! Try Jack Herer, enjoy a deep calm, and feel relief in anxiety.
#3 – Cannatonic
Type: 50% Sativa and 50% Indica
Terpene profile: myrcene, linalool
Cannabinoid profile: 1:1 CBD to THC
Due to its evenly distributed CBD to THC concentration, many people call it a magic key to cope with numerous medical ailments. Not just that, perfectly balanced Indica and Sativa lineage also sets Cannatonic apart from the rest. The short-lived high makes it a satisfying strain for low-tolerance people as it gently takes on your mental illness.
#2 – Purple Urkle 500
Type: Indica-dominant
Terpene profile: caryophyllene, myrcene, pinene
Cannabinoid profile: high THC
If you’re breathing rapidly, feeling nervous, and getting tired, sparkle some buds of Purple Urkle and enlighten your mood. The combo of caryophyllene, myrcene, and pinene terpenes makes it excellent medical marijuana for anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Enjoy this sweetly powerful punch at night and lull yourself into dreamland.
#1 – Remedy
Type: Indica-dominant
Terpene profile: myrcene, caryophyllene, bisabolol, pinene, limonene, humulene
Cannabinoid profile: high CBD
Lift your spirit and liberate yourself from anxiety, aches, inflammation, pains, and cramps with the long-lasting remedial properties of this Indica-dominant strain.
Because of its high CBD and low THC, this pain killer works around the clock to make you relaxed without fostering psychoactive effects. Find a place to chill yourself in the gradual effects of Remedy.
Role of Terpenes in Anxiety
Marijuana plants come with a variety of smells, tastes, and effects. When terpenes combine with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), we feel specific effects. Here’s a list of terpenes that may provide relief in anxiety.
- Caryophyllene
- Limonene
- Pinene
- Linalool
- Myrcene
- Humulene
According to the latest Canadian research, marijuana strains having terpinolene terpene are the least effective in reducing anxiety.
Role Cannabinoids in Anxiety
How do cannabinoids reduce anxiety? Non-psychoactive cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), are perceived to manage anxiety well. Different strains with high CBD foster calming effects on the mind. Therefore, they are highly sought-after among anxious medical marijuana users. Marijuana strains with rich CBD may also control the symptoms of:
- OCD
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
- PTSD
- Epilepsy
- Bipolar disorder
On the contrary, strains with high THC could induce headaches, leading to paranoia and anxiety, especially in individuals prone to anxiety.
THC is a mind-altering compound that can be effective in managing many problems if taken in lower doses, which include:
- Stress
- Pain
- Nausea
- Glaucoma
- Low appetite
If taken in higher doses, THC is not going to make you feel good; instead, it could cause the following side effects:
- Anxiety
- Negative mood
- Headaches
- Psychedelic episodes
According to one published research, anxiogenic agents cause anxiety, and anxiolytic substances ease anxiety. It says that consuming high THC strains drive anxiogenic effects.
So, one thing is damn sure—
You ought to take a lower dose of high THC cannabis strain to fight anxiety. Otherwise, as discussed above, extreme THC could worsen your anxiety.
Last Words
Always seek advice by consulting a doctor, and try different medical cannabis strains to filter the best one for your needs. You may try pure Sativa strains and Indica strains, or you may start with a hybrid weed with high CBD and moderate THC levels to treat anxiety.
The research on anxiety and medical marijuana is too limited to draw a firm statement. But it’s good to know that anecdotal evidence shows positive results, and cannabis can be the next big thing for managing anxiety, panic attacks, and other mental health conditions.
FAQ
How can cannabis treat anxiety?
Some cannabis strains can produce anxiolytic-like effects in the brain to reduce anxiety.
Is Indica or Sativa better for anxiety?
While everyone’s biology isn’t the same, several Sativa strains or Indica strains work best for different people. However, most people prefer Indica to overcome anxiety.
Which terpenes are good for anxiety?
Limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, myrcene, humulene, and linalool are the best terpenes for anti-anxiety benefits.
