Cannabis has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions for centuries. More recently, it has been discovered that cannabis can be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. While more research is needed, there is mounting evidence that marijuana can help relieve anxiety symptoms.
While more research is needed, marijuana has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. One study found that people with anxiety disorders had decreased symptoms after smoking marijuana.
Why Does Marijuana Reduce Anxiety?
The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. A 2017 study found that people who had more THC in their blood were less likely to panic after taking a test on their anxiety, and it suggests that THC can reduce stress by affecting the way the brain processes fear.
With the benefits of using cannabis as an alternative to prescription medications and its broad range of uses, many people choose to take advantage of this medicine rather than other opioid pharmaceuticals that may carry harmful side effects. If you want to learn how cannabis can help with anxiety, keep reading.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America, affecting 40 million adults each year.
- These disorders can manifest in different ways, but all share a common symptom: excessive worry and fear that interferes with daily activities.
- There are many reasons why you may use medical marijuana to treat anxiety. It is a successful alternative to common anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines associated with substance abuse and withdrawal symptoms.
- In addition, medical weed does not carry the same addictive properties that many prescription medications do.
Benefits of using cannabis vs. other prescribed medications
- Reducing stress
- Relaxing the body and mind
- Helping you sleep better
- Reducing panic attacks
- Reducing obsessive thoughts
- It is safer than most available medications and carries less risk
- Cannabis can be used to reduce fentanyl overdose and other harmful effects
- Cannabis reduces the number and severity of panic attacks by decreasing activation in specific brain regions such as the amygdala, which is associated with anxious behavior
- Since tolerance to cannabis builds over time, tolerance tends not to be an issue when used as a long-term treatment for anxiety
In this article about the best cannabis strains for anxiety:
- Common anxiety disorders
- Why you should use medical marijuana to treat anxiety
- The best daytime anxiety strains
- The top-rated Indica strains for anxiety
- Most dynamic medical hybrids for anxiety
- Why you should grow your own medical weed for anxiety
There has been much debate over whether or not medical marijuana is a viable treatment option for anxiety disorders.
Now that medical studies proving the benefits of cannabis for anxiety have been released, it is hard to deny that it might actually be the best treatment method.
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Common Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress so every individual experiences it differently.
Anxious thoughts and feelings are present in a number of disorders. Here are a few of the most common anxiety disorders:
- Phobia – fear of a specific object or situation
- Separation anxiety – fear of being away from a person or place
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder – irrational thoughts that lead to obsessive habits
- Social anxiety – fear of being judged in social situations
- Illness anxiety – fear related to your health
- Panic disorder – experiencing panic attacks at unexpected times
- PTSD – anxiety generated from a traumatic event from the past
Why Use Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are a response to the body’s inability to relax. For this reason, medical marijuana is a solid treatment option.
The cannabinoids found in cannabis, like THC and CBD, induce extreme relaxation.
A leading medical study even proves that THC can alleviate certain symptoms associated with OCD.
Using pure CBD oil to treat anxiety is a growing health trend in 2019. Since CBD does not lead to the same psychoactive effects as THC, it is unlikely to generate a high.
Research on CBD for anxiety treatment shows that the proper dosage of CBD reduces feelings associated with fear.
It is suitable for treating even the most extreme anxiety disorders, like PTSD.
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The Best Strains for Anxiety
It is no surprise that certain weed strains at better at treating anxiety than others.
Unfortunately, there is no official guide for what strain of weed is good for anxiety and what strain is not.
It depends on each individual’s reaction to it.
There are a few medical weed options, however, that anxiety patients consider to be the best strains for anxiety disorders.
According to Canadians suffering from anxious thoughts or feelings, these are the 8 best medical marijuana options for anxiety.
Best Daytime Strains for Anxiety
When it comes to daytime cannabis use, we recommend Sativa as the best weed for anxiety treatment.
Generally speaking Sativas lead to high energy and an uplifted mood.
Here are our top picks for the best strains for anxiety during the day.
Caramel CBD by Barnys Farm
Caramel CBD by Barnys Farm a new medicinal strain offered by Barney’s Farm.
Even though it is indica, it won’t leave you feeling locked to the couch since the THC is relatively low.
It will however leave you feeling mellow and melt away any feelings of anxiety.
Anyone with a Health Canada legal grow license should be able to grow Caramel CBD with no trouble.
Durban Poison by Dutch Passion
Durban Poison by Dutch Passion is a sativa-heavy hybrid, so you’ll feel happy and energized throughout the day.
The high associated with this strain is described as cerebral and uplifting, making it perfect for the treatment of anxiety day or night.
Durban Poison has been around for over 30 years and still deserves a place in any grower’s garden.
Cannalope Haze by DNA Genetics
Cannalope Haze by DNA Genetics is another ideal daytime option since it has 95% Sativa dominance.
It is a go-to for anyone suffering from anxiety that wants to start treatment as soon as the day starts.
Cannalope Haze also helps in treating depression and extreme fatigue.
As the name suggests, Cannalope Haze has a fruity taste and smell. You can smell it burning from the house next door. The scent will draw you in to become friends with your neighbours.
Top Rated Indicas for Anxiety
Although indica strains aren’t usually ideal for daytime smoking, they are perfect for de-stressing at the end of a long day.
Indicas are a great choice for anyone with a medical marijuana license within Canada.
Here are the indicas that are considered to be some of the best strains for anxiety.
White Widow by Nirvana Seeds
White Widow by Nirvana Seeds strain has been known to bring balance to the mind and body.
Your thoughts will slow down and your body will feel extremely relaxed from this mostly indica cannabis strain.
White Widow is responsible for many of our modern-day hybrids and is rarely spoken about as a strain on its own anymore. This is a shame as the medical benefits are truly next level.
G13 Skunk by Mr. Nice
G13 Skunk by Mr. Nice Seedbank is typically used as a pain treatment, as many indica strains are.
But anxiety patients also have positive reactions to G13 Skunk.
It has the potential to treat depression and insomnia, two major symptoms that are associated with anxiety disorders.
Just like the White Widow above, G13 is another base strain. Besides its success in medical marijuana world, it originally gained its popularity due to its massive yields.
Hindu Kush by Seedsman
Hindu Kush by Seedsman is a pure indica strain that treats chronic pain since it relaxes the body.
This particular indica also creates happy thoughts that border on feelings of euphoria.
Common symptoms of anxiety are lack of sleep and lack of appetite, and Hindu Kush can help with both.
“You had me at Kush”, has been said more than once in the basement of your buddy’s house while passing around a joint. Now you know why.
Most Dynamic Hybrids for Anxiety
Tons of smokers turn to hybrids since they offer both sativa and indica properties. Hybrids allow you to feel a healthy combination of energy and relaxation.
We recommend these hybrids as some of the best weed strains for anxiety.
Strawberry Glue by T.H. Seeds
Strawberry Glue by T.H. Seeds offers some of the best Strawberry Glue on the market.
The high you’ll feel from this balanced hybrid starts off by relaxing the body and the mind quickly follows.
The balance between physical and mental stimulation is why we consider it one of the 8 best strains for anxiety.
Just looking at the photo makes my mouth water as I’m sure it does the same for you. This strain does take a little longer to flower, but the final medicine is worth the wait.
Northern Lights by Sensi Seeds
Northern Lights by Sensi Seeds isn’t for all anxiety patients, but some have reported extreme relief from their anxiety disorder.
If you strictly want a relief from anxiety but don’t wish to get high, this one may not be for you.
For those that don’t mind a more psychedelic experience, try treating your anxiety with Northern Lights.
Just like the Glue above, the flower time of this lady can hit the 10-12 week mark. Don’t let that deter you though from growing this beauty.
Green Crack by Cali Connection
Green Crack by Cali Connection
Canadians rank this as one of the best cannabis strains for anxiety, and here’s why.
It is a hybrid with slight sativa dominance, so you’ll be able to fight your anxiety with happy thoughts and feelings of euphoria.
If you have your ACMPR card in Canada, this is a top strain to grow for medical use. If you do not have your ACMPR license to grow yet, contact us at the end of this article to learn how to get it.
Best evening Indica strains
Evening strains are usually Indica dominant hybrids, which provide full-body relaxation for winding down at the end of the day or after an intense workout.
Many different strains of cannabis offer benefits for anxiety disorders. Here are some of the top Indica anxiety strains:
Pennywise
This high-CBD strain from the Reddit community, “I Love Growing Marijuana,” is known for its benefits with anxiety as well as gifts for chronic pain and inflammation.
Catatonic
With a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio, this strain is excellent for anxiety relief with benefits for pain and inflammation. This Indica dominant hybrid provides full-body relaxation, perfect for winding down in the evening or taking it easy after an intense workout.
Harle-Tsu
This strain is a mix of Harlequin and Sour Tsunami, both high CBD strains, making it an excellent choice for those looking for benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Bubba Kush
This Indica dominant hybrid is known for its relaxing body high and its ability to help with insomnia, a common side effect of using medical cannabis for anxiety.
Strawberry Cough
This Sativa dominant hybrid is known for its benefits with depression and stress, helping you control your mental state.
Granddaddy Purple
This Indica dominant hybrid provides full-body relaxation to help promote restful sleep.
Girl Scout Cookies
This Indica dominant hybrid is known for its benefits with pain relief and insomnia, making it a great nighttime option.
King Louie XIII
This Indica dominant strain has an extremely high THC content (up to 28%), making it the most psychoactive choice on this list and one of the most potent benefits.
Best morning Sativa strains
Morning strains are usually Sativa dominant hybrids that provide mental clarity and focus benefits. These benefits make them perfect for treating anxiety disorders before taking on your daily tasks.
For those looking for relief with more minor psychoactive effects and benefits, there are several high CBD strains available as well:
ACDC
This Sativa dominant hybrid has exceptionally high THC content, up to 22%, but it is also known for its benefits with anxiety disorders and chronic pain with a CBD content of 18%.
Charlotte’s Web
This high CBD strain was explicitly bred for benefits pediatric epilepsy patients, but it is also known for its help with anxiety disorders. It has a CBD to THC ratio of 20:1.
Sour Tsunami
This Sativa dominant hybrid is known for its high CBD content, up to 11%, making it an excellent choice for those looking for benefits without psychoactive effects.
Harlequin
This Sativa dominant hybrid has a 5:2 CBD to THC ratio, making it less psychoactive and an excellent daytime option.
Sour Diesel
This Sativa dominant strain is known for its mental clarity and pain relief benefits, making it a great daytime option.
No matter which strain you choose, always start with a low dose and increase until you find the proper dosage for you. Everyone will respond differently to cannabis, so it is important to experiment safely until you find what works best.
Why Grow Your Own Medical Weed for Anxiety
Under the brand new Cannabis Act, Canadians can now grow their own medical-grade plants and everyone is looking for the best source to buy medical marijuana seeds.
If you are planning for a large grow, you can even buy wholesale cannabis seeds.
The process for applying for a medical marihuana Health Canada license is easy and worth your time.
This typically involves a speedy appointment where you will Skype a doctor in Canada.
Once you receive the prescription, you just have to wait for application approval.
The easy process is not the only reason to start growing your own medical weed.
Growing allows you to choose the best strains for anxiety. You’ll no longer be required to purchase your cannabis from overpriced medical dispensaries.
If you would like to learn more about how you can legally grow medical cannabis in Canada just fill out your name and email below for an auto-reply with all the info.
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