Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders that affect Canadians, with approximately 5% of Canadians struggling with some form of mild to severe anxiety disorder. Many more Canadians struggle with some form of anxiety on a less regular basis.
If you’re not too keen on taking anti-anxiety medications, you can consider smoking medical cannabis strains for anxiety and stress. Marijuana not only relieves anxiety, but can also help ease panic attacks. Studies show that this treatment opinion can be quite effective at alleviating symptoms of anxiety with no adverse effects attached.
Some people are worried that taking anti-anxiety medications can lead to some form of substance abuse or adverse side effects.
What the Marijuana Studies Show
There has been quite a few research studies that have looked at using marijuana in anxiety treatments. They have found that this is a viable treatment option, provided that the right weed strain is chosen. There are only a few recommended medical cannabis strains for anxiety.
The reason for this is that the CBD:THC ratio in the weed can greatly affect the type of effects that pot smokers may get. It’s also important to note that each individual will also react to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in different ways. Both compounds are natural cannabinoids found in ganja.
Most studies have found that cannabidiol (CBD) has anxiety-reducing properties, and can be used to treat anxiety-related disorders. However, some seasoned smokers claim that they’ve found that THC can help them as well despite the fact that most research finds that it is more likely to provoke anxious moods. A combination of THC and CBD may be more effective in these cases than CBD alone.
The THC:CBD ratio is not the only factor that needs to be taken into account. The terpene and cannabinoid profile of the weed can also play a huge role on its ability to alleviate anxiety and stress.
Medical Marijuana Strains that Have Worked for People with Anxiety
Finding strains that have high CBD can be difficult, which is why many people take CBD oil instead. With that said, some there have been some medical cannabis strains for anxiety that have been highly recommended by people with anxiety. They’ve tried these strains and found that they worked in treating their medical condition.
Let’s take a look at some of them below. Try these strains out to see whether they have the same effect on you.
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It’s always better to start with low doses than high doses. Weed strains with higher levels of CBD and THC may not be as effective as lower levels of CBD and THC, especially for beginners. Start off with a small dose and work your way up.
#1. Granddaddy Purp
One of the most common marijuana strains that is recommended for anxiety is Grandaddy Purp. This is an indica-dominant hybrid strain (75%) and is a cross between two even more popular indica strains: Purple Urkle and Big Bud.
This cannabis strain usually has a THC percentage around 20, and offers a sedative effect. It’s a popular choice for those who are looking for a marijuana strain that can alleviate pain, calm racing thoughts and relax muscles. It’s also a popular choice for those struggling with insomnia.
Granddaddy purp has a super sweet grape flavor with a pungent aftertaste. The fruity flavour overwhelms the gassy notes upon inhale, but the pungent taste lingers behind after the exhale.
This strain, however, is often associated with dry mouth and eyes, so make sure that you have a lot of water nearby when you smoke it up.
#2. Jack Herer
Although Jack Herer is a THC-dominant strain, it’s another popular marijuana strain that’s highly recommended for treating anxiety. It’s definitely a wake and bake type of strain that you’d probably want to start the day off with. Jack Herer has peppery terpenes, but it will uplift your mood and make you feel extremely blissful.
The best thing about this kush strain is that it is rather popular. You should be able to find this strain online at many different online dispensaries.
Although many people with anxiety have recommended Jack Herer, this is definitely one of those strains that you should exercise caution with. Go with a lower dose first. This is because this strain does have some psychoactive properties, so it may also flood your mind with anxious thoughts if you smoke too much.
#3. Kosher Kush
Kosher kush is a tricky one. If you look at the THC and CBD levels in this strain, you might not think that it’s a medical cannabis strain for anxiety; however, many studies have actually looked at kosher kush specifically and found that it works as an anti-anxiety treatment option.
This is probably because this strain contains high levels of the terpene trans-nerolidol despite its high THC amount. Trans-nerolidol is a strong aromatic compound that is commonly used to treat anxiety and stress. It’s often found in plants like lemongrass and jasmine.
This weed strain also contains other useful terpenes like myrcene, limonene and b-caryophyllene. These terpenes have anti-anxiety properties.
#4. Charlotte’s Web
One of the most popular medical marijuana strains out there is Charlotte’s Web. This is one of the best-known high-CBD strains that contain little to no THC. It’s used in many different types of health and wellness products and will do an excellent job at alleviating symptoms of anxiety and stress as well.
If you look at online reviews, you’ll notice that this strain has helped many people get over their anxiety. The high is extremely clear headed, so those who smoke this medical marijuana strain can easily go about their day without experiencing any psychoactive effects.
This bud tastes dank and piney. It also has some light floral notes in it.
#5. Harlequin
Finding good Charlotte’s Web can be rather difficult. You’ll have a much easier time looking for other high CBD strains. Harlequin is a sativa marijuana strain that’s also known for its high CBD content. The high for this is just like the high that you’d experience with Charlotte’s Web (very clear headed), making this another awesome strain to try if you’re looking for something to ease your anxiety.
This strain is better suited for those who prefer fruity flavours, as the taste is more of an earthy musk mixed with a sweet mango. Harlequin is not only great at alleviating symptoms of anxiety, but it’s also great for treating pain, stress, depression and inflammation. Those who smoke this kush often feel very happy, uplifted and focused afterwards.
Cannabis Is a Viable Treatment Option for Anxiety
We carry quite a few recommended medical cannabis strains for anxiety. In fact, if we have it in stock, you can even try out four different quarters of weed for $160 in our monthly featured deal. This way, you’ll get a better idea of what works for you and what doesn’t.
We also carry CBD oil and THC:CBD gummies. These are also a great choice for those who prefer more discreet methods of using medical marijuana as a treatment option.
If you’re looking to buy weed online, you can go wrong with giving us a try! We have years of experience in sourcing and delivering high quality cannabis products and buds to people all over Canada. We offer discreet packaging, free shipping on all orders over $99 and 24/7 customer service. You’ll also find many amazing weed deals here.
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