We all can’t evade anxiety— in a fast-paced world, it would be abnormal not to be anxious sometimes. However, if you experience chronic worrying that depletes your energy and lowers your quality of life, then you should get a diagnosis. A medical doctor will take you through tests to diagnose the seriousness of your condition.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America affirms that approximately 18% of the American population suffers from anxiety disorders annually. The standard approach for treating anxiety disorders is medication and psychotherapy. The main demerit of anxiety medications is that you might develop tolerance to them, resulting in overdosing.
Whether you’re naturally a worrier or anxiety has gotten the better part of you, knowing the best marijuana strains for anxiety can broaden your treatment options. Here are the best cannabis strains for anxiety;
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What Marijuana Strain is Best for Anxiety?
Strains that are lower in THC and higher CBD work well for anxiety. The strains span across genetics— sativa, indica, and hybrid. White widow, Jack Herer, and ACDC strain are just a few. Read on for more.
White Widow
The White Widow is a sativa dominant hybrid strain with between 18%-25% THC. The higher THC component gives it a spacey high and lasting stimulation that works for anxiety patients.
Though an effective strain for anxiety, it’s high THC component calls for moderation when using it, especially when you’re a novice user.
Though higher in THC than CBD, White Widow is known for a refreshing high and blissful euphoria. This strain can ease your anxiety and boost your energy. It is also suitable for muscle relief and insomnia.
ACDC
ACDC is a Sativa-dominant strain with legendary anxiety-reducing effects. With a ratio of 20:1 CBD: THC, you will enjoy the calming effects of this strain without getting the intoxicating effects of THC. ACDC is your best bet for anxiety, inflammation, and pain relief.
Jack Herer
Named afterAmerica’s renowned cannabis activist and author, Jack Herer, this strain is known for so much good. Jack Herer was first cultivated by Sensi Seeds as a tribute to the fallen cannabis activist. Artists love it because it sparks creativity and enhances focus, but it has a calming effect that soothes a wandering mind.
Jack Herer is known for its sweet aroma; when you pop open your jar, it engulfs your nose with a pine scent that’s just therapeutic. Its effects are lasting, calming your anxious mind without slowing your body.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights is one of the most popular strains for anxiety, thanks to its higher CBD content and mind-calming terpenes. It is an indica-heavy strain— 90% indica and 10% sativa, thus has a soothing, calming effect on a racing mind.
The Northern Lights strain enhances your mood stability and promotes a general feeling of happiness and tranquility.
Though known for its sedative effects, Northern Lights also enhances focus, energy, and creativity. It is also useful as a remedy for insomnia, fatigue, pain, and lack of appetite. Should your mind begin racing to the dark place, take a hit of this strain. It helps.
Canna-Tsu
If you’d like relief from anxiety without getting high, then Canna-Tsu is for you. This stain is rich in CBD and promotes mellow moods that calm your anxiety. Canna-Tsu is a hybrid from Cannatonic and Sour Tsunami. Apart from the mellowing effects it’s known for, Canna-Tsu is also effective for pain, inflammation, and seizures.
Remedy
Remedy isn’t only rich in CBD. It also contains high levels of myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene that gives it a calming effect. Due to its effectiveness, Remedy has become a go-to strain for patients suffering from anxiety. It doesn’t only give your mind rare tranquility, but it can also help in pain and headache relief.
Why CBD-High Strains are the best for anxiety
Though some anxiety patients can enjoy a THC high and feel calm, the psychoactive effects of THC might worsen the condition for others. For anxiety, your thoughts are already high. You need a strain that works by calming your brain activity. CBD-dominant strains have less, if any, intoxicating effects.
CBD works by binding to two receptors; CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system.
CBD-high strains relieve anxiety by altering serotonin signals. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is fundamental for maintaining your mental health. Low serotonin levels may cause anxiety.
In most cases, people with low serotonin use prescription drugs such as sertraline. People suffering from anxiety can manage their condition with CBD.
What Research Shows
CBD has benefits for people with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A 2011 survey on the effects of CBD on SAD revealed that CBD reduces anxiety. The same research shows that CBD can help reduce PTSD symptoms like nightmares and replaying negative memories.
Conclusion
Anxiety-related symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, difficulty in concentrating, and feelings of worry can reduce the quality of your life dramatically. Although there are many pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety, there is a need for effective natural remedies. Cannabis is a valid treatment option you can explore.
