by Kat Helgeson
Using cannabis to help combat anxiety is a tricky business. Studies have given us significant evidence that cannabis can be used to help cope with anxiety and because anxiety is so common, that’s an extremely welcome piece of information. Anxiety is a natural human function and just about everyone has experienced it to a mild degree, while some find their lives severely disrupted by it. But it’s a two-edged sword because, in addition to fighting the effects of anxiety, cannabis has also been known to exacerbate it. And if you’re a person who’s struggling to manage anxiety, that’s the last thing in the world you want to hear. For many, it might be enough to turn them off to the idea of even trying cannabis—a shame, because they might be shutting the door on something that could really help them. The answer to the conundrum is to consume cannabis mindfully. Rather than just picking up any old cannabis product and hoping for the best, you want to select something that’s known to be good for anxiety. Here are a few of the best of the bunch.
High THC potency is what usually leads to a spike in anxiety. But that doesn’t mean you can’t smoke something potent and still feel mellow. Granddaddy Purple is your ticket to chill-town. WIth 20% THC, it’ll definitely have you feeling high, but the strain’s sedative properties will relax your muscles and calm your racing thoughts. Granddaddy Purple is one of the most popular and commonly recommended strains for those struggling with anxiety.
If you’re newer to cannabis use, or you want to keep your THC content a little more conservative, Sour OG’s roughly 15% might be the right fit for you. This award-winning strain is a great way to relax without causing sleepiness, so you can grab some Sour OG early in the day and count on remaining productive.
AC-DC is a CBD-dominant strain, making it an excellent choice for those looking to try to combat their anxiety with cannabis but concerned about the paranoia-inducing effects. Without the high, this strain allows its users to focus on the other benefits it has to offer—a clear mind and body relaxation that will help you let go of stress at the end of a long day.
It’s important to know the THC content of whatever strain you choose, as well as whether it’s an Indica dominant or a Sativa dominant strain. But another important detail is the terpenes in the strain. In addition to impacting the flavor and the aroma of your cannabis, the terpenes can play a role in the effect it has on your body. Amnesia Haze features a high dose of limonene, a terpene also found in lemonade peels. Amnesia Haze’s high THC content will give you a nice head high, but the limonene will function as a mood lifter to help with your anxiety.
Take further advantage of terpenes with Chocolate Chunk, which features myrcene and caryophyllene. Caryophyllene is known to help reduce anxiety, while myrcene functions as a muscle relaxant and helps to promote sleep. What that means is that you shouldn’t use Chocolate Chunk unless you’re ready to either go to bed or else lie around dozing for a while—not at the start of your day, and certainly not before operating heavy machinery! But if your anxiety troubles you at night, in particular, you might find that this blend is just the solution you need.
If you have any other favorite strains that help combat anxiety, we would love to hear about them in the comments!
With 19 states currently selling recreational cannabis, it may be tempting to forgo a medical card, even if you qualify as a patient. While recreational marijuana is accessible in many states for those of age, there are still some benefits to having a medical marijuana card and purchasing medical marijuana instead of recreational pot. For…
A type of arthritis known as ‘gout’ is common, complex, and can affect anyone. Patients who suffer from gout are plagued by sudden and severe spikes of pain, swelling, and more. This condition affects certain joints but is often the joint at the base of the big toe. Gout is triggered by arthropathy which is…
In 1970 cannabis was federally placed as a Schedule I drug in the US, a category that is tightly restricted and reserved for drugs not medically accepted. When it comes to classifying drugs medically or recreationally, generally there are four broad categories according to the US federal government. Based on their properties and effects, a…
A New Mexico judge has instructed the state’s Department of Health (DOH) and the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) to halt the enforcement of stringent medical cannabis purchase limits. The previously imposed limits were included in an older version of the state’s cannabis law. Based on the judge’s demand, New Mexico’s medical cannabis purchase limits…
With the increase in cannabis legalization came an increased interest in cannabis edibles—which have quite a reputation. Edibles have come to be known as a different kind of cannabis experience in which the effects take a while to kick in but last for several hours. While brownies are famous as the most traditional form of…
To get vaccinated or not to get vaccinated? This question has caused quite the debate between those in support of vaccinations and…
In response to a significant increase in research on Schedule I controlled substances, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has proposed dramatically…
For those interested in ensuring that the cannabis being sold today is pure and safe for consumption…this one’s for you! As the…
