Anxiety is a common condition that many people struggle with, and marijuana has gained recognition as a potential tool to help alleviate some of the symptoms. However, not all marijuana strains are created equal when it comes to treating anxiety. The right strain can help ease stress, promote relaxation, and provide relief from the racing thoughts and tension that often accompany anxiety. Below, we discuss some of the best marijuana strains known for their calming effects on anxiety.
1. ACDC
- Type: CBD-dominant Hybrid
- THC Content: 1-6% | CBD Content: 15-20%
Why It’s Great for Anxiety: ACDC is a CBD-dominant strain, meaning it has very low THC content, which makes it ideal for those who suffer from anxiety but don’t want to experience the psychoactive effects of THC. High levels of CBD have been shown to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm without the “high” that typically comes with marijuana use.
Effects: ACDC delivers a soothing, non-intoxicating effect that calms the mind and body, making it an excellent choice for people who experience anxiety but are sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC.
Best For: General anxiety, stress relief, and relaxation without a high.
2. Granddaddy Purple (GDP)
- Type: Indica-dominant Hybrid
- THC Content: 17-23%
Why It’s Great for Anxiety: Granddaddy Purple is a well-known indica strain that offers a relaxing body buzz, making it a great option for people looking to unwind after a stressful day. The calming effects of this strain can help reduce anxiety and induce a peaceful state of relaxation.
Effects: With its sedative qualities, GDP provides a calming mental high, followed by physical relaxation. It helps alleviate anxiety and stress while also reducing muscle tension.
Best For: Anxiety, insomnia, and stress relief.
3. Cannatonic
- Type: Hybrid (CBD-dominant)
- THC Content: 7-15% | CBD Content: 7-15%
Why It’s Great for Anxiety: Cannatonic is a hybrid strain that’s high in CBD and low in THC, which makes it great for anxiety without the risk of paranoia or the overwhelming high that some THC-heavy strains can produce. It’s often used for medical purposes due to its balanced effects.
Effects: Cannatonic produces a calming, uplifting effect on the mind, easing anxiety and stress while promoting mental clarity. It helps users feel more centered and relaxed without a strong psychoactive experience.
Best For: Anxiety, stress relief, and mood stabilization.
4. Jack Herer
- Type: Sativa-dominant Hybrid
- THC Content: 18-24%
Why It’s Great for Anxiety: Jack Herer is a classic sativa strain known for its uplifting effects. While sativas can sometimes increase anxiety in some individuals, Jack Herer tends to offer an energizing, yet calming experience. It helps reduce mental fog and anxiety while boosting creativity and focus.
Effects: Jack Herer induces an uplifting, clear-headed high with mild euphoria. The energizing effects can help combat anxiety-related fatigue without increasing feelings of nervousness.
Best For: Anxiety, depression, focus, and creative energy.
5. Lavender
- Type: Indica
- THC Content: 12-20%
Why It’s Great for Anxiety: Lavender is an indica strain known for its calming effects, making it perfect for people suffering from anxiety or stress. It offers a soothing, sedative high that relaxes both the body and the mind, helping to ease tension and anxiety.
Effects: This strain has a pleasant, floral aroma and produces a relaxed, happy high that melts away anxiety. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who suffer from insomnia or sleep disturbances due to anxiety.
Best For: Anxiety, insomnia, and stress.
6. Northern Lights
- Type: Indica
- THC Content: 16-21%
Why It’s Great for Anxiety: Northern Lights is one of the most well-known indica strains, prized for its ability to induce a deep sense of relaxation and calm. The sedative effects of Northern Lights can help alleviate anxiety and calm a racing mind, making it great for evening use.
Effects: It delivers a relaxing body buzz that’s perfect for unwinding and easing anxiety. Northern Lights is often used to combat insomnia, stress, and tension while also providing a mild euphoria.
Best For: Anxiety, stress relief, and insomnia.
7. Blue Dream
- Type: Hybrid (Sativa-dominant)
- THC Content: 17-24%
Why It’s Great for Anxiety: Blue Dream is one of the most popular hybrid strains because of its balanced effects. While it’s a sativa-dominant strain, Blue Dream has a reputation for inducing a calm, euphoric high, which is perfect for those suffering from anxiety but who don’t want to feel overly sedated.
Effects: Blue Dream offers a relaxed, happy, and euphoric high that boosts mood without overwhelming the user. It’s ideal for alleviating stress and anxiety while still promoting creativity and focus.
Best For: General anxiety, stress relief, and mood enhancement.
8. Harlequin
- Type: CBD-dominant Hybrid
- THC Content: 7-15% | CBD Content: 10-15%
Why It’s Great for Anxiety: Harlequin is another CBD-dominant strain that offers relaxing, anxiety-reducing effects without the psychoactive high associated with THC-heavy strains. Its balanced THC and CBD content makes it effective for reducing anxiety while still allowing users to maintain clarity.
Effects: Harlequin is uplifting and relaxing, providing a sense of calm without the foggy head or paranoia that can be caused by high-THC strains. It’s known for easing both physical and mental tension.
Best For: Anxiety, pain, and stress relief.
9. Sour Tsunami
- Type: CBD-dominant Hybrid
- THC Content: 10-11% | CBD Content: 10-11%
Why It’s Great for Anxiety: Sour Tsunami is one of the most popular CBD-rich strains, often used to combat stress and anxiety. With equal levels of THC and CBD, it offers a mellow high that doesn’t induce any feelings of paranoia or dizziness.
Effects: This strain provides a mild, uplifting effect, helping to clear the mind and reduce anxiety while providing relief from physical discomfort.
Best For: Anxiety, pain, and stress relief.
10. Romulan
- Type: Indica
- THC Content: 18-25%
Why It’s Great for Anxiety: Romulan is a potent indica strain that’s known for its relaxing effects and ability to ease both the body and mind. It’s a great choice for nighttime use, helping to ease anxiety and promote sleep.
Effects: Romulan offers a sedative, tranquilizing high, perfect for unwinding after a stressful day. It’s often used for managing chronic anxiety, pain, and insomnia.
Best For: Anxiety, insomnia, and stress relief.
Conclusion:
When choosing a strain for anxiety, the key is to find one that works for your specific needs and tolerance levels. CBD-rich strains like ACDC, Cannatonic, and Harlequin offer therapeutic effects without the psychoactive effects of THC, making them ideal for anxiety relief. On the other hand, strains like Granddaddy Purple and Lavender provide deep relaxation and sedation, which can help individuals unwind after a stressful day. Always remember to start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to cannabis, and consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns.