10 Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety

Can Cannabis Help with Anxiety?

People use cannabis for a variety of different things, recreationally or medicinally, either way you spin it the way it affects the body is the same! There are lots of users that turn to cannabis for stress relief, its relaxing qualities, or even a bit of a mood boost. It's important to note that not all cannabis strains are created equal, they have their own genetic make up supplying various levels of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Although there are thousands of cannabis strains out there, we will only get into ten that work best for anxiety. Most importantly, you'll get an in depth explanation as to which terpenes and cannabinoids play a major part in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

How Cannabis May Affect Anxiety

THC and Anxiety

THC and anxiety have a bit of a love hate relationship, high doses of thc can actually increase anxiety which is the opposite of what we're here for. Thankfully thc, cannabinoids, and terpenes all play well together, to create a wonderful harmony of relaxation and anxiety relief. If you are already prone to extreme anxiety it might be best going for a strain that contains a lower thc percentage instead of a higher one!

CBD and Anxiety

CBD is not like THC, although they are both cannabinoids, cbd does not have any sort of intoxicating effects. Which in short means, you wont get that “high” feeling from consuming cbd. People often take this type of cannabinoid because of its soothing properties, promoting relaxation and stress relief.

The Role of Terpenes

Terpenes serve an important purpose, they literally guide the way and play a supporting role to cannabinoids. Myrcene, linalool, limonene, and carophyllene are the best terpenes to look out for to help with feelings of anxiousness.

Myrcene

• Myrcene is known for its infamous “couch lock” feeling, this type of terpene is more sedative than others. It has some type of an effect on TRP channels for pain signaling reducing muscle aches and promoting relaxation.
• Research on rodents showed that myrcene lowered signs of stress and anxiety. However, this was dependent on whether the rodent was male or female, males displayed signs of less anxiety with one dose, while females needed repeated doses suggesting that females might need more myrcene to benefit from its anti-anxiety effects.

Linalool

• There is some evidence that terpenes like linalool, which react with gaba binding sites, can increase gaba function. Linalool is often cited as a terpene that affects the brain similarly to benzodiazepines, which is a medication used for anxiety disorders. In addition to alleviating anxiety and improving the quality of sleep, linalool has demonstrated anticonvulsant effects in mice and rats.

Limonene

• The elevating "mood uplifting qualities" that limonene is famous for are well-documented. Experimental evidence suggests it may affect the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Research on animals has shown that limonene may have anxiety relieving properties by increasing signalling of serotonin and dopamine.
• Limonene has the potential to counteract the dopamine surges caused by stimulants, according to preliminary experiments. Someday, limonene might become a viable option for treating stimulant dependency.

Beta-Caryophyllene

• Beta Caryophyllene is the only terpene that binds to cb receptors, particularly the cb2 receptor in the endocannabinoid system. In studies where beta-caryophyllene was tested on mice, the animals showed greater willingness to explore open areas instead of staying close to the edges. Normally, mice instinctively travel along the corners or walls of an open space to avoid predators (a natural survival behavior).
• When the mice began spending more time in the center of the area, researchers interpreted this as a sign of reduced anxiety after being administered beta-caryophyllene. Apart from its cb2 receptor activity, beta caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory qualities. This leads to reduced neuroinflammation that is linked to depression and anxiety.

What to Look for in a Strain for Anxiety Relief

1. Balanced THC Levels
2. CBD or Balanced Cannabinoid Ratios
3. Calming Terpene Profiles

10 Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety

Terpenes can affect a woman differently than a man, this is because of the hormones produced by their bodies. Women have higher levels of estrogen depending on the time of the month, estrogen increases the density of receptors in the brain. Based on scientific studies conducted on rodents, linalool works better at relieving anxiety for women while myrcene works better for men.

10 Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety - Women

1. Lavender Kush

• • Type: Indica Dominant
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Linalool and Myrcene

2. LA Confidential

• • Type: Indica Dominant
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Linalool, Myrcene, and Caryophyllene

3. Do-Si-Dos

• • Type: Indica Dominat
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Linalool, Caryophyllene, and Limonene

4. Amnesia Haze

• • Type: Sativa Dominant
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Linalool, and Caryophyllene

5. Zkittlez

• • Type: Indica Dominant Hybrid
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Linalool, and Humulene

6. Pink Kush

• • Type: Indica Dominant Hybrid
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Linalool, Myrcene, and Carophyllene

7. G-13

• • Type: Indica Dominant
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Linalool and Myrcene

8. Master Kush

• • Type: India Dominant
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Linalool, Myrcene, and Caryophyllene

9. ACDC

• • Type: Sativa Dominant
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: CBD (high in CBD, Low in THC)
  • Dominant Terpene: Mycerne sometimes Pinene

10. Cannatonic

• • Type: Hybrid - Sativa Leaning
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: CBD
  • Dominant Terpene: Myrcene

10 Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety - Men

1. Granddaddy Purple

• • Type: Indica Dominant
  • Dominant Cannabinoids: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene and Caryophyllene

2. Blue Dream

• • Type: Sativa Dominant Hybrid
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene and Pinene

3. Northern Lights

• • Type: Indica Dominant
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene and Caryophyllene

4. OG Kush

• • Type: Hybrid (Usually Indica Leaning)
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene, and Caryophyllene

5. Bubba Kush

• • Type: Indica Dominant
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene and Caryophyllene

6. Mango Kush

• • Type: Indica Dominant Hybrid
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene and Limonene

7. White Widow

• • Type: Balanced Hybrid
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene and Caryophyllene

8. Purple Kush

• • Type: Indica
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene and Caryophyllene

9. Skunk #1

• • Type: Hybrid
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene and Caryophyllene

10. Blueberry

• • Type: Indica Dominat
  • Dominant Cannabinoid: THC
  • Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene and Caryophyllene

Indica vs Sativa: Which is Better for Anxiety?

Indica and Sativa is supposed to classify the look of the plant and where the plant was grown, however these days indica is associated with more sedative effects. Of course sativa is known for a more uplifting energizing effect. The terpene profile matters a lot more rather than indica or sativa, be on the lookout for the terpenes listed above.

Tips for Using Cannabis for Anxiety

THC can sometimes make anxiety worse, so starting with low doses would be best. Or you can look for stains that have a lower thc content balanced by other cannabinoids. There are certain strains that contain thc however are more dominant in CBD.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Cannabis affects everyone differently, as mentioned above terpene effects can change based on your gender, but even beyond that THC is not a one size fits all. Some people might experience more anxiety by using THC products. It is always best to consult with a physician if you have an extreme anxiety or mood disorder to get the help you need!