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Depression and Anxiety: Which Strains are Best for Each?

More people experience depression and anxiety than you may think. There are many people who go undetected dealing with one or both of these conditions every day. With that said, managing these conditions can be difficult because many individuals don’t have a full understanding of what depression and anxiety is and what their options are in terms of coping.

One coping mechanism that has been gaining attention is the use of cannabis. Cannabis is a psychoactive drug from the cannabis plant that is widely used for medical and recreational purposes. For this reason, we’re going to explain what depression and anxiety are and which strains of cannabis some people have purported would work best for each condition. (Individual experiences may vary.)

What is Depression?

Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is a medical illness that has a negative impact on how an individual feels, thinks, and acts. Depression generally causes a feeling of sadness. In addition, individuals can experience bouts of uninterest in activities that they previously enjoyed. This results in an individual’s inability to carry out their day-to-day functions.

Depression can happen to anyone at any age and time. However, there are a few things that can increase your risk of experiencing depression. Here are a few influences to consider:

  • if you are a smoker
  • if you are stressed
  • if you are someone who experiences medical problems

What are the symptoms of Depression?

There are many symptoms of depression. It’s important to note that everyone is different, therefore, your symptoms will vary.

  • you constantly feel sad
  • feeling tired even after getting the recommended amount of sleep
  • difficulty thinking
  • having a sense of worthlessness
  • disengaging from activities that used to be fun

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. Those that experience anxiety often experience intense and persistent fear about everyday situations. In addition to this, anxiety can be accompanied by a fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and a feeling of tiredness.

It’s important to note that anxiety is often looked at as a healthy emotion. However, when anxiety becomes persistent and an individual regularly feels dis-appropriate levels of anxiety, it is considered a medical disorder.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

There are many symptoms associated with anxiety. Some of the symptoms can include:

  • feelings of being in danger or dread
  • feelings of nervousness, restlessness or being tense
  • rapid breathing or hyperventilation
  • feeling weak or tired
  • twitching muscles

Understanding Which Strains Work Best for Each Condition

As stated previously, cannabis is used for both recreational and medical purposes. Recreational cannabis is generally used for things such as enjoyment, stress relief, and creative stimulation. Medical cannabis, on the other hand, is used to alleviate symptoms of things such as pain, anxiety, and depression. So which strains are best?

Strains for Depression

Acapulco Gold

Acapulco Gold, a cannabis strain derived from Acapulco, Mexico, is a Sativa dominant hybrid. One of the benefits of this strain of cannabis is that it produces a powerful cerebral high that, in turn, raises the user’s mood. This is why many users who have depression opt for this particular strain.

Additionally, the cerebral high is paired with a calming effect that results in a relaxing experience. Alongside this, Acapulco Gold can alleviate chronic aches and pains during the body high.

Super Sour Diesel

Super Sour Diesel is extremely potent. It is a Sativa dominant hybrid strain of cannabis, which means it was made from a cross of Sativa and Indica strain of cannabis. With that said, it leans more on the Sativa side when it comes to growth patterns and the effects it has on the individual.

One of the benefits of this strain is that the effects are long-lasting. This is due to the fact that the THC level is generally between 18% to 20%. Additionally, Super Sour Diesel tends to alleviate pain and stress levels and increases energy. This makes it ideal for those who experience depression.

Harlequin

Harlequin is a CBD-rich strain. It is the Sativa-dominant product of several different landrace strains and harnesses about 75% Sativa. With that said, it lacks a strong cerebral high due to the high presence of CBD.

The standard ratio of CBD to THC is usually 5:2. Although Harlequin won’t get you high, it still does a good job of lifting individuals’ moods. Generally, users will feel mellow. It is even reported by some users that they experience a shift in perspective while using it, which is one of the main reasons why its great for those who experience depression.

Amnesia Haze

Amnesia Haze is another Sativa-dominant hybrid. Despite its name, you won’t experience memory loss.

When taking this strain of cannabis, you can expect the high to come on almost instantly. With that said, many users boast an increase in cerebral thinking and a sudden acute awareness of surroundings. Users may also experience an increase in mood and motivation to complete tasks. Moreover, users love Amnesia Haze because it can even drive inspiration.

Strains for Anxiety

Granddaddy Purple

Grandaddy Purple is the result of two strains merged together to create the ultimate Indica hybrid. Made of Purple Urkle and Big Bud, this strain is great to use at night as it simultaneously hits the mind and body and then transitions into a smooth buzz.

For this reason, it’s powerful effects makes this strain a good choice when it comes to alleviating anxiety symptoms.

Girl Scout Cookies

This strain of cannabis is derived from OG Kush and Durban Poison and offers the body comfort and cerebral euphoria.

It has roughly 18% to 23% THC. With that said, the effects of this strain come on almost instantly. Individuals who use this strain may feel more motivated to socialize with friends and family.

Additionally, after the initial excitement of taking this strain, individuals may feel more motivated to socialize with friends and family. Also, individuals can expect to experience a relaxing effect throughout the whole body. This is one of the main reasons why this strain is great for those who experience anxiety.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is an Indica dominant strain. This powerful strain is known to make the body feel numb and instantly put users on “lazy mode”. In addition to this feeling, individuals often feel a sense of well-being and happiness, which can certainly alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

It’s important to note that this strain is recommended for evening use. It’s also worth mentioning that it is one of the most purest Indica around with 95% Indica and 5% Sativa. This is why this strain is highly sedative.

Depression and anxiety are more common than people think. However, the effects of these conditions can be crippling to the individual. More people are turning to the benefits of medical cannabis to help them deal with their symptoms. If you have depression or anxiety, consider these cannabis strains to help you.

 

This content is not intended as medical advice. The information provided is meant to encourage cannabis education, not replace direct patient-healthcare professional relationships. Always consult your primary care physician or other healthcare provider prior to using cannabis products for treatment of a medical condition.  Any statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products referenced are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products are only available where the consumption of cannabis is legal.