The Best Weed Strains for Anxiety

The rise in anxiety disorder diagnoses in the UK over the past few years has been alarming. According to the Mental Health Foundation, one in six people experience some form of heavy anxiety at some point in their life.

It’s not hard to see why. The constant pressure to perform (at home, school, university, or work), the uncertain economic situation that so many have found themselves in (through no major fault of their own), and the constant barrage of social media and news can all be contributing factors to increased levels of anxiety.

And although there are a bunch of conventional approaches available for dealing with anxiety, they aren’t fully effective for everyone. This has caused people dealing with anxiety issues to look for complementary treatment options, and medical cannabis is fast becoming one of the most popular alternatives.

Let’s find out what the best weed strains for anxiety are, shall we?

Key takeaways

• CBD and THC Differences: CBD is non-psychoactive and can help reduce anxiety without getting you high, whereas THC is psychoactive and can both alleviate and sometimes increase anxiety symptoms.
• Legality in the UK: CBD oil with 0.2% THC or less is legal and available over the counter, while higher THC content is restricted to prescription-only medical cannabis.
• Strain Variation: There is no universal best strain for anxiety; individual responses vary greatly, so consultation with a specialist is essential.
• Consumption Methods: The most common cannabis consumption methods are smoking, vaporizing, taking oils or tinctures sublingually, and consuming edibles, each with different onset times and durations.
• Professional Guidance: Consulting with a private cannabis clinic is crucial to determine the most effective strain, dosage, and method of consumption for your specific anxiety needs.

What is anxiety, and how can cannabis help?

Anxiety is a vital emotional response to protect us in times of danger. Without it, who knows where we might’ve ended up?

But when the frequency, intensity, and duration of anxiety exceed what is reasonably considered ‘normal,’ it can significantly affect an anxiety sufferer’s daily functioning and quality of life.

What are the more common types of anxiety?

Anxiety disorders present in various forms, the most common being:

• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Panic Disorder
• Specific Phobias
• Agoraphobia
• Separation Anxiety Disorder

How do we treat anxiety

When someone first receives an anxiety disorder diagnosis, they typically receive a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) alongside anxiolytic medication. CBT can help change the way people respond to situations that trigger their anxiety, while medication reduces symptoms’ intensity and frequency.

However, the pharmaceuticals prescribed to anxiety patients (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and beta blockers) come with a host of side effects that can be unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst. They range from mild discomforts like drowsiness, confusion, and fatigue to more severe side effects such as addiction, suicidal thoughts, and withdrawal symptoms.

Can weed provide relief for anxiety sufferers?

Yes, cannabis strains for anxiety have been shown time and again to provide significant benefits to those struggling with this mental health issue.

Cannabis contains chemicals called cannabinoids (think THC and CBD). We also produce our own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids. Our bodies have an entire system—the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) — dedicated to maintaining homeostasis. It’s actually the largest neurotransmitter system in the body.

What’s homeostasis?

Well, it’s the fancy word for balance.

When our ECS isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to various health issues, including anxiety disorders. Cannabis has been found to interact with the ECS and help restore proper balance within the body, leading to reduced anxiety symptoms.

The cannabinoids bind to our endocannabinoid system receptors, and in doing so, they can affect our mood, appetite, sleep patterns, and pain perception – among a host of other physiological processes. That’s why many people report feeling more relaxed, happy, and calm after consuming cannabis.

Research suggests that when we supplement our ECS with phytocannabinoids (like those found in cannabis), it can improve imbalances or deficiencies in our endocannabinoid system and provide relief for a huge range of health concerns, including excessive anxiety.

So, what are the best weed strains for anxiety?

What are the types of cannabis: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid?

While this form of classification is slowly being phased out in both recreational and medical marijuana settings, it’s still worth noting that there may be a difference between Indica and Sativa options.

As more research is conducted, it’s becoming apparent that the effects felt from cannabis consumption are more dependent on the specific cannabinoid and terpene profile of a particular strain, but there is still some truth to the broad categorizations of Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid.

Indica weed strains

Indica strains originate in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, where the environment is harsh. As a result, these strains have adapted to survive in extreme conditions and are typically shorter and bushier than their sativa cousins.

Indica marijuana strains are known for their deeply relaxing properties, making them ideal for relieving anxiety symptoms. They are most often prescribed to anxiety sufferers as an evening or nighttime medication.

Sativa weed strains

Sativa strains hail from equatorial regions with longer growing seasons, resulting in taller plants with narrower leaves and fluffier buds. These strains are known for their stimulating and uplifting effects, making them a popular choice for daytime use among anxiety sufferers. Sativa weed strains can help enhance concentration, creativity, and energy levels, which can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing anxiety-related fatigue or depressive symptoms.

Due to their invigorating properties, Sativa strains are often recommended for individuals looking to alleviate anxiety without the sedative effects commonly associated with Indica strains. This can be especially useful for people who need to manage their symptoms while staying productive and alert throughout the day.

Hybrid weed strains

Hybrid cannabis strains contain a mix of genetics from both sativa and Indica strains, creating a balance of effects.

Sativa-dominant hybrids may provide the uplifting and energizing effects of Sativa while also providing some relaxation and pain relief from Indica. Indica-dominant options can provide the calming effects of Indica while offering some mental stimulation from the Sativa genes.

In this brave new world of both recreational and medicinal marijuana legality, cannabis breeding has become a huge business. As a result, the truly ridiculous number of hybrid cultivars out there means there really is an option for everyone.