Medical marijuana is highly effective for those seeking relief from the blues. As with everything cannabis, some strains are more potent than others.
Get to know the Best Weed Strains for Creativity that can get you up and running and out of a depressive slump.
This article serves as cannabis education and discusses a few of these.
Cases of depression often occur during the winter season. The year’s darkest, coldest, and shortest days can be hard on everyone. If you are already suffering from clinical depression, you are more vulnerable.
According to the WHO, an estimated 300 million people worldwide have depression. About 50% of adults will experience it at some point.
Take note that depression does not discriminate. It can affect anybody and manifest differently from person to person.
Cannabis has a strong history as an antidepressant. Evidence from recent research proves that it works. For example, University of Utrecht researchers found that cannabis can activate endocannabinoid receptors in depressed people.
It alters their negative responses to emotions and situations. But as a warning, depression is a severe condition that may require medical attention. Please consult a medical professional first.
Current Research on Cannabis and Depression
In a University of New Mexico study, the right cannabis strain flowers have remarkable potential in providing immediate relief from depression symptoms.
At least for the short term, the majority of patients that use cannabis experience antidepressant effects. But the magnitude and extent of side effects vary contingent on the plant’s chemotypic properties.
The study conducted a review of 5,876 outcomes reported by 1,819 individuals anonymously. They tracked their cannabis use for treating depression via the ReLeaf app.
On average, the patients reported an improvement in depression symptoms by nearly 4 points on a scale from 0 to 10. Patients experienced a noticeable difference after consuming whole dried cannabis flowers, popularly known as cannabis buds.
The investigators also found that up to one in five patients who use cannabis flowers containing high THC levels experienced a few side effects, including unmotivation.
The report adds that the group was three times as likely to experience the more positive effects of cannabis, such as happiness, optimism, peacefulness, and relaxation.
Cannabis Strains for Depression
This section explores different strains, including the popular five cannabis strains (Blue Dream, Jack Herer, Cannatonic, Sour Diesel and OG), which could effectively ease depression symptoms.
Jillybean Cannabis Strain
Jillybean has 24.9% THC and 0.07% CBD.
Many consumers consider this strain to be an upbeat and happy hybrid. It addresses various depressive symptoms such as pain, stress, and fatigue.
In many cases, strains with excellent levels of terpene limonene are great mood enhancers, and Jellybean has chock-full of this sweet, potent, and citrusy smelling compound.
A bowl of this could cause a fit of giggles, though. It is one of the Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety and makes you feel all smiley without feeling recklessly euphoric.
Blue Dream
Consumers report that Blue Dream is one of the epic all-around Sativa strains. For this reason, it has rightfully earned its place in the hall of fame among West Coast strains.
The spectacular trip it takes you to can potentially relieve tension and pain, priming you to be mentally alert and experience an apparent pleasant euphoria.
Blue Dream is a Sativa-rich hybrid and is one of the beneficial strains for treating mental troubles, including depression, headaches, and migraines. In addition, it also has curative effects on aching muscles and menstrual cramps.
Pineapple Express
The Pineapple Express (PE) strain earned its moniker from a pop-culture comedy. It uplifts you to a thrilling and energized high. PE is hyped as the strain that gives the happiest of highs.
It could meld perfectly with creative endeavors. PE has the potential to be a powerful arsenal against depression, general lethargy, and nausea.
Chemdog or Chemdawg
Although the lineage of Chemdog is shrouded in mystery, its potency is well-known. Because of its high THC levels, Chemdog may be a good choice for treating stress, pain, anxiety, and depression.
This strain may also reduce nausea, fight insomnia, and improve appetite.
Girl Scout Cookies
The Girl Scout Cookies hybrid is popular among medical users due to its potent anti-inflammatory and mood-boosting effects.
This is reported to give pain relief and helps with nausea and appetite loss. It leaves you in good spirits. The delectable cookie taste makes the savory experience even more pleasurable.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a consistent entry in the top list of strains with high CBD levels. Because of its Sativa-leaning tendency and 5:2 CBD to THC ratio it has excellent potential in treating depression, anxiety, migraine, and chronic pain.
Like Medihaze (to be discussed next), Harlequin registers positive for greater levels of the compounds limonene and beta-caryophyllene, thus, giving this particular strain a calm, upbeat, and clear-headed feel.
This strain also contains considerable levels of myrcene. This sedative terpene creates a more laid-back and quiet cannabis strain.
Comparable to other high CBD strains, the Harlequin strain does not create an intoxicating effect. It is safe to use during the daytime.
Those who want a little help sleeping at night may appreciate this cannabis variety with excellent levels of myrcene.
Medi Haze
MediHaze is a CBD-rich strain considered to be a Sativa dominant hybrid.
In many cases, it expresses a one-to-one or greater ratio of CBD to THC. This flower is a terrific choice for those looking for cannabis relief while steering clear of THC’s intoxicating effects.
Medi Haze is safe to use during the daytime because this cannabis plant provides an uplifting sensation of cerebral energy.
While the antidepressant effects of THC can be challenging to balance, CBD is believed to have a rapid-acting antidepressant impact.
In preclinical animal research, it was found that CBD can increase levels of feel-good serotonin neurotransmitters faster and more effectively than pharmaceutical antidepressants.
Besides containing high CBD levels, Medi Haze also features a good amount of limonene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene.
But as a caveat, this strain sometimes registers extreme strains high myrcene.
While myrcene is a sedative, CBD tends to have a refreshing and energizing effect on most consumers. But some samples of MediHaze may have a more sedative effect than others.
Bear in mind that depression is a severe medical condition. It is best to seek professional medical advice. Consult with a qualified individual who can help you select the best strain. After that, enjoy and watch your symptoms disappear with the smoke.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a powerhouse cannabis strain with many Sativa properties. This highly regarded medicinal strain has moderate levels of THC combined with high levels of CBD.
It is touted for its efficacy in treating depressive symptoms and anxiety. It gives a relaxing buzz throughout your body, energy boost, and lucid mental clarity.
Cheese Indica Dominant Strain
When you consume the cheese Indica strains, expect a happy and relaxed vibe to flow through you.
This strain leans more on Indica and is reported to have powerful effects on chronic stress and depression because of its sedative yet uplifting properties. Users describe a hard-hitting body high and feeling spaced out in their heads.
Sour OG
Sour OG is a cross of Sour Diesel and OG Kush, the two most widely available strains. Sour OG is a legend and is often described as a one-hitter in its own right.
It propels you into vivid and distinctive Sativa high, compelling you to give and receive warm Indica strains filled hugs. This potent and excellent hybrid may effectively curb stress, depression, and anxiety.
Shishkaberry
Shishkaberry has 22.26% THC and 0.39% CBD.
Insomnia is one of the worst aspects of depression. But it may be effectively treated with the use of this Indica-dominant strain. But the danger is that Indica strains often cause a “couch-lock,” making it difficult for patients with low or dwindling energy levels.
Shishkaberry is packed with a potent berry smell that reminds one of Starburst. It works wonders for insomnia, loss of appetite, and pain management. Users report that this strain turned the regular indica experience on its head.
Experience with this strain starts exquisitely slow. After that, a nice mental buzz rife with energy hits you. The journey ends in a sustained, heavy, relaxed, and pleasant state.
Dutch Treat
The Dutch Treat strain has 35.10% THC and 1.52% CBD.
Opening a bottle of Dutch Treat is a source of delights for many consumers because this Sativa-rich hybrid simply smells so good.
It is easy to see why patients turn to Dutch Treat to manage chronic stress. Its 25.10% THC level is on the higher end of the spectrum.
It has a sweet pine-like smell that can prove to be irresistible. It creates an uplifting and gentle cerebral high that could visibly calm and improve your mood.
Tangerine Power
Tangerine power has 23.45% THC and 0.0.8% CBD.
The primary components of depression are low mood, lack of energy, and insomnia, which takes a debilitating toll on your creativity.
But this potent strain could prove ideal for creatives who want to stay functional and in top form. Dutch Treat is a citrus-heavy hybrid that combats ailments common to depression, including migraines and nausea.
It also infuses a heavy dose of a creative drive into the consumer. This strain could propel you to a flurry of exciting new thoughts whenever you paint, draw, or write.
Super Sour Diesel
If you are looking for a pick-me-up, Super Sour Diesel is well-known for a reason. It is energizing and stimulating and produces high levels of mood-boosting terpenes.
Terpenes are the cannabis plant’s aroma molecules that contribute to each strain’s distinctive effects.
This specific strain creates high levels of mood-lifting terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene, beta-caryophyllene (BCP), limonene, and bisabolol.
In preclinical research, BCP was discovered to have antidepressant properties. It is a terpene with a sharp scent in lemon balm and black pepper every day.
Similarly, limonene provides an energizing citrus scent to some cannabis strains. It has been found to have antidepressant effects in preclinical models studying neuropathic pain.
The calming effects of the floral terpene bisabolol are also found in chamomile flowers.
It has a soothing quality that could be helpful for those with anxiety and depression.
The downside, however, is that Super Sour Diesel can have extreme levels of THC. Therefore, moderation is recommended for this plant. It must be noted that too much THC can worsen depression, especially after the plant’s euphoric effects have worn off.
While some consumers find great relief with THC, others report it worsens as time passes.
To find the best plant strain for your needs, some experimentation is needed.
OG Kush
OG is great as an afternoon indulgence. It is a high THC cannabis flower with a one-of-a-kind terpene profile.
Because of its excellent compounds, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene (BCP), limonene, and linalool, OG Kush gives consumers a happy-go-lucky and upbeat experience.
Relaxing terpene-like limonene and floral linalool are believed to offer mood-enhancing effects, whereas musky myrcene has hypnagogic and sedative effects.
Linalool is an anxiolytic terpene abundant in lavender. This substance creates a calm and contented feeling.
Overall, these terpenes make OG Kush a mildly sedative yet emotionally positive flower that could prove helpful to those struggling to relax and enjoy the company of others.
But its downside is similar to Super Sour Diesel. The extreme THC content of this strain may not positively impact every consumer.
Some may find that the high THC in OG Kush makes depression worse as the strain’s effects dissipate.
But for others, the euphoric properties of this herb could inspire an uplifting and happy sense of well-being that makes it easy to find joy in routine and daily activities.
Classic Cookies
Although classic cookies are a high THC strain, it is a relatively mellow and relaxing daytime flower.
This contented hybrid plant is safe to consume during the daytime if the consumer has a high THC tolerance.
The Classic Cookies strain has excellent limonene levels that create a refreshing and calming effect.
This terpene’s relaxed nature promotes a positive mood and cerebral clarity without causing excessive stimulation.
It is a superb choice for those who seek relief from depression. This plant contains high beta-caryophyllene levels and moderate levels of soothing linalool.
5 Tips for Choosing the Best Cannabis Strains for Depression
Selecting the best cannabis strains for managing depression symptoms is not an exact science.
A majority of the research on cannabis and terpenes is dependent on preclinical evidence and not large-scale human studies.
In the absence of solid research that determines exactly which compounds have a positive effect on mental health ailments, the best method a cannabis consultant or patient can use is to experiment and make an educated guess about what might work.
The process of trial and error is really how most medicines work. But in the case of cannabis, this substance has such a high safety profile and is a forgiving substance.
When looking for the best cannabis strains for treating depression, there are several things to consider to help you make an informed decision.
Every Strain Sample Is Different
While the strains mentioned in this article have registered positive for specific terpenes, not every strain sample will have the same results.
Although a plant’s genetics play an essential role in how terpenes can express, environmental and growth factors also impact each sample.
Hence, a plant grown in Toronto soil may produce different testing results than the same strain grown in Santa Monica.
Opting for strains tested in laboratories and learning how to analyze testing results can help you make a more informed decision about which plants may be suitable for you.
Based on early evidence, strains testing on the higher spectrum of the following terpenes: limonene, beta-caryophyllene (BCP), linalool, and bisabolol are predictably good choices to start on when searching for the best cannabis for depression.
Experimentation Is Recommended
While preclinical studies allow for educated guesses about which strains may help treat depression, remember that depression manifests differently in everyone.
Furthermore, each person has a unique response to different cannabinoids and terpenes.
Experimentation may be necessary to find the correct strain and medical cannabis products for depression.
CBD Could Be More Effective Than THC
As mentioned, the effects of high THC strains have two phases.
Low to moderate doses of this euphoric herb may effectively manage depression. But high dosages typically have the opposite effect.
Those with THC sensitivities or prefer a non-intoxicating experience may be better off with a CBD-rich medication. CBD is currently being studied for antipsychotic and mood-enhancing effects.
Dosage Is Critical
Finding the optimal dose is of utmost importance for continued relief with cannabis. Hence, collaborating with a cannabis-savvy health care provider can help you better understand which quantities are the safest and most effective in your case.
The best dose may be a tiny amount of either high-THC or high-CBD for some. But others may need considerably more to maintain the positive effects.
No two people are alike. It may take trial and error to strike the right balance between various active cannabinoids, terpenes, dosages, and timing.
Track Your Strains
Do you want to refine your cannabis experience?
To this end, it is recommended to keep a strain diary and record your reaction to what you are currently consuming. It will help you discover what works best and what does not.
In addition, it is an excellent way to keep track of how much you are consuming and how it impacts your well-being and mood.