Anxiety is a complicated medical condition to discuss and is tough to treat. The term is used to describe various uneasy feelings often related to stress. Stress and anxiety always go together. Because of the high demands of work and lifestyle today, many people are under stress and suffer from anxiety.
If you are worried, stressed, or under pressure, it does necessarily mean that you have anxiety. It’s best to have a professional to determine your condition. Nonetheless, treatments are available if you find out that you suffer from an anxiety-related disorder. Today, many people are attracted to using medical marijuana to manage their anxiety symptoms.
This article will discuss some of the best marijuana strains for anxiety. Before that, we have to discuss anxiety, its symptoms, and other pertinent information about the condition.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders in North America. An estimated 1 in 10 Canadians is affected by it. If you diagnose it as early as possible, it can be treated successfully. However, it is crucial to differentiate anxiety caused by an actual event from an anxiety disorder, an abnormal fear of distress due to a particular situation.
Each person may encounter anxiety at different times. Pressure at the workplace, taking an exam, or planning a big event can cause people to worry or feel afraid. These usually are uncomfortable situations, but the feeling of uneasiness can blow out of proportion for someone suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Sufferers often have an abnormally intense fear or distress over a situation for an extended period. This unnatural fear can interfere with their lives and their relationships. Their brains may perceive a real or imaginary event as more dangerous even if not.
Common Forms of Anxiety Disorders
Many people mistakenly associate the mental health problem as a weakness or instability. Hence, many people who suffer from the condition usually do not seek professional help. If you experience anxiety symptoms, it is essential to seek medical help to determine normal or abnormal. Some of the most commonly diagnosed forms of anxiety include:
- General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
- Panic Disorder
GAD is the most commonly diagnosed disorder. Women are more likely to suffer from most anxiety disorders, but men are more likely to suffer from PTSD than women.
Common Symptoms to Look Out For
The following symptoms may indicate that you are suffering from an anxiety disorder:
- High levels of stress
- Low self-esteem
- Abnormal fear or nervousness in social situations
- Being in unhealthy relationships
- Feelings of depression
- Inability to handle anger issues
- Getting physically sick often
- Difficulty in managing the pressures at work and home
- Feeling overwhelmed and unsettled
- Excessive stress from work
The symptoms can manifest themselves in different ways:
- It can be physical. They may cause increased heartbeat, muscle, tension, profuse sweating, dry mouth, dizziness, and upset stomach.
- It can also be cognitive. You may experience having negative thoughts, feelings of embarrassment, or thoughts that you will die.
- It can be behavioural.
You may avoid certain situations because they make you feel uneasy.
Treatments
Researchers have found diverse methods of treating anxiety disorders. Some of these treatments include:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy. The patient talks to a therapist about anxious thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. The goal is not simply to get the patient to speak. The goal is to understand the root of the problem and find a viable solution. The source may be related to work, the social environment, or low self-worth. Many people overcome the cause of their anxieties through this method.
Medication
Many people take medication to control their symptoms. Some of the most common medications prescribed by doctors include Niravam, Xanax, and Paxil. Most of these medicines work quickly to alleviate the symptoms, but they do not necessarily get rid of the root cause of the issue.
Alternative Therapies
Some patients practise acupuncture, yoga, and meditation to get anxiety relief. These practices may help relax the nerves and lead to a healthier, happier, and more productive life. Massages and infrared saunas have also been seen to help with the issue.
Cannabis and Anxiety
Using cannabis for anxiety is quite controversial. First of all, high THC levels in some weed strains can increase panic attacks and anxiety. You become more anxious whenever you take more than your body can handle or tolerate. Therefore, it is always wise to check the THC content of a cannabis product before you consume it.
Fortunately, cannabis can also treat anxiety when taken in responsible doses. Weed strains that contain high amounts of CBD are often best for anxiety. CBD works on the serotonin receptors and helps you relax. However, some people feel less anxious when they get high on THC. The psychoactive effects can reduce stress and uplift mood.
Based on preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence, some experts suggest that CBD and THC work together synergistically to benefit the mind and body. They can combat stress, anxiety, and depression. It turns out that the secret to making cannabis work is to consume a balanced dose. If you want to use cannabis to combat anxiety disorders, be sure to talk to your doctor first.
The Best Strains for Anxiety
There are many strains available in the cannabis market, and it can take some experimenting to find the best ones that work for you. Remember that each individual responds differently to the effects of cannabis. What may work for one person may not work for you. Thankfully, preliminary studies and firsthand user experiences allow us to recommend strains more likely to work.
Jack Herer Strain
Jack Herer is a hybrid but leans towards being a Sativa-dominant strain. This weed strain is often used to assist people suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress. It has many potential medical benefits but mainly helps people with psychological disorders. It may also help people handle PTSD and ADHD.
Jack Herer leans towards delivering more Sativa-like effects. Hence, it is best to take it during the day because it can make you energetic, uplifted, and euphoric. It may help with chronic pain, but you have to take it in larger doses. You can smoke it traditionally or eat it as edibles.
If you are taking it to alleviate anxiety and stress, be sure not to consume over your tolerance limit. When you consume too much THC, you are more likely to get the opposite effect of what you originally intended. Too much THC can lead to increased anxiety and paranoia. Hence, consume it in moderate amounts to experience its medical benefits.
Granddaddy Purple Strain
The Granddaddy Purple is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain bred by Ken Estes’ San Francisco lab. It is usually used to get rid of stress after a hard day’s work. GDP, one of the most popular strains globally, is a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud.
Indica-dominant strains often deliver psychoactive effects characterized by a cerebral buzz followed by a full-body relaxation. Nonetheless, it is one of the best ways to get anxiety relief when taken responsibly. Keep in mind that it has a high THC content. Hence, it would be best to be careful of dosing to prevent adverse side effects.
Pennywise Strain
Pennywise is one of the best strains for anxiety because it has a high CBD content, almost a 1:1 ratio with its THC content. This Indica-dominant strain is ideal for consumers looking to explore the benefits of cannabis without getting too intoxicated.
The strain contains a high level of linalool, a sweet and floral terpene also found in lavender. Clinical trials on rodents indicate that it can reduce anxiety and aggressive behaviour when linalool is inhaled. Hence, linalool and CBD in the strain effectively alleviate anxiety.
Stephen Hawking Kush Strain
The Stephen Hawking Kush is a CBD-dominant strain that produces a calming effect. It usually has a balanced CBD to THC ratio of 1:1 but may have higher concentrations of CBD. Hence, it is as effective as the Pennywise strain in combating anxiety.
In addition, the strain also contains linalool, the same terpene that enhances the anti-anxiety effects of CBD. It also has myrcene, a terpene usually used for relaxation and sleep enhancement. The presence of both terpenes makes the strain one of the best anxiolytic cannabis strains available.
The strain leans towards having more Indica genetics, but it does not cause heavy sedation like other strains of its kind. Although it is high in CBD, it produces an energetic effect. Therefore, it is safe to use during the day.
Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze has a diverse genetic lineage. Although it delivers an energetic high, it also produces a mild relaxation because of its Indica genetics. Hence, it can lead you to soothing relaxation, reduce bodily tension, and alleviate stress. Remember that stress is often the cause of anxiety. By relieving stress, you get rid of anxiety.
Many people experience less anxiety when they are deep into creative activities. Amnesia Haze may help motivate you and enhance your creative juices when overworked and tired. It can bring your creativity back in motion to aid you in your imaginative pursuits.
Remember that cannabis can provide anti-anxiety benefits if you do not exceed your THC tolerance limit. As soon as you exceed your limit, you will get more anxious. Always control your consumption by following your ideal dosage.
If you are interested in learning more about this strain, read our Amnesia Haze Review.
How to Choose the Best Marijuana Strains for Anxiety
Cannabis can provide many positive health benefits. However, it can also produce adverse effects when consumed in excess. Hence, it is best to consume your weed responsibly. Here are some tips to consider:
Experiment With High CBD Strains
Many people who wish to experience the medicinal benefits of cannabis go for high CBD strains. Know that THC may cause people to experience anxiety. This happens whenever you consume high levels of THC or when your tolerance to it is very low. Nevertheless, it all depends on how your body reacts to it. If you find that you are sensitive to THC, use strains that have a high CBD content.
CBD is a natural remedy for anxiety. Even when you exceed your natural dosage limits, CBD can mitigate the adverse side effects of THC. Find strains that have at least a CBD to THC ratio of 1:1.
Read the Lab Test Results
The cannabis strains listed above have been found to produce anxiolytic effects. The effects may be due to CBD and specific terpenes. However, every sample of weed is different. Hence, you have to read the lab test results to determine the cannabinoid content of the sample and its terpene profile.
Look for Specific Terpenes
Many terpenes help you fight stress and anxiety. However, some terpenes are more beneficial than others. If the testing results list the specific terpenes in a given sample, look for the following terpenes:
- Linalool
- Myrcene
- Bisabolol
- Beta-caryophyllene
- Limonene
- Nerolidol
Never Exceed Your Dose
The best way to get the benefits of cannabis is to consume the correct dose that works for you. Some people have a high tolerance to THC, but many do not. The best way to determine your dose is to start with a low amount and increase it gradually. When you get the most satisfying effects, that is your ideal dose. However, once you exceed it, you may feel various adverse effects.
Last Words
Anxiety is not a light matter. Many people suffer from it daily. If you wish to help someone suffering from anxiety, you can gift a pre-roll of the best anti-anxiety weed strains available. Be sure to buy your anxiolytic weed only from legal and reputable stores like ours.