12 best weed strains for anxiety

Living with an anxiety disorder can be challenging and disheartening, turning even the most mundane tasks or situations into overwhelming experiences. Many people with anxiety use cannabis to cope with their symptoms, with cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) proving to relieve anxiety in several research studies.

For those curious about using medical marijuana to manage generalized anxiety disorder, some of our picks for the best strains for anxiety include:

• • ACDC
  • Blue Dream
  • Cannatonic
  • Charlotte’s Web
  • Harlequin
  • Harle Tsu
  • Ice Cream Cake
  • Northern Lights
  • Orange 43
  • Pineapple Express
  • Ringo’s Gift
  • Sour Tsunami

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How Cannabis Affects Anxiety

While medical marijuana generally lacks peer-reviewed research studies, much existing research supports cannabis as an effective, long-term solution for those with anxiety.

Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which maintains homeostasis in several processes, including memory, appetite, metabolism, immune response, and stress. Because the ECS plays a significant role in managing stress and anxiety, cannabis fits like a hand in a glove to provide relief.

Recent studies show that cannabis interacts with the body similarly to existing, FDA-approved anxiety medications. Many anti-anxiety medicines deal with GABA activity, one of several neurotransmitters responsible for balancing stress levels. Research shows that cannabis – and CBD in particular – can change the activity of GABA in the body. This means that cannabis can manage stress levels via the exact mechanisms as prescription anti-anxiety treatments.

Cannabis can have a calming effect because it impacts cortisol levels in the body, another hormone that directly correlates with higher or lower stress levels. A study found that patients with anxiety experienced noticeable drops in cortisol when given marijuana, indicating that they entered a more relaxed, stress-free state.

Medical marijuana also can address insomnia, which is a common symptom of those with generalized anxiety disorder. Many strains – particularly those with high levels of CBD – anecdotally improve sleep, and studies have found that sleep quality improves with decreased levels of experienced anxiety.

CBD has particularly shown promise as a powerful tool to reduce anxiety in the long term. Researchers found that when CBD was provided to individuals diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) over several sessions, they reported a significant decrease in subjective anxiety.

How cannabis affects anxiety

Existing research supports cannabis as an effective, long-term solution for those with anxiety.

CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which maintains homeostasis through the regulation of several processes, including memory, appetite, metabolism, immune response, and stress. Because the ECS plays a significant role in managing stress and anxiety, cannabis fits like a hand in a glove to provide relief.

Recent studies show that cannabis interacts with the body similarly to existing, FDA-approved anxiety medications. Many anti-anxiety medicines deal with GABA activity, one of several neurotransmitters responsible for balancing stress levels. Research shows that cannabis – and CBD in particular – can change the activity of GABA in the body. This means that cannabis can manage stress levels via the exact same mechanisms as prescription anti-anxiety treatments.

Many people experience a calming effect when using cannabis, and that’s partly because it impacts cortisol, another hormone that directly correlates with our stress levels. A study found that patients with anxiety experienced noticeable drops in cortisol when given marijuana, indicating that they entered a more relaxed, stress-free state.

One recent study illustrates CBD’s impact on two key receptors within the human endocannabinoid system that regulate fear and anxiety: serotonin and anandamide. Often associated with depression, serotonin is a neurotransmitter commonly known for regulating mood, but it also moderates vital functions such as digestion, sleep, and libido. Anandamide (also known as the “bliss molecule”) is another neurotransmitter known for its role in producing feelings of joy. Studies show that CBD indirectly increases levels of both serotonin and anandamide, resulting in decreased anxiety levels and a brighter mood.

Medical marijuana may also manage insomnia, which is a common symptom among those with generalized anxiety disorder. Many strains – particularly those with high levels of CBD – anecdotally improve sleep, and studies have found that sleep quality improves with decreased levels of experienced anxiety.

Best ways to use cannabis for anxiety

Anxiety is a personal experience, so the cannabis consumption method best suited for treating the condition depends on the person, their physiology, and their unique case.

Smoking and vaping cannabis are two consumption methods that take effect quickly. The cannabinoids enter the bloodstream via the lungs and circulate throughout the body in about 30 minutes. Effects can last up to three hours, making it a useful short-term method for managing stress, or a handy option when you need quick relief to stave off a panic attack.

Edibles offer a longer-lasting cannabis treatment for anxiety, as effects can be maintained for up to eight hours. However, the onset time takes up to 90 minutes for effects to occur. When purchased from dispensaries, edibles can offer precise, reliable dosing that allows you to consistently control your consumption and avoid using too much, which could make you more anxious.

When it comes to dosing, it’s hardly a one-size-fits-all approach. Most cannabis products provide a suggested serving size, but it’s just that: a suggestion. Factors such as age, weight, metabolism, and tolerance help to determine the ultimate effect. For the best results, start with the recommended serving size, wait an hour, and increase in small increments if necessary. We usually recommend increasing in 2-2.5 mg increments. This is especially true when it comes to high-THC products, but the same applies to CBD, as it will give you a better idea of where your therapeutic window lies.

Not all cannabis strains will help anxiety; some cultivars, including several popular sativa strains, can cause more stress and worsen symptoms. Medical users say indicas and hybrids are typically better for anxiety.

Overall, the terpene and cannabinoid profiles should be carefully considered. Terpenes are plant compounds that can provide relief alongside cannabinoids. Look for strains high in myrcene, caryophyllene, or linalool, as these terpenes are good for anxiety. Avoid high levels of stimulating terpenes like pinene and terpinolene. When it comes to cannabinoids, strains with higher CBD, CBN, and CBG content may produce better outcomes, as they can offer calming effects without enhancing psychoactivity.

Best Strains for Anxiety

Harlequin

Harlequin is a sativa strain with a high level of CBD (9%) and a low level of THC (5%). Its dominant terpene is myrcene, which can promote a sense of calm, and the strain can produce notable uplifting effects. The high CBD content is perfect for medical patients with anxiety or panic disorders. 

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain. Its THC content is considered high (20%) and it contains around 1% of cannabigerol (CBG). This strain’s dominant terpene is myrcene, which produces energizing and happy effects for users. Medical cannabis patients use Pineapple Express for anxiety, stress, and depression.

Burnt Toast

Burnt Toast is a hybrid strain with a THC content of approximately 24% and a CBG content of 1%. It’s known for its happy, euphoric, and relaxing effects, largely thanks to its dominant terpene, caryophyllene. Medical cannabis patients use this strain for anxiety, stress, and depression. Since this is a high-THC strain, it’s important to pay attention to dosage. A lower dose may produce better results for people with anxiety. 

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain that produces creative and uplifting effects for users. Its dominant terpene is myrcene. Medical cannabis patients use Blue Dream for depression, anxiety, nausea, and chronic pain. 

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is an older and very popular cannabis strain known for its relaxing, sedative-like properties. The cultivar contains more THC than CBD, and has a terpene profile with higher levels of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. These terpenes work together to relax patients and relieve stress while cultivating happiness.

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake is an indica-dominant hybrid strain perfect for night time use thanks to its relaxing and sleep-inducing effects. Its dominant terpene is caryophyllene, and it has relatively high THC levels of 22%, as well as 1% of CBG. Medical patients use this strain for anxiety, stress, and pain.

Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web is a medical strain that was created to help young Charlotte Figi, who suffered from life-threatening seizures as a result of Dravet Syndrome. It’s produced from the hemp plant, which is naturally high in CBD and contains less than 0.3% THC. In addition to its potential anti-seizure properties, it’s perfect for improving mood, easing anxiety symptoms, and relieving muscle and joint pain.

Harle Tsu

Harle Tsu is a CBD-rich strain containing up to 24% CBD, and it’s virtually free of THC. It’s a favorite for those looking for a pure CBD experience, and it’s described as one of the best high-CBD strains for full-body relaxation and pain management.

Ringo’s Gift

Ringo’s Gift is another go-to choice among those with anxiety, named in honor of grower/activist Lawrence Ringo. It provides a CBD:THC ratio of 20:1, making it the perfect daytime strain to enhance focus and support deep relaxation.

Sour Tsunami

Sour Tsunami is one of the first strains specially bred to have a high-CBD content — by none other than Lawrence Ringo. It contains a concentration of 13% CBD and 1% THC, and can be highly effective at targeting pain, inflammation, and anxiety without notable psychoactive effects.

ACDC

Also known as CBD Queen, ACDC boasts a 22:1 CBD-to-THC ratio. An acronym for Alternative Cannabinoid Dietary Cannabis, ACDC can give off considerable relief from muscle and joint aches, inflammation, and anxiety, while supporting an overall sense of well-being.

Key takeaways

There are hundreds of different cannabis strains in dispensaries nowadays, and some are more helpful at treating anxiety than others. Factors like cannabinoid composition and terpene profile influence how calming a strain may be.

When seeking out the best weed for anxiety, be sure to discuss your options with a medical marijuana doctor, and generally look for high-CBD, low-THC strains for optimal relief.

Be sure to discuss your options with a medical marijuana doctor and explore options with lower THC levels and more CBD content.