11 best weed strains for anxiety

Living with an anxiety disorder can be challenging, and not everyone responds to conventional treatment options. As a result, many people who have anxiety use cannabis to manage their symptoms.

Certain cannabinoids found in cannabis, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), may be particularly helpful for easing anxiety. Strains that contain calming terpenes, like myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, may help ease stress.

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Best weed strains for anxiety

Some cannabis strains are better known for anxiety relief than others. Consider trying one of these options to help ease anxiety symptoms.

Harlequin

Harlequin is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain with an above-average CBD content (9%) and a below-average THC content (5%). The high CBD content adds to the strain’s potential anxiety-relieving effects. 

The dominant terpene in Harlequin is myrcene, which can also help you feel calm. 

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain. Its THC content is considered high (20%).  So it’s best for those who have a tolerance for THC’s intoxicating effects. 

This strain’s dominant terpenes are myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-pinene. This combination of terpenes may help improve mood and stress levels. 

Many medical cannabis cardholders use Pineapple Express to help manage anxiety, stress, and depression.

Burnt Toast

Burnt Toast is a hybrid strain with about 24% THC content. Its dominant terpene is beta-caryophyllene, which may help relieve stress and anxiety.

Many people describe the effects of Burnt Toast as euphoric and relaxing. But because it is a high-THC strain, it’s important to start low and go slow, especially if you have a low THC tolerance.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain that contains around 18% THC. Its dominant terpene is myrcene, which has calming properties.

Many medical cannabis users turn to Blue Dream to help with depression and anxiety, as it’s thought to provide mood-boosting effects. 

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is an extremely popular indica cannabis strain with a THC content between 16% and 21%. It also contains high levels of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. 

Northern Lights is known for its relaxing, sedative-like properties, and is commonly used for anxiety. 

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake is an indica-dominant hybrid strain. It has a THC content of 22%, and its dominant terpene is beta-caryophyllene.

Ice Cream Cake is commonly used at night due to its potential calming effects.

Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web is produced from the hemp plant, which is naturally high in CBD, and has only trace amounts of THC. Its dominant terpenes are myrcene, beta-caryophylle, and alpha-pinene.

While often known for its anti-seizure properties, Charlotte’s Web is also one of the best cannabis strains for easing anxiety symptoms and improving mood. 

Harle Tsu

Harle Tsu contains 24% CBD and only a trace amount of THC. It contains above-average levels of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, as well as terpinolene, a terpene known for its sedative-like effects, which can help with anxiety. 

Ringo’s Gift

Ringo’s Gift has a CBD:THC ratio of 20:1, which can promote relaxation. This makes it a popular option for anxiety relief. 

Sour Tsunami

Sour Tsunami was one of the first strains specifically created to have a high amount of CBD (13%) and a low amount of THC (1%). Its low THC content can be ideal if you’re trying to avoid cannabis’s intoxicating effects.

Sour Tsunami is commonly used for both anxiety and pain relief.

ACDC

ACDC is another non-intoxicating strain that has a 22:1 CBD:THC ratio. It’s a popular strain among those seeking out anti-anxiety effects.

How cannabis affects anxiety

Research shows that cannabis can be an effective, long-term solution for people with anxiety.

CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids in cannabis interact with the endocannabinoid system, which balances bodily processes including:

• Memory
• Mood
• Appetite
• Sleep 
• Inflammation 
• Stress

Because the endocannabinoid system plays a role in managing stress and mood, cannabis may help relieve anxiety symptoms related to stress, sleep, and beyond.

Research shows that cannabis affects anxiety similarly to some Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-anxiety medications. Many of these medications impact gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that affects how you respond to stress. According to research, cannabis compounds like CBD affect GABA to help you feel calmer in stressful situations.

Cannabis also affects cortisol, a hormone that impacts stress levels. In one study, people with anxiety experienced lowered cortisol levels after using cannabis.

Another study showed CBD’s positive effects on serotonin and anandamide, two brain chemicals that can positively impact your mood. 

Cannabis may also help manage insomnia, a common anxiety symptom. Many strains, especially with high levels of CBD, may help improve sleep.

Best ways to use cannabis for anxiety

Anxiety symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. The product that’s best for you depends on:

• Your symptoms
• Your tolerance
• Your personal preferences
• How your body responds to different forms of cannabis

Smoking and vaping tend to produce rapid but short-lived relief. These consumption methods can be helpful if you’re experiencing acute anxiety symptoms or feel a panic attack coming on. However, it’s best to avoid products with high THC levels if you have a low tolerance, as they may actually worsen anxiety.

Edibles offer stronger, longer-lasting effects that can be felt for around 8 to 12 hours. But it may take up to 2 hours after consuming them for these effects to kick in. Edibles can be helpful if you want to maintain any anti-anxiety effects cannabis may provide throughout the day.

When it comes to cannabis dosage, consider factors like:

• Body weight
• Symptom severity
• THC tolerance

It’s best to start with a low dose and increase it as needed and tolerated. If you’re a beginner, consider starting with 2.5 to 5 milligrams (mg) of THC to see how it affects your anxiety symptoms.

The bottom line: Certain cannabis strains can help relieve anxiety 

Hundreds of different cannabis strains are available, and some are more helpful for anxiety than others. When choosing a strain for anxiety relief, look for a product that contains cannabinoids and terpenes that promote relaxation. Start with a low dose, and increase it slowly as you build your tolerance. You can also ask your doctor if they have specific recommendations.

For access to safe, high-quality cannabis for anxiety, consider getting a medical cannabis card. The healthcare providers at Leafwell can help you choose a strain that’s right for you.

Resources

• Cannabinoid regulation of fear and anxiety: An update. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6486906/
• Chronic administration of synthetic cannabidiol induces antidepressant effects involving modulation of serotonin and noradrenaline levels in the hippocampus. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304394020308648
• Effects of cannabidiol on brain excitation and inhibition systems; a randomised placebo-controlled single dose trial during magnetic resonance spectroscopy in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-019-0333-8
• Marijuana use and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning in humans. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6174415/
• The effect of anxiety and depression on sleep quality of individuals with high risk for insomnia: A population-based study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6700255/
• Use of cannabidiol for the treatment of anxiety: A short synthesis of pre-clinical and clinical evidence. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7480724/