Excessive worrying, restlessness, agitation, fatigue, difficultly concentrating, tense muscles, panic attacks, trouble falling asleep – all these negative feelings are associated with anxiety. Anxiety is part of everyday life for many people and the turmoil that 2020 has brought has really only made it worse. Whether your anxiety takes over your everyday life, or you just mildly experience it, cannabis may help. Many of our customers with anxiety have found varying levels of relief with cannabis. While everyone will react differently to marijuana, certain products have been formulated with anxiety in mind. Check out our breakdown of terpenes, cannabinoids, strains, and products that have been found to be effective with anxiety.
Terpenes for anxiety.
There are specific terpenes that are thought to help alleviate anxiety. If you want to know more about terpenes in general, check out our blog post here.
Myrcene
Also found in thyme, parsley, bayleaf, mango, and lemongrass, Myrcene has musky, herbal, clove, and citrus aromas. You can find high concentrations of myrcene in strains like Green Crack, Alien OG, Northern Lights, and Grandaddy Purple.
Limonene
Also found in citrus like lemons, peppermint and rosemary, limonene is a very common terpenes in cannabis. You can find it in strains like Super Lemon Haze, Trainwreck, and Bubba Kush.
Caryophyllene
Also found in clovers, black pepper, basil, and oregano, Caryophyllene has spicy, peppery, and woody aromas. You can find Caryophyllene is popular strains like Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow, Chemdawg, and Bubba Kush.
Linolool
Linalool gives lavender its famous aromas. It’s no surprise that linalool helps with sleep since lavender is well known for its relaxing qualities. High linalool strains include Lavendar, Zkittlez, Do-Si-Do, and Kosher Kush.
Pinene
Also found in Rosemary, conifer trees, basil, and dill, Pinene is an earthy terpene with aromas of pine, sweetness, and earth. You can find Pinene in strains like Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, Romulan, Blue Dream, and OG Kush.
Cannabinoids for anxiety:
Not all cannabinoids are created equal. While THC and CBD are the most well-known and can help with anxiety, there are others that are thought to help as well.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
The second most prevalent, after THC, of the active ingredients in cannabis. CBD is non-psychoactive and has been federally legalized, with some exceptions, in the United States. CBD can come from cannabis plants, or hemp plants (cannabis plants producing .3% or less THC by dry weight). CBD can be found in almost anything these days – from tinctures to infused pillow cases, while the effectiveness of some of these applications is dubious at best.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that exists in much smaller quantities as compared to THC in cannabis. It’s shown promise in helping with a wide range of conditions, anxiety being one of them.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
A very mildly psychoactive cannabinoid. In small doses, it doesn’t appear to cause psychoactivity but in large doses, some people report a clear-headed and stimulated high. THCV is believed to provide the benefits of THC without the strong high and with a secondary benefit of appetite suppressant.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis and found in almost all strains at legal dispensaries. THC is the main active ingredient in the cannabis plant and is the best known and arguably the most misunderstood.
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC is an analog of THC and thought to have neuroprotective properties. Delta-8 has been used as an appetite stimulate by cancer patients. Delta-8 still produces a high but it’s much different than what you would experience with THC.
Strains for Anxiety
If you prefer smoking flower and are looking for something for anxiety, try out these strains below. High in the terpenes and cannabinoids listed above, these strains may give you the relief you’re looking for.
High THC strains
For some, THC can help make the anxiety relief more potent. For others, too much THC will agitate anxiety. If you’re new to weed, it’s best to start with low doses of THC and slowly increase the doses. This will help you find your sweet spot. if you’re experienced with THC, check out these THC strains for anxiety.
GDP
GDP, or Grandaddy Purps as it’s commonly known, is great for relaxation. A cross of Purple Urkle and Big Bud, this indica will have you relaxing into dreamland. This strain is heavy on the myrcene so expect herbal and peppery aromas.
Blue Dream
A true crowd-pleasing sativa-dominant hybrid from California. Blue Dream is high in myrcene with strong blueberry aromas. Patients looking for high THC strains have been using Blue Dream for pain, depression, and anxiety.
Purple Punch
A cross of Larry OG and Granddaddy purple, this strain is a calming and sedative indica. Purple punch is a delicious strain high in caryophyllene with aromas of grape flavored candy, blueberry muffins, and punch.
Do-Si-Dos
A descendent of GSC, this tasty indica-dominant strain will keep you relaxed both mentally and physically. Enjoy the high limonene effects with peppery and floral aromas.
Girl Scout Cookies
AKA GSC, Girl Scout Cookies is a super popular hybrid strain with intense euphoric effects. Expect sweet, earthy, peppery aromas delivering a strong balanced high.
Big Smooth
True to the name, this strain will keep you smooth sailing through the day or night. An indica dominant cross of OG Blueberry and Cookies and Cream. High pinene along with herbal, peppery, and sweet aromas will have your worries floating away.
Mendo Breath
Cross OGKB with Mendo Montage and you get one heavy indica. Another strain high in caryophyllene, expect peppery, citrus, and herbal aromas to carry you off into a deep dream state.
High CBD strains:
If you’re sensitive to THC or you’re looking for something with no psychoactive properties, check out these great strains below.
ACDC
ACDC is a CBD dominant sativa strain high in myrcene. If you’re sensitive to THC, this is a great strain to bring on the relaxation without falling asleep.
Charlotte’s Web
Another high CBD strain with barely any THC, Charlotte’s Web is extremely popular with medical users. Enjoy the relaxation and stress relief without any of the psychoactivity or body high.
Products for anxiety:
If you don’t want to smoke but still want help with anxiety, check out these products below. They are designed with anxiety in mind and our customers say they work wonders. Whether you like tinctures, capsules, gummies or vapes, we have a product for you.
Yummi Karma 4:1 Tinctures
This 4:1 tincture from Yummi Karma is CBD rich with a little THC to activate the formula. Use these for relaxation, healing, and anti-inflammatory. Take these drops under the tongue and wait a minute for absorption.
Papa & Barkley CBD rich Tinctures and Capsules
If you’re looking for a tincture without any added flavors or sugars, Papa & Barkley is the way to go. Expect an earthy and rich flavor profile that is true to the cannabis plant. These tinctures are made with MCT oil which reportedly helps your body metabolize cannabis faster.
Mary’s Medicinal CBD rich Tinctures and Capsules
A trusted name in tinctures, Mary’s Medicinals makes effective products our customers love.
Levels CALM Tablinguals
Release the stress of a hard day with the calming effects of this microdosed sublingual tablet from Levels. Each Tablingual contains 3 mg of CBG, and it takes effect in 5–20 minutes and lasts 1–2 hours. Place under your tongue and let it dissolve for fastest effects.
Green Hornet CBD Gummies
These gummies are a delicious mixed fruit flavor with 10mg of CBD per gummy. They are fat free and low calorie.
Jetty Extract Sessions 2:1
Jetty extracts are whole-plant extracted CBD oil with medium potency. Maximum therapeutic benefits with no unnatural or harmful additives. These carts are universal 510 thread and can be used with most batteries.
Nano5 Sunrise Tinctures
Sunrise is not just for morning. This blend from Nano5 is great for consumers seeking high CBD for a calming effect while simultaneously reducing inflammation and pain. This tincture comes with a spray topper and a dropper so you can choose how you want to administer it. Let it sit under your tongue for a minute for fast absorption.
There is still a lot of research that needs to be done on cannabis. If you have severe anxiety, negative feelings, or suicidal thoughts, please seek professional medical help immediately.
Please reach out to us with any questions. You can email us, DM us on instagram, or call the stores at (213) 465-1646.
Additional article that we think you will like to read is Cannabis for Cancer.