Cannabis has become increasingly popular as an alternative treatment for many conditions, including anxiety and depression. However, with two main types of cannabis plants — sativa and indica — it can get confusing figuring out which one is best suited for a particular condition.
When it comes to anxiety and depression, many people assume indica strains are better because they provide relaxing effects. But is Sativa good for anxiety and depression actually ? Here’s what the research shows.
Contents
How Sativas Impact Mood
Sativa strains are known for providing uplifting, energizing effects. The high levels of THC typically found in sativas may help:
- Boost mood
- Increase feelings of euphoria
- Enhance creativity
- Sharpen focus
For those struggling with lethargy, fatigue or lack of motivation due to depression, these effects can be extremely beneficial. Additionally, the “mind high” sativas produce may ease anxious, racing thoughts.
So while sativa strains don’t relaxation effects like many indicas, their tendency to lift mood and provide mental clarity can make them useful for managing symptoms of certain mood disorders.
Studying Sativas for Depression Relief
Early research has begun investigating sativa strains specifically for depression relief potential.
One 2021 study found that high levels of THC and low levels of CBD were most effective for reducing perceived depression. These cannabinoid levels are typically found in sativa strains.
Additionally, over 50% of medical cannabis users surveyed reported using sativa strains to help manage depression. Energizing effects were cited as the main reason for preference.
While more research is still needed, these initial findings suggest sativa strains can help tackle low mood and depressive symptoms.
Can Sativas Lessen Anxiety?
Finding cannabis options to reduce anxiety without causing further anxiety is imperative. The good news is two popular sativa strains have shown particular promise:
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel contains high amounts of THC but very little CBD. Medical cannabis patients have reported a 58% reduction in anxiety after using Sour Diesel. Effects tend to be energizing yet relaxing mentally.
Strawberry Cough
This mood-lifting sativa makes over 40% of reviewers report feelings of happiness or euphoria. However, Strawberry Cough likely produces more alertness than relaxation physically.
Both strains demonstrate how despite being “uppers,” sativas can still help patients achieve anxiety relief. It comes down to an individual’s anxiety triggers and patterns.
Those whose anxiety manifests with panic attacks, paranoia or heart racing may do better with an indica. But for patients struggling with loss of motivation, focus or feelings of depression in addition to anxiety, sativas present compelling benefits.
Maximizing Sativa Use for Anxiety
If considering sativas to manage anxiety, here are some tips:
- Go low and slow – Start with just a few puffs of a vape pen or 1-5mg CBD to check your tolerance.
- Consider the time of day – Sativas may excel when anxiety relief is needed for daytime functioning vs. nighttime symptoms keeping you up.
- Monitor THC intake – Higher doses of THC increase possible anxiety or paranoia as side effects. Keep additional CBD on hand.
- Have a backup plan – In case you have a bad reaction, have activities, people or surroundings prepped that normally comfort you.
While more research is still underway, medical cannabis patients already using sativa strains regularly for anxiety report excellent outcomes. By tailoring strain selection and usage to personal needs, sativas can be highly effective in reducing anxiety.
Finding the Best Strains for You
With many different sativa strains available, it’s essential to experiment to find what works best for you. These six strains make excellent options to start with:
| Strain | CBD Content | THC Content | Primary Effects | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sour Diesel | <1% | 20-25% | Energizing, uplifting | Depression, stress, fatigue, PTSD |
| Strawberry Cough | <1% | 17-23% | Uplifting, happiness-inducing | Social anxiety, low mood |
| Durban Poison | <1% | 17-26% | Energizing, mind-expanding | Depression, creativity block |
| Harlequin GDP | 4-7% | 10-15% | Relaxing, uplifting | Anxiety without sedation |
| Super Lemon Haze | <1% | 18-25% | Uplifting, euphoric | Depression, fatigue |
| Red Congolese | <1% | 18-23% | Energizing, focused | ADHD, loss of focus |
If possible, keep a journal documenting any effects each strain produces for you personally — both positive and negative. This can help narrow down the best sativa strains to add to your roster long-term.
Conclusion
Traditionally, indica strains have dominated the cannabis-for-anxiety space. But emerging research and anecdotal evidence demonstrate sativas can produce anti-anxiety benefits as well.
Thanks to their tendency uplift mood, increase energy and provide mental clarity, sativas like Sour Diesel and Strawberry Cough present a compelling case. They may excel when anxiety or depression manifests with lack of daytime motivation or focus.
By starting low and slow with THC doses, considering CBD/THC ratios and journaling effects, patients can discover if an energizing sativa offers ideal anxiety and depression relief for their needs.
FAQS
What is the best sativa strain for anxiety and depression?
Based on the research available, some of the best sativa strains for anxiety and depression include:
– Sour Diesel – High in THC (20-25%) with energizing yet mentally relaxing effects that help relieve stress, fatigue, PTSD and more.
– Strawberry Cough – Uplifting sativa that makes over 50% of users feel happier and more euphoric. May benefit social anxiety and low mood.
– Durban Poison – Extremely energizing pure sativa considered a creativity booster, which can distract from depressive thoughts.
– Super Lemon Haze – Mood-lifting qualities make this a go-to for depression. Over 50% report feelings of euphoria.
Choosing the “best” sativa is highly individual though, so keeping a journal of effects from different strains is recommended.
Is sativa an upper or downer?
Sativa strains are considered “uppers” that provide energizing effects both physically and mentally. People often report feeling more productive, motivated and creative after using sativas. This contrasts indicas that produce more relaxing “downer” effects.
Does sativa make you stressed?
In some people, high levels of THC alone can increase feelings of anxiety or paranoia – side effects more common with sativa strains. However, many also find sativas provide mental clarity and mood-lifting that actually decreases stress and anxious thoughts. Starting with low THC doses can help assess individual reactions.
Does sativa make you talkative?
Yes, the energizing cerebral effects of most sativa strains tend to make people more social and chatty. Sativas increase focus yet also provide mental stimulation that for many facilitates conversation flow more easily than if sober or using an indica strain. So sativas are a popular choice for social activities.
