Feeling stressed or anxious? You’re not alone. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. suffer from anxiety disorders. And while medications can help, more and more people are turning to cannabis as a natural alternative for anxiety relief.
When used in moderation, certain marijuana strains can be highly effective at reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and paranoia. However, not all strains are created equal when it comes to managing anxiety.
In this post, we’ll count down 12 of the best marijuana for anxiety and examine how factors like THC vs CBD ratios impact different marijuana strains’ anxiety-relieving potential.
Contents
How Cannabis Helps With Anxiety
While THC is responsible for the intoxicating “high” effects of weed, cannabidiol (CBD) does not cause psychoactive effects. And research indicates CBD can be beneficial for reducing anxiety and paranoia symptoms in many users.
For optimal anxiety relief, strains high in CBD tend to work best. However, many users find balanced THC/CBD strains helpful for alleviating anxiety too. The key is starting with low dosages first to assess tolerance.
Now let’s explore 12 marijuana strains that are particularly effective for anxiety management based on user experiences.
12 Best Marijuana Strains for Anxiety
Here are 12 weed strains to consider for natural anxiety relief:
1. ACDC (Hybrid)
With THC levels as low as 0.42% and CBD concentrations as high as 19%, ACDC promotes relaxation and calms anxiety without significant intoxicating effects. Users praise ACDC for relieving stress while allowing them to remain clear-headed and functional.
2. Blue Dream (Hybrid)
A Sativa-dominant hybrid, Blue Dream combines sweet berry flavors with notes of spice. User reviews indicate Blue Dream’s 17-24% THC provides a mild, euphoric high that alleviates anxiety. Many characterize it as a “happy” strain ideal for daytime use.
3. Cannatonic (Hybrid)
Featuring a near 1:1 CBD to THC ratio, Cannatonic offers a mild, relaxing high without strong intoxication. Users praise this strain’s utility for relieving headaches, muscle spasms, anxiety, and more. It’s an especially flexible strain suitable for day or night use.
4. Charlotte’s Web (Indica)
Thanks to its high-CBD content, Charlotte’s Web delivers anxiety relief without significant psychoactive effects. Named after Charlotte Figi, this strain features sweet, earthy flavors and can treat conditions like anxiety, PTSD, epilepsy, and chronic pain.
5. Cherry Pie (Indica)
An award-winning Indica, Cherry Pie features a complex aroma profile with sweet cherry topnotes. User reviews indicate it performs well for alleviating insomnia, pain, and stress. While still quite potent at 16-25% THC, it provides a relaxing body high ideal for nighttime use by anxious users.
6. Harlequin (Sativa)
Boasting CBD levels as high as 10% and THC percentages around 5-10%, Harlequin leans toward more clear-headed, functional effects. User reviews praise this strain’s ability to relax muscles without sedation and clear away stress without intoxication or paranoia side effects.
7. Kosher Kush (Indica)
Originating from DNA Genetics, Kosher Kush offers highly relaxing effects courtesy of 21-24% THC concentrations. Known for its earthy, piney aroma profile, This 100% Indica strain provides effective full-body relaxation, making it a top choice among those seeking anxiety and muscle tension relief.
8. Northern Lights (Indica)
A pure award-winning Indica bred in the Netherlands, Northern Lights stands as one of the most popular strains for anxiety relief. Its tranquilizing effects combined with a pungent, sweet, earthy flavor profile produce feelings of deep calm and relief from stress. Expect some heavy relaxation with this one!
9. Purple Urkle (Indica)
Featuring bold grape flavors and 20-26% THC composition, Purple Urkle brings on highly relaxing effects. User reviews indicate it performs especially well for alleviating pain, insomnia, and anxiety. Some users even report feelings of euphoria and a pleasant tingling sensation when sampling this strain.
10. Remedy (Indica)
With up to 15% CBD and almost no THC (.05%), Remedy delivers highly therapeutic effects without psychoactivity. In addition to potent physical relaxation, it provides stress and anxiety relief, making it popular for both recreational and medical users alike. Pine and lemon flavors deliver a refreshing taste.
11. Strawberry Cough (Sativa)
Despite higher 15-20% THC levels, Strawberry Cough tends to provide more mental euphoria than sedation. Users praise its sweet, berry flavors and tendency to boost moods while clearing away both physical and mental anxiety symptoms for several hours.
12. Zen (Hybrid)
A balanced strain containing around 12% CBD and 5% THC, Zen promotes feelings of euphoria and mental lucidity without anxious side effects. Users indicate it performs well for relieving stress, nausea, migraines, and muscle tension. Expect a functional high ideal for daytime medicinal or recreational use
Here is the comparison table converted to HTML format:| Strain | Type | CBD % | THC % | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACDC | Hybrid | 2-19% | 0.42-7% | Extremely high CBD relieves anxiety without intoxication |
| Blue Dream | Hybrid | 0.1-2.5% | 17-24% | Sweet, fruity sativa-dominant hybrid calms anxiety |
| Cannatonic | Hybrid | 7-15% | 12% | 1:1 CBD to THC ratio offers functional relaxation |
| Charlotte’s Web | Indica | 12-16% | 0.3% | High-CBD strain named after Charlotte Figi soothes anxiety sans high |
| Cherry Pie | Indica | 0.1-0.2% | 16-25% | Sweet cherry indica with potent THC relaxes both mind and body |
| Harlequin | Sativa | 4-10% CBD | 4-7% THC | Nearly 1:1 CBD to THC sativa allows anxiety relief without sedation |
| Kosher Kush | Indica | 0.1-0.2% | 21-24% | 100% indica with very high THC strongly sedates and relaxes |
| Northern Lights | Indica | 0.1-0.2% | 16-21% | Famed calming indica with high THC pacifies stress and anxiety |
| Purple Urkle | Indica | 0.1-0.2% | 20-26% | Bold grape-flavored indica with very high THC deeply relaxes muscles and mind |
| Remedy | Indica | 10-15% CBD | ~0% THC | Potent CBD and low THC allows therapeutic effects without psychoactivity |
| Strawberry Cough | Sativa | 0.1-0.2% | 15-20% | Uplifting sativa with high THC boosts mood and clears head |
| Zen | Hybrid | ~12% CBD | ~5% THC | 1:2 CBD to THC ratio promotes euphoria and calmness |
By starting with strains containing higher CBD ratios and lower THC levels, anxious users can avoid paranoia symptoms. Indica varietals also tend to provide more relaxing effects.
However, users report success with some Hybrid and Sativa strains too when dosed properly. Review the table above to compare critical specifications guiding the anxiety-relieving potential of different marijuana strains and effects.
Achieving Optimal Relief
When sampling new strains, we recommend starting with a small amount and waiting at least 30 minutes before increasing your dosage. Pay attention to how different strains impact your thinking, mood, and physiology.
Over time, you’ll gain clarity on which marijuana strains provide you the best anxiety relief. Just remember to increase dosages slowly and keep hydrated when consuming cannabis.
Now that you’ve got a handy guide to some of the most effective weed strains for anxiety available today, which ones seem worth trying first? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
FAQS
What is the best treatment for anxiety?
A combination of therapy and medication is considered the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Therapy helps patients understand the root causes of anxiety and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Medications like SSRIs and benzodiazepines can provide relief from acute symptoms.
However, some people find success managing anxiety with medical marijuana as well. Strains higher in CBD tend to work best for anxiety relief. Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing over time is recommended to assess tolerance.
Is Sativa good for anxiety and depression?
While heavy Indica strains are often recommended for anxiety relief, some Sativa strains can help alleviate symptoms too. Sativas like Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, and Strawberry Cough can provide uplifting, mood-enhancing effects to counter symptoms of anxiety and depression.
However, high-THC Sativa strains can worsen anxiety in some people. Using a balanced THC/CBD Sativa like Harlequin may offer anxiety relief without paranoia or overstimulation for those sensitive to THC’s effects.
What kind of edibles are best for anxiety?
Edibles featuring Indicas or Indica-dominant strains tend to work best for anxiety relief. Options like marijuana gummies, chocolates, capsules, or baked goods allow precise THC/CBD dosing for anxiety management.
Strains featuring limonene, linalool or caryophyllene terpenes can amplify relaxation as well. Start with 2.5-5mg THC doses then slowly increase every few hours if needed. This allows effects to fully manifest before upping your intake.
Is Indica or Sativa better?
For most anxiety sufferers, Indica strains tend to work better thanks to their relaxing, sedative effects. However, gentle Sativa blends can elevate mood and provide mental clarity too.
The most important factor is choosing options with CBD concentrations that exceed THC levels, including balanced Hybrid strains. This minimizes paranoia and overstimulation risks while allowing anxiety relief. Carefully review strain profiles and start small before increasing doses.
