Anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses can be somewhat annoying or completely incapacitating. Depression symptoms such as despair, hopelessness, and anger commonly accompany these conditions, making it difficult to carry on with day-to-day activities.
Therefore, it’s critical to regain your sense of well-being to deal with these problems.
Of course, you can overcome mental health issues in various ways, but many involve harmful side effects. As a complement to established drugs, or perhaps as an alternative treatment method altogether, some people use marijuana to alleviate their pain and discomfort.
Cannabis comes in a wide variety of forms, each of which has unique effects on the mind. This article lists some of the best cannabis strains for treating depression and some helpful tips.
Tips on Picking the Best Cannabis Strain for Depression
Consider the following factors when choosing a marijuana strain:
Every Strain Sample Is Different
While the marijuana strains mentioned in this article tested positive for certain terpenes, not all strain samples will provide the same findings. Although genetics influence the terpenes a plant can produce, environmental and growing factors significantly impact each sample.
As a result, testing findings from a plant cultivated in Toronto may differ from those produced in Santa Monica. Choosing lab-tested marijuana strains and understanding test findings interpretations will help you decide which marijuana strain is the right cannabis strain for you.
Experiment With Different Strains for Depression
Even though preclinical research provides a better understanding of which cannabis strains may be beneficial for depression, each person’s depression and brain chemistry is different.
Furthermore, each person has a unique chemical composition and reaction to the cannabinoids and terpenes in the cannabis plant. As a result, some trial and error are required to search for the best cannabis strains.
Keeping a cannabis strain journal and noting your reactions to the substances you consume can help you figure out what works best and what does not work for you. In addition, it’s a convenient method to keep track of how much you’re ingesting and how it affects your overall mood.
Dosage is Important
Finding the proper dosage is crucial for long-term depression relief using cannabis. Working with a cannabis-savvy professional can assist you in determining the safest and most effective dosage for your specific situation.
A modest amount of high-THC or high-CBD cannabis may be the optimal dosage for some. Others might need a lot more to maintain the positive effects.
No two people are the same, so finding the appropriate mix of active cannabinoids, terpenes, and dosing might take some time.
How to Use Marijuana for Depression Relief
There are many ways to use marijuana to supplement or substitute anxiety medications and antidepressants. First, it’s essential to find the best products for your needs, whether smoke-free or topical-based. Some standard methods include:
- Smoking – As the title suggests, smoking marijuana includes inhaling the smoke from a bong, pipe, or jointly made from high-quality marijuana flowers. Many people prefer smoking since the effects are instantaneous and can last between 20 minutes to four hours.
- Vaping marijuana – In this approach, the chemicals of marijuana are released in vapor form by heating marijuana oil, wax, or flower. As with smoking, the vapor is breathed, providing a comparable sensation to smoking which lasts between 20 minutes to four hours.
- Edibles – This approach includes ingesting marijuana-infused food, such as brownies or cookies to get the desired effects. Edibles are a terrific option for folks with a high tolerance who seek long-lasting effects.
- Transdermal Patches – A continuous supply of marijuana enters your system through transdermal patches applied directly to the skin. The benefits of transdermal patches begin to take action 15 minutes after application and persist for up to 72 hours after removal.
- Cannabis Concentrates – The higher concentration of cannabinoids in cannabis creates a more potent form of cannabis. Vape or dab the concentrate to ingest its cannabinoids. Concentrates have a quick onset and a short half-life of 2-4 hours.
- Oral Products – It’s possible to get the anti-depressive advantages of marijuana without smoking thanks to oral cannabis medicines, which are an excellent alternative for people who find it challenging to inhale weed. While oral products have a slower onset time, their impacts last longer than other methods (around 4-6 hours.)
What Cannabis Terpenes Are Good For Depression?
Natural molecules known as terpenes are responsible for the distinct aroma, flavor, and physiological effects of various marijuana strains. Additionally, there are multiple benefits for those with depression, depending on what they require.
For example, it is possible to employ terpenes to naturally improve sleep, provide pain relief, and relieve stress. So don’t overlook these small pointers if you’re looking for the ideal way to deal with sadness.
Terpenes that may be helpful for depression include:
- Limonene is the most potent terpene in marijuana for treating depression. Consistent usage has been shown to lower tension and anxiety and reduce depressive symptoms.
- Rosemary, pine needles, and black pepper all contain pinene. Many depressed or have difficulty concentrating find that it helps them be more attentive and focused on their goals while taking this supplement.
- The terpene linalool is present in lavender and rosewood oils. It is widely believed to have a relaxing impact on the mind and body, which can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Black pepper, cloves, oregano, cinnamon, and parsley contain terpene caryophyllene. It works by interacting with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor, which new studies show might aid with mood regulation.
What Kind of Marijuana Is Best for Stress, Depression, and Anxiety?
The following marijuana strains are most effective in alleviating the symptoms of stress and anxiety:
Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple, another marijuana strain for depression, is known for reviving your lost appetite and producing a sense of relaxation throughout your body. It acts quickly and leaves you feeling emotionally and physically relaxed and calm.
Furthermore, the flavor of this strain is best characterized as ‘candy,’ therefore, not only the mind but even the taste buds are having some fun. As a result, it is one of the most popular depression strains.
Its physical and mental effects provide a feeling of peace that clears your mind before lulling you into a long, peaceful sleep. It’s especially beneficial for people who have chronic pain, insomnia, or a loss of appetite.
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is good for those susceptible to THC-induced paranoia since it’s derived from industrial hemp. This CBD-dominant variety has a fascinating and motivating background too.
Charlotte Fig, a six-year-old with Dravet syndrome, was the inspiration for the Stanley Brothers’ creation of this breed in 2006. Fig used to have 300 seizures a month before the therapy, but she only has four now, partly thanks to cannabis’ properties.
Because of this, the strain’s moniker was coined by the general public. CBD and THC levels of 15-20% make it one of the most easy-going strains on the market.
XJ-13
XJ-13 is a THC-dominant strain that is well praised for its ability to lift one’s spirits immediately. Additionally, it boosts your ability to converse with others and develop new ideas.
XJ-13 has a serene, colorful vibe about it. It’s a bit of a difficult-to-find strain that helps with depression symptoms and allows the user to work and perform efficiently and creatively with a clear mind.
Lemon Haze
Lemon Haze contains a THC level of between 15% and 20%, whereas the CBD content is less than 1%. Therefore, you should expect uplifting and euphoric effects from this Sativa dominant strain.
In addition, due to the high concentration of limonene in Lemon Haze, the flavor and aroma are strongly reminiscent of lemon. For those suffering from depression, Lemon Haze is an excellent choice because of the strain’s stress-reducing and energizing characteristics.
Blackberry Kush
Blackberry Kush is an Indica strain with a calming and soothing effect, making it ideal for relaxing at the end of the day. It’s especially beneficial for people who have chronic pain or insomnia.
In addition, its calming effects make it an excellent choice for nighttime consumption, and it helps people experiencing stress-related symptoms like nervousness and anxiety.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights is one of the most iconic and aromatic buds in the history of medical cannabis. Numerous well-known hybrids are descendants of Northern Light – notably Super Silver Haze and Shiva Skunk.
When it comes to cannabis strains for depression, Northern Lights is one of the most popular options. It also possesses pain-relieving and uplifting qualities that relax the nervous system and are perfect for a good night’s sleep or a peaceful evening. It’s the ultimate remedy for depressed moods and difficult days.
Pineapple Express
This strain is well-known for its positive effects because of its association with the wildly popular comedy film of the same name. You can smoke Pineapple Express and go about your day without a hiccup, thanks to its stimulating effect.
It’s one of the excellent depression-fighting cannabis strains. Pineapple Express provides a subtle body numbing high, combined with creativity and talkativeness when you feel sluggish and unable to do much. This miraculous flower can take care of everything you’ve been dreading to do.
Laughing Buddha
The euphoric high associated with Laughing Buddha is linked to free-flowing conversations, deep relaxation, and productivity. It’s a well-balanced strain with a high that’s equal parts mental and physical.
There will be bursts of productivity, which will help you get things done. The physical relaxation that follows makes Laughing Buddha a perfect morning or evening strain.
OG Kush
In the early 1990s, this OG strain was initially grown in Florida and has become a worldwide sensation. You’ll get the OG Kush you’ve known and loved if you mix a Northern Californian strain with one from the Hindu Kush family.
The OG Kush strain has a mellow high that calms the body and mind, making it a potent antidepressant strain. When you’re feeling a little under the weather, This strain is beneficial on slow and sad days since you won’t be overthinking silly things.
Pennywise
No, we do not mean Pennywise, the clown, but a strain of cannabis that helps with depression.
Pennywise is a blend between Harlequin and Jack the Ripper, and it boasts a high CBD content. This makes it a pretty popular one in the medicinal marijuana field. In addition, many users report feeling more clear-minded and focused while using this strain, which beats anxiety, blues, and obsessive thinking.
So lookout for this one when you want to fight away the dark clouds.
Ringo’s Gift
If you’re looking for a potent high-CBD strain, Ringo Gift is a hybrid strain between Harle-Tsu and ACDC strains. There are several variations of this strain, ranging from “one-for-one” (equal amounts of CBD and THC) to “24:1 CBD/THC ratio.”
Regarding its psychoactive high, Ringo’s Gift offers a pleasant combination of mental clarity and physical relaxation, making it ideal for a productive workday free of a buzzing mind. Moreover, after taking the strain, users have reported a significant reduction in anxiety and stress.
Cinex
Cinex is a cross of Cinderella and Vortex that exhibits a well-balanced high. This strain may not be a good fit for anxious individuals since it has a high concentration of THC.
Cinex, regarded as one of the most excellent strains for depression, is essentially a ‘wake n bake’ strain that will rekindle your passion for activities you forgot you had loved. People who don’t want to get too high appreciate the flower’s impact and the creative stimulation that comes with it.
Cinex’s dominant limonene terpenes increase positive energy and naturally raise dopamine levels in the body.
Cannatonic
With a high concentration of CBD, Cannatonic is one of the most effective strains for treating depression. The cannatonic weed strain is ideal for those who don’t like the intoxicating effects of THC. You’ll feel less dizzy and more at the moment due to the euphoric high.
Using a 50/50 mix of Sativa and Indica, Cannatonic has the right combination of a mild cerebral buzz and increased energy levels to go through the day without feeling tired. In addition, some of the dominant terpenes, such as linalool, myrcene, and caryophyllene, assist in generating a natural mood-boosting effect and aid with depression.
Sour Kush
This strain combines two renowned strains, Blue Diesel (Sativa) and OG Kush (which we mentioned above). Its soothing and uplifting effects lead to an evening of laughter and joy. In addition, it increases the desire to eat, and a higher dose may even help insomniacs get a good night’s rest.
Remember to store it in an odor-proof container because you don’t want the pungent odor to get into your home.
Harlequin
This strain has a 2:5 ratio of THC to CBD, like Harlequin and Cannatonic. However, this strain has a greater CBD concentration than other strains, making it well-known for counteracting the anxiety-related effects of high THC.
The high CBD content has a calming and uplifting effect, but without the euphoric high that comes with THC. It’s also excellent for easing any form of physical pain. Harlequin’s terpenes include caryophyllene and myrcene, which give it a pleasant sensation without causing anxiety to intensify.
Jack Herer
Cannabis strains named after the renowned American novelist and crusader for the legalization of marijuana promise a mood-lifting euphoria and an energizing high to overcome depression’s gloom. Activists like Jack Herer campaigned tirelessly to make marijuana for depression a reality.
A ‘pick-me-up’ strain, Jack Herer is best consumed in the morning or when you’re feeling low.
Fresh pine and wood aromas make it pleasant enough to elicit positive feelings. The cerebral and physical effects of the high are well-balanced, resulting in a more attentive and communicative mind and a relaxed physical state. This strain has won nine Cannabis Cups. It’s hard to beat energy and motivation when it comes to energy and motivation.
Find Relief With Cannabis
As previously stated, Indica and Sativa strains may be beneficial in managing anxiety. Please consult an appointment with your doctor to experiment with the strains under the guidance of a certified medical professional.
When picking the ideal strain, keep your desired results and THC to CBD ratio in mind. In addition to antidepressants and anxiety relief, you can reap the other benefits of CBD, so check out our CBD products and see for yourself.
Got any questions about cannabis? You can find answers on Fusion’s Answers website, where you can interact with a knowledgeable member of our community who will reply to your questions.
