Over 50 million Americans report some form of mental illness every year. Ranging from stress to panic attacks to severe forms of depression, mental illness dramatically alters your day-to-day experience.
In this post, we’re going to explore the best cannabis strains to combat mental illness and learn a bit about why they are helpful.
Whether you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, OCD, or ADHD, cannabis may offer you the relief you’re searching for. Here’s how.
What Are Cannabinoids & How Do They Help with Mental Health
Cannabinoids are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Still, they can also be found within the human body and other plants and animals. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD.
THC is associated with the psychoactive components of cannabis. At the same time, CBD is considered non-psychoactive and doesn’t produce the general ‘high’ feeling.
Cannabinoids have many benefits relating to our body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Some of those benefits include:
- Pain Relief
- Nausea Reduction
- Appetite Stimulation
- Anxiety Reduction
- Insomnia Relief
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- Epilepsy Management
It’s important to remember that research is ongoing regarding these benefits. Still, some promising data is emerging about cannabinoids in each of these areas.
It’s important to note that cannabinoids, particularly THC, can have biphasic effects. This means that low and moderate doses may produce the desired results, while higher doses can produce the opposite effect. For instance, low doses of THC may be effective in reducing anxiety, but high doses can actually increase anxiety. Research is ongoing to determine the exact mechanisms behind these biphasic effects.
But what about mental health, specifically?
The cannabinoids in cannabis have the potential to reduce symptoms associated with specific mental health disorders.
One specific study looked at the effects of THC and CBD and how they both may have potential efficacy in treating depression and anxiety specifically.
Interestingly, the study shows that nearly two-thirds of patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders decreased their use of medications for their anxiety when they substituted it with medical cannabis.
In fact, one of the reasons that patients turn to medical marijuana and their cannabinoids is because their first-line of therapeutic medication has failed them in some way.
But not all cannabis is created equal. Specific strains produce specific results for patients.
Below, we’re going to examine the best strains for anxiety, the best strains for depression, and the best strains for ADHD/OCD symptoms.
Remember that these recommendations are based on how users report the effects of each strain. They are not medical recommendations or suggestions. Please consult with your doctor to decide which strain provides the best relief for you.
Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety
Snoop Dogg OG–High potency of over 28%, Indica strain, a Lemon OG x Sour Diesel cross-strain. Great strain for reducing anxiety and uplifting your mood.
Blue Dream–High potency of around 18% THC with a low CBD concentration. This strain produces a balanced high along with total body relaxation.
OG Kush–This original hybrid strain is somewhat high in THC, but its combination of lemon terpenes makes it a relaxing experience for newbies and veteran cannabis users alike.
How They Help
When choosing a strain for anxiety, look for varieties high in terpenes like limonene, linalool, and myrcene, and a CBD to THC ratio of 1:1 or even higher may be beneficial. These terpenes promote relaxation and anxiety relief. Remember, start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the amount that effectively reduces your anxiety without causing any unwanted side effects.
Best Cannabis Strains for Depression
Jack Herer–This strain is described as energetic, uplifting, and creative. It is a 55% sativa hybrid. It is a spicy, pine-scented cannabis blend. Its THC concentration is usually between 15% to 24%.
Cherry Punch–This hybrid blend is approximately 22% THC and 1% CBG. Fruity with a hint of skunk, this blend is both relaxing and uplifting.
Cinex—Another hybrid, Cinex has a sweet lemon and earthy skunk flavor and a 17% THC concentration. It’s an ideal strain for improving mood.
How They Help
The best cannabis strains for depression have terpene profiles that include beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and linalool in higher concentrations.
A blend of both CBD and THC is also important for the best mood-uplifting effects. Insomnia is one of the most challenging depression symptoms to manage, and CBD is thought to relieve it.
On the other hand, Sativa strains will give you the energizing benefits you may need to get out of bed in the morning, so don’t overlook them.
Look for strains with a balance of CBD and THC or even a CBD-dominant strain. The terpenes mentioned earlier can be helpful for mood improvement. Remember, it’s important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as everyone reacts differently to THC.
Best Cannabis Strains for OCD & ADHD
Sour Diesel –This famous strain helps your mind stay focused yet nimble. It has a THC concentration of 19% and is widely loved for its dreamy, cerebral, and energizing properties.
Harle-Tsu–This cannabis strain is an excellent option if you want to remain focused without the intoxicating effects of THC. It contains 11% CBD with near undetectable levels of THC.
True OG–When you need to focus, not speed up your mind, True OG is an excellent option. Coming in with a 21% THC and a 1% CBG concentration, this potent blend is likely to give you a focused high.
How They Help
These blends are high in several terpenes, including a-pinene, limonene, and myrcene.
Each of these terpenes works with the concentration of THC and CBD to help you stay focused and reduce brain fog.
For OCD sufferers, anxiety relief is the name of the game. At the same time, people struggling with ADHD need strains that release higher levels of dopamine.
Keep in mind that every brain is different, and while some people living with ADHD find THC-dominant strains more focused, others find them to be distracting. Start with lower dosages and work up to find the sweet spot for your symptoms.
Cannabis instead of Pharmaceuticals?
First, we do not recommend you stop taking any medication your doctor or therapist prescribes. However, what we do know is that pharmaceuticals are starting to take a backseat to medical cannabis.
There are already FDA-approved drugs made with THC and CBD. One survey showed that40% of people stopped taking their prescriptions when they started using cannabis. Why?
The motivation often comes down to the adverse side effects of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, such as:
- Headaches
- Weight Gain
- Nausea
- Decreased alertness
- Decreased libido
- Drowsiness
- Risk of Addiction (anti-anxiety meds)
- Indigestion
- Lack of relief
It’s crucial to remember that cannabis is not a cure-all. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of cannabis use. Additionally, edibles can have a much stronger and longer-lasting effect than inhaled cannabis. Due to the biphasic effects of THC, it’s especially important to start low and go slow with edibles. Edibles can take up to two hours to take effect, so waiting before consuming more is essential to avoid unwanted side effects.
Which is The Best Cannabis Strain For You?
If you’re interested in learning more about which strains may help reduce your anxiety, depression, or OCD/ADHD symptoms, we urge you to see us in person.
Our dispensary has knowledgeable and helpful staff members who want you to get the most out of your cannabis experience and help you select the best cannabis strain.
We look forward to seeing you at Blue Oak Dispensary soon!
