As part of managing anxiety and depression, finding the appropriate cannabis strain with mood-boosting properties may be useful. Tracking your experience with various strains is key in finding which ones work for you as well as the dosage that meets your unique needs – keeping a strain journal may also prove useful here. Working with cannabis-savvy professionals may also help find an optimum dose that meets these criteria.
At present, it has been demonstrated that many strains are effective at alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms, including both indicas and sativas, hybrids that lean more towards indica, and hybrids derived from either. It should be noted, however, that not all strains will provide equal results; so trial-and-error may be required in order to find your perfect match.
Strains with high CBD contents are particularly helpful for managing depression and anxiety, as they offer a calming effect without psychoactive side effects of THC. Popular examples of such strains are XJ-13, Lemon Haze, Strawberry Banana and Harlequin – among the top-rated ones among this category.
Sativa strains tend to be better for depression than indicas as they have an energizing effect that can help you move and boost your spirits. The presence of terpenes such as limonene, pinene and linalool contribute to these strains’ uplifting benefits.
Furthermore, these stimulating strains may help you rediscover a passion or hobby that had fallen away over time. For instance, Strawberry Banana (an indica strain created from crossing Banana Kush and Bubble Gum) will leave you feeling refreshed while its fruity aroma may make finding motivation to become active easier.
Blue Dream, Pineapple Express and Girl Scout Cookies are among other sativa strains that may help combat depression. While the former two strains can enhance happiness and promote feelings of euphoria, while Girl Scout Cookies is best known for relieving stress while alleviating nausea and appetite loss. Furthermore, its terpenes – myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene – promote relaxation while simultaneously keeping focus and remaining alert.