Everyone experiences anxiety differently—thankfully, there are many different types of cannabis strains to match this diversity of anxiety symptoms. Whether you’re looking to alleviate PTSD, OCD, or generalized anxiety disorder, there is likely a strain that can help.
Before using cannabis to take the edge off anxiety, it’s worth first familiarizing yourself with the different types of strains available to determine which sounds best for you.
THC vs CBD strains for anxiety
- THC strains are the most common. They produce the euphoric high associated with cannabis. While some find THC’s intoxicating effects to be relaxing, others may be sensitive to them and find that they actually worsen anxiety.
- CBD strains are less common, but they’re highly recommended for anxiety relief—especially if you’re new to cannabis or seeking little to no euphoric high.
After determining whether you prefer THC, CBD, or a mix of the two, you can take your strain search to the next level by exploring different terpenes—the aromatic compounds in cannabis that imbue each strain with its unique scent and possibly, to some extent, effects.
What to keep in mind when trying marijuana strains for anxiety
As you go through this list and experiment with different strains, take note of which cannabinoids (shapes) and terpenes (colors) your body gravitates towards for anxiety relief. That will make it easier to identify the types of strains you should (or shouldn’t) try going forward.
And last of all, we encourage you to keep your doctor in the loop if you choose to use cannabis therapeutically, especially if there are treatment or medication interactions to consider.
Best weed strains for anxiety
ACDC
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
Cannabinoid profile: CBD-dominant
CBD takes the wheel with ACDC, guiding you toward a calm and centered headspace without that strong cannabis high. Find space to relax and breathe and as you inhale and exhale the soothing gifts ACDC has to offer.
Granddaddy Purple
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant
Granddaddy Purple eases you into a peaceful mindset while urging your body to release all that stress and tension. Sink in and let a blissful mindset take over.
Jack Herer
Primary terpenes: Terpinolene, caryophyllene, pinene
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant
If you can’t seem to find a positive vibe in any corner of your mind, consider Jack Herer, a strain with warm, bright effects that can help illuminate your happy place. Many find that Jack Herer provides a mood adjustment without taxing your much-needed physical energy, making it a worthy consideration if anxiety strikes early in the day.
Canna-Tsu
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
Cannabinoid profile: Balanced THC/CBD
Not everyone wants to get stoned out of their gourd every time their anxiety symptoms flare up. Luckily, there are strains like Canna-Tsu that offer gentle effects that are easier to manage. Find that peaceful mindset without the worry of overdoing it with too much THC.
Jillybean
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant
Jillybean manages to walk the fine line between energizing and calming, giving you a sense of balance in your day. Inhale the sweet taste of citrus and breathe out all that tension in your body.
Remedy
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
Cannabinoid profile: CBD-dominant
Remedy is a no-frills cannabis strain with one purpose: to walk you calmly through your anxiety toward a more peaceful mindset. A few puffs of this aptly named CBD strain can help you reach a sense of lightness in your mind as the burden of worry lifts.
Purple Urkle
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant
Your head’s resting on the pillow, but inside, thoughts won’t stop bouncing around. Enter Purple Urkle, a pacifying strain that can soften anxiety while guiding you into restful sleep.
