Anxiety is a condition that affects millions of individuals around the world. Unfortunately, many of the common treatment options such as SSRIs and Benzodiazepines come with a barrage of dangerous and potentially fatal side effects. There is one natural treatment though that may offer substantial relief for those suffering from various anxiety-related conditions. That natural option is none other than cannabis.
Examples of Anxiety-Related Disorders
- Panic Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
What to Consider When Choosing Cannabis to Treat Anxiety
One of the most important things to remember when treating any condition with cannabis is that cannabis and the various strains it is available in effect individuals differently. This means what works great for one person with anxiety may not work well for someone else. The second thing to consider is that there are three basic varieties of cannabis (Indicas, Sativas, and Hybrids) that all tend to provide different effects.
- Indica varieties of cannabis are commonly known for providing a relaxing and sedating effect throughout the body.
- Sativas tend to offer effects that are uplifting and cerebral.
- Hybrids offer a delicate balance of effects from both Sativa and Indica lineages but can have effects that dominate either Sativa or Indica depending on their parent lineage.
Considering this many recommend that those suffering from anxiety avoid Sativa dominant strains as they tend to increase anxiety rather than reduce it. However, seeing how cannabis effects everyone differently this isn’t the case for everyone. This is where it is important to keep track of the various strains you consume and the effects that they produce for you specifically.
Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and the Balance That Must be Found
Aside from the type of cannabis being consumed two other major aspects of a cannabis strains’ genetics that must be taken into consideration include the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of the specific strains being utilized. High THC and high CBD strains are both available on the market today, however, many find that strains with a wide range of cannabinoids tend to work most effectively thanks to the Entourage Effect.
Terpenes that are found in various plants, fruits and vegetables are also a primary component of cannabis strains. Each terpene also offers specific effects and benefits that may be useful for those wishing to utilize cannabis for relief from anxiety.
- Linalool is a terpene commonly found in lavender as well as cannabis that offers relaxing and sedative effects desired by many individuals who suffer from anxiety.
- Myrcene (beta-myrcene) is a monoterpene that is believed to provide both sedative and anti-inflammatory effects which can be very beneficial to anxiety sufferers.
- Alpha-Pinene is another terpene that is believed to help reduce anxiety. Not only can you find it in pine trees and other conifers, but it is also abundant in many cannabis strains.
Strains of Fame Among Anxiety Sufferers
While everyone is different, there are a few strains that many anxiety patients continuously recommend to others with success. You can find a few listed below.
- Blueberry Cheesecake – A strain rich in beta-caryophyllene and myrcene.
- Bubba Kush – A high THC strain potent with myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, Linalool, alpha-pinene, and many other terpenes.
- Cannatonic – A high-CBD strain high in myrcene as well as notable amounts of linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-pinene.
- Harlequin – A high CBD strain that contains a consistently high concentration of myrcene.
- Remedy – A high-CBD strain with notable amounts of myrcene, alpha-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.
- White Widow – A strain known for its’ euphoric effect and rich in myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and alpha-pinene.
