Indica vs Sativa: The 7 Best Strains For Anxiety

best strains for anxiety

The Difference between Indica Vs Sativa For Anxiety

Are you looking for the best cannabis strains for anxiety? 

Treating anxiety with cannabinoids can help ease nerves and put you in a better state of mind.

Cannabis has a well-deserved reputation for helping people cope with stress and anxiety.  

Every strain of cannabis has different effects. While some types of cannabis strains might make you feel uplifted, others can help with relaxation and even put you to sleep.

According to the National Institute of Health, more than 18 million people in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders.

Many others are affected by anxiety and stress on a more minor level that interferes with the quality of their daily life.

Trying different cannabis strains can help you find what works best for your needs.

For example, indica strains tend to be more calming, while sativa strains are more stimulating.

Here’s a rundown on the differences between indica and sativa varieties of cannabis, along with the best strains for anxiety, panic attacks, depression, stress, and other mood disorders.

Which are the best marijuana strains for anxiety?

For anxiety relief, marijuana can be a lifesaver for some people. 

Unlike prescription drugs and other medicines, cannabis can provide a natural and non-habit-forming anxiety treatment with minimal side effects.

For new cannabis users looking to find the best strains for anxiety, the wide variety of medical marijuana strains available can be daunting.

So if you have anxiety, which strain should you choose?

It depends on which symptoms you’re experiencing, and your anxiety levels. 

For example, if you have trouble sleeping but aren’t feeling depressed or exhausted, low doses of an Indica strain may be best for you because it will help relieve your anxiety while putting you to sleep. 

If your anxiety causes you to be paranoid or you experience racing thoughts, a Sativa may be the right strain choice because it’s known to slow down racing thoughts.

Nevertheless, the best strains for anxiety are high CBD, low THC strains of cannabis. 

High CBD strains like ACDC and Harlequin have a sedative effect, making them an excellent choice for relaxation and anxiety reduction. 

If you have trouble sleeping at night due to racing thoughts, a hybrid high in both CBD and THC like Cannatonic or White Widow will get you to sleep fast. 

That’s because these compounds work together synergistically, a phenomenon called the ‘entourage effect‘.

What Are Indica Strains?

Indicas are typically known to cause a feeling of being relaxed and calm and reduce anxiety symptoms. 

They have physically sedative properties, almost like a body high, rather than a high feeling.

The effects are often felt in the upper body and head, causing relaxation or sleepiness. 

Indica plants typically have a higher CBD ratio than the other species, which means the effects will be more soothing and relaxing. 

Indica is also used to relieve;

  • Muscle Spasms
  • Chronic Pain
  • Nausea
  • Lack of Appetite

As everything is being crossbred nowadays and there are so many new strains, pure indicas are becoming increasingly rare as growers mix genetics to create a unique variety of cannabis for maximum medical benefits.

Overall, Indica-dominant strains are great for nighttime use because they’re likely to put you to sleep (though it depends on the individual).

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Best Indica strains for anxiety

1. Northern Lights

The most well-known strain for anxiety is probably Northern Lights. 

This strain has a very balanced ratio of CBD and THC, making it one of the most effective at combating symptoms of anxiety. 

Northern Lights was originally bred in Holland, but its genetics are the basis for many modern hybrids.

The terpene profile expressed by Northern Lights plants gives off an herbal, peppery citrus scent. 

This strain is excellent if you’re looking to relieve stress and muscle tension as well as difficulty sleeping.

2. Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy purple is an indica-dominant strain that has a sweet, fruity taste.

The strain can be identified by its purple leaves and dark purple color. 

Granddaddy purple, or GDP for short, is often used to treat pain and insomnia.

Its heavy sedative effect paired with an intense body high makes it the perfect night-time strain. 

Granddaddy purple is also popular among recreational users because it causes a blissful and long-lasting body high that will leave the user with a relaxed, euphoric feeling.

Granddaddy purple, or GDP for short, is often used to treat pain and insomnia. It's heavy sedative effect paired with an intense body high makes it the perfect night-time strain. 

This strain is most commonly used for; 

If you’re looking for a mood boost, this strain will do just the trick. 

Be careful not to overindulge as this strain can put you on ‘da couch‘, (also known as couch lock), or lead to drowsiness. 

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3. Bubba Kush

This is a cross between the celebrity Kush varieties and Bubba, a phenotype that originates from the Hindu Kush mountain range in Southeast Asia. 

The Hindu Kush region is one of the most mountainous areas globally, making it an ideal habitat for growing cannabis. 

This strain is one of the purest Indica landrace strains, so this strain has sativa genetics introduced during hybridization.

Its effects are solid and robust while also being quite long-lasting. The high THC content of this bud means that it effectively treats;

Sativa Strains

Sativa-dominant strains are known to produce more of an energetic high, though some can be quite relaxing as well. 

Sativas also tend to have more cerebral psychoactive effects, meaning they’re more likely to stimulate creativity rather than make you sleepy. 

These strains can make you feel uplifted and happy without making you tired at all. 

Many people find that sativas help them stay focused or even increase their energy levels.

They’re great daytime strains because they cause a head high without making you feel lethargic.

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Best Sativa strains for anxiety

1. Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is one of the best strains for anxiety due to its robust and invigorating buzz that typically lasts for 2-6 hours. 

Tasty and smooth, Sour Diesel is a favorite among patients looking for pain relief without feeling sluggish or tired.

Pain relief from Sour Diesel is not instantaneous but usually comes on within 30 minutes to an hour. 

The increased focus and mental clarity make this strain a favorite among patients who have;

  • ADD/ADHD
  • Migraines
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression

Sour Diesel is also known for its ability to amplify creativity. 

Many artists and musicians have reported that Sour Diesel helps them access their ‘zone’ so they can be more productive with their work.

2. Lemon Haze

Lemon Haze is among the popular strains for anxiety due to its energizing euphoric effect. 

The high from this sativa-dominant strain is both energetic and clear-headed. 

You’ll feel motivated to tackle projects head-on. 

The mood boost you get from Lemon Haze makes it an excellent choice for relieving stress and anxiety. 

This strain’s high is also known to make social situations more manageable. 

Those who suffer from social anxiety might want to give Lemon Haze a try if they’re looking for a low-stress way to manage symptoms of anxiety during a party or event.

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3. Jack Herer

Famous for its ‘clear-headed’ and ‘focused’ effects, Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant hybrid known for its creativity-inducing and energetic effects. 

Named after the cannabis activist and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes, Jack Herer has a unique flavor profile that includes notes of pine and fuel with sweet undertones. 

Thanks to its high levels of THC, this strain is known for its ability to relieve;

4. Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain created through a cross of Blueberry X Haze. 

Its aroma is an intoxicating blend of blueberry and cheese, while its flavor carries sweet hints of blueberry, chocolate and earthy undertones. 

The effects are typical of a sativa, providing cerebral stimulation that helps lift mood and increase focus.

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Hybrid strains

Like any other plant, marijuana has been developed by growers who cross strains to achieve specific characteristics. 

The breeding process led to hybrid strains that were much higher-yielding, easier to grow, and had more medicinal properties than any particular strain could offer. 

So, you could say modern cannabis has become a hybrid of indica, sativa and ruderalis genetics.

Conclusion

In the end, finding the best option is all about what’s right for you. 

As you can see, there are a variety of cannabis products to consider, including medical cannabis strains that are high in CBD, high in THC, and mixed. 

If there is one takeaway from this guide on the best strains for anxiety, maybe it’s this: many different strains of cannabis can help almost anyone find relief from anxiety. 

Whether you want to unwind after a stressful day or deal with social anxiety before going out for the night, cannabis may be the best way to help you feel more relaxed—and that’s something that everyone deserves.