“I’m looking to start using cannabis for my anxiety, but I’m not sure which strain is best.”
Samuel R.
Indica, Hybrid, and Sativa are all great categories of cannabis with varying purposes. These names are scattered all around the cannabis world, so chances are you’ve heard of them. With that being said, understanding the differences between the three and their strengths can sometimes be challenging. If you find yourself unsure of what these terms mean, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Understanding the differences between Indica, Hybrid, and Sativa can help you navigate the many different strains of cannabis and the varying effects each produces.
Indica is traditionally recommended for nighttime use, as its sedative and sleepy effects can leave you feeling tired and ready for bed. With that being said, some people find Indica to be relaxing during the day as well. Indica is most known for its “body high” and is typically helpful with anxiety, chronic pain, chronic tension, and sleep disorders.
Sativa strains are far from a sedative; therefore, they are usually recommended for daytime use as Sativa is energizing and tends to have noticeable effects on mental activity. Sativa can promote focus and creativity or sometimes leave your mind hazy depending on the strain. Like Indica, Sativa provides relief from pain and anxiety but can also be the source of anxiety for users who are extra sensitive to Sativa’s effects.
Hybrid strains usually apply to marijuana strains that have characteristics of both Indica and Sativa. This means that Hybrid strains can vary more dramatically because of all the possible combinations of characteristics. Many Hybrids have a grounding effect, neither sedative nor energetic, but instead helps maintain balanced energy. For these reasons, Hybrids are an excellent choice for either daytime or nighttime use. Those who use Hybrids generally prefer them for pain and anxiety relief as well as for flexibility between day and nighttime use.
John S.
There really isn’t one strain that is better than the other as Indica, Hybrid, and Sativa all have calming properties that can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Every user will have a different reaction to varying strains. You know your body better than anyone else and what works best to treat your anxiety is up to you.
Choosing the best strain for your individual anxiety needs depends on what kind of treatment you’re looking for. If you’re looking to be relaxed, a Sativa dominant strain with high levels of CBD and lower levels of THC is highly recommended. A great example is ACDC, which has a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio. ACDC is highly effective at reducing anxiety, with little to no psychoactivity due to its high ratio of CBD to THC. Users have reported feeling relaxed and happy when they consume this strain. You can consume ACDC through smoking flower, teas, capsules, or tinctures and this strain is common and available at most dispensaries.
If you’re looking for a hybrid strain, Canna-Tsu is a mix of Cannatonic and Sour Tsunami and is known for its higher levels of CBD. That said, it has a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC. Canna-Tsu is said to produce calming effects and mental clarity and has been shown to be very effective in reducing anxiety levels. An added bonus of this strain is its anti-inflammatory benefits. Canna-Tsu can be used at any time of the day as its balanced ratio won’t make you too tired or too wired.
For those who have experimented with reducing anxiety through cannabis and have found that their needs are met through Indica strains, Haoma is a great option. Haoma is a 70% Indica strain that has calming and stress-relieving effects. It is typically found at a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC; this means some may experience psychoactive effects as these effects are common with Indica use. Haoma is very effective at reducing anxiety due to its high CBD levels. While this strain will leave you with calming effects, it is unlikely to knock you out; therefore, Haoma is another excellent option for daytime use.
Paul A.
