Given the growing body of evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, it’s no wonder that a lot of people prefer self-medication with cannabis over taking prescription drugs when it comes to treating depression. Recent studies indicate that there is a strong link between depression and the human endocannabinoid system, which would explain why a depressive stance has been associated with neurological disorders for so long.
As opposed to pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by doctors on a regular basis, the once-infamous cannabis plant proves directly effective in terms of treating depression, whereas prescription drugs only mask the problem, let alone that they leave patients with severe side effects.
Certain marijuana strains can energize you, uplift your mood and stir your appetite, all of which are systematically ravaged by anxiety and depression. Patients suffering from this particularly gruesome disorder also have problems falling asleep, not to mention that they are constantly exposed to stress. Living your life this way is anything but pleasant, isn’t it?
In fact, depression is one of the most common mental disorders in Canada, affecting 5.4% of the Canadian population aged 15 years and over in any given year. The scale of this problem, combined with the poor effects provided by prescription drugs, has made many people seek a more accurate alternative.
So how exactly can cannabis combat anxiety? What are the best weed strains for depression? What are the contraindications for using marijuana when struggling with mental health conditions? Read on and get the answer to all these questions.
How Can Certain Marijuana Strains Combat Depression?
To begin with, we should shed some light on the two most common compounds found in the cannabis plant – Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol.
Speaking of THC, this cannabinoid is responsible for giving you a euphoric high. Nevertheless, there’s more to THC than meets the eye. This psychoactive compound, as recent studies suggest, is capable of treating brain cancer even in its most severe stage. Furthermore, it stimulates appetite, provides a user with the feeling of relaxation, and significantly improves mood. However, by interacting with the amygdala, high doses of THC may backfire, leading to feelings of anxiety. That being said, if you can refrain from taking THC-potent cannabis, and instead look for marijuana strains with the right balance of Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol, it’s all the better.
CBD, on the other hand, has started the worldwide revolution for medical marijuana thanks to its outstanding potential for fighting severe epilepsy in children. Being on everyone’s tongue right now, this cannabinoid doesn’t seem to stop surprising researchers with its versatility.
First and foremost, cannabidiol is legal in many countries – including Canada – and medical marijuana users are utilizing its powerful strains for treating epilepsy, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, nicotine and opioid addiction, chronic pain, inflammation, and much more. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive; simply put, it won’t make you high. In fact, CBD counteracts the effects of THC, so all other benefits aside, Cannabidiol may help you get rid of anxiety when you get too stoned.
When tackling depression, you should be aware that the problem is very complex; therefore, there is no magic pill that can defeat the demon inside you. If you decide to use your medical marijuana card for combating this mental condition, make sure you explore and select the best weed strains for depression.
What is The Best Weed For Depression?
Among the myriad marijuana strains available on the market, there are certain specimens that can alleviate depressive stances. Below, you’ll find the best marijuana strains for combating depression.
Harlequinn
Harlequinn is one of those marijuana strains that come in handy for fighting depression. It’s a high-CBD strain that holds a 5:2 ratio of CBD to THC. Although it’s unlikely that you get a psychoactive high after consuming Harlequin, you may expect a soothing, upbeat kind of mood.
When choosing the Harlequin marijuana strain for depression, you’ll be more than happy to explore its potential during the workday. Being invaluable for daytime relief, Harlequinn will burst your energy levels and enhance your mood so that you can warm up and complete your duties.
Jack Herer
When a marijuana strain is named after the Emperor of Hemp, it must be exceptional. And so it is – Jack Herer appears to be one of the best marijuana strains for fighting depression. This Sativa-dominant strain with a THC content of around 17 and 24 percent promotes well-being and positive mood, stirs your creativity and gets you uplifted. Jack Herer is renowned for its ability to inspire people, which makes it an ideal choice for musicians, writers, painters, and other professionals who seek inspiration in thick clouds of smoke. On top of that, Jack Herer’s ability to boost mood makes it a perfect marijuana strain for fighting depression. Use it and watch the big sad dog drift away.
Northern Lights
Human beings are not accustomed to constant stress and pressure. As a matter of fact, stress is one of the most common symptoms of serious diseases, such as cancer, heart conditions, and chronic exhaustion. The last condition entails insomnia, and as we all know, nothing provides better and deeper sleep than a good indica. When exploring various indica specimens, it may be hard to spot the best marijuana strain for treating both depression and insomnia. Fortunately, this is when Northern Lights step into the game.
Northern Lights, an Indica-dominant strain, allows you to experience full-body relaxation combined with a soothing feeling for the mind. Moreover, the moment you close your eyes and listen to some ambient music, you’re going to enjoy the best lazy moments of your life. When vaporized, Northern Lights strain erases each burdensome thought in the blink of an eye. If you can’t visualize this feeling yet, let me give you a hand. It’s believed that men have this secret drawer inside their brains, and that drawer is only filled with a void. No unnecessary thoughts, no melancholy, no stress – nothing. When you smoke Northern Lights, even if you’re a woman, you’ll soon discover the beauty of suddenly having this magic drawer inside your mind. It goes without saying that falling asleep is much easier when nothing bothers us, so if you want to finally put up with sleepless nights, it’s time to head north.
ACDC
Maintaining a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio, ACDC is another legendary marijuana strain for treating depression. The impressive levels of cannabidiol can reach up to as much as 19%. On the other hand, THC has been tested to be as low as 0.2%.
The domination of CBD over THC means that you won’t experience any psychoactive effects after consuming this marijuana strain, which makes it great for combating depression and anxiety. In fact, ACDC is commonly used to treat such disorders as anxiety, chronic stress, PTSD, and panic attacks, not to mention that its ability to cure/prevent cancers, multiple sclerosis, and seizures, has been studied extensively and is now well-known to the world of medical cannabis.
If you’re not keen on smoking marijuana, this strain can be used for cannabis juicing and for brewing tea, which makes it a perfect choice for people who fancy earthy aroma and a tinge of sweetness in their drinks. Note that ACDC can cause the feeling of cottonmouth and dry eyes, so remember to always carry a bottle of water.
Chiesel
According to the opinions of some strain hunters, Chiesel is the result of a strange experiment between Big Buddha Cheese and NYC Diesel. Although it’s a Sativa-dominant flower, it still has a nice indica chunk inside, which provides a user with the right balance of energetic happiness and a clear-headed vibe. Last but not least, Chiesel may be one of the top picks when it comes to choosing the best marijuana strain for depression. Use it wisely and stay focused throughout the day to keep the dark thoughts at a safe distance.
OG Kush
Sometimes we need a strong kick in the back in order to rise from the blues. Even cannabis rookies recognize OG Kush, as it’s one of the strongest and most famous marijuana strains in history. When under the effects of OG Kush, you may expect an incredibly euphoric high. In other words, this is your happy-go-lucky kind of strain, so you’ll be kept in a pleasant mood for longer than you can expect.
Be careful, though, as OG Kush comes with some of the highest THC levels among all marijuana strains used for depression. With that said, you should keep in mind that it may not be the best choice for novices. The reason I’m saying this is that – as mentioned before – too much THC can trigger anxiety and make you feel dizzy or insecure. Save it for the afternoon and evening when there are no duties ahead of you.
CBD Shark
Much has been said about the best marijuana strains for alleviating depression during the daytime, but what about good sleep and proper relaxation after a busy time?
CBD Shark is the 80% Indica dominant strain with a 50:50 ratio of CBD to THC. This marijuana strain is a game-changer during the depression, due to its ability to produce a clear-minded, euphoric, and soothing high.
You’ll find it exceptionally useful for maintaining your physical shape, too. Because CBD Shark promotes general well-being, reduces pain, and inflammation, and enhances sleepiness, it also bolsters your immune system and ensures better regeneration overnight.
Too much of CBD Shark can cause dry mouth, dry eyes, and dizziness, so if you go overboard with this marijuana strain, counter it with a more CBD-potent bud or embrace the art of micro-dosing cannabis.
CBD Critical Cure
Bred by the revered Barney’s Farm Seeds, CBD Critical Cure does wonders to patients who suffer from depression and, at the same time, react negatively to high-THC strains. Given that this is an Indica-dominant strain, consuming its buds tastes like a deep breath of fresh air by the lakeside.
Why is CBD Critical Cure one of the best marijuana strains for depression? Mainly thanks to its 2:1 ratio of CBD to THC. Most of the time, CBD Critical Cure features up to 11% of CBD and not more than 5% THC. Such a combination allows a user to experience slightly noticeable psychoactive effects, with a soothing feeling of calmness and no risk of triggering anxiety.
Is There THE Best Marijuana Strain for Fighting Depression?
The answer is: no, there is no single best marijuana strain that would deal with this condition. There are plenty of factors that determine the usability of each cannabis specimen.
First and foremost, it all depends on the time you want to consume marijuana. If you feel like nothing good is going to happen from the very beginning of the day, a good Sativa with a reasonable ratio of CBD to THC should do the trick. However, keep in mind that when facing a day full of work, the levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol should not breach the critical border. Otherwise, the strain will make you feel anxious and insecure, leaving you with even more burdens on your mind.
This brings us to the second-most important aspect of using marijuana strains for fighting depression. It’s very easy to get too stoned with cannabis – especially if you’re a beginner – so it’s best to have a high-CBD strain close to you. This way, you will counter the effects of THC and the calmness should return within a couple of minutes.
On the other hand, Sativa strains are not particularly recommended for night use, and since depression is followed by insomnia, you’ll certainly need a good Indica. Indica strains are known for their ability to provide the body with relaxation; therefore, it improves the quality of our sleep, which is crucial in terms of ensuring proper regeneration.
To wrap it all up, I have one more piece of advice for you: visit your trusted therapist and tell him or her about your problem. Getting professional support will help you understand your condition from a broader perspective, and if you’re lucky enough to have a weed-friendly doctor, it’s all the better. Together, you will work it out and pick some of the best marijuana strains for fighting depression.
