Many people battle with stress and anxiety these days because of today’s fast-paced life and a range of expectations they have to deal with on a regular basis.
Some of them use the term “anxiety” to describe the stress and pressure they’re being put under. However, anxiety is a bit more complex than that.
As a medical condition, anxiety is hard to explain, and it may be challenging to distinguish between just feeling worried or constantly anxious.
This article will help you understand what exactly anxiety is and how to battle the condition with some of the top-shelf sativa strains.
Here we go!
What is Anxiety?
According to recent data, more and more people suffer from some type of anxiety lately, and the condition scores the number one mental health issue in North America.
Anxiety affects people of all ages, living different lifestyles. From corporate employees to college students, we can observe an increasing number of people suffering from anxiety and seeking medical treatment.
But what exactly is anxiety?
The term relates to a set of various feelings and states of mind, such as a feeling of nervousness, worry, unease or apprehension. We can divide anxiety into the following subcategories:
- GAD (general anxiety disorder)
- Major depressive disorder
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- panic disorder
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- phobic disorders
- separation anxiety disorder
- social anxiety disorder
General anxiety disorder, in short GAD, is one of the most common conditions, as it affects around 5% of Americans. In general, women are more likely to suffer from anxiety, but men, on the other hand, are more exposed to PTSD.
Anxiety and Marijuana
Usually, people don’t think of marijuana as a remedy for anxiety, as the pot is known to cause paranoia or anxiety when consumed in higher doses. However, using weed responsibly can allow you to achieve the opposite effect, helping you relieve stress and anxiety.
Keep in mind that cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, can affect people in various ways and provide different effects, as it all depends on your organism.
Generally, cannabis strains rich in CBD usually reduce levels of anxiety. On the other hand, some people claim THC helps them with stress and anxiety because it provides psychoactive effects that relieve tension and stress.
Since the subject is yet to be researched thoroughly, it’s best to test the effects of weed on yourself, as it all boils down to the right dosing and balance.
Also, consider consulting with your marijuana doctor as the THC/CBD relationship is a complex one. A professional with, at least, some experience in the cannabinoids field can help you figure out the best strategy for your marijuana dosing to avoid getting anxious after delivering THC to your body.
5 Best Sativa Strains for Anxiety
When using marijuana for any medical condition, it’s recommended to start slow with lower doses to see how the various ratios of THC/CBD affect your organism.
Looking for the best strains for anxiety?
Then we suggest that you opt for sativas, as they can relieve anxiety without causing the so-called couch lock. Staying anxiety-free and being able to get through your daily tasks without distraction will get you the best of both worlds.
Here is the list of the best sativa strains for anxiety:
1. White Widow
White Widow is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain with a pretty balanced 60/40 sativa/indica ratio. This insanely popular smoke comes with promising levels of THC ranging between 18% and 25% while having 1% of CBD and 1% of CBN.
The strain induces a relaxing high that allows the user to get rid of stress and unwind while still being able to get their things done. Aside from alleviating stress and anxiety, White Widow boosts creativity and gives a nice kick of euphoric energy, which makes it perfect for daytime use.
2. Red Congolese
Also known under the name “Red Congo”, the strain is 100% pure sativa with a nice amount of THC reaching up to 20% on average. Red Congolese offers a unique high often described as a feeling of euphoria combined with razor-sharp focus and creative energy.
Because of its positive and uplifting effects, Red Congo is often recommended as a morning and daytime use strain for alleviating anxiety disorders, chronic stress, tension, and fatigue.
3. California Love OG
California Love OG is an even hybrid with perfectly balanced effects of both indica and sativa genetics.
California Love OG provides an uplifting high that starts in the head before settling down into a euphoric, focused and relaxing sensation ideal for your daily activities or a calm evening. The strain will put both your mind and body into a state of tranquility, helping you alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety.
4. Pineapple
Pineapple is another hybrid with 50/50 sativa/indica ratio that comes with high THC levels, ranging between 16% to even 26% in some tests. Additionally, Pineapple comes with 1% of CBD.
As for the effects, the Pineapple cannabis strain induces a spacey and cerebral high with a strong boost of positive energy. It’s one of your best bets if you’re suffering from anxiety, stress or depression.
5. Sour Tsunami
Sour Tsunami is an extremely popular medical marijuana strain because of its remarkably high levels of CBD. In fact, Sour Tsunami usually comes with more CBD than THC, as the content of cannabidiol reaches up to 11%, while THC levels are less than 10% on average.
With such high levels of cannabidiol, Sour Tsunami may be perfect for those suffering from seizures, epilepsy, anxiety, depression and chronic stress.
Final Thoughts On Top 5 Sativa Strains for Anxiety
As you can see, the relation between weed and anxiety is not a simple one. Although marijuana can be a perfect remedy for a range of anxiety-related symptoms, it can also cause some of these, especially when consumed in higher doses.
Once you decide to try one of the above strains, start with baby steps, consuming low-to-moderate doses. Observe the effects day by day till you hit the sweet spot with your buds.
Even if you go overboard and get that one puff too many, remember that the THC-induced anxiety is short-lived; just don’t let the negative emotions reign over.
What are your favorite strains for curbing anxiety?
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