What are the best cannabis strains for treating mental health problems?

Updated on November 8, 2019

In today’s fast-paced life, there is a lot of emphasis on staying fit physically. But the mental and emotional aspects of well-being are often overlooked. Since we are yet to break the stigma surrounding mental health, it is understandable that there is very little awareness of using cannabis strains to treat mental health issues.  

While it is not clinically proven yet, but most medical marijuana users claim that mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD etc. can be controlled by using certain cannabis strains.   

Understanding Strains

When it comes to treating mental health disorders, one needs to be aware of the effects that different cannabis strains have on our bodies. A THC strain will create a sense of happy high, making one feel energetic and euphoric. A CBD strain might leave you with a mild high, often accompanied by a calming sense that takes over your body. If you are new to medical cannabis, it is advisable to try THC-CBD balanced strains as the effects of a THC dominant strain can make some people feel anxious.   

Please note that the strains mentioned here are purely derived from user experiences and are not based on any medical research. Apart from the strains listed below, you could search for symptoms that can be treated by cannabis to find more strains that help with mental health problems. 

Based on popular opinions, here are 7 cannabis strains that one can try while dealing with mental health issues: 

  1. Jack Herer

          Type: THC   

          Effective for: Anxiety, Stress, ADHD

          Positive effects: Focused, Happy, Relaxed

Rich in myrcene and pinene, Jack Herer is widely used for its energizing and cerebral feeling, which often goes on to give a full-body high. This THC-dominant strain is commonly used for helping people with ADHD, stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

       2.  Grand Daddy Purple

          Type: THC

          Effective for: Insomnia, Stress

          Positive effects: Relaxed, Happy, Comfortable

Grand Daddy Purple lives up to its name and has a grand effect on the user. This renowned indica strain started doing rounds in 2003. Considered to be Florida’s finest strain, GDP has a grape-like aroma with subtle hints of berries. This might be your go-to strain if your body craves for a THC induced high. The effects of GDP can be summed up as a mix of relaxation and euphoria. It takes the weight of the world off your mind and is great for treating insomnia as well as stress.

       3. Lemon Skunk

          Type: THC

          Effective for: ADD/ADHD, Depression

          Positive effects: Energized, Relaxed, Happy

Fuelled by equal parts pinene and caryophyllene, Lemon Skunk is a highly energizing THC strain. Since it helps in feeling active and stay focused, it is considered as a good day-time drug. It helps in dealing with issues such as ADD/ADHD, depression and fatigue. 

       4. Pineapple Kush

          Type: CBD

          Effective for: Mood Swings, Depression

          Positive effects: Energized, Relaxed, Happy

Pineapple Kush is one of the mellow strains of cannabis (thanks to its high CBD content), and thus making it the perfect choice for beginners to experience medical marijuana. It calms your senses and is effective in controlling mood swings, volatile behavior and depression. 

       5. Pennywise

          Type: Balanced THC-CBD

          Effective for: Bipolar Disorder

          Positive effects: Energized, Relaxed, Happy

Named after the notorious clown from Stephen King’s IT, Pennywise is one of the most balanced THC-CBD strains. It brings out a tangy explosion of flavors with a mix of coffee, bubblegum, and a hint of lemon, herbs and spices. It is used to control bipolar disorders as well as unexplained mood swings. 

       6. Girl Scout Cookies

          Type:  THC 

          Effective for: Stress

          Positive effects: Energized, Relaxed, Happy

This hybrid strain, made of 60% indica and 40% sativa, works like a charm on your senses. Since it is loaded with THC, a small amount of Girl Scout Cookies is enough to make you feel high and relaxed. It is commonly used to treat symptoms like stress and nervousness.

       7. Cannatonic

          Type: CBD

          Effective for: Anxiety, Depression

          Positive effects: Energized, Relaxed, Happy

Another popular day-time strain is Cannatonic. Since it is high on CBD content, it barely has intoxicating qualities. It is recommended to treat mental conditions like anxiety and depression.

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