8 Cannabis Strains You Should Avoid If You Have Anxiety
Cannabis use can help people who suffer from anxiety, but the connection between cannabis and anxiety has never been clear-cut. Cannabis has been shown in studies to be an excellent anxiety reliever, but it may also exacerbate anxiety. Before using marijuana to treat anxiety, it is always advisable to speak with an online marijuana doctor. A doctor will determine whether or not medical marijuana is appropriate for your circumstances.
Cannabis’s primary active cannabinoids, THC and CBD, may be responsible for its ability to both alleviate and exacerbate anxiety.
How Cannabis Can Worsen Anxiety
Everybody is affected differently by cannabis strains (cultivars), and the effects of various strains vary widely; some may make people feel less anxious, while others may make them feel more anxious. Cannabis strains that produce anxiety symptoms do so for a few reasons.
CBD Content
Cannabis contains a compound called cannabidiol (CBD), which is believed to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects without the usual psychoactive, intoxicating effects of THC. There are numerous therapeutic and calming uses for it.
CBD can have sedative effects at higher doses (250 mg and above), stimulating effects at lower doses (less than 50 mg), and anti-anxiety effects at both high and low doses. It can also be used to lessen the psychoactivity of THC.
THC Content
The substance in cannabis that gives users euphoric or more psychedelic effects is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Some users may experience an increase in anxiety, particularly those who are already at risk. Generally speaking, while higher doses of THC can exacerbate anxiety, lower doses may help lessen it.
Depending on the dosage and combination of other terpenes and cannabinoids, THC can also have sedative and stimulating effects. When combined with myrcene, linalool, humulene, and high concentrations of CBD, it may produce sedative effects. It may have more stimulating effects when combined with limonene, beta-caryophyllene, terpinolene (alpha-terpinene), and small amounts of CBD, CBG, and THCV.
Indica vs. Sativa
The strain’s overall chemical profile is more important than the two main cannabis classifications, indica and sativa. While indica-dominant strains are known to have more physical effects on the body, sativa strains are generally thought to boost your energy and focus.
This isn’t always the case, though, as most sativas and indicas on the market don’t really differ all that much. Ultimately, a cannabis plant’s level of THC, CBD, and other compounds—rather than its classification as indica or sativa—determines whether it is sedative or stimulating. In other words, depending on the strain, both sativa and indica can either increase or decrease anxiety.
Strains to Avoid if You Suffer from Anxiety
1. Jack the Ripper
If you are prone to anxiety, you should stay away from the invigorating sativa strain (cultivar) known as Jack the Ripper (JTR). With a THC content of roughly 20%, this strain is extremely powerful. Because of the strain’s high THC content, users may experience anxiety, paranoia, and confusion.
However, some individuals have mentioned using JTR to control their anxiety. To benefit from Jack the Ripper’s anxiolytic effects, low dosages might be best.
2. Girl Scout Cookies
This strain is popular among recreational users and was made popular by Wiz Khalifa. The indica-dominant hybrid strain Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) produces a euphoric effect.
When taken in excess, a head rush like the one Girl Scout cookies provide and their physically calming effects may not be ideal for people who are trying to manage their anxiety. It has qualities that may promote introspection and can heighten panicked thoughts. For someone who wants to reduce their anxiety, thinking about life and everything it has to offer isn’t always a good idea.
Similar to Jack the Ripper, GSC has been used to treat anxiety. This means that appropriate dosing is necessary to take advantage of this variety’s anti-anxiety properties.
3. Trainwreck
Users who are trying to manage their anxiety should avoid Trainwreck because it is a very strong strain that may cause anxiety, especially when taken in higher dosages.
THC levels are high in this sativa-dominant strain. People with anxiety may not benefit from the headache that comes with using Trainwreck. Nonetheless, some anxious people have reviewed this strain and found it to be excellent. This further demonstrates how each person’s experience with a given strain can vary.
4. Alaskan Thunderfuck (ATF)
Like a psychedelic head high, ATF can cause elevated mental effects in its user. When using ATF, people frequently get a strong rush of energy. High dosages of this strain can cause paranoia due to its thought-provoking and inquisitive high, so people who are trying to manage their anxiety should avoid using it.
5. Green Crack
With the invigorating effects of this strain, you can go about your everyday activities with more euphoria and productivity. This sativa has a low amount of CBD (about 0.14%) and a high amount of THC (about 19%). When taken in excess, this strain may increase anxiety but also improve focus.
6. Tangerine Dream
This strain is frequently used by creatives to get their minds going, but it can cause jitters and racing thoughts in people who are prone to anxiety. Low dosages of cannabis are recommended for those who are managing their anxiety in order to benefit from its anti-anxiety properties.
7. Durban Poison
Originating in South Africa, this strain is pure sativa. Similar to Adderall, a drug used to treat ADHD, people describe a Durban Poison High as electric. If you have anxiety, you should avoid high doses of this strain.
8. Willie Nelson
Not for the weak of heart, Willie Nelson is a potent strain. The THC content of this strain is high, testing at about 22%. It is well known that the strain boosts one’s vitality and inventiveness. It can make the user feel euphoric and is occasionally used to treat nausea. When taken in large quantities, this strain’s high THC content can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
The Bottom Line
It can be challenging to choose the best cannabis strain for anxiety treatment because what works best for one person may not work for another. Avoiding strains with a high THC content is a smart first step if you have an anxiety disorder. Strains with high CBD and low to moderate THC levels are best suited for people with anxiety because CBD can have calming and anxiolytic effects.
Durban Poison, Tangerine Dream, Trainwreck, Willie Nelson, and Girl Scout Cookies are some strains to avoid if you want to manage your anxiety, though this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.
Certain types have reportedly been used to treat anxiety. While higher dosages of THC-rich cannabis can make anxiety worse, lower doses can help lessen it. The dose is often more important than the strain.
If you are thinking about using medical marijuana to treat anxiety, contact the Texas Marijuana Card Online clinic and apply for your card right now.