Best Cannabis Strains For Stress and Anxiety?

Stress and anxiety are common ailments that many of us deal with, and a big reason why the cannabis industry is so popular.  Many people turn to the plant for a feeling of ease and relaxation that helps them decompress and unwind.  If your main goal for using cannabis is achieving a feeling of peace, we’ve got you covered with our favorite strain picks for those dealing with stress and anxiety.  The impressive  strains we’ll be covering are all profoundly effective at promoting ease and tranquility.

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What is Stress & Anxiety?

Stress and anxiety, though often used interchangeably, refer to distinct psychological and physiological states, each with its own set of causes, symptoms, and effects on an individual’s well-being:

• Stress: This is the body’s response to any demand for change.  It is often triggered by external factors and is recognized as a normal part of life. Stress can be positive, known as “eustress”, such as when it helps one avoid danger or meet a deadline.  However, when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can be harmful, leading to physical symptoms like headaches, high blood pressure, chest pain, and problems with sleep and digestion.
• Anxiety: A persistent feeling of apprehension or fear about future events or situations. It is often related to the anticipation of a future concern and persists over time, sometimes without any apparent external trigger.  Anxiety can affect daily functioning and can manifest in various forms, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic attacks, phobias, and social anxiety disorder.  Physical symptoms of anxiety can include restlessness, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and gastrointestinal issues.

While stress is typically a short-term response to a recognized threat, anxiety can linger and may not always have a clear cause.  Both stress and anxiety can have significant impacts on an individual’s quality of life and may require different forms of management or treatment, such as lifestyle changes, therapy, or medication, to help individuals cope more effectively.

How is Stress and Anxiety Usually Diagnosed and Treated? 

Both stress and anxiety treatment plans are highly individualized, taking into account the severity of the symptoms, the presence of any co-occurring disorders, and the person’s lifestyle.  It’s important for individuals experiencing persistent stress or anxiety to seek professional help to determine the most appropriate course of action.  Regular follow-ups may be required to adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Diagnosis

Stress

Stress, per se, is not diagnosed as a medical condition but rather recognized as a response to physical, emotional, or psychological demands.  Again, healthcare professionals may identify stress based on the individual’s description of their experiences, symptoms, and through understanding the stressors in their life.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.  The diagnosis involves:

• A thorough medical history and physical exam to rule out other conditions that could be causing symptoms.
• Psychological questionnaires or assessments.
• Discussion about the symptoms, including their nature, duration, and severity.
• Anxiety must be shown to interfere with daily activities or cause significant distress.

Treatment

Stress Management

Treatment for stress involves various strategies to manage it effectively:

• Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging regular physical activity, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and time management.
• Relaxation Techniques: Such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi.
• Support: Seeking support from friends and family or joining a support group.
• Professional Help: Counseling or therapy can be beneficial in identifying stressors and developing coping strategies.

Anxiety Treatment

Treatment options for anxiety disorders can include:

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders.  It helps individuals learn to identify and manage anxiety-provoking thoughts and situations.
• Medications: These may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or beta-blockers, depending on the type of anxiety disorder and its severity.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Similar to stress management, incorporating exercise, proper nutrition, and relaxation techniques.
• Support Groups: Sharing experiences and coping strategies with others facing similar challenges can be helpful.

How Can Cannabis Strains Help Stress and Anxiety?

Cannabis strains can potentially help those with stress and anxiety through their various chemical components, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).  The ECS is what impacts mood, stress, and anxiety levels.

1. CBD-Dominant Strains: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its potential to alleviate anxiety without causing the high associated with THC.  Strains high in CBD may reduce stress and anxiety by interacting with serotonin receptors, which have a role in mood regulation.
2. THC-Dominant Strains: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis.  In low to moderate doses, THC can potentially reduce anxiety.  However, in higher doses, it might increase anxiety or cause paranoia in some individuals.  Therefore, those new to cannabis or with sensitivity to THC might opt for strains with lower THC levels or a balanced THC:CBD ratio.
3. Terpenes: These are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that can influence its effects and may contribute to the strain’s therapeutic properties.  For example, linalool (also found in lavender) has calming effects, while limonene (found in citrus fruits) may elevate mood.

Note: The efficacy and experience of using cannabis can vary widely among individuals, depending on factors such as genetics, the specific condition being treated, and personal tolerance.

Why the Cannabis Strain is Such a Big Deal 

People who are new to cannabis tend to underestimate just how much the THC strain can make a difference in your experience with the plant.  Some strains are more calming, some are more stimulating, some are more sociable, some are more introspective, and so on.  This is because each strain has a unique composition of cannabinoids and terpenes that influences its dominant effects – not to mention its flavor profile.

When it comes to THC strains, the effects can vary dramatically between two different ones.  A sativa strain can make you feel stimulated, focused, and motivated, while an indica strain can be sedating.  Of course, a hybrid strain is going to give you somewhere in the middle of the two.

If you’re looking for a specific cannabis benefit, you want to really pay attention to what strain you’re buying.  For example, if you’re looking for, say, a strain that can calm you down at bedtime, you don’t want to go with a strongly stimulating sativa.  The good news is that there’s an abundance of information online that goes into great detail about what each strain is capable of.

Top 5 Cannabis Strain Picks For Stress and Anxiety

Anyone seeking out calming vibes from cannabis is going to want to explore these 5 exceptional strains below, which offer profound relief from those overstimulated nerves thanks to their distinctive terpene profiles.

Stress and Anxiety-Reducing Cannabis Strain #5: Grand Daddy Purp

A 70% indica-dominant hybrid with vibrant, purple-colored buds, Grand Daddy Purp is an absolute legend.  It’s also phenomenally potent thanks to its 27% THC.  It comes from crossing Purple Urkle with Big Bud, and its grape-like flavor is very distinctive, as it has diesel-like undertones that give it an almost spicy taste.

Grand Daddy Purp is a spaced-out kind of strain that can get you out of your worry-filled mind and into the present moment, with a sensation of dazed bliss.  Its body high is intense, practically gluing you to the couch while the mind stays in a fixed state of foggy happiness.

Try: Bloomz Delta 8 THC Flower in Grand Daddy Purp 

Stress and Anxiety-Reducing Cannabis Strain #4: Mule Fuel

Mule Fuel is a 9/10 indica-dominant hybrid that comes from crossing GMO with Lurch, and it’s fast-becoming a fan favorite.  It’s also powerful, thanks to its 24-31% THC, so prepare for a very strong high.  It’s euphoric, with a hazy feeling of pure giddiness and delight, and an inability to experience any negative or anxious thoughts.  At the same time, you’ll eventually find yourself couchlocked, glued to the couch and utterly tranquil.

In terms of flavor, Mule Fuel has a taste that’s sweet, spicy, herbal, and skunky, with a good deal of pungency in its aroma.

Try: Bloomz THCA Flower – Gold Line in Mule Fuel

Stress and Anxiety-Reducing Cannabis Strain #3: Grape Zkittlez

Grape Zkittlez is a 60% indica-dominant hybrid with two popular parents: Grape Ape and Zkittlez.  It’s beloved for its grape candy-like flavor that’s super sweet, with earthy undertones.  Also has a moderately high THC level that hovers around 21%.  

Grape Zkittlez promises a bliss-inducing high that makes you feel content and at total peace.  It’s also a strain that brings you a powerful body high that can alleviate every muscle of its tension and soreness, so that you feel like you’re melting into the couch as relaxation takes over every inch of your body.  Overall, it’s a fantastic strain for nighttime, when you want to sit back and forget about your troubles.

Try: Bloomz THC-P Flower in Grape Zkittlez

Stress and Anxiety-Reducing Cannabis Strain #2: Violet Fog 

Violet Fog is a top-shelf strain amongst top-shelf strains, and an 80% indica-dominant hybrid with violet-colored buds that are striking in appearance.  It’s a cross between Grape Gasoline with Khalifa Mints, two strains renowned for their profound potency and calming properties.

The strain tastes like juicy berries (heavy on the grape) and compelling spices.  The THC level is about 29%, so keep that in mind as the high can be intense.  People love it as a nighttime strain, since it’s very, very calming to the mind and body, wiping out all worry and providing a sense of hazy relief from the stress that’s been getting to you all day.  

Try: Bloomz THCA Flower – Gold Line in Violet Fog

Stress and Anxiety-Reducing Cannabis Strain #1: Northern Lights

One of the most legendary strains of all time, Northern Lights is a pure indica that has been offering profound calm for generations.  It’s a direct descendent of Afghani landrace strains, with THC levels around 16-21%, which is quite moderate by today’s standards.  It has a citrusy, sweet, and earthy taste, and a pungent aroma that longtime fans of the cultivar can recognize instantly.  

With Northern Lights, stress and anxiety relief are pretty much an inevitability.  The high is calming from beginning to end, putting you into a dazed and relaxed headspace while you sit back and enjoy the feeling of being cradled in a warm blanket, thanks to the incredible body high.  Overall, it’s a must for anyone who is looking for reliable relief.

Try: Bloomz THC-P Flower in Northern Lights

Find Your Inner Chill with These Blissful Strains at Bloomz

Each of these strains are fully capable of wiping away stress and anxiety, bringing you into a more tranquil place.  And, you can find all of them at Bloomz, along with plenty of other premium, relaxing cultivars, all while being treated to fresh, flavorful, and lab-tested flower buds.  Explore our selection today, in order to get those calm vibes you’re looking for easily.

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