Over the years, marijuana has been used for a number of physical and mental conditions. It has been used as a natural treatment for depression, stress, and anxiety. Cannabis has natural mood-elevating properties which make it perfect for depression relief.
If you are feeling the blues lately and you just can’t find anything to cheer you up, we recommend these 10 best strains for depression. Each one is known for kicking negative moods and repelling negative thoughts. You will surely find the best natural solution for depression in no time.
Top 10 Best Strains for Depression
Super Sour Diesel
One of the most popular daytime strains is Super Sour Diesel. It has loads of terpenes, a component in weed that can uplift your spirit and improve your mood. Terpenes are actually aroma molecules that come in a variety of form. These terpenes contribute to the many effects of cannabis including mood elevation.
Super Sour Diesel has the natural ability to produce large amounts of the terpenes beta-caryophyllene, bisabolol, and limonene. Each of these terpenes has natural therapeutic effects that will help relieve depression.
OG Kush
OG Kush contains high amounts of THC and terpenes limonene and linalool. These terpenes have the ability to improve mood and can also offer calm and contentment. OG Kush is also rich in myrcene which is a sedative and a hypnotic.
OG Kush is ideal for people who find it hard to relax. It will make you feel at ease even in the company of strangers which is perfect if you want to forget all your worries and enjoy life a bit.
MediHaze
MediHaze is a sativa hybrid strain that has a balanced CBD and THC content. It is the best choice for the relief of depression without dealing with the psychoactive effects of THC. It is a daytime strain with uplifting and energizing effects.
CBD is a fast-acting antidepressant and a study has shown that CBD can increase the levels of serotonin more than other synthetic antidepressants. It is also important to note that MediHaze may come in different varieties some may have more sedating properties than others so use this strain moderately.
Classic Cookies
Classic Cookies is a hybrid strain with high levels of THC. Its effects are mellow, relaxing and uplifting which is why it’s preferred as a daytime strain by people who have a high tolerance to THC.
You will be able to forget all the worries in your mind when you use Classic Cookies. It contains limonene that makes it calming and at the same time invigorating. Limonene also promotes a positive mood and improved mental functions minus any scary stimulation.
The strain is a good natural relief from depression because of its high beta caryophyllene and linalool content.
Harlequin
Possibly one of the most popular therapeutic strains is Harlequin. This is a strain with a very high CBD making it effective for a variety of medical conditions including depression.
Harlequin has high limonene and BCP the two powerful terpenes responsible for calm and clear-headed effects. It also contains considerable amounts of myrcene, therefore, users will have a quieter and a more laid back effect. Because of its high CBD content, it is safe to use Harlequin during the day. You can consume it in the morning and still be up and about to work on different tasks.
Pineapple Express
Just like the comedy movie Pineapple Express, expect a really happy time with non-stop laughter and giggling when you try the counterpart strain. Pineapple Express is a very uplifting strain that will relieve negative thoughts and will also make you relaxed as well as uplifted.
The reason why Pineapple Express is an effective natural remedy for depression is its high limonene content. Limonene will make you feel calm and peaceful plus will help you cope with negative and depressive thoughts as well.
Cannatonic
When you feel depressed, you will feel a general lack of focus and mental clarity. When this happens, you don’t want to accept any advice and you just wallow in your depressive state. Cannatonic can help improve your mood using its natural mood-elevating components.
You will also feel more focused and energetic therefore you can start making improvements in your life.
Laughing Buddha
The name alone is enough to make you smile, right? Laughing Buddha is a strain that will make you happy, uplifted and laughing all day long. Just right after taking this strain, you will immediately feel upbeat and energetic. This is why this strain is effective in the relief of depression, stress, and anxiety. Laughing Buddha is a fun and uplifting strain but at the same time has natural therapeutic effects. You can use this strain for the relief of pain and inflammation.
Pennywise
You may have second thoughts of using Pennywise for depression but according to people who have used it, you should have no doubts about using this strain. Pennywise is an effective anti-depressant that offers a mellow high which will help you get up in the morning.
Pennywise has a high CBD content and CBD is effective for the relief of depression symptoms. But if you are new to this strain, it’s best to take it moderately to avoid any untoward effects.
Sour Kush
Fair warning. This strain is not for the novice user. Sour Kush is a strain that has the ability to improve your mood and enhance your energy. This is a hybrid strain that was made after combining a Sour Diesel and an OG Kush. The powerful high coming from this strain will surely make you forget all negative thoughts to take you out of your depressed state.
Even if you have taken Sour Kush before, consume this strain moderately to avoid any side effects.
How to choose the right cannabis strain for you
Choosing the ideal strain to relieve depression still depends on trial and error. Usually, you’ll start taking known strains and experiment on recommended strains until you find the best one that will reduce your symptoms.
But this does not mean that it’s going to be hard to find the ideal strain for your needs. As we speak, research about the ideal cannabis strains for depression is still on-going. The most common study is about the terpene content of the different strains. It is said that these terpenes will tell if the strain is able to provide anti-depressant properties.
There are synthetic drugs that are used to fight depression however these have side effects that can be very dangerous. Some of these drugs may even cause dependence which is a long term problem for many patients. These are some reasons why people with depression choose cannabis to deal with their condition.
When looking for the best strains for depression make sure to remember the following:
Consider that all strains are different
Not all strains are the same; this is true even for different samples of a particular strain. For instance, two Cannatonic strain samples contain different amounts of terpenes. This is why you must order your buds from only one, reliable dispensary and not from different retailers.
Consider those genetics play a huge role in what terpene dominates a strain. Also, growth conditions and environmental conditions play a huge role in the number of terpenes as well.
You must experiment to get the best strain
Just as there are different cannabis strains that will work well with depression, people may respond to the effects of cannabis differently as well. This is why the most reliable way to find the ideal strain is by experimentation.
How to go about experimentation? First, look for strains that match your needs online, from local dispensaries and from personal recommendations from friends and family. After making a short list of strains try this one strain at a time. And since you are trying these strains out for the first time, you should take these on a moderate dose.
Only after you have tried all the strains in your list will you be able to choose the best strain. You might end up spending a lot more just to find the ideal strain but don’t worry because this will be worth it in the end.
Take note that CBD is more effective compared to THC
THC is a natural compound in cannabis that is responsible for the strain’s psychoactive effects. It was also revealed that THC comes with biphasic effects which mean that even a low to moderate amount of THC could be effective in the treatment of depression. However, high doses of THC could have the opposite effect.
Meanwhile, people who are sensitive to THC may prefer strains that have low THC content to avoid dangerous psychoactive effects. CBD-rich medications are also being studied for their effective mood-boosting and antipsychotic effects.
Dosing your cannabis intake
Finding the right dose is important once you have found the strain for you. Ensuring that you have the right dose will help you gain continued relief as you medicate for depression.
As much as possible, work with a cannabis-friendly medical professional or healthcare provider. He will be able to help you find the safest plus the most effective dose that’s right for you.
Consider that no two people are the same therefore it can take some time before you find the right strain and dose. Don’t compare your dose with other people.
Keep a diary of your strains
It’s important that you continuously track your progress when using cannabis so as much as possible, create a diary of your daily cannabis use. Include your symptoms of depression, the type of strain you used and the effects that you experience. The effects include the natural effects as well as any negative effects. Track of how much cannabis you are using and the impact of the dose on your mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are strains for depression effective for everyone?
Cannabis users vary therefore some may benefit from strains that can relieve depression while some may need more potent strains. The most effective way to find the best strain that will help you deal with depression is to consult a cannabis-savvy doctor. A doctor will also prescribe the ideal dose and frequency of your medication.
Are there side effects that come with using these strains?
Cannabis used for depression may have side effects ranging from minor restlessness and headaches to as frightening as slight paranoia and nervousness. These side effects are common especially in people who are new to taking the strain and also for people who are novice cannabis users. Side effects can aggravate stress and depression so be sure to avoid overindulging on these strains.
What can you do to reduce the negative effects of using strains for depression?
To prevent possible side effects, you should consume these strains moderately. Never use any of these strains without the advice of your doctor. If you suffer from any untoward effect, inform your doctor. Taking a lower dose is one way to prevent side effects.
Can you use strains for depression with antidepressants?
This depends on your doctor’s advice. Medical marijuana strains for depression are natural treatments which have very minimal side effects and it can be used together with drugs for depression as well as other depression treatments. But be sure to consult your doctor first before you do.
Conclusion
Depression may be an acute or chronic illness. It’s important that anyone suffering from depression get help right away. Taking the best cannabis strain for depression is just one way to deal with depression. Patients should also get professional help along with taking cannabis.
And because there are a number of strains that may be used for the relief of depression, it’s important to learn more about the strain get the right dose and watch out for the effects or side effects. Considering all these factors will help you find the best strain that can help you with depression.