The Top 10 Marijuana Strains to Counter Anxiety

Selecting the best weed strains for anxiety may be more complex than sticking to indica or hybrid strains. In fact, recent studies on cannabis for anxiety disorders have identified other cannabis qualities that impact our endocannabinoid system and provide anxiety-relieving effects.

THC may be the main cannabinoid at play in reducing feelings of fear and stress. This means a strain’s effectiveness may not depend on whether it is indica, sativa, or hybrid.

Instead, the factor showing a significant difference in effectiveness is whether the strains were high in THC or CBD. This differs from the classic belief that indica strains are the best cannabis strains for anxiety relief. It also implies that CBD-dominant marijuana strains aren't as effective in treating anxiety as THC-dominant strains.

Additionally, cannabis terpenes may also have a significant impact on mental health. The terpene limonene is anxiolytic.

That means it has properties that can treat anxiety disorders. It supposedly does so by interacting with the A2A receptor, which is involved in dopaminergic and GABAergic neurotransmissions. Limonene interacts with a receptor that regulates the release of our feel-good hormone (dopamine) and a neurotransmitter (Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA for short), which can promote relaxation and produce a calming effect in your brain.

Afghan

Way before any studies on cannabis were published, growers were already cultivating Afghan for its potent and heavy-handed effects.

Through the centuries, enthusiasts developed, redeveloped, and perfected it to produce one of the most relaxing highs available. It even became the source of sticky black Afghani hashish because of the highly resinous cannabis flowers that it yields.

Afghan Feminized Seeds

Afghan is a very popular indica heritage strain that delivers a heavy-bodied high. Afghan seeds grow large, fragrant buds known for their happy, relaxed effect.

Buy seeds

You know this strain has a lot of THC by how sticky it is. It's that high concentration (ranging from 15% to 21%) that supposedly gives this indica cannabis strain its anxiolytic properties.

You can also assume Afghan's effects are therapeutic since this landrace indica provides a sedating high that leaves consumers feeling deeply relaxed and calm.

While Afghan Photoperiod and Autoflower doesn't have limonene, it does have other terpenes that provide similar effects. Take Afghan's primary terpene, terpinolene, which provides a sedating and euphoric effect. Its other terpenes, myrcene, and pinene, also have soothing effects that can help with sleep and ease inflammation.

Afghan cultivar profile

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is an Indica-dominant strain that could also help those suffering from anxiety. It has limonene, a terpene that supposedly helps reduce feelings of fear and dread by interacting with a receptor in our body that increases dopamine and GABA levels.

Bubba Kush Feminized Seeds

Bubba Kush seeds have gained worldwide attention among both the recreational and medical Cannabis communities. For those fighting the effects of stress, this is the go-to strain of choice.

Buy seeds

On top of that, Bubba Kush has caryophyllene as its main terpene; it has anxiolytic qualities and may also induce antinociception. While a mouthful to say, this quality of caryophyllene provides pain relief by blocking the detection of pain in your nerves. Antinociceptives may also have a longer duration than most analgesics.

The strain's flavor is another perk, almost like a cherry on top, but Bubba Kush has a more mocha and nutty flavor.

Its coffee flavor is strange since most coffee-flavored strains leave you feeling invigorated. However, Bubba Kush offers a relaxing high that leaves you happy and sleepy. It is even available as an autoflower for indoor growers!

Bubba Kush cultivar profile

Hindu Kush

If you can't choose between the landrace Afghan and Bubba Kush's potent effects, this indica will be a great compromise. Hindu Kush is a landrace strain originating from the same place as Afghan, the Hindu Kush mountain range, hence its name.

Hindu Kush feminized seeds

Any Cannabis that can take on the harsh conditions of this homeland's climate must be strong. This strain is conditioned to create crystal trichomes coats that protect it from its surroundings.

Buy seeds

This indica landrace has THC levels that range between 15% to 19% and is loved for its soothing effects, leaving you feeling calm and mellow. Based on studies surrounding THC for anxiety, this may also mean that Hindu Kush has anxiolytic qualities that make it an excellent strain for combatting anxiety.

Like Bubba Kush, Hindu Kush has limonene but is dominant in this landrace. This suggests that Hindu Kush is more effective at reducing feelings of anxiety. Hindu Kush fem seeds also contains caryophyllene, which supposedly has greater pain-relieving effects than most analgesics.

The only thing that Hindu Kush doesn't have is the same mocha and nutty flavors of Bubba Kush. Instead, it blends earthiness and sweetness with hints of sandalwood and spice.

Hindu Kush cultivar profile

Candy Kush

Candy Kush is the third but definitely not the last Kush strain on this list. This indica-hybrid has limonene as its primary terpene, which not only gives it a delectable flavor but may also have qualities that provide natural relief from anxiety.

Candy Kush Feminized Seeds

Candy Kush is a marijuana strain that is perfect for enjoying at the end of the day. It's not too pungent or strong taste-wise or smell-wise, but recognizable and pleasant just the same.

Buy seeds

But that's not all. Candy Kush also has caryophyllene and myrcene, two terpenes known for their therapeutic properties. Caryophyllene is said to help with pain relief, while myrcene has a relaxing effect.

When smoked, Candy Kush delivers a strong and relaxing body high that makes consumers feel uplifted and sleepy. It also affects your appetite, so don't be surprised when you wake up hungry enough to eat a horse.

As for its flavor, the name says it all. This indica has a sweet flavor accented by lots of sour, thanks to limonene as its main terpene. The myrcene brings more sweetness and a hint of fruitiness into the mix.

Candy Kush cultivar profile

LA Confidential

LA Confidential is an Indica-dominant strain with a high THC concentration that ranges from 17% to 25%. Its potent high leaves you feeling relaxed and euphoric, and because of its high THC levels, it may also provide relief against anxiety.

LA Confidential Feminized Seeds

You'll find this popular West Coast hybrid to be in high demand, especially around the Los Angeles area. This is a super-strain that delivers a powerful euphoria and psychedelic high.

Buy seeds

Outside of its potential anxiolytic properties, this indica-hybrid may provide additional therapeutic effects for those with chronic pain. This is because pinene, the primary terpene in LA Confidential, interacts with nerves in our body, mainly with inflammatory and neurotrophic signals. One study suggests that pinene and linalool can help with chronic pain and inflammation.

However, that's just with pinene; LA Confidential also has caryophyllene and myrcene as its other terpenes, which are recognized in studies for their therapeutic qualities that help with pain relief and sleep.

LA Confidential cultivar profile

OG Kush

OG Kush may also have the potential to reduce feelings of anxiety not only because this indica-hybrid strain has a high THC concentration (up to 23%) but also because the flowers contain limonene.

OG Kush Feminized Seeds

OG Kush produces a mood-elevating, heavy euphoria making it great for people looking to wash away stress. Its blend of 75% indica and 25% sativa brings a balance between physical and mental experience.

Buy seeds

How does limonene work in our brain? One study implied that the terpene helped increase the amount of tyrosine hydroxylase and GAD-67 proteins in our nervous system. These proteins are the building blocks for dopamine, which enhances mood, and GABA, which has a calming effect.

Of course, there's more to OG Kush photoperiod and autoflower than limonene. It's not even its primary terpene; that title goes to myrcene, which has a sedating effect that complements OG Kush's soothing yet happy high. The other terpene in OG Kush is caryophyllene, which may relieve pain and give this indica-hybrid its woody notes. A woodiness that has undertones of citrus flavors thanks to limonene and a rich, earthy taste because of myrcene.

OG Kush cultivar profile

MK Ultra

MK Ultra is an Indica-dominant strain with a high THC content that ranges from 17% to 20%. It is well-known for its fast-acting and potent effects, giving consumers a deep sense of relaxation and sleepiness. It's a strain that can also be enjoyed recreationally, especially for consumers who need something to help them unwind after a long week.

MK Ultra Feminized Seeds

MK Ultra is famous for its intense couch-locking effects. It has a strong scent, gives the user a major cerebral effect, and is an indica leaning hybrid, although it has high percentages of both in its genes.

Buy seeds

MK Ultra may also have qualities that can help combat anxiety and influence mood. Although not its main terpene, this indica-hybrid contains limonene, which studies strongly suggest has anxiolytic properties by increasing dopamine and GABA levels in our nervous system. It means that while the dopamine in your system elevates your mood, the GABA slows down the signals in your brain, giving off a calming feeling.

MK Ultra’s primary terpene is myrcene, which isn't surprising given that one of its parent strains is OG Kush (with the other being G13). Myrcene is known for its sedating effects, which may be why this strain produces such a relaxing body high.

MK Ultra cultivar profile

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a well-loved classic that doesn't disappoint when it comes to providing a euphoric and relaxing high. And with its THC levels that go up to 20%, it may even offer significant relief for those dealing with anxiety.

Northern Lights Feminized Seeds

This strain is what we call 'word of mouth' famous. If you've heard of any one strain, it's usually Northern Lights - and for good reason. Northern Lights seeds grow buds that drip with resin, it has a short flowering phase, and growers at every level love it!

Buy seeds

Northern Lights may also have anxiety-reducing qualities because of its limonene. It may also provide additional therapeutic relief from pain and insomnia because of the terpenes caryophyllene and its dominant terpene myrcene.

Of course, these terpenes don't just give marijuana strains, like Northern Lights, their therapeutic benefits. They also make up a strain's distinct flavor profile. And with Northern Lights, it blends sweet and earthy tastes with spicy and citrus notes. But describing its flavor doesn't do it enough justice, so why not try it yourself, either the photoperiod or the autoflower variant?

Northern Lights cultivar profile

Skywalker OG

Skywalker OG is an Indica-dominant strain that also contains limonene, meaning it may boast anxiety-reducing effects alongside its euphoric high. However, limonene isn't its dominant terpene. That title goes to myrcene, which may not have anxiolytic qualities but does produce a soothing body buzz. It also has caryophyllene, which may provide pain relief.

Skywalker OG Feminized Seeds

Are you looking for a calming smoke that carries a mellow high and is a crowd-pleaser for beginners and veteran smokers alike? You are going to love Skywalker OG seeds!

Buy seeds

With a THC content that goes up to 20%, Skywalker OG provides psychoactive effects alongside a relaxing high that will have you feeling happy and sleepy. Based on that study on the relationship between THC and anxiety, Skywalker OG's high concentration of it may also provide noticeable stress relief.

Outside of its potential therapeutic relief, Skywalker OG also makes for an excellent strain for recreational smokers. So whether you're looking for a strain to help ease anxiety or if you're looking to relieve stress, Skywalker OG might just be what you're searching for.

Skywalker OG cultivar profile

Gorilla Glue

While this may not be a list of the most relaxing strains, it would be a shame not to include Gorilla Glue. Especially after talking so much about how uplifting and relaxing highs go hand in hand with reducing anxiety. If you want to experience deep relaxation, Gorilla Glue is the indica to smoke.

GG4 Feminized Seeds

ILGM's GG4 strain is a great grow for everyone, beginner and expert alike. They provide a great and easy grow that produces bud you love without a ton of extra effort.

Buy seeds

With high THC concentrations that range from 20% to 25%, you know this strain packs a powerful punch of stress relief. Plus, those flowers are quite sticky due to their high resin content. Supposedly, Gorilla Glue got its name after Don Peabody (co-creator of Gorilla Glue and whose real name was Joesy Whales) accidentally glued his hand to his telephone while trimming the flowers of the balanced hybrid.

That notorious stickiness of Gorilla Glue photoperiod and autoflower translates to the high it provides. Its fast-acting and long-lasting buzz will glue you to your couch and leave you deeply relaxed and uplifted. It also affects your appetite, so keeping snacks within reach is best.

GG4 cultivar profile