Many of us suffer from anxiety; statistics put the numbers at 40 million affected people. Every person seeks out relief in any way available, for chronic or acute anxiety, and for many, that relief is found through cannabis use.
Finding the right cannabis fit for anxiety is a nerve-wracking challenge all its own. There are so many options available, and the wrong strain can exacerbate symptoms. Here is our breakdown of three key tips that might help you find a useful strain next time you visit a dispensary.
Tip #1: Determine how your anxiety manifests.
Anxiety is different for every person, so there is no one magic strain that will help everyone. General advisement is “use an Indica, not a Sativa”, but this doesn’t always work. Indicas are known for sedentary, calming effects, but if you’re triggered by bodily disassociation, an Indica can make anxiety worse. For some, the energetic buzz of a Sativa helps overcome anxiety discomfort. If you’re uncertain of trying the more extreme ends of the spectrum, try a Hybrid strain to get the best of both worlds.
Tip #2: Learn about terpenes.
Terpene profiles are key to understanding how a strain might make you feel. We suggest reviewing the handy chart in our terpene article for an overview. If you’re considering a particular strain, a quick web search will be able to give you a better breakdown of what its terpene profile is.
Tip #3: Be wary of edibles.
Edibles may seem like the easiest and most discreet option, but they are also the most unpredictable. The effects can be wildly different depending on your tolerance, body chemistry, and even how much and when you’ve last eaten. They take longer to kick in because of the digestion process, so immediate relief will not occur. If you choose this route, start with a low dose and wait to see how you feel after the listed activation time before taking any more.
Part of managing anxiety is knowing yourself and how your anxiety makes you feel. We always recommend seeking therapy in addition to cannabis use if that type of support is available to you.
We hope this has help settled some nerves, and wish you health and relief for the future.
Got a strain you personally like for anxiety? Let us know in the comments below!
