An estimated 2.8 million Americans use marijuana as medicine.
Medicinal marijuana has shown promise in treating chronic pain, nausea, childhood epilepsy, and muscle spasticity. Some recent research shows that marijuana may also be useful for relief from everyday burdens – i.e., your stress.
Although stress is a perfectly natural response to threats, chronic stress can negatively impact your health. These marijuana strains may help relieve some of your everyday stress, so keep reading to learn more.
Medical Marijuana for Mental Health
Approximately 33% of people feel extreme stress. And 77% report that their stress affects their physical health. So, how can medical marijuana help?
A recent study conducted at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Chicago found that THC, the active cannabinoid in medical marijuana, can reduce stress. However, its ability to relieve stress depends on the size of the dose, with lower doses being more effective.
Beyond just your general, everyday stress, marijuana may help with a range of more severe psychiatric disorders. There’s evidence that using marijuana may help with everything from social anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Best Marijuana Strains for Stress
The first step to using marijuana for stress relief is choosing a dispensary. Once you’ve done that, though, you’ll realize there are hundreds of strains to choose from. Don’t fret – look for these top four very common marijuana strains for stress relief.
1. Sour Diesel
Sometimes called “Sour D,” this is a Sativa-dominant medical marijuana strain. Its top three effects are mental stimulation, positivity, and mindfulness. It’s these effects that make it one of the best strains for reducing stress and anxiety.
Sour Diesel acts quickly. You’ll notice an increase in energy coupled with a dreamy feeling that invokes that sense of positivity.
2. Acapulco Gold
This landrace strain is 100% Sativa. Landrace strains are those that were originally grown in equatorial regions. They’re known as the closest thing to the original wild species of cannabis that we have.
This particular landrace strain was originally grown in Acapulco, Mexico. It has low amounts of CBD and about 18% THC content, making it excellent for reducing stress as well as anxiety and depression.
3. OG Kush
If there’s one strain you’ve probably heard of, it’s OG Kush. This high-THC strain has been around since the 1990s and hasn’t changed much since then.
It’s a hybrid that sits a little more on the Indica side, delivering feelings of euphoria and deep relaxation. That’s what makes it a great strain for decreasing stress. It can even be used to treat headaches and migraines.
4. Jack Herer
This hybrid is a cross between Northern Lights #5, Haze, and Shiva Skunk. Named after well-known cannabis activist and author Jack Herer, it’s a well-balanced hybrid that’s more Sativa than Indica.
This strain will clear your head and allow you to move through your day with ease. It’s a favorite of users who are working through PTSD, social anxiety, and stress.
More Help with Your Health
Marijuana has shown promise in the treatment of stress. However, the dosage size matters in that regard. And, we would argue, so does the strain.
Some of the best marijuana strains for stress reduction are Sour Diesel, Acapulco Gold, OG Kush, and Jack Herer. Fortunately, these are also some of the more common strains you’ll find at a marijuana dispensary.
For more on your well-being, be sure to check out everything our Health section has to offer.