The popularity of medical marijuana specifically for mental health conditions has increased significantly over the years. Primarily because people who are familiar with the effects of marijuana know how the plant can uplift mood and reduce stress. Going a little deeper into the subject of marijuana introduces us to different types and strains of marijuana that offer different effects. This suggests that some marijuana strains would work better for certain conditions than others.
However, you must remember that to use medical marijuana you must apply for a medical marijuana card. 420 Doctors Oklahoma, upon evaluation, can offer you the recommendation to help you access cannabis without any legal consequences.
Using Medical Marijuana for Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions like depression, PTSD and eating disorders qualify for using medical marijuana according to the state laws. Marijuana has cannabinoids and terpenes that are known for their medicinal properties and therapeutic effects. These cannabinoids can influence the functioning of the brain and the central nervous system by binding with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Through this, they can further influence mood, reduce pain, increase libido, and stimulate appetite. There are reliable studies, scientific research and anecdotal evidence that suggest the plant can promise therapeutic effects that can improve mental health and reduce stress and several stress-induced symptoms and conditions as well.
Related Article: Does Medical Marijuana Help in the Treatment of Depression?
Indica vs Sativa for Anxiety and Depression
Marijuana is broadly divided into two categories: Indica and Sativa. These are the strain families that offer different yet therapeutic effects of marijuana. Sativa strains offer energizing effects whereas Indica strains offer sedating effects. Considering these effects, it seems easy to pick a strain for an individual but when it comes to choosing a strain category for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, the choice, unfortunately, is not that simple.
Anxiety and depression affect different people differently. Some people may find it difficult to sleep or stay asleep for the required number of hours, and some people may find themselves bedridden. Similarly, during an anxiety attack, some may experience restlessness due to the sudden rush of emotions, whereas some may just sit silently, absentmindedly dealing with the racing heart and breathlessness.
This is why recommending a specific strain to all depression patients is not even an option. You will have to get your condition diagnosed, analyze your own condition, reactions, and coping mechanisms to understand which strain shall work for you.
That being said, we have picked the best marijuana strains from both categories that can promise stress-relieving effects favorable for treating depression and anxiety.
Best Marijuana Strains for Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are often stress-induced. It won’t be wrong to say that stress, anxiety, and depression are interrelated. So, the strains that work for depression may also prove to be beneficial in managing anxiety. With the best of both the worlds and hybrid strains to the rescue, we have shortlisted marijuana strains for anxiety and depression patients keeping in mind the range of possible symptoms they may be experiencing.
Related Article: Common Mistakes People Make While Using CBD for Anxiety
OG Kush (Hybrid)
Starting with a hybrid strain, OG Kush is one of the most popular hybrid strains with 55% Sativa and remaining Indica properties and features. Recognized and widely used as a medical marijuana strain, OG kush offers strong therapeutic effects that can help in managing both depression and anxiety.
With 55% Sativa properties, euphoric effects that give you the energy to socialize and giggle are expected from this hybrid strain. Along with that, it can also stimulate appetite and offer overall relaxation. Because of the expected Sativa-like effects but almost equal Indica properties, the best time to consume OG Kush is considered to be afternoon.
Granddaddy Purple (Indica)
Granddaddy Purple or “Granddaddy purple” is an extremely popular and well-recognized Indica dominant strain. As the name suggests, the strain has a deep and dark purple color. The strain is as beautiful and classic as one can imagine. As an Indica dominant strain, the effects granddaddy purple offers are so relaxing and stress relieving that they can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It is an extremely strong strain and is often preferred by experienced users. People who are new to medical marijuana will need to be very careful as the effects can be both fast and strong.
Harlequin (Sativa)
Harlequin is a sativa dominant strain. The strain is rich in CBD and is considered to be nonpsychoactive. However, that does not mean it will not offer euphoric effects. The strain is majorly used to increase focus, creativity, manage depression, and anxiety. As a Sativa dominant strain, it will not offer sedating effects so it is advised to use the strain during the daytime. However, because the strain is rich in CBD, a lot of people consider using it both during the day as well as at night for its medicinal properties.
Also, it is important to understand that even if the strain is rich in CBD, it still contains a considerable amount of THC and, hence, will offer subtle psychoactive effects. The effects shall be mild enough to not interfere in the work performance of the user but strong enough to offer the beneficial effects of THC.
Northern Lights (Indica)
Another Indica dominant strain, northern lights offer the perfect couch-lock to depression patients who tend to overthink at night and find it difficult to sleep. It is an amazing strain, suitable for people who have depression and depression-induced insomnia as the effects offered by the strain include sedating as well as euphoric effects. The strain calms the mind and offers this subtle wave of happiness that can help the person relax after a long, tiring and stressful day. The right and preferred time to consume northern lights are in the evening, just like any other Indica strain.
Jack Herer (Sativa)
Someone who is familiar with the history of marijuana would know Jack Herer. The strain is named after the famous activist who contributed to the movement of legalization and decriminalization of marijuana. The strain is Sativa dominant and thus offers a cerebral high that is both relaxing and conversant. The taste, smoke, and effects of Jack Herer are strong in such a way that the effect will be noticeable but not pungent or intoxicating. Because of its energizing and attentive effects, which can reduce depression and anxiety, and manage pain and muscle stiffness, Jack Herer is considered perfect for the morning wake and bake session.
Related Article: Marijuana Strains: Which Is the Best for You?
Bottom Line
Mental health conditions have finally gained the attention they deserved and people have started consulting doctors to treat the symptoms and improve their mental health. As a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals, medical marijuana has gained publicity because the plant does not offer side effects but since it is still federally illegal, consulting a doctor before self-medicating is highly recommended.