Or you may see news about the Federal government legalizing cannabis for both recreational and medical use. Both of these hot topics are unfolding right now- right before our eyes.

Cannabis Therapeutic Properties: Attacking Panic Attacks

While the outcome of these events is yet to be known, we do know a few things.

Cannabis helps people with anxiety, cannabis strains can help with stress, and Canadians using benzodiazepines to treat anxiety-related disorders switch to cannabis for panic attacks and anxiety-related disorders.

This reduces the pharmaceutical reliance on prescriptions and allows us to treat our symptoms with specific cannabis strains that reduce stress and anxiety.

When we talk about CBD pills replacing things like acetaminophen, we know that people see results.

Top Shelf Cannabis: Back door Bags vs. the Best Strains

Let's face it. Not that long ago, most of us had no say on what cannabis strains we got.

We got whatever our friend's friend had on hand at the time.

We had no idea whether it was indica or sativa-dominant, whether those crystals were THC or Sprite, or if our Kush was Purple (or if it was freezer burnt for effect).

Things are different. These days we walk into a shop situated between a cafe and a clothing store and are greeted by an informed sales person on our purchasing options.

As a modern, middle-class Canadian myself, I find I am always on the hunt for new information, scientific facts, and insight from industry professionals.

I am always asking more and more questions as I receive answers.

In this age of information at our fingertips, we constantly ask questions and hunt for the facts.

Here are some basic questions and answers that may help guide your next experience when looking at cannabis for stress and anxiety.

The Benefits of Cannabis For Stress Anxiety

While there are many different opinions out there on which strains help with stress and anxiety, some of the best strains for panic disorders have high CBD and moderate THC levels.

This theory has the scientific backing to reduce stress, anxiety and panic disorders.

We also know that cannabis has multiple anti-anxiety properties, including cannabinoids and terpenes like myrcene and terpinolene, which play an essential role in the effects of aroma flavour of a cannabis strain.

Let’s talk terpenes.

They say scent is the strongest sense tied to memory.

They also say that anxiety slowly deteriorates or slows down the body's ability to produce endocannabinoids in the part of your brain that regulates emotions such as anxiety and our “fight or flight” instincts.

Limonene is one of the top five terpenes found in cannabis resin.

These are the strains that have that citrus or fruity smell. It can treat anxiety and increase your general well-being.

Now that we know the basic science behind the “why” of treating symptoms of stress and anxiety with the best weed strains, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty.

What Are The Best Strains for Anxiety and Stress?

Keep in mind, wherever you go, the names of cannabis change, but their properties remain the same.

As in: If you ask for an indica dominant hybrid, you will receive calming and relaxing effects.

Let’s look at a few of the top cannabis strains used to reduce symptoms associated with stress and anxiety.

Cannatonic

Cannatonic, created by Resin Seeds, has a low THC content and a modestly high CBD level. It is a go-to cannabis strain that can be used during the day without the hazy effect.

It leaves you mellow and uplifted. The smell is very sweet, slightly citrus. Cannatonic is a popular strain and a sought-after medical strain for people looking for a high CBD level.

Blueberry Kush

Blueberry Kush is an indica dominant strain created by breeding Blueberry and OG Kush. One hit of this, and you are relieved of stress and anxiety- hello, relaxation. This strain is very popular and has a lovely fruity smell.

Pre 98 Bubba Kush

This strain is a blast from the past!

Getting my hands on Bubba Kush when music was still decent and we weren't glued to a phone is a highlight of my youth!

This strain is an Indica dominant strain that was the top dog of pot for over a decade. You’re left with a lovely body high.

The best strain for stress and anxiety and relaxing at the end of a long hard day is Bubba Kush - a go-to smoke you can easily find. When in doubt: P98!

Purple Urkle

I like to refer to this strain as the “sleepy-time” strain.

While it is marketed for Insomnia, this Hybrid helps you drift off to slumberland.

If you are a heavy smoker such as myself, you will find Purple Urkle will give you a lovely body high, relaxing you from head to toe.

The sweetest dreams come from the sweetest strains, and this one is no different. This is a very berry, sweet-smelling strain.

Ogre

This is the ONLY Sativa dominant hybrid strain on my list.

It goes against most “rules” related to looking for the best weed for anxiety.

Its THC content is high, around 15%. The strain is mostly lemon with a bit of warm spice.

You will feel uplifted, revitalized and soothed. My personal belief is because of those terpenes that make it smell so heavenly!

CBD Critical Cure

As the name suggests, CBD Critical Cure by Barney's Farm has a high CBD content. It is something you can smoke during the day and still feel calmed and relaxed.

If you did choose to lay down, you would fall asleep quickly. It can knock out anxiety and stress without knocking you out cold.

Northern Lights

An oldie but a goodie! One of the most widely recognized pure Indica is known for its crystallized buds that sweep you off your feet and take you away to blissful paradise.

Northern Lights is known for relaxing your mind and body—one of the best strains for anxiety and panic attacks on the market.

OG Kush

This is a Hybrid strain out of California. OG Kush brings on a heavy euphoric effect that can eradicate stress and anxiety.

That distinct lemon scent that carries sweet and woody undertones is the handy work of terpenes.

Anyone who smokes knows Kush of any sort for a reason. That is the smell of heaven!

Primarily used for Headaches and ADD/ADHD, OG Kush has been known to crush a panic attack and is a top-tier best strain for combating stress and anxiety.

How do the Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety Work?

Being a medical cannabis user myself, I smoke daily to reduce stress and anxiety.

I am a much calmer, more thoughtful person when I consume cannabis.

The good news is, smoking the correct strain of cannabis has been shown to enhance brain chemicals, thus balancing us out and creating a feeling of relaxation and relief without being lethargic or having an intense psychoactive effect on us.

When it comes to cannabis plant science, THC and CBD are the main cannabinoids studied. Like any good relationship, they have their differences.

THC is the psychoactive stuff found in cannabis strains.

CBD works on specific receptors on the brain that control our happiness by regenerating cells in the brain that are ultimately damaged by anxiety and stress-related disorders.

Choosing the Best Strain for Anxiety and Stress: Four Key Factors

• High CBD/ low THC
• Indica vs Sativa
• Terpenes ( Follow your nose)
• Know your dose

Benefits of Using Cannabis to Treat Stress and Anxiety

Cannabis has a natural ability to play a role in memory extinction, which could mean that it helps block negative memories and anxiety-related feelings.

“Know before you go!” A phrase I often reiterate to my peers and new persons I meet interested in finding the right strain of cannabis to treat their anxiety and stress disorders.

Anybody knows one of the first questions asked when you go to your local weed shop is:

“What are you looking for: Sativa, Indica, or a Hybrid?”

If it's your first trip, you may not know the difference.

Cannabis for Stress and Anxiety: In A Nutshell

There are hard facts and a lot of insight into how specific cannabis strains work effectively in reducing stress and anxiety.

CBD that boosts positive cells and terpenes create a lasting memory on our sense of smell through aromatherapy are only two reasons.

These beneficial phytocompounds that make up these wonderful plants are much more intricate than we first realize.

We know cannabis is medicine, but in a way, it is almost magic. Alchemy.

And Remember, stay lifted!

Do you use cannabis therapy as part of your anti-stress arsenal? We would love to hear your thoughts!

Reach out down below or on one of our social channels to share your insight and stories on how cannabinoid therapies have impacted your healing journey.

Acknowledgments:

Sarris, J., Sinclair, J., Karamacoska, D., Davidson, M., & Firth, J. (2020). Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review. BMC psychiatry, 20(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2409-8

Pinto, J. V., Saraf, G., Frysch, C., Vigo, D., Keramatian, K., Chakrabarty, T., Lam, R. W., Kauer-Sant'Anna, M., & Yatham, L. N. (2020). Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review. Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 65(4), 213–227. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743719895195

Temple, E. C., Driver, M., & Brown, R. F. (2014). Cannabis use and anxiety: is stress the missing piece of the puzzle?. Frontiers in psychiatry, 5, 168. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00168

Sarris, J., Sinclair, J., Karamacoska, D., Davidson, M., & Firth, J. (2020). Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review. BMC psychiatry, 20(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2409-8