If you’re dealing with depression, it’s helpful to figure out what the best weed for depression is, especially if you’re preferring a holistic approach.
Sometimes weed is only seen as a recreational drug. But it may also be an effective treatment for depression, and you’ll want to find the best weed for depression if you’re dealing with it.
The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system — a network of receptors that respond to compounds found in cannabis, called cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in mood regulation and may help explain why some people with depression say that smoking pot helps manage their symptoms.
Research on whether cannabis can be used as a treatment for clinical depression is limited, but there have been several studies investigating its potential benefits.
A 2013 study from Yale University found that patients who inhaled vaporized weed felt less depressed/anxious and were more relaxed than those who were given a placebo.
A 2015 study from the University of British Columbia found that participants who received vaporized cannabis reported feeling less depressed than those who received the placebo — though they did not report feeling particularly happy or euphoric after taking the drug.
There are also anecdotal reports from people who say smoking pot helps them manage their symptoms of depression — although this isn’t enough evidence to suggest it’s a good treatment option yet.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed are prolonged and interfere with the ability to function. Some people refer to depression as the “common cold” of mental disorders because it has so many symptoms.
There is no single cause for depression. It may be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors. A lot of people find that using certain strains of weed helps with their depression.
A lot of people wonder which type of weed they should be using for their depression, which leads to the next point.
Indica Or Sativa Strains – What’s Best For Depression?
There are two different types of cannabis varieties – Indica and Sativa. Each type has its own effects on the body and mind.
Indica
Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative properties, inducing a body high that can leave you feeling heavy and tired. They’re often used as sleep aids or as an alternative to opiates for pain relief. They also have a reputation for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.
Sativa
Sativa strains are thought to have more uplifting effects than Indica strains, with some users reporting a “high” feeling after consumption. The Sativa cannabis strains are often used to provide people with higher levels of creativity. Sativas can also be used as appetite stimulants, though they won’t work quite as effectively as THC-dominant strains like OG Kush or Sour Diesel.
Should I Use THC Or CBD Weed Strains For Depression?
Both THC and CBD can contribute to providing relief from depression.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. This means that it does not cause you to feel high and is safe for use by people of all ages, including children. CBD has been shown to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia in some patients.
CBD has also been known to increase levels of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and sleep quality. Low serotonin levels have been linked to depression, so increasing serotonin levels with CBD can help relieve symptoms of depression without causing a “high.”
Although research on CBD for depression is still limited, preliminary studies suggest that this cannabinoid can be an effective treatment option for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, especially when used in combination with other medications or therapies like meditation or yoga.
THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. It has also been shown to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. However, due to its psychoactive effects, THC may not be appropriate for everyone or every condition.
Both THC and CBD have been shown to help with depression, but they each have their own unique benefits:
- THC reduces stress and anxiety while increasing appetite and improving sleep patterns
- CBD can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces pain associated with arthritis or fibromyalgia
What Are The Best Weed Strains For Depression?
There are a variety of different strains that can help provide relief from the many different symptoms of depression.
Blue Dream
This Sativa-dominant strain has energizing effects that can help manage depression symptoms such as fatigue and lack of motivation. It also helps improve mood and anxiety levels thanks to its high THC content (15-23%).
OG Kush
OG Kush is an Indica strain that has an earthy, piney aroma and taste. It is a cross between the landrace strains the Hindu Kush and Northern Lights. OG Kush has been popular in Southern California since the early 1990s.
The effects of OG Kush are said to be physical and sedative in nature, making it a popular strain for patients suffering from insomnia, pain, anxiety, and depression. Patients also report experiencing relief from gastrointestinal issues when using OG Kush. This strain also induces hunger, so it’s great for those who struggle with nausea or lack of appetite due to illness or treatment side effects.
OG Kush is best consumed at night due to its strong body effects and sedative nature. The high lasts around two hours after smoking or vaping this strain but can last longer if taken orally through edibles or tinctures.
Cinex
Cinex is a hybrid strain that’s a cross between Sour Diesel and Girl Scout Cookies. Its THC level can reach up to 24 percent, which makes this strain a good choice for those looking for strong effects. Cinex has a sweet, earthy flavor with hints of fruitiness. Its aroma is similar, with notes of pine and citrus.
Cinex is known for its high potency and long-lasting effects, making it popular among medical marijuana patients who need relief from chronic pain or other conditions that require extended symptom management. It may also be helpful for people suffering from anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
As an Indica-dominant hybrid, Cinex offers some of the relaxing effects of Indica without being sedating or overwhelming. This makes it an ideal strain for social events where you want to relax but still be functional. The high lasts two to three hours when smoked or vaporized but can last up to eight hours when eaten orally — making it one of the longest-lasting strains available today.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a strain of weed that is one of the most common cannabis strains out there. Its high THC content makes it perfect for medical marijuana patients, especially those dealing with depression.
Harlequin weed is a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain that was created by crossing Canadian Sativa and Mexican ruderalis. This strain produces a very energetic high that is perfect for daytime use.
In addition to depression relief, the Harlequin strain of weed is known to be one of the best strains for nausea and stress relief. The high THC content in this strain works as an appetite stimulant which makes it great for those who are looking to gain weight or have trouble eating due to their illness or condition.
Harlequin weed is also known for its ability to help smokers relax and reduce anxiety levels. Some patients have found that smoking Harlequin weed helps them fall asleep easier at night because it helps with insomnia issues as well as other sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome (RLS).
Harlequin weed has a sweet berry flavor that tastes similar to grapes mixed with berries and sugarcane. The smell of Harlequin weed is pungent with hints of pine-like undertones mixed with sweet fruit flavors like blueberries or blackberries
Grandaddy Purple
Grandaddy Purple is a popular, potent Indica strain that is widely used for its anti-depressant qualities. It has gained popularity for its mellow effects and fruity aroma. It is a cross between Big Bud and Skunk #1, and was bred by TGA Seeds in 1999.
Grandaddy Purple produces large, dense buds with rich purple colors, hence its name. The buds have a sweet berry aroma with skunky undertones when they are freshly harvested.
Grandaddy Purple is an Indica-dominant strain that offers a relaxing body high coupled with an uplifting cerebral effect that can be felt in the head and body. This makes it ideal for treating conditions such as stress or anxiety, chronic pain, muscle spasms, and appetite loss. It also helps patients manage symptoms related to insomnia.
The THC content of Grandaddy Purple ranges from 17% to 24%, so users should be prepared for a strong high that lasts several hours after smoking or vaporizing this strain.
The high is typically described as having a couch-lock effect on users, which means they will be very relaxed but still functional enough to go about their day without having to lie down or sleep immediately after consuming this strain.
Grandaddy Purple can be used during the day as it does not cause extreme drowsiness like other strains might.
Figuring Out Your Strain
Figuring out which strain works to relieve your symptoms of depression can take a little bit of research and some trial and error. Depression is a multi-faceted condition that isn’t as black and white as it might seem. Give one or all of these strains listed a try and see if they help.
