The Latest on Cannabis for Depression & Stress
With the coronavirus spiking mental health issues, like stress, depression, and anxiety…cannabis as a natural relief, has never been hotter. As sales spiked in the time of isolation spawned by COVID-19, one Canadian researcher even reported recently that cannabis could potentially cure the virus. Beyond these unique topics brought on by this unprecedented time, one thing still remains.
The way cannabis works is highly helpful at relieving stresses, and depressive type disorders. For beginner users, and veterans alike, it’s important to know how cannabis can mellow your mood, to choose the product that will work the best. So here we’ll explore the latest on using weed for depression and stress, and the ideal strains to turn to.
Cannabis and Stress
While we all know a good joint at the end of the day, is a way to effectively relieve stress…we’re just now uncovering the exact science into why. In addition to measuring its results, and finding out which combination of doses, and types work the best. One recent study conducted by Washington State University addressed marijuana’s relieving tendencies for mood disorders.
For stress, patients reported a reduction in 93.3% of the trial’s sessions. The researchers went even further to confirm that stress specifically was reduced by high CBD and high THC doses. This information is important for consumers seeking the right product that delivers them the balance they’re seeking for stress. Luckily the market is already delivering with many 1:1 CBD to THC products now readily available. Like, tinctures, edibles, capsules and more.
The power of CBD seems to be important, as the cannabinoid works directly with our body’s stress hormones. The adrenal gland is responsible for producing cortisol, which is a chemical that manages and regulates the internal stress we feel. A recent study shows that CBD has the ability to reduce the production of cortisol, reducing stress overall.
Best Strains for Relieving Stress with Cannabis
The Latest On Cannabis For Depression & Stress
Taking this information into mind, and taking real-time use into consideration, the industry has found a few strains are just that much better for relieving stress than others. As for the scent, it’s been found that the linalool and limonene terpenes are best for reducing stressful moods, too. That would be floral or herbal scented bud for linalool, and citrus or lemon-scented bud for limonene.
Here’s our list of best strains that can combat stress specifically.
Cherry OG is a somewhat rare genetic, that is also a unique well-balanced hybrid. The strain boasts high levels of THC for combatting stress, and a robust flavour profile, too. Its effects are uplifting, euphoric and relaxing all at once, for the calming of the mind.
Pineapple Express, the strain, is as mood-lifting as watching the movie that made it popular. The genetics have moderate levels of THC and produce a euphoria filled with good vibes for relieving stress. The citrus flavoured buds are technically a hybrid but will deliver Sativa like energies, too.
Sour Diesel is another popular mainstream strain, well-loved by the rapper Wiz Khalifa. It has higher levels of THC, and an energizing high that is ideal for relieving stress during the day. The genetics are well-known for making ‘happy’ and uplifting moods.
Cannabis and Depression
For depression, it seems researchers are most interested in cannabis’ effect on dopamine and serotonin receptors. Considering that imbalanced levels of the compounds are often the source of depressive type disorders. In addition, researchers at the University of Buffalo found an overall low level of endocannabinoids as one source of depression too. Consuming cannabis naturally boosts your levels of endocannabinoids which may be a way for treatment.
Another source of depression may be inflammation in parts of the brain. Since cannabis, and specifically CBD are highly anti-inflammatory this connection is being more widely researched too. Lastly, there have been a few trials conducted on the actual efficacy of cannabis for depression. Their findings are summarized below:
- McGill University in Montreal conducted a 2007 study that published THC was an effective antidepressant.
- A study out of the Netherlands concluded that THC positively affects the reaction your mind has when negative emotions are present.
Best Strains for Relieving Depression with Cannabis
The Latest On Cannabis For Depression & Stress
The same research that concluded ideal levels of CBD and THC for stress also researched the exact science of relieving depression too. What they found was cannabis reduced symptoms of depression in 89.3% of the trials with a high CBD and lower THC dose. Taking real-use into consideration, we’ve compiled three strains consumers have found ideal for relieving depressive symptoms.
Like Sour Diesel from our stress list, Lemon Sour Diesel adds a boost of limonene terpene power for additional depression relief. This strain is a Sativa dominant hybrid, with lower levels of THC ideal for depressive symptoms. Along with energizing effects for daytime use.
Zombie OG is an Indica dominant hybrid that has a heavy-hitting body buzz for ultimate relaxation. The strain uniquely has high levels of CBD which could be helpful for depression.
MK Ultra is a rare strain that delivers a tranquil bliss, ideal for chill vibes and elevated moods. The Indica dominant hybrid will uplift your mood, but soothe you into a restful slumber, too.
Mellowing the Mind with Marijuana
Whether you’re new to the cannabis world, or a long-time user, knowledge is definitely power. The more you know about the complex plant, the better you can choose the products that are best suited for the symptom you’re trying to relieve. For depression and stress, there are a number of mood-elevating qualities that marijuana can deliver. Shop Greenz’s extensive collection of flower strains, concentrate products, edibles, and more. Journaling your progress of which products worked best to combat stress and depression is recommended by many, and just remember – enjoy the trials to healing, along the way.
