10 Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety [2024] (2024)

We chose the 10 best cannabis strains for anxiety by focusing on strains that provide a good mix of relaxing and uplifting effects. Read on to learn about them!

While some feelings of fear and stress are normal human responses, when feelings of anxiety become consistently overwhelming, people often look for ways to relax their minds and bodies. For many people, cannabis strains known for their calming and soothing effects can help treat symptoms of anxiety.

SunMed Growers is dedicated to harnessing the therapeutic qualities of the sun-grown cannabis cultivated in our state-of-the-art greenhouse. We've curated a list of the 10 best cannabis strains for anxiety.

As you explore this list, keep in mind that these are based on reported effects by users, and they are not medical recommendations or suggestions! Consult your doctor before trying cannabis for medicinal purposes, and remember that experiences with cannabis vary widely for individuals. Ultimately, only you with the help of your doctor can decide what provides you the most relief. Read on to discover some relaxing strains might become your new go-to stress-reliever.

Are you in Maryland, and want to try SunMed Growers for yourself? Reach out to your local dispensary to find out which SunMed products and strains they have currently available.

1. Apple Fritter

• Benefits: Euphoric, giggly stress relief
• Potency: High (over 22%)
• Crossed Strains: Sour Apple x Animal Cookies
• Type: Hybrid

Apple Fritter is not just a popular strain for recreational users, but many medical consumers also report that it provides anxiety-relieving effects. We chose it as our number one strain for anxiety because it's said to provide an uplifting form of stress relief that many users find brings on a sense of happiness and, often, a case of the giggles. It's a potent strain, but not so potent that first-time users should avoid it.

A cross between Sour Apple and Animal Cookies, Apple Fritter is sweet and earthy, with notes of apple in both flavor and aroma. In our experience, it's a rejuvenating high that provides a boost of creative energy as well. It definitely tends toward the invigorating rather than relaxing side of mood improvement.

2. Snoop Dogg OG

• Benefits: Strong mood-lifting and anxiety-reducing experiences as well as pain relief reported by medicinal users
• Potency: Very high (over 28%)
• Crossed Strains: Lemon OG x Sour Diesel
• Type: Indica

Winner ofThe Baltimore Sun's Best Maryland-Grown Flower in 2023,Snoop Dogg OGis another great choice for anxiety. True to its name, Snoop Dogg is a calming Indica-dominant strain that is said to provide mood-lifting benefits and a sense of calm. As an indica, users tend to find its effects to be more calming and relaxing than energizing. With aromatic notes of lemon and diesel, itmay remind some users of OG Kush. In addition to calming anxiety, Snoop Dogg OG is also reportedly helpful for some with pain and appetite.

Look for Snoop Dogg OG at adispensary that carries SunMednear you!

3. Laughing Gas

• Benefits: Reported mood enhancing effects and a case of the giggles
• Potency: High (over 20%)
• Crossed Strains: Cherry Pie OG x Gelatti
• Type: Hybrid

One of our most loved strains, Laughing Gas is a hybrid of Cherry Pie OG and Gelatti that features a diesel aroma and notes of grass and pine. But be warned! As its name suggests, some users report that this strain can give you a case of the giggles.The reported effects of Laughing Gas include an overall sense of feeling happy, calm, and creative. With its vivid green and bright golds, its also nice to just look at.

4. Hazy Girl

• Benefits: Users report a true blend of calming and uplifting effects; medicinal users cite pain-relieving properties
• Potency: High (over 20%)
• Crossed Strains: Girl Scout Cookies x Hazy Kush
• Type: Hybrid

A Sativa-dominant hybrid, Hazy Girl, another stellar strain from the SunMed Growers collection, offers a true balanced blend of relaxation and invigoration. With dense buds and a sweet taste, this cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Hazy Kush has a pungent berry aroma and lemony flavor. Though some may be concerned about the stimulating effects of Sativas, we recommend this particular strain because people report their experiences with it as grounding and calming. As always, use your own best judgment in choosing strains that are right for you as individual experiences may differ.

5. Hazy Kush

• Benefits: Well-rounded high that is said to provide an initial calming sensation followed by a mood boost
• Potency: Very high (over 24%)
• Crossed Strains: (Golden Pineapple x Purple Trainwreck) x (OG Kush x SAGE)
• Type: Hybrid

We love Hazy Kush for rough days because we think it delivers a symphony of sensations that are both soothing and stimulating. Users describe early onset effects as calming, followed by a gentle surge of energy that rejuvenates the mind. The resulting experience grants users the serenity to relax and the clarity to remain engaged. The overall experience tends toward a sense of mental relief paired with a soothing body buzz. It also has a delicate sage aroma.

6. Fruity Gum

• Benefits: Users report quick onset relaxation
• Potency: Very high (over 24%)
• Crossed strains: (Bubblegum x Stardawg) x (Fruity Pebble OG x Stardawg)
• Type: Hybrid

Fruity Gum is a balanced hybrid with a star-studded heritage that includes Fruity Pebble & Stardawg. We like this strain for its gently uplifting effects that users report having a quick onset. Its sweet, fruity, and earthy notes make it enjoyable to consume as well. Many choose this strain looking to combat stress, fatigue, and anxiety in situations where they need a fast pick-me-up.

7. Wedding Cheesecake

• Benefits: Euphoric feelings and relaxation; some users report feeling giggly
• Potency: Very high (over 24%)
• Crossed Strains: Cheese x Girl Scout Cookies x Cherry Pie
• Type: Indica

Wedding Cheesecake is an Indica-dominant strain that, in our experience, offs an indulgent and therapeutic experience. Like many strong Indicas, some report that it promotes an enveloping sense of calm and relaxation. Others also say, however, that Wedding Cheesecake had a more uplifting effect, even making them giggly. We encourage you to try it and see for yourself what kind of impact it has. We also love Wedding Cheesecake for its great flavor.It's a delightful blend of sweet, creamy notes with subtle, earthy undertones that many say is calming for the mind and relaxing for the body.

8. Ice Cream Cake

• Benefits: Users report powerful anxiety-relieving effects that help them sleep better
• Potency: High (over 22%)
• Crossed Strains: Wedding Cake x Gelato #33
• Type: Indica

This is definitely one of the coolest looking strains on our list! A hybrid of Wedding Cake and Gelato #33, Ice Cream Cake is an Indica that boasts a striking, deep purple hue. Users say that in addition to producing a feeling of general relaxation, Ice Cream Cake can also have gentle sedative effects. This strain features a sweet, creamy, and nutty flavor. With its rich Indica lineage, Ice Cream Cake is a potential ally against anxiety.

9. Dark Rainbow

• Benefits: Reported feelings of relaxation and energized simultaneously
• Potency: Somewhat high (over 19%)
• Crossed Strains: GMO x Rainbow Belts F1
• Type: Hybrid

Dark Rainbow is an aptly named hybrid strain with a sweet and sour citrus flavor and a tangy, lemony, and herbal scent. It is high in the terpene caryophyllene, which is thought to play a crucial role in combatting anxiety. We find that Dark Rainbow provides a calming, relaxing, and lightly euphoric effects, which is why we think it could be a good choice for people suffering from anxiety. Visually, Dark Rainbow combines deep emerald greens with hints of gold.

10. Strawberry Shortcake

• Benefits: Users reported relaxation and insomnia relief
• Potency: Somewhat high (over 18%)
• Crossed Strains: White Wookie x The White
• Type: Hybrid

Last but certainly not least, Strawberry Shortcake is a calming Indica-dominant hybrid with a delicious strawberry flavor. For those battling anxiety, users sometimes reach for this strainbecause of its reported ability to soothe the nerves and help with sleep. Visually, this strain gleams in shades of vivid purple.

Cannabis Strains for Anxiety FAQs

Is Indica or Sativa Bad for Anxiety?

In general, Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative properties, making them the obvious choice for anxiety. Indicas are often recommended for nighttime use and for those looking to alleviate stress.

On the other hand, Sativa strains are typically more uplifting and energizing, suitable for daytime use and promoting creativity and focus. For some individuals, Sativas can exacerbate feelings of anxiety or induce paranoia. As a result, for people battling anxiety, it’s best to proceed with caution when trying a new Sativa strain.

Keep in mind that everyone's body chemistry is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. If you're considering cannabis for anxiety, it's always a good idea to start with a low dose and consult with a healthcare professional or cannabis consultant to find the strain that's right for you.

What Strain Makes You Feel Motivated?

Feelings of motivation and focus can be enhanced by several cannabis strains, especially those with uplifting and energizing effects – often qualities found in Sativa or hybrid strains.

One standout recommendation for a motivating cannabis is Laughing Gas. This hybrid strain not only elevates mood but also invigorates the mind, fostering a sense of creativity and drive. With Laughing Gas, users report bursts of euphoria and an increased inclination to engage in activities or pursue creative endeavors.

Remember, individual experiences can vary, so while Laughing Gas acts as a motivator for many, it's essential to explore and find the strain that aligns best with your personal needs and body chemistry.

What Strain Helps with Relaxation?

While all of the strains on this list can help promote relaxation, Hazy Kush stands out. This hybrid strain induces a sense of calm and tranquility, making it perfect for unwinding after a long day or settling into a peaceful evening. Hazy Kush is especially favored by those looking to ease tension, both physically and mentally.

As with any cannabis strain, it's important to remember that individual reactions may vary, so exploring a variety of Indica and hybrid strains may help you find the perfect one to facilitate your relaxation.

Unwind with SunMed Growers

Begin your journey to relaxation and tranquility by exploring some of the calming strains offered by SunMed. With the wide variety of sun-grown cannabis strains we cultivate in our Dutch-style greenhouses, SunMed is certain to have the perfect strain for your needs – whether that’s battling anxiety or finding creative focus.

Ready to elevate your cannabis journey? Find a dispensary near you and immerse yourself in the SunMed difference. Start your exploration today.