Ask anyone who suffers from anxiety, and they will tell you that the condition is incredibly difficult to manage. Although it is highly treatable, only a small percentage of those suffering from anxiety seek treatment. This is because most people are unaware that they are suffering from a type of anxiety disorder. They, therefore, do not realize that they need help to treat it.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common forms of mental illness in the United States, affecting an estimated 18.1% of the population. With so many people plagued by this condition, it is hardly surprising that the market is saturated with many different types of anxiety relief medication.
One of the most promising solutions for treating anxiety is cannabidiol or CBD. Known for its healing properties, CBD is also widely used recreationally via vaping.
On the medical front, CBD is known to help control seizures in patients with epilepsy. Because of its usefulness for epilepsy treatment, scientists are beginning to look closer into the potential of the wonder herb that is cannabis.
Medical marijuana as a potential cure for anxiety
Nowadays, CBD-infused products are the go-to cure for several medical issues, including anxiety and stress. Although CBD products may have a positive effect on users suffering from anxiety, it has yet to be recognized as a cure by the global medical community.
Nevertheless, many studies support the supposed benefits of CBD. In 2011, a study was conducted on the efficiency of marijuana in treating social anxiety. Half of the 24 people that participated in the study had a social anxiety disorder, while the other half did not. One group was given CBD, while the other was given a placebo. Both groups were then asked to speak in public. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in anxiety levels in the group that received CBD.
Subsequent research revealed that the reduced anxiety was due to the neurotransmitter anandamide, a naturally occurring substance that reduces anxiety. Interestingly, anandamide stays intact after you ingest CBD. This is because CBD slows down the production of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which naturally breaks down anandamide.
It is also worth noting that cannabis plants rich in CBD usually have little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. The primary psychoactive component in marijuana, THC can cause feelings of paranoia and anxiety in marijuana users.
All this suggests that the key to anxiety management is choosing a strain that has a higher CBD component as compared to THC. Although it has yet to be recognized as a treatment for anxiety disorders, high-CBD strains might help ease many anxiety symptoms.
CBD strains that can help manage anxiety
Of course, not all cannabis-infused products are created equal. Some strains can help manage your anxiety, while others might worsen it. To help you determine the most appropriate solution for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of CBD strains that may safely help you manage your anxiety .
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is one of the most popular high CBD strains available. It contains about 13% CBD with almost no THC. Charlotte’s Web is used in many health products for the treatment of depression, pain, and anxiety.
Harle-Tsu
Harle-Tsu is another strain known for its exceptionally high levels of CBD. Although most Harle-Tsu plants contain only 13% CBD, some may contain as much as 21.05%.
Harle-Tsu reduces stress and helps users maintain focus. Although it has less than 0.86% THC, Harle-Tsu is known to cause feelings of lightness and happiness in its users.
Harlequin
Harlequin has a 5:2 ratio of CBD versus THC. It is a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain that contains 16% CBD and only 4% THC. Ingesting Harlequin tends to make users feel more alert, with an exceptionally clear head. Harlequin’s high levels of CBD may help users feel relaxed without the sedative effects associated with strains that have high THC content.
ACDC
ACDC is a Sativa-dominant cannabis strain that is known for having one of the highest CBD to THC ratios around–20:1. ACDC’s CBD levels can be as high as 19%, which makes it an extremely effective treatment for anxiety. Many users report feeling relaxed and happy after using ACDC.
Trident
Trident is ideally suited for those who prefer to maintain mental focus. It is a high-CBD strain, with CBD levels that can reach as high as 12%. Despite its reputation for helping users maintain focus, Trident also has remarkable relaxing properties, making it ideally suited for managing stress and anxiety.