The Controversy Indica vs. Sativa: Which One Actually Helps Most With Anxiety?
Anxiety is a common condition, affecting millions of people around the world. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to dealing with anxiety. What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why it’s important to explore different marijuana strains and find the best option for you.
This blog will teach you all you need to know about cannabis and its effects on anxiety, including which strain is best for which condition, the side effects of cannabis, and more.
Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which cannabis strain is best for your specific needs.
Happy anxiety-free reading!
Is Cannabis Legal Where I Live?
In the United states, as of February 2022, 37 states, four out of five permanently inhabited U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia allow people to use cannabis for medical reasons. Eleven other states have stricter laws about how much THC can be in marijuana.
Medical cannabis laws vary a lot from one state to the next, including how it can be grown and sold, how it can be used, and what medical conditions it can be used for.
Cannabis is legal in the UK from 2018 when prescribed by specialist medical doctors.
Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, and Uruguay are among the countries that allow medical use of the whole cannabis plant.
It is not yet legal in Ireland.
You should check the legality of medical cannabis in the territory where you live before you buy it.
Cannabinoids
When choosing the strain, it’s important to pay attention to the levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present and the ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) compounds. When shopping for medical marijuana, always consult your doctor or trusted source so you know exactly what kind of strain will best suit your needs.
There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the effects of THC and CBD. So, what are they and what difference do they make?
THC and CBD are the two main cannabinoids in marijuana.
- THC is responsible for the “high” people experience when they smoke or eat cannabis products.
- CBD has a wide range of benefits, including reducing anxiety and inflammation levels.
The effects of a cannabis strain depend a lot on how much CBD and THC it has, as well as its terpene profile.
CBD and THC are both found naturally in the Cannabis plant. However, the way they work is very different. THC is psychoactive, so higher levels of THC make you feel high or “stoned,” while CBD does not. This might have an influence on which you choose for daytime use.
CBD and THC interact with each other in a way called the “entourage effect.” CBD works to moderate and temper the effects of THC. Without CBD, some people may find it hard to handle how THC makes them feel.
Terpenes are chemical compounds that can be found in plants, cannabis, and other organisms. They’re responsible for the smell and flavor of many plants. In fact, terpenes play an important role in determining the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Terpenes are a relatively new topic in the cannabis dialogue, but they play an important role in the “entourage effect.” They work with and complement the other parts of marijuana, which adds to the overall effect of the plant on our bodies and minds. But new research also shows that terpenes have important anti-anxiety effects.
Several studies show some terpenes can help reduce anxiety, even when they are used on their own. Three of the most common terpenes in marijuana are myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene.
There are over 200 different terpenes in the different types of cannabis. There is evidence that terpenes can help prevent dementia as well. It makes sense that they are often found in CBD oil.
Cannabis and Anxiety
Cannabis has been used for a variety of purposes, one of which is to relieve anxiety.
There are two main types of cannabis plant – cannabis indica and cannabis sativa. Indica strains are more popular for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) because they provide a sense of calmness and relaxation. Sativa strains are more effective at treating panic disorders and other specific types of anxiety, like social phobia or panic attacks.
Sativa varieties have more THC and less CBD than indica varieties. But the high that comes from sativas can help many people feel less anxious and give them more energy.
Getting less anxious isn’t always the same as feeling sleepy. Most people find that the higher amount of CBD in indica makes them feel more relaxed than energised, but if you have anxiety at work, that may not be an option.
It’s important to find the strain that’s right for you – some people may respond better to indica while others prefer sativa. Hybrid strains are also available.
These are the takeaway points from a 2018 study on cannabis and anxiety and depression in the Journal of Affective Disorders:
Benefits of Cannabis Compounds
- Cannabis made people feel much less depressed, anxious, and stressed.
- Women said that cannabis reduced their anxiety more than men did.
- Cannabis with low THC and high CBD helped people feel the least depressed.
- Cannabis with a lot of THC and CBD helped people feel the least anxious.
- Using cannabis to treat depression seems to make it worse in the long run. However, long-term use did not make anxiety worse.
How Might Cannabis Work To Reduce Anxiety?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that sends messages between nerve cells in the brain and that affects sleep, hunger, pain, libido, and mood. It helps make the sleep hormone melatonin and is involved in digestion.
Low levels can lead to depression and trouble sleeping. When stress lasts for a long time, levels can go down. At low doses, cannabis increases serotonin levels. In high doses, it actually causes a big drop.
In an animal model study done in Brazil and published in 2014, researchers found CBD had antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
CBD to THC ratio in Indica and Sativa
There is a common belief that Indica strains have higher CBD levels while Sativa strains contain have a higher THC content. This is not entirely true, though indica plants are known for their mellower high – meaning they will provide relief from anxiety and other pain conditions.
Meanwhile, sativa plants produce more of a ‘head high’, which makes them perfect for those looking for an energetic buzz.
Knowing which strain best suits your needs is important before buying cannabis, as it can help you avoid unpleasant side-effects. As noted, there are also hybrid strains.
Is Indica or Sativa better for anxiety?
For anxiety, it’s tough to know which strain is best for you. Is Indica better or Sativa? It depends on your symptoms and preferences. Indica strains are typically thought of as being more helpful for anxiety problems because they’re less stimulating.
This means that they’re ideal for people who experience anxiety from being too active, or from being in high-stress situations.
Sativa strains are often thought of as being more beneficial for pain, since they provide euphoric effects. This can help reduce anxiety and stress levels, and can also lead to a more positive outlook on life.
To get the best results, it’s important to find a strain that works well with your own symptoms. So, if you’re struggling with anxiety, consider trying an Indica strain for now and see how that goes. If it’s not helping, then try a Sativa strain next. It may be just what you need
There is no one right answer—it’s important to experiment to find which strain works best for you!
Strains to consider for certain conditions
For anxiety, it’s important to know the difference between indica and sativa strains. Indica strains are more relaxing and are usually recommended for people who want a mellow high. Sativa strains are energizing and can improve focus and productivity. It’s important to consider your preference – some people prefer indica-dominant strains while others prefer sativa-dominated ones. If you’re looking for a strain that will best suit your specific needs, it’s best to consult with a medical professional. In the meantime, keep these strains in mind when choosing an anxiety treatment strain!
Grandaddy Purple
has a higher amount of THC than most indica strains. Granddaddy Purple is for people who need help with anxiety, insomnia, pain, and a variety of GI issues.
Chem Four
is a hybrid strain that is mostly made up of indica. It is often used to relieve stress and depression.
Sour Diesel
is a sativa strain of marijuana that is recommended for people with anxiety, PTSD, brain fog, and severe pain.
Lemon OG Haze
is a cross between Super Lemon Haze and OG Kush. It makes people feel happy and calms them down. It can keep you calm and alert, without making you sleepy.
White Widow
People with social anxiety may like this well-known crossbreed. White Widow makes you feel happy and gives you energy, which can help people who are shy break out of their shells.
Cannatonic
Because of its high CBD and low THC level, this hybrid strain provides a calming high. For anxiety, chronic pain, and sleeplessness, Cannatonic has high myrcene and beta-caryophyllene levels.
Bubba Kush
Another sedative indica is Bubba Kush. Bubba Kush, with medium THC and no CBD, induces full-body relaxation.
Northern Lights
completes the anxiety-terpene hat trick. This strain calms you with a low THC and CBD content.
Hindu Kush
is a 100% indica strain that has a lot of THC but almost none or very little CBD. It comes from the Hindu Kush mountain range, which is 500 miles long and is west of the Himalayas in Central and South Asia.
Side Effects of Cannabis
Side effects of cannabis can vary depending on the strain, dosage, and how often you use it.
Psychosis
A meta-analysis done in 2007 found that people who used cannabis were, on average, 2.7 years less likely to develop psychosis than people who didn’t use cannabis.
A meta-analysis done in 2005 found that using cannabis as a teen raises the risk of psychosis, and that the risk goes up with the amount of cannabis used.
A 2004 review of the research on the subject found that using cannabis increases the risk of psychosis by two times, but that using cannabis is “neither necessary nor sufficient” to cause psychosis.
A French study from 2009 found that using marijuana, especially before the age of 15, was linked to the development of schizophrenic disorders.
Nausea
Cannabinoids, like CBD, may be useful in the clinic for treating both nausea and vomiting, according to research done before clinical trials. They may be useful in helping reduce vomiting in chemotherapy.
But. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is recurring nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps that can happen when people use cannabis for a long time and in high doses.
Does Sativa or Indica make you hungry?
Sativa and Indica cannabis plants are often used to treat the symptoms of anxiety. Sativa stimulates the mind, making you more active. Indica is believed to be more relaxing and has a sedating effect. This means that sativas increase your appetite, while indicas rarely have this effect.
Can I use both Indica and Sativa strains together to treat my anxiety symptoms?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to treating anxiety, as the best way to approach the issue depends on the person’s specific symptoms and situation. However, using both Indica and Sativa strains together may be a good place to start.
The main distinction to keep in mind when it comes to choosing strains for helping anxiousness is that Indica strains tend to make you more and sleepy, and so can be useful in treating insomnia, while Sativa strains tend to uplift mood and provide a feeling of energizing relaxation. While there is no one perfect strain for all anxiety-related symptoms, using both types of strains together may offer some relief in the long run.
How To take Cannabis
The effects come on the fastest when you smoke or vape cannabis. On the other hand, edibles may take about 40 minutes to start working, but they should give you longer-lasting relief.
Tinctures are also something to think about. The easy-to-use dosing method puts the dose right under the tongue. Leave it there for about a minute before swallowing. Tinctures work faster than edibles, with most people feeling the effects in 15 to 20 minutes. About two hours is how long these effects should last.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for relief from anxiety, it’s important to understand the difference between indica and sativa strains. Indica strains are known for their calming effects, while sativa strains are more energizing. However, both types of strains can provide relief from anxiousness and either can be a great option to reduce anxiety levels.
If you are looking for relief from anxiety quickly, it’s probably best to select an indica over a sativa strain of cannabis plant. While sativas can provide quick relief sometimes, indicas work better long-term because of their calming effects.
Ultimately, the best way to find the best strain for you is to speak with a cannabis expert. Most dispensaries can help you choose the strain that’s best suited for your specific needs and conditions.
In addition, be aware of any potential side effects of cannabis, as they can vary depending on the strain you’re using. So, stay safe and enjoy cannabis in moderation!
- References
- Journal of Affective Disorders Study 2018
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032718303100?via%3Dihub
- Study of Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects of CBD in Animals
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24923339/
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