Anxiety is the most common mental illness, affecting over 40 million Americans. As medical and recreational marijuana gets legalized, those who suffer from anxiety are turning to plant-based solutions.

Cannabis has a great effect on anxiety, though sometimes it takes some experimentation. Use this list of the best strains for anxiety to find your best fit.

For your ease, we’ve grouped the strains into Indicas, Sativas, and Hybrids. Find your perfect match below.

Best Strains for Anxiety

The link between cannabis highs and anxiety isn’t well understood. Some of us find a blunt or joint the perfect thing to mellow out anxiety symptoms.

Others find getting high makes them even more paranoid. The answer here? It’s all in the strain.

If you’ve had trouble with weed and anxiety before, try to figure out what strain you were smoking. If it was an Indica, go for a Sativa and vice versa.

Or find a high-er Sativa hybrid and start there. Your bud-tenders and online experts like Leafbuyer are here to help too. They love and believe in plant healing and are always willing to help.

So don’t be afraid to reach out!

Indica Strains for Anxiety

Smoking an Indica will give you that classic mellow, apathetic stoner high we see on tv. It lets your mind relax and the THC takes over.

Some people find this kind of high overwhelming, like they are “too high” or wish the effect was less consuming. If this is you, scroll down to Sativa or hybrids below.

Otherwise, here are some Indica picks for anxiety:

Granddaddy Purple

When you hear rappers and weed lovers talking about smoking the purple, think GDP. This cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud has a delicious but subtle berry aroma.

It gets its name from the distinct deep-purple bloom of the flowers. The flowers contrast with the white of the crystals, making this strain poster-worthy.

This strain rates for the following characteristics in

• Stress
• Pain
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Lack of Appetite

Northern Lights

If you’re looking for an exotic and celebrated choice, Northern Lights is where it’s at. It’s a descendant of Afghani and Thai Landrace strains and the mommy of some famous hybrids.

It’s high in THC crystals, the perfect example of a “sticky” strain. Smokers say it has a pungent (no hiding this one!) sweet and spicy aroma. Almost like the chai tea of weed smoke.

Budtenders recommend Northern Lights to people looking for this kind of high

• Relaxed
• Euphoric
• Happy
• A little sleepy
• A little uplifted

Blackberry Kush: A Cannabis Knockout

If you want to put yourself or your anxiety to sleep, try Blackberry Kush. A child of Afghani (like NL), this strain will knock you out or at least calm your way down.

Because of it’s sedating effects, most people smoke this purple baby before bed.

You can expect the following high from BBK

• Relaxed
• Sleepy
• Happy
• Euphoric
• A little hungry (but not enough to wake you up!)

Sativas

For the people who like to take the edge off, but still stay in control, Sativas are a great choice. They give you the “Why am I smiling?” effect without feeling like you’re too stoned to carry on your day.

Perfect for the stressed-out student who needs to study and is panicking from deadlines.

Get our Sativa anxiety strain recommendations below.

Jack Herer

Remember that Indica Northern Lights with its Afghani parent? It’s at play in this Sativa.

A high-THC Sativa isn’t usually the best choice for those looking to go to the other end of the high spectrum, but this guy is different.

People who smoke this Sativa say they feel:

• Happy
• Uplifted
• Euphoric
• Energetic
• Creative

Artists love this strain!

Cinex

Another not-normally-prescribed Sativa for anxiety is Cinderella’s child. No kidding! Cinex was born of Cinderella 99 and Vortex.

It’s an energizing Sativa great for improving mood and energy. You can expect a clear-headed high, with good moods and idea stimulating energy with this baby.

Hybrids

For most anxiety sufferers, Hybrids are the answer. Growers bred these plants to have the best of their parents, the ideal poster child.

White Fire OG

White Fire or WiFi OG is an uplifting hybrid with 60% Sativa. Born of Fire OG and The White, the number of crystals on this strain leaves it looking like a hairy disco ball.

People who smoke WiFi OG feel:

• Happy
• Euphoric
• Uplifted
• Relaxed
• Creative

ACDC

No, not the rock band. ACDC is great for social anxiety, opening you up and getting rid of those “is that a dumb thing to say?” nerves.

It’s high in CBD, which is making the news as a cure-all solution. The ratio is 1 part Sativa to 20 parts CBD, so don’t expect much of a brain high.

It’s all a happy body high with the following characteristics

• Relaxed
• Focused
• Uplifted
• Happy
• Euphoric

Sounds great – like we need to get some now!

Girl Scout Cookies

Who wouldn’t love a strain named after our collective biggest weakness? The answer is no one, GSC is a hit everywhere. It’s even won some Cannabis Cup awards.

A joint of this sweet strain will make you feel

• Happy
• Relaxed
• Euphoric
• Uplifted
• Creative

Add some girl scout cookies on top of that high? You’re set!

Marijuana for Anxiety

Like anything else, even prescription anxiety drugs, finding the right option for you takes some trial and error. You could get lucky and find the best strains for anxiety on the first try, but it’s not likely.

Don’t give up on finding a plant-based solution to your anxiety issues. The Cannabis plant is magical and always finds a way to help.

For more tips, hacks, and interesting tidbits check out our blog. We’re always posting more content that will make you a prized guest at any dinner party.