Despite some of the negative propaganda, marijuana can actually have great benefits for your mental health. A 2018 study found using cannabis can effectively reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. There’s also a lot of evidence to show cannabinoids help with various forms of anxiety, including PTSD.
If you’re looking to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety using weed, there’s a lot of strains to choose from. However, some are better than others. Sativa strains are mentally stimulating, which can increase anxiety for some users. In general, indica effects are preferred for their mentally calming effects. Here are some of the best indica strains for PTSD.
1. Death Bubba
Death Bubba is a sedating indica strain that will work fast on de-stressing and relaxing your entire body. It’s a cross between Death Star and Bubba Kush, two quality indicas that make for an earthy yet sweet strain that’s perfect for anxiety sufferers.
Death Bubba is known as a potent stress and anxiety reliever. It helps you soothe your mind to take away all kinds of negative thoughts. Meanwhile, the soothing body buzz can also be useful for removing any kind of physical discomfort.
2. OG Kush
OG Kush is a world-popular strain known for its intensely relaxing high. Smoking this will relieve feelings of stress fast, leaving you in a happy, mellow state. It’s not too overwhelming and you can still stay alert and take in movies and TV shows while you enjoy the soothing mental and physical state.
Many users use this strain to treat depression and stress, but it’s also useful for anxiety. It can also help you sleep better at night, making it a good choice of strain for PTSD sufferers. It has a dank, earthy aroma and taste which many will enjoy smoking. If you need an indica with a smooth, enjoyable high, this one’s for you.
3. Diamond OG
Diamond OG is a powerful pure indica that’s perfect for those times you don’t want to do anything but lie back and chill out. It’ll start out with smooth sensations of relaxation and euphoria that’ll spread throughout your entire body. As time goes on, you may have problems staying alert or awake.
These effects are ideal if you’re looking to take on pain, stress or insomnia. Of course, they’re also useful for those who need to relax their mind and relieve anxiety symptoms, including PTSD. It’s a good strain to use as a healthy and effective sleep-inducer.
4. Purple Candy
Purple Candy is a sweet strain with even sweeter effects. It’s easily recognizable for its purple hue and berry aroma, but the real draw is the calming effects. Purple Candy crosses BC Sweet Tooth and Mendocino Purps to make a strong indica that makes you feel happy, sleep, and tingly all over.
These effects will put your body and mind at ease, making it useful for counteracting PTSD. It’ll also help with depression, stress, and headaches. It’ll also soothe you into a deep and relaxing sleep, making it good for sufferers of insomnia.
5. MK Ultra
MK Ultra is known for its hypnotic effects, hence being named after the historic CIA mind control program. It’s an accomplished strain with multiple Cannabis Cup accolades thanks to its popularity and enjoyable taste and effects.
The strain crosses G-13 and OG Kush to result in a superpowered indica that can make anyone feel at ease. It’ll help you wind down with an intensely soothing body buzz, making it perfect for taking out symptoms of anxiety, depression, and general stress.
6. Violator Kush
Violator Kush crosses genetics of Malana and Hindu Kush to create a pure and pungent indica with potent effects. It has THC levels reaching up to 24%, so it’s best to avoid this one if you need to be productive. However, if you’re looking for decompression and relaxation, Violator Kush is a prime choice.
Smoking this brings on a full body buzz fast, perfect to use as a painkiller and stress-reliever. Meanwhile, it’ll also clear your mind making it particularly useful for tackling PTSD and other forms of anxiety. It can also put you to sleep if you smoke a lot, although smaller amounts are good for chilled out recreation.
7. Black Diamond
Black Diamond is one of the best indica strains for PTSD offering mental relaxation without putting you out of commission. Smoking this will leave you in a light clear-headed state. You’ll be able to kick back and relax while still enjoying regular activities and not falling asleep.
The taste is earthy with sweet berry undertones, making it enjoyable for many. While its effects are best for reducing anxiety, it also helps with stress, depression, and pain. You’re also likely to get the munchies with this one, so stock up on snacks. It’s a perfect chill-out strain for evening use.
8. Afghan Kush
Afghan Kush is a popular choice of indica which will make you feel calm and peaceful. It’s known to induce couch-lock and laziness, so if you’re looking to kick back with some snacks and watch some movies then this is a great strain for you.
The mind and body buzz will give you all kinds of relief. It’ll stop your thoughts from spinning out of control and give you a clear and positive mind. The physical effects will also help take away stress, tension, and headaches. Overall this is a top-notch choice for anyone looking to mellow out.
Conclusion
If you need a marijuana strain to help clear your mind and ease feelings of anxiety, these are some of the best indica strains for PTSD. However, there are plenty of other options. Many indica strains have the same relaxing effects, making them useful for the purpose of counteracting mental stress. Hybrid strains can also be useful- especially the ones that are more indica-dominant.
Keep in mind that marijuana shouldn’t be used as a sole treatment for anxiety. These strains are better used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as therapy. However, if you need quick relief for stress and anxiety, cannabis can help significantly.
