The idea of using cannabis to fight depression is met with a lot of criticism from many. Although there isn’t much scientific evidence to back the claims that some strains of marijuana could treat depression, anecdotal evidence looks quite hopeful.
The psychoactive compound in cannabis – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – is considered to be bi-phasic in nature, which implies that all the positives of the drug (if any, in our case) convert into negatives if taken in high doses.
Only recently, a study linked consuming potent cannabis (high THC) to psychosis.
Besides the THC content, a person must look at the cannabinoid and terpene profile of a strain while selecting one to treat the condition.
If you aren’t good at doing this, don’t worry as we have listed down a few strains that may help treat depression:
1) OG Kush
This strain is often regarded as an afternoon treat, and boasts one-of-a-kind terpene profile; it contains myrcene, limonene, linalool and beta-caryophyllene (BCP) and is high in THC.
While limonene and linalool enhance and boost a person’s mood, myrcene acts as a sedative. Furthermore, Linalool, which is the primary fragrance compound in Lavender, provides relaxation to the mind.
Thus, the high THC content and all these terpenes together make OG Kush a mildly sedative but emotionally uplifting strain – an ideal choice to treat depression.
2) MediHaze
Unlike OG Kush, MediHaze — a sativa hybrid — is a CBD-rich strain. So, those who are wary of THC should find this strain useful.
CBD’s anti-depressant capabilities can be corroborated from a preclinical study in rodents which found that CBD can boost the levels of serotonin – the ‘happy neurotransmitter’ that contributes to your well-being – faster and safer than other pharmaceuticals.
The strain also boasts terpenes such as limonene, beta-caryophyllene (BCP) and linalool. Please note that strain can sometimes feature very high levels of myrcene, which may make it a little more sedative than expected.
3) Super Sour Diesel
Before we tell you more on this strain, we would like to give you a few words of caution. Super Sour Diesel is quite high in THC and thus isn’t suitable for all patients of depression. However, it boasts a pretty decent terpene profile, which includes beta-caryophyllene (BCP), limonene, and bisabolol.
Bisabolol, also sometimes referred to as Levomenone, is a terpene found in candeia tree and chamomile flower. It is particularly beneficial for patients who suffer from both (dual) anxiety and depression.
4) Harlequin
This strain is similar to MediHaze in terms of both CBD content and terpene profile. In fact, it can even boast as high as 2:1 ratio of CBD and THC.
Since Harlequin doesn’t have substantial amounts of psychoactive THC, it can be used during the day time as well.
5) Classic cookies
Although Classic Cookies is a relaxing daytime flower, we suggest that you use the strain during the day only if you have a high tolerance for THC.
CC contains high levels of the terpene limonene, which as you are already aware by now, is both invigorating and calming at once. Notably, Limonene promotes a happy mood and clarity of thought without excess stimulation.
Conclusion
Before you choose a particular strain, make sure to look at its THC content and the concerned patient’s THC tolerance level. It has been seen that THC can worsen the condition in some patients; so it is the most significant factor that you must consider while picking one.
Picking the ideal strain at once isn’t as easy as it sounds. Careful experimentation is thus the key!
