Ten Cannabis Strains for Defeating Depression

Although cannabis can’t cure depression, there is a growing body of evidence that it does, indeed, work with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and offer relief that many declare superior to pharmaceutical solutions. 

Neuroscientists from the University of Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions found that chronic stress can lead to a reduced production of essential endocannabinoids and lead to anxiety, pain and depression. Researchers suggest that compounds in cannabis may work to counteract the effects of stress and prevent the depression.

The chronically depressed should avoid pure- or high-indica strains because of their tendency to induce “couch lock,” which can be counterproductive for someone who is already feeling depressed. Sativa, while known for leaving users energized and active, may be too invigorating. It’s best to find a hybrid that has received high ratings from users who’ve found success in beating depression. Strains high in the terpene limonene, with its sweet, citrus smell, are typically known for mood elevation.  

The strains in the following list have been rated as providing considerable therapeutic relief to those who are suffering from mild to moderate levels of depression.

AK-47 

Dubbed the “one-hit wonder,” AK-47 has won many awards and produces a high that relaxes and relieves anxiety.

  • Variety: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (80:20 Sativa –Indica Ratio)
  • Origin: Thai, Mexican, Afghani and Colombian 
  • THC Range: 14 – 20 percent
  • Characteristics: 
    • Effects: Calming, Euphoric, Happy, Sleepy 
    • Symptom Relief: Depression, Headaches, Pain, Sleeplessness, Stress
    • Flavors/Aromas: Earthy, Pungent, Skunky, Sour, Spicy

Amnesia Haze

Well-known for its potential to relax the mind.

  • Variety: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (80:20 Sativa – Indica Ratio)  
  • Origin: Jamaican Sativa, Laotian Sativa and Afghani Hawaiian Indica Hybrid
  • THC Range: 17 – 22 percent
  • Characteristics: 
    • Effects: Creative, Euphoric, Giggly, Happy, Psychoactive
    • Symptom Relief: Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Hyperactivity, Inattentiveness, Migraines
    • Flavors/Aromas: Citrus, Earthy, Lemon, Earthy, Sweet, 

Blue Dream 

“Uplifts while easing tension, anxiety and stress”

  • Variety: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid  (60:40 Sativa – Indica Ratio) 
  • Origin: Blueberry, Haze
  • THC Range: 17 – 24 percent
  • Characteristics:
    • Effects: Calming, Creative, Euphoric, Happy 
    • Symptom Relief: Anxiety, Depression, Hyperactivity, Inattentiveness, Inflammation, Migraines
    • Flavors/Aromas: Berry, Earthy, Fruity, Sweet, Vanilla 

Chiesel

Leaves patients happy and energetic but “not too high.”

  • Variety: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (60:40 Sativa – Indica Ratio)
  • Origin: Big Buddha Cheese, NYC Diesel
  • THC Range: 18 percent
  • Characteristics:  
    • Effects: Creative, Energized, Euphoric, Happy
    • Symptom Relief: Depression, Eye Pressure, Pain, Sleeplessness, Stress
    • Flavors/Aromas: Cheese, Diesel, Pungent

Girl Scout Cookies  

Although Indica dominant, the relatively high sativa content eases tension, anxiety and promotes relaxation.

  • Variety: Indica-Dominant Hybrid with strong Sativa component (60:40 Indica-Sativa Ratio). 
  • Origin: The strain began as a crossbreed of OG-Kush, Durban Poison and Cherry Kush. It first appeared in California and is now one of the most popular strains in the U.S; particularly popular in Michigan and on the West Coast. 
  • THC Range: 17 – 28 percent
  • Characteristics: 
    • Effects: Cerebral, Euphoric, Creative, Introspective, Uplifted
    • Symptom Relief: Anxiety, Depression,  Lack of Appetite, Nausea, Pain, Stress
    • Flavors/Aromas: Cherry, Earthy, Lemon, Minty, Nutty, Pungent, Spicy

Jack Herer 

This classic was named after the influential cannabis activist and is one of the most well-known strains. It is both activating and relaxing at the same time.

  • Variety: Hybrid: (55:45 Sativa – Indica Ratio) 
  • Origin: Haze, Skunk #1, Northern Lights #5
  • THC Range: 17 – 24 percent
  • Characteristics: 
    • Effects: Body Buzz, Cerebral, Creative, Energized, Euphoric, Happy
    • Symptom Relief: Depression, Fatigue, Nausea, Pain, Stress
    • Flavors/Aromas: Earthy, Lemon, Pine, Spicy, Sweet

Flavors/Aromas: Earthy, Herbal, Lemon, Spicy, Sweet, Woody

Jillybean 

Jillybean is a great daytime strain, ideal for getting things done and staying positive.  The high is bubbly and cerebral, but, because of the indica genes, there are limited body effects.

  • Variety:  Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (60:40 Sativa – Indica Ratio)
  • Origin: Space Queen, Orange Skunk
  • THC Range: 18 percent
  • Characteristics: 
    • Effects: Calming, Cerebral, Focused, Relaxed
    • Symptom Relief: Depression, Nausea, Pain, Stress
    • Flavors/Aromas: Earthy, Floral, Mango, Pine, Skunky, Sweet

Kill Bill

This strain is known to leave you peaceful, yet motivated.

  • Variety:  Balanced Hybrid (50:50 Sativa – Indica Ratio)
  • Origin: Killer Queen, Willy’s Wonder
  • THC Range: 15 – 19 percent
  • Characteristics: 
    • Effects: Calming, Cerebral, Focused, Relaxed
    • Symptom Relief: Depression, Lack of Appetite, Pain, Stress
    • Flavors/Aromas: Earthy, Floral, Pine, Skunky, Sweet

Pineapple Express 

Seth Rogen and James Franco immortalized this strain in the 2008 movie of the same name.

  • Variety: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (60:40 Sativa – Indica Ratio)
  • Origin: Trainwreck, Hawaiian
  • THC Range: 12 – 17 percent
  • Characteristics: 
    • Effects: Cerebral, Clear-Headed, Energetic, Euphoric, Focused
    • Symptom Relief: Confusion, Depression, Fatigue, Nausea, Nightmares, 
    • Flavors/Aromas: Cedar, Earthy, Pine, Pineapple, Sweet

Sour OG

This strain is known for leaving patients feeling relaxed and peaceful while still highly productive.

  • Variety:  Balanced Hybrid (50:50 Sativa – Indica Ratio)
  • Origin: Blueberry, OG-Kush, Sour Diesel
  • THC Range: 17 percent
  • Characteristics: 
    • Effects: Euphoric, Giggly, Happy, Relaxed, Social, Uplifted
    • Symptom Relief: Depression, Lack of Appetite, Nausea, Pain, Stress, 
    • Flavors/Aromas: Citrus, Deisel, Earthy, Pungent, Sour

Please visit the Allbud.com Strains Index, where you can search for your best option by strain, effect, aroma or flavor.  The index also offers reviews, as well as availability and price ranges in your area.