If you are a regular user of weed, you will know what you want to purchase right off the bat. It may depend on your mood or feeling. Or maybe you want a different feeling from time to time. How important is it to select the correct cannabis? If you smoke it, cook it or take it in pill form, you would want your desired effect. If you never had weed before, you may have questions or have difficulty choosing the best fit for you. Do you buy it alone, or would you have a family member or close friend to help you? Would you buy it from a dispensary or from a known person who has it? Some may buy it for recreational use, and others may buy it for a condition they may be suffering from. What if you were suffering from depression? In this topic, we will discuss the best weed for depression.
About Depression and Weed
Many people around the world suffer from depression. Depression is when one has a decline in interest and affects how a person feels negatively. Depression always makes one feel overwhelmed with sadness or down and feelings of severe despondency and dejection. The things or activities a person once enjoyed do not matter anymore. It can lead to many problems at work, home and in relationships. Symptoms of depression include but are not limited to:
- Feelings that you are worthless
- Guilt
- Change in activities
- Thoughts of suicide
- Loss of energy
- Sadness and crying all the time
- Not eating
There are different levels of depression, and it can be either short or long-term. Long-term depression or Persistent Depressive Disorder (PPD) usually continues for two years or more. Loss of a job, divorce, death etc., can trigger depression. Just about every person at some point in their life will suffer from depression. According to psychiatry.org, several factors play a role in depression: biochemistry, genetics, personality, and environmental factors. At times many can be treated, but if this illness is left untreated, it can lead to a more serious problem. Over 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and it’s the leading cause of disability. Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Maybe you or someone you know suffers from this illness. Have you tried everything, such as medications the doctor prescribed or weekly visits to a psychiatrist, and nothing seemed to help? The doctor may have prescribed an antidepressant, but the problem with that is most patients do not see any real results. When that happens 9 times out of 10, the doctor will pair the antidepressant with another medicine. Did you know many sufferers of depression take medication, see a psychiatrist, and go through psychotherapy, and it still does not help? The cost of all this can add up rapidly. I would not go through all that. My question would be, where is the weed?
Well, here is something to think about. Cannabis, weed, marijuana, or whatever you want to name it can be a great solution on a better road to being depression-free. Not every strain can treat depression. So, what are the best marijuana strains for depression? There is cannabis for it all. When going to a weed shop, the cannabis is most likely broken up into groups, making decision-making a bit easier. Each group has different capabilities and treatments.
The Indica strain is the short bushy dark green leaves that can be grown indoors. These short plants are from Afghanistan. This type of Cannabis is sedating and calming, putting you in chill mode. The Indica traits include:
- Relaxing and laid back
- Spasm relief
- Stress reducer
- Pain reliever
- Reduce inflammation
- Munchies
Although this strain does not have the traits to treat depression, it will be great for others.
A hybrid strain is a mix of indica and sativa plants. It gives you the best of both worlds. Hybrid marijuana can either be indica dominant or sativa dominant. Just be sure to be the correct one to get that perfect feeling.
The sativa strain is the thin, tall leaf. It is grown outdoors because it can grow as tall as 20 feet. This strain will motivate you to be the best you possible. The sativa traits include:
- Relieves depression
- Reduces nausea
- Relieves migraines
- Energizing and uplifting
- munchies
Based on this information, sativa is the best weed for depression. It is composed of all the qualities and traits one needs to boot depression for good.
How Does Cannabis Treat Depression?
Some are still skeptical about the use of cannabis. In today’s world, it is more popular than ever before. No matter how one may feel about it, the truth is that marijuana helps and treats different types of illnesses, and depression is one. I have an open mind, and I try to put myself in other people’s shoes. I have not always been that way, but I thought to myself, What would I do if I was in the position of others who can’t seem to shake off depression. At times it’s not that simple to shake off. So, I decided to consider the possibilities and see for myself. How does weed help one with depression? It’s all about the ingredients and strain. Not every strain treats depression. McGill University did a study, and it showed that low doses of THC could work as an antidepressant by increasing serotonin.
Nearly eleven years ago, this same study was reported more in debt by Fox News. They also said that low doses of THC are a powerful antidepressant. The THC increases serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. This test was first used on lab rats. Scientist believes it suppresses depression because of the chemical similarities of marijuana and natural chemicals in the brain called endocannabinoids. When a person is under high pressure or gets stressed out, the chemical is released even in pain. So throughout the study, it is agreed that the weed will help but not overdo it because too much of it can have other effects.
Best Strains for Depression
First and Foremost, there are many different strains and types of cannabis on the market for medical and recreational use. Suppose you are like some and are self-medicating; it's vital that you select the correct strain that will positively affect your mood. The best marijuana for depression will positively elevate your mood. There are certain ingredients in some strains of weed that can help you become successful in kicking depression to the curb. When deciding on marijuana, first ask yourself how it would affect my mood? You’ll need to aim for these characteristics because it will be the best cannabis strain for treating depression.
- Happy
- Energetic
- Creative
- Uplifting
- Euphoric
Not in any specific order, but you may want one effect higher than the other. It all depends on you. So, here are some of the best high-quality weed that you can get to help with depression. These are the best strains of weed for depression in no order.
- Jack Herer (JH) which is a Sativa strain. It is known all over the world. Jack Herer has all the characteristics a depressed person will need. You will become more creative, euphoric and will be uplifted. Now that sounds good, I would most definitely start my day off with Jack Herer when I’m feeling down. This strain has all you need to boost your mood and give you tons of energy.
- Sour Diesel or Sour D. is a fast-acting strain that will give you energizing effects. It is very potent and give you a great high in a positive way. Not only will it help you with depression but also anxiety, pain, arthritis and insomnia.
- Durban Poison is an African original from the city of Durban. It has gained popularity because of the sweet aroma that it leaves behind. Durban Poison will keep you productive and busy throughout the entire day.
- Maui Wowie is a tasty strain from Hawaii. This wowie leaf is uplifting and will have you happy. It has a very pleasing and have a yummy pineapple taste. This tropical island flavor will have you satisfied but wanting more.
- Although I’m not a fan of the name however, Green crack or Green Kush is very popular. No crack in this strain just a name. This mango flavored stain will help with headaches, fatigue as well as depression. This cannabis will give you energy and a mental buzz.
Conclusion
These are the best strains of cannabis, in my opinion, that will help people who suffer from depression. Personally, I would do whatever I must for better health. However, after studying and keeping an open mind, I do not object to anyone using cannabis for medical or recreational use. If you need to self-medicate, I’m all for it. Honestly, I think Cannabis should be a part of American’s everyday life. What are your thoughts on the subject?