By: Sarah Lazarescu
When it comes to reducing stress not all strains are equal. Whether sativa or indica-dominant, the following THC-dominant strains have been found to effectively reduce stress.
Best cannabis strains for reducing stress
Girl Scout Cookies
Cannabinoid profile: 60% indica
Main Terpenes: Caryophyllene (peppery), Limonene (citrus), and Linalool (floral)
GSC is comprised of OG Kush and Durban Poison and has THC levels of 25 to 28%.
Girl Scout Cookies produces euphoric effects followed by full-body relaxation and should be reserved for those with a high THC tolerance.
It is pungent and has a sweet flavor profiling notes of mint, cherry and lemon. This Cannabis Cup award-winning strain is perfect for an after-dinner treat or a nightcap.
GSC has a sweet and spicy, oven-baked smell. The smoke from the light green and purple-hued buds is dessert-like and the tranquilizer-feeling of this bud puts the user in a place of complete relaxation.
Granddaddy Purple
Cannabinoid profile: 75% indica
Main Terpenes: Myrcene (herbal), Linalool, and Limonene
Commonly known as GDP, Granddaddy Purple is a mix of Purple Urkle and Big Bud, introduced in 2003 by Ken Estes.
It inherited its complex grape and berry flavor from Purple Urkle, and its potent effects are clearly detectable in both mind and body.
A heavy indica, GDP has a powerful 20-27% THC level. Perfect for night-time use, Granddaddy Purple initially hits both the mind and body but quickly fades into a smooth body buzz like most heavy indicas do.
Novice users should consume with caution; it’s recommended to start with a hit or two then wait a few minutes before consuming more.
Jack Herer
Cannabinoid profile: 55% sativa
Main Terpenes: Terpinolene (fruity), Myrcene, and Limonene
Named after marijuana activist Jack Herer, the Haze hybrid with a Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk cross was created by Sensi Seeds, the world’s oldest seed bank.
Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant strain with an orange-lemon scent that tastes of pine. This strain provides an excellent balance between cerebral and physical effects.
Taking after its parent strain Northern Lights, Jack Herer helps users release stress without feeling overwhelmed or too cerebral.
Consumers of this 55% sativa hybrid typically describe feeling blissful, clear-headed, and creative. The spicy, pine-scented strain has taken home numerous awards for its quality and potency.
Sour Diesel
Cannabinoid profile: 80% sativa
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene, and Linalool
Sour Diesel, or Sour-D, is another sativa-dominant strain that first became popular in the early 1990s.
With a lemon-lime taste, it has fast-acting effects that not only energize but also induce a dreamy state. Sour D is made by crossing Chemdawg and Super Skunk.
The strain features a pungent flavor profile of fuel, skunk, citrus, and spice. Its often crushing sativa effects seems to hit most people as more of an indica, increasing couchlock and being strong to the point of being overwhelming.
Medical marijuana patients choose Sour Diesel to help relieve symptoms associated with depression, pain, and stress. The most commonly reported side effects are dry mouth and dry eyes.
Blue Dream
Cannabinoid profile: 50% hybrid
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene (pine), and Limonene
A sativa-dominant hybrid, Blue Dream is made by crossing Blueberry with Haze. It produces a balanced high accompanied by full-bodied relaxation and is suitable for novice and veteran users.
Blue Dream smells sweet and tastes of berries. It has a THC range of 17-24% and CBD level of 2%. A stimulant at its core Blue Dream is a strain for completing creative projects.
It ensures relief without inflicting heavy sedative effects and is a useful remedy for pain, nausea, depression and other symptoms requiring a high THC strain.
Adverse effects include dry mouth and eyes, so it is important to stay hydrated. Eye drops or cold water can be used to re-moisturize eyes.
OG Kush
Cannabinoid profile: 55% sativa
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene, and Caryophyllene
First cultivated in Florida in the early ‘90s, OG Kush has a unique terpene profile and an aroma with notes of fuel, skunk, and spice.
The smoke tastes hash and spicy like a classic indica. OG Kush has a THC content of 20-26% and a high that’s long-lasting.
It’s a strain best enjoyed in the daytime or early evening. The genetic backbone of West Coast cannabis varieties, OG Kush is one of the more expensive strains on the market, reaching up to $30 for a gram.
It can be helpful for those suffering from depression, attention deficit disorders and headaches and migraines.
Novice consumers should use with caution and be wary of dizziness, paranoia, dry eyes and cottonmouth.
Afghani
Cannabinoid profile: 100% indica
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, and Ocimene (minty)
Afghani was named after its geographic origin, where the earliest varieties of cannabis are believed to have grown.
It produces deep states of relaxation and euphoria, and the flavor is sweet and earthy. Medical marijuana patients use this strain to treat insomnia, pain, and stress disorders.
Afghani is known for its sedating effects and has a THC level of 15-20%. It has a skunky, diesel-like odor with notes of citrus.
As with many indicas, the smoke is harsh and thick. It is best for nighttime use as it tends toward heavy couchlock. Adverse effects include paranoia, thirst, dry mouth, and drowsiness.
AK-47
Cannabinoid profile: 65% sativa
Main Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, and Pinene
A sativa-dominant strain with a deceptive name, AK-47 will leave users relaxed and mellow.
It mixes Colombian, Mexican, Thai, and Afghani varieties to bring a complex blend of flavors and effects. AK-47 has a strong, fruity scent and a powerful, long-lasting indica high.
It may lead to increased creativity; many people use it while listening to music. Those suffering from bipolar disorder, depression and other mood disorders use this strain to help relax and regulate their mood.
This strain is also used to increase appetite and ease nausea. Adverse effects include dry mouth and eyes, minor headaches, paranoia and dizziness.
AK-47 didn’t come into existence until 1992. It has a THC level of 13-20%.
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Sarah Lazarescu is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.