Finding Serenity: The Best Weed Strains for Anxiety Relief

While research continues to unfold about the anxiety-alleviating effects and potential benefits of cannabis, anecdotal reports help support the idea that a wide range of cannabis strains can help curb feelings of unease and produce peace of mind in some individuals.

Depending on the form of anxiety you experience, you may find CBD-only products to be more beneficial. As a good rule of thumb, CBD-rich strains can produce calming effects for those seeking a sense of serenity without the psychotropic effects of THC — a common compound in cannabis. As such, they tend to be a popular choice for those who are sensitive to THC but still want to relax. If you’re looking for a high-CBD strain, you can explore our selection here.

If you’re interested in growing your own cannabis at home and would prefer varieties that tend to reduce anxious thoughts and feelings, the following five strains can serve as a good jumping-off point for your research.

Some of the following strains produce more cerebral effects, while others produce physical effects, and many, a mixture of the two. Additionally, the method of consumption you choose will also produce different experiences: Smoking creates a more instantaneous sense of calm. Accordingly, it is ideal for those seeking quick relief and deep relaxation. Edibles, on the other hand,  have a delayed effect—but tend to have longer-lasting relief. 

Growers Choice is proud to provide a comprehensive library of premium strains of cannabis. From high-CBD varieties to indica-dominant seeds, we make it a priority to not only provide healthy seeds—but also an easy-to-navigate means of searching by cannabis type, THC level, CBD level, and more. Some individuals may prefer a more energizing experience, while others seek something with sedating effects. Others still may want a balanced hybrid with balanced effects.

Every individual will have their own unique response to using weed for anxiety; accordingly, being able to pinpoint specific characteristics, genetics, and other qualities in a strain will help provide a greater sense of control over your overall experience.

Purple Punch feminized seeds have a classically Indica lineage. Their development began with the delicate fusing of two popular weed strains: Granddaddy Purple and Larry OG. Both parents are known for their quick-hitting, sedative effects. A mixture of 70% Indica and 30% Sativa, this strain has a moderate level of the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Its THC average is 21% and is accompanied by a low CBD content of <2%.

These seeds grow into luscious, plum-hued plants that are prized for their flavor, appearance, and effects. A true visual stunner, the matured plant will have Granddaddy Purple’s vivid hues and Larry OG’s ability to soothe and damper any feelings of stress.

This strain’s 70% indica genetics tend to produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. For some, this may be an excellent way to counteract any sense of stress or anxiety. In fact, this strain is so lulling that it is even known to promote sleep. As such, it can be used throughout the day to curb stress, but also help promote sleep for those with racing minds. 

Purple Punch cannabis seeds thrive in humid, sunlit climates. However, they can also flourish indoors with a powerful heating and lighting system and are best-suited to intermediate to advanced growers.

This plant can reach modest heights of 5-6 feet. With appropriate care, Purple Punch seeds will produce deep, purple, dense buds each carrying a heavy dose and boasting vivid orange pistils. If you’re looking to turn up the volume on its signature indigo shade, we recommend lowering the temperature and light slightly at night.

Although indica dominant, this plant’s growing process is influenced heavily by its sativa lineage. Under the right conditions, growers can expect flowering times of 8-9 weeks. Yields are typically ready by late September. Under optimum conditions, this strain provides significant indoor and outdoor yields of up to 400g/m² and 500 grams per plant, respectively. With proper care, you’ll have an abundance of lush plants boasting show-stopping color, a rainbow candy taste, and unencumbered relief from negative thoughts.

This strain has a terpene profile heavy with limonene, pinene, and caryophyllene. The result is a pungent citrus aroma with hints of spice and earthiness, and a sweet taste similar to tropical punch. Its sharp, fruity flavors are kept in check with darker, earthier notes.—though every user experience will differ. According to most, however,  Purple Punch’s aroma is best described as a berry flavor with a cinnamon kick.

Previously referred to as “CI #5 F1,” the Northern Lights strain is a highly acclaimed strain and the recipient of numerous awards. These autoflowering cannabis seeds are naturally resilient and grow into medium to deep green plants. A real visual stunner, they produce dense, conical nuggets with rusty orange hairs. Its earthy undertones are thanks to this strain’s dominant terpene—myrcene. 

However, the Northern Lights strain’s appeal runs deeper than mere looks: Fragrant, woody, and pine-like, Northern Lights plants produce notably potent and tension-melting effects accompanied by a pleasant, earthy flavor. This strain is ideal for those seeking a boost in their mood. As auto-flowering seeds, they are naturally resilient and suited to indoor and outdoor growers alike.

Northern Lights provide a sense of tranquility and general lightness and brightness in mood. As such, it may be an excellent solution for people seeking a good night’s sleep—or simply a refreshing sense of happiness, euphoria, or relaxing experience. 

Granddaddy Purple seeds are a classic cannabis strain admired for decades by cannabis connoisseurs.  While hybrids are, without a doubt, some of the most popular types of seeds, this strain is a pure indica—which makes it especially suitable for those seeking an extra boost in relaxing, lulling effects.

The purple color of this cannabis strain hints at its equally appealing scent. Granddaddy Purple’s complex berry aroma is best described as similar to fresh grapes with an added hint of sweetness. For those who find fresh, fruit-like scents calming, this strain is an excellent option. Its general aroma contains a delightful blend of scents that only contribute to its inherently soothing effects. Granddaddy Purple also contains 23 percent THC. While this cannabinoid is not for everyone—those who already find THC calming can rest assured this particular strain has plentiful amounts.

Granddaddy Purple is potentially an excellent choice for anxious individuals thanks to its heavily calming properties. As a pure indica, it promotes deep, physical relaxation and a euphoric experience. If you’ve never tried this strain before, we recommend reserving it for a quiet night at home—or any time you’re most free from the demands of daily life. While everyone’s situation is unique, one of the common reasons people find themselves enduring stress is lack of sleep. Not only does this strain tend to drown out anxious thoughts, but it produces a physically blissful experience that is so potent, it can even help promote sleep. Finally, this strain has pleasant aromatic qualities that, in its own right, may help soothe the user. 

One of the more potent strains, Durban Poison packs a punch of energy along with potent effects and spicy, sweet aromas. With a flowering time of 55-65 days, it carries a moderate THC content of 23% and low CBD levels of less than 2%. Its climate preferences are warm, sunny environments and for those looking to grow, this pure sativa strain comes in both the auto-flowering and feminized varieties.

The uplifting and energizing effects of this popular and powerful strain are significant—but not to the point of overpowering its equally relaxing effects. Rather, it produces a cerebral euphoria and deep sense of focus that is more lulling than sharp. The offspring of African sativa landrace strains, it produces a unique mixture of energizing excellent for creative endeavors—yet balances out these characteristics nicely with cozy, serene effects. Typically, this experience will last two to three hours—but will vary with each individual and the amount you consume. 

While Granddaddy Purple has more physically tranquilizing effects, Durban Poison may be the better option for anxious minds who want to mitigate nervousness while still maintaining a sense of uplifting, focused energy and invigorating properties. While it may seem counterintuitive, even the right pure sativa can provide an all-encompassing sense of relaxation. Many describe the experience as blissful and giggly yet with a simultaneous stillness in mind and body. 

These feminized seeds produce a powerful, near-instantaneous experience. In short, many report that it heightens their senses and produces a more vivid perception that both clarifies the mind and provides a steady wellspring of energy. In addition to these therapeutic effects, others report this strain helps produce a more positive outlook, and is an ideal choice for producing an elevated experience.

This strain has a distinct aroma and taste. It is best described as sweet, spicy, and pine-like, while its flavor profile is rounded out with hints of licorice. Some find the aroma to be quite pungent—but for lovers of anise, this strain’s powerful scent may produce a highly rewarding olfactory experience in addition to dreamy euphoria and relaxing effects.

This indica-dominant strain originated in Northern California and has earned a reputation as one of the best-selling indica strains amongst recreational and medical users alike. Given its potency, this cannabis plant is not recommended for beginners as individual tolerance levels will vary.  However, for more seasoned users, it may be an attractive option. Powerful and fragrant with distinct, balanced effects, this strain produces a gentle sense of comfort and contains anywhere from 70 to 80 percent indica genetics, with THC levels of approximately 21%. 

Heavily blissful, Purple Urkle is known for its ability to produce physical relaxation and sedation throughout the entire body—sometimes to the point of couch lock. A soothing strain, it’s recommended for quiet evenings at home. Yet these relaxing properties are also accented by joyful thoughts and heightened perceptions. As such, it can leave consumers feeling euphoric and calm at the end of a stressful day. For this reason, many prefer this strain to help them unwind without producing grogginess or weighing them down. Finally, if you’re struggling with a lack of sleep, Purple Urkle may help produce a serene state of mind, a highly enjoyable experience, the ability to help keep your anxiety under control, and ultimately, a peaceful slumber as well as potential relief from anxiety-filled dreams. As such, may just be the perfect strain for those looking to unwind—both physically and mentally and drift off into a state filled with positive vibes.