7 Worst Strains For Anxiety & Paranoia

Many people who use marijuana for recreation report feeling less anxious and stressed. However, it is important to understand that some of the strains of cannabis can worsen your anxiety and paranoia.

If you have been using cannabis for relaxation and to especially escape your anxiety/paranoia, this article will guide you through the worst strains to avoid.

Since the key symptoms of anxiety and paranoia are generally overlapping, these mental illnesses are highly likely to be misdiagnosed. Plus, the stigma attached to anxiety and paranoia can make patients self-conscious about how they are perceived by others.

Many end up avoiding the right treatment, suffer in silence, or go down the marijuana road for temporary relief.

How Does Cannabis Help With Anxiety Disorders?

This has everything to do with the primary components – THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), usually found in both hemp and marijuana.

CBD is considered a more relaxing active ingredient than THC. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritize strains high in cannabidiol or CBD.

CBD vs THC

The results of CBD vary depending on the dose. It can have a positive, stimulating effect if consumed under 50 mg. However, over 250 mg, it acts like a sedative helping you deal with your anxious thoughts.

These commonly found cannabinoids are responsible for alleviating anxiety at lower, controlled dosages. But research suggests exercising caution in cannabis consumption as increased dosages can be counterproductive, especially when it comes to strains having higher concentrations of THC.

THC behaves differently in different people. It may promote increased serotonin and dopamine levels. But in most cases, it is reported to have caused negative effects leading to elevated cortisol production, aggravating your stress, anxiety, and paranoia.

They can trigger an undesirable effect on your already anxious and hallucinated state of mind worsening your situation to a far greater degree.

Different Species of Cannabis Strains

There is a wide range of strains of cannabis available that can either provide major relief or induce more anxiety causing the opposite effect. So, you need to make the choice wisely. But before that, let’s look at the major strain species.

Indica

In recommended doses, this is considered ideal for unwinding and relaxation as they are more physically comforting and have a super calming effect on your nervous system.

Sativa

Sativa species have an energizing effect and are more suited for consumption when you need to boost your mood, explore your creative side or socialize more than usual. It generally contains higher levels of THC, so you must pay attention to the dosage.

Hybrid

Hybrid strains are in between those of Indica and Sativa. These species are considered to balance and moderate the soothing effects of both Sativa and Indica combined. Moreover, they are also cultivated for higher production with improved yields.

7 Worst Strains for Anxiety/Paranoia

This section will cover the bad strains that can increase your anxiety and paranoia issues instead of alleviating them. Read on!

1. Trainwreck

Trainwreck belongs to the Sativa species and can exacerbate your anxiety due to extreme psychosis and nervousness.

Its high THC content makes it an incredibly strong cannabis strain. So, it should be avoided at all costs by people struggling with anxiety and paranoia.

2. Jack The Ripper

This is another strain you must steer clear of. However, the effects of Jack the Ripper can vary from person to person.

So, it is best not to go for this strain for recreational purposes as it contains a very high concentration of THC (close to 20 percent) that can trigger feelings of uncontrollable confusion and paranoia, worsening your anxiety disorder.

3. Durban Poison

Durban Poison, as the name suggests, originated in South Africa and packs quite the punch.

This Sativa-based strain can have seriously intense effects on people managing anxiety. Therefore, large amounts of Durban Poison can do worse than good and cause excessive physical discomfort or trembling if you smoke too much of it.

4. Girl Scout Cookies

Higher consumption of Girl Scout Cookies or GSC may not be ideal for those with anxiety and intense paranoia due to the strong brain rush it provides, which might be too hard to handle for most people.

It is a popular hybrid strain with higher concentrations of Indica species that can get you extremely high.

Its intoxicating effects on the brain make Girl Scout Cookies one of the worst cannabis strains for anxiety. GSC consumption can backfire as it has the ability to send you on a chaotic trip of anxious thoughts, paranoia, and intense introspection.

5. Tangerine Dream

Tangerine Dream has earned a bad reputation for triggering hyperventilation and can intensify anxiety.

It is a Sativa-dominant strain with 25 percent THC and CBD content as low as 0.1 percent. Even though it is known to address disorders such as anxiety and stress, overconsumption of the Tangerine Dream strain can lead to dizziness and paranoia.

Given the high amounts of THC in this strain, you should be mindful of the dosage. Else, it is advisable to completely avoid the strain for its serious side effects.

6. Green Crack

Due to its extremely energizing effects, Green Crack is a terrible cannabis strain for anxiety patients. This can further worsen your panicked thoughts and cause severe panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, along with excessive trembling.

You should stay away from Green Crack if you tend to get easily agitated and worried. The lower CBD concentration in this sativa-dominant strain is concerning and can trigger intense side effects due to incorrect dosage.

7. Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson, named after the popular American country music icon, is a Sativa-dominant strain that contains a staggering 22 percent THC. Overindulgence might aggravate anxiety and paranoia.

Conclusion

So, here is what not to consume to fight off anxiety and paranoia. Effective strains such as Skywalker, Kosher Kush, Bubba Kush, Northern Lights, etc., are some of the top-rated ones. However, it is advisable not to depend on them for a sustainable treatment, due to their limitations.

While cannabis may provide relaxation, therapy and medication are mandatory for effectively treating the underlying causes leading to anxiety and paranoia.