The 6 Best Strains That Help Alleviate PTSD Symptoms

For a long time, people living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have been telling the world about their experiences with the use of medical cannabis in different treatments to combat the symptoms of PTSD usually associated with intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking, and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.

From the medical field, it is known that medical cannabis can help treat PTSD since its use has demonstrated the potential to slow down brain activity in the amygdala, which is the area where emotions are given meaning, remembered, and attached to associations and responses to them (emotional memories).

Also, some research has put into a debate whether cannabis may help eliminate trauma memories, which can be incredibly therapeutic for people with PTSD. It is still being studied but the simple fact that it has been discussed is a great advantage to make us think that cannabis can help with that. 

On the other hand, it is also known and studies suggest that cannabis use is associated with lower scores in physical and emotional anxiety disorders. Whether cannabis is used regularly to treat symptoms of anxiety or whether it is used as needed occasionally it is often used as a convenient and effective method of quick relief. 

At Herb, we have done research to understand how to choose cannabis to treat PTSD and what are the best strains in the market for PTSD.

When it comes to choosing cannabis products to treat PTSD, it is very important to do proper research and be very careful and proceed with caution when consuming. Remember everybody has their own chemistry. 

Studies have shown that some of the consequences of PTSD are directly related to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), demonstrating that the production of endocannabinoids in the body is altered.

Therefore, by using cannabis as a medicinal alternative, the body restores balance in the ECS, giving potential relief from PTSD symptoms. Thus it is essential to understand that one strain or another can help depending on the needs of each user. 

It is recommended to discuss the use of medical cannabis to treat PTSD with a healthcare professional on a case-by-case basis.

Before the magic occurs, for us it is very important that you understand the difference between cannabis strains that have a high concentration of THC and those that are high in CBD. 

High CBD cannabis strains are usually recognized for being ideal for daytime use thanks to their mood-stabilizing characteristics, while high THC is more used at night because it can help get a deep sleep. 

Knowing that in the market are a huge amount of strains, we have identified six of the best strains for PTSD.

Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain made by crossing Blueberry and Haze. Many users mention that this strain produces a balanced high accompanied by cerebral stimulation and full-body relaxation. 

Medical cannabis patients often use Blue Dream to treat symptoms of depression, chronic pain, and nausea. This strain is recognized for having 18% THC and a low CBD percentage. In terms of flavor, Blue Dream is characterized for smelling and tasting like sweet berries.

Named after its notorious heritage, OG Kush is a powerful strain with high levels of THC. It provides a mellow indica buzz that helps to relieve pain, stress, and anxiety.

This strain is ideal for people with PTSD because it provides a pleasant and euphoric effect and does a remarkable job of calming the entire body, which makes it perfect for a relaxing evening.

Great for mind and body, the pineapple express marijuana strain makes you feel at ease and alert. It has a sweet, fruity aroma that gets you buzzing quickly.

Pineapple Express is a powerful strain of marijuana that’s renowned for reducing physical and mental trauma. It features a high THC content that can help assuage your fear, while the CBD helps relax you even more.

ACDC is a CBD-dominant cannabis strain made from a phenotype of Cannatonic. Medical cannabis users use this strain to treat pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and the negative effects of Chemotherapy. 

If it is your first time considering smoking weed to treat PTSD, ACDC is recommended for first-timers as it produces little to no intoxicating effect. 

The main effect of this CBD 14% – THC 1% strain is a sensation of relaxation and happiness.

Cannatonic is highly recognized for being a CBD cannabis strain made by the crossing of MK Ultra and G13 Haze. The effect after smoking produces a soft high that is also uplifting and powerfully relaxing.

This CBD 9% – THC 5% strain is used for medical cannabis users because it helps a lot with pain, stress, anxiety, depression, muscle spasms, and migraines.  

Cannacotic is also recommended for daily users.

Harlequin is a CBD-rich cannabis strain characterized for providing clear-headed effects and the ability to relax without sedation or intoxication. This strain is descended from Colombian Gold, a Nepali India, and Thai and Swiss landrace strains. 

Its high levels of CBD make this strain one of the most effective strains at the moment of treating pain and anxiety as CBD works together with THC to amplify its painkilling properties. 

As noted above, the experience with the use of medical cannabis as a trauma-informed alternative treatment varies by individual. Remember that every organism reacts differently to cannabis. So if you are able to consult or work with a therapist who specializes in medical cannabis, we recommend you do so.  

As a personal recommendation whether you are under PTSD symptoms or not, it is much better if you go low and slow to choose the right strain depending on your needs. You can also look for nonsmoking methods like oils, edibles, or sublingual alternatives.