Over the years, cannabis has earned a reputation as an effective stress reliever for busy-minded people.

Among other positive impacts, research shows that cannabis is quickly becoming the substance of choice among Gen Zs, hinting that younger generations might be choosing pot over alcohol in social settings.

Now that we’re finally escaping the age of prohibition, research about the plant is evolving. In recent years, studies have proven that cannabis has an abundance of therapeutic properties. Helping individuals cope with their anxiety is definitely one of them.

The definition of social anxiety can be quite broad and not very clear. Social Anxiety Disorder is a diagnosable chronic mental health condition in which social interactions can cause unexplained anxiety.

People suffering from SAD often exhibit symptoms such as fear of being judged, embarrassed, humiliated, and they’re usually people pleasers. Their minds constantly jump from one thought to the next, battling out the intrusive ones.

Many of us have experienced something similar. It can be managed when infrequent. But constantly feeling like your world is crumbling to pieces can feel like a nightmare.

That’s why people with social anxiety (diagnosed or not) experiment with substances and extracurricular activities that can boost their self-esteem or help them accept that social interaction isn’t all that bad. In fact, social interaction is one of the few characteristics that make us human, and for many, myself included, a great source of joy.

Many see weed as a valuable “sidekick” in social situations. Whether you’re smoking a joint with your cousin before Thanksgiving dinner or a bong session with your roommate before a night out, weed is up to the task.

Each social situation requires a specific strain, depending on the situation.

Let me explain. Sativas are a class of cannabis that tend to have an uplifting, euphoric effect on the body and mind. It’s easier to find Sativa strains that let the mind stay focused and alert than an Indica strain.

However, this can be a double-edged sword, as a strong Sativa could end up causing feelings of paranoia, which is not good in a social situation. Want to know more about cannabis and anxiety? Check out our selection of the best vapes for people with anxiety.

On the other hand, Indica strains are commonly attributed with effects of extreme relaxation and, no doubt, “chillness.” However, this can also be a double-edged sword.

While feeling relaxed is a good trait in social situations, there is the possibility of feeling TOO relaxed. This potentially means that you become someone who doesn’t have much to say and has trouble keeping the conversation thread going.

That said, both Indicas and Sativas can be beneficial for social anxiety. What matters most is that you take the right dosage.

Overdoing it could lead to unwanted effects, and too low a dose may not help at all. The smart way to go would be to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it as you get comfortable.

Here are the top 10 cannabis strains for social anxiety.

Weed got you feelin’ all kinds of good, am I right? But what if I told you that weed could help ease your anxiety? That’s right, Moonwlkr’s Full Spectrum Hemp Watermelon Zkittles Gummies can help reduce stress and anxiety in just one bite.

These gummies are made with hemp-derived, tab-tested, and dispensary-grade CBD and Delta-9 THC. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without jumping legal hurdles, as these gummies are completely legal per the 2018 Farm Bill.

These gummies come in a delicious Watermelon Zkittles flavor to please the palate with a refreshing, fruity, and sweet taste. With 25mg CBD and 5mg Delta-9 THC per gummy, expect a clear-headed, well-rounded experience that promotes the entourage effect and nips stress in the bud.

Are you ready to ease your anxiety and stress? Moonwlkr’s Full Spectrum Hemp Gummies are the perfect solution. One bite and you’ll be feeling relaxed and ready to take on the day.

Botany Farms’ Blueberry Diesel flower is one of the most sought-after strains on the market today. With a unique flavor profile and a high potency, it is a must-try for cannabis enthusiasts. The strain is a hybrid between Sour Diesel and Blueberry, and it produces a diesel aroma with undertones of blueberry and citrus. It is an indica-dominant strain, making it ideal for use in the evening.

Botany Farms takes great care to ensure that their Blueberry Diesel flower is of the highest quality. They use a unique cold-press process to infuse their premium flower with a frozen Delta-8 THC distillate. This process prevents globs of distillate from forming, ensuring a smooth, flavorful smoking experience. Every batch of Blueberry Diesel is tested for potency, and the results are always impressive. The total cannabinoids in each batch are 33.2%, with 16.9% Delta-8 THC, 13.1% CBD, and less than 0.3% THC.

For those looking for a unique, flavorful smoking experience, Botany Farms’ Blueberry Diesel flower is a must-try. With its high potency, smooth smoke, and unique flavor profile, it is sure to be a hit with cannabis enthusiasts.

This strain isn’t found on any other list of strains for social anxiety.

The reason is simple. This is an Indica-dominant strain known to provide extremely strong relaxing effects and, in many cases, sleepiness. You can sense there is a but, right?

Well, when consumed in low doses of no more than 2mg or 3mg, Sugar Black Rose enhances social performance and provides a feeling of happiness mixed with a satisfying state of relaxation that many of us may find useful in times of social anxiety.

A friendly tip, if you have an important event, this is not the time to try this strain for the first time.

This is a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain that puts the emphasis on creativity. When smoking Jack Herer, you’ll more than likely feel like striking up a conversation and cracking a joke or two.

Jack Herer doesn’t tend to stick around too much, especially among experienced cannabis users. Jack Herer is known for being a strain that keeps you present and talkative. If you lack experience when it comes to THC, it won’t hurt to start small and see where Jack takes you.

Frisian Dew is an almost 50/50 hybrid that doesn’t have a very high THC content.

Frisian Dew is quite valuable during social situations because it allows you to be present but, at the same time, gives you a hint of creativity that can be useful for coming up with interesting questions to keep conversations going.

Conversations that go south tend to get boring in an instant, but Frisian Dew keeps you interested, and given the splurge of creativity, it could help you turn the conversation around. Because it balances the Sativa with its Indica side, Frisian Dew is a safe bet.

As a curious cannabis fact: This strain has an average THC between THC 16 and 17% and is moderately potent. It’s advised to test it out beforehand and establish your level of tolerance.

ACDC is a hybrid strain with 16% CBD preferred by people looking to relieve stress, anxiety, and pain without feeling stoned.

ACDC is a perfect strain for those social events where you want to be in your best mood without feeling like you’re on mars. Its THC concentration is between 2% and 6%, so you’ll feel more of the relaxation that CBD provides with a slight touch of THC.

This strain will be your companion for social gatherings that aren’t formal, where you still need to be at your best but chill. It tends to provide a strong sense of calm and inner peace. Which honestly sounds like something you want to experience in stressful social situations.

Charlotte’s Web is one of the best high-CBD cannabis strains currently known. Its CBD content is around 17%, while the THC content is a teenie 0.3%.

This Sativa strain is used to treat many medical conditions and disorders. It has been found to be quite beneficial in managing anxiety and tense moods.

If you are a person with high anxiety, a little bit of Charlotte’s Web will help bring down racing thoughts while relaxing the body and mind.

Critical Cure is an Indica-dominant hybrid. This strain offers a steady and smooth high to put you in a relaxed and chill mood.

For those who suffer from anxiety and are a bit worried about the effects of cannabis, Critical Cure is a good starting point, as it’s quite balanced, and its effects are not overwhelming.

Critical Cure seems to be a great ally in decreasing the speed of a restless mind and controlling anxious impulses, making it a perfect strain for those who suffer from SAD but need something that’s not too overpowering.

White Fire OG is a double-edged sword that should be used with caution regarding anxiety.

In small doses, it will be a lifesaver that will rescue you from drowning in a nervous breakdown, but if you use too much, it will sink your ship.

Its THC content is quite high, reaching up to 28%. When consumed in adequate doses, White Fire OG will provide mental clarity while the user feels full of focus and purpose.

This strain is also known to ease worries and give users an extra boost of energy, which is much needed when suffering from social anxiety.