Indica or Sativa for Anxiety – Which one is Right for You?

Being a novice in marijuana can be so overwhelming when seeking the right weed for you due to the abundance of marijuana strains in the market. There are hundreds of names you never heard before and types of cannabis you do not seem to be familiar with. 

Like wines with varieties of white, red, and mixture of both, marijuana may likewise comprise three categories: the Sativa, Indica, and hybrid marijuana. Each has its characteristics, components, flavors, taste, effects, and productivity with different categories. 

In some cases, you can take a glimpse of the effects of a specific strain basing on its name. For instance, if you find a marijuana strain that includes haze on its name, it can give you an idea that this strain is dominant of Sativa variety. In contrast, names with kush are typically indica dominant. 

Nonetheless, if you are looking for marijuana suited for specific health condition like anxiety, requires a thorough understanding of Sativa and Indica varieties instead of guessing their effects through names. In this article, we will find out which variety, indica, or Sativa for anxiety. 

Anxiety and Cannabinoids 

Anxiety is a health problem that most people often seek treatment from marijuana. Regardless of its therapeutic claims for anxiety treatment, cannabis remains a complicated debate. Although many types of research have proven the effectiveness of cannabis in anxiety relief, it likewise has anxiety-producing properties. 

This is, in fact, true because marijuana contains cannabinoids, mainly the CBD and THC, that, when taken at a low amount, can help anxiety, while high dosage can make it worse. Additionally, Indica and Sativa composed of various levels of cannabinoids that either decrease or increase anxiety. 

Before looking into the classification of Indica or Sativa for anxiety, research conducted revealed that high levels of THC and trans-nerolidol, a type of terpene, are the best components that reduce stress. Also, another experiment used Kush varieties and has proven to be very effective in reducing anxiety levels. 

Later, researchers found that the Indica strain comprises high levels of compounds like D-limonene, b-caryophyllene, and trans-nerolidol. These compounds are also present in tea, lemongrass, and other aromatic substances, which are likewise believed to generate sedation. 

In this research, the question of which is better, either Indica or Sativa for anxiety, has already been given hints. 

Indica

Indica is a variety of cannabis that originated in India and Central Asia. 

Growing 

It will take around forty-five to sixty-five days to finish the flowering period of most Indicas. Anticipate that the growing development of Indica will remain short and in control, although it generates a better amount of production. 

You can quickly identify indica strains because of their compact and bushy appearance. It is ideal for growing indoors or in areas with limited space. The buds it develops are dense and extremely heavy. Most indica strains comprised high CBD levels, making them very powerful. 

Effects 

Before confusing yourself with either Indica or Sativa for anxiety relief, let’s analyze the Indica’s typical effects when consumed. In ordinary cases, Indica will generate a full stoned high targeting, mainly the body. It furnishes complete relaxation of cognition and calms down the body. 

Medicinal Benefits 

Due to the capacity of Indica to provide sedating and relaxing effects, they are sought by many consumers as they can help in the treatment process of insomnia, pain relief, muscle spasm, seizures, nausea and vomiting, lupus, stress, anxiety, and other complicated illnesses. 

Basing on here, the Indica strain is popularly known to reduce the signs and symptoms of anxiety. Yet, it remains a question of which of the two, Indica or Sativa for anxiety relief, is the best. 

Adverse Effects 

Because of its sedating effects, the Indica strain has the likelihood of causing depression on users. It could also lower your sense of motivation and can induce sleepiness. 

Sativa 

Originating from some parts of the world’s equatorial regions, like Mexico, Thailand, and Jamaica, the Sativa strain was born. 

Growing 

It will take sixty to ninety days before the Sativa finishes its flowering period. The appearance of Sativa is distinguishable because of its tall height and narrow leaves. They generate a less potent smell compared to Indica strains. Sativa is not ideal for indoor growing with the restricted area as it can dominate the locations due to its height and even triple its height once they reach the flowering stage. 

Effects 

The high effect that Sativa can generate mostly focuses on providing energy and enhancement of creativity. It gives a few giggles and could put you in a state of euphoria. It promotes higher socialization skills and makes you feel active physically. 

Medicinal Effects

If you remain confused between indica or Sativa for anxiety, let’s have a look at its medicinal benefits on humans. Due to its uplifting and cognitive high, it is the best option for depression or experiencing fatigue. It can even help in the treatment of some eating disorders like anorexia. Other doctors recommend using sativa strains to help in the process of healing in a few types of cancer. 

Adverse Effects 

Due to its high and energizing effects, some users, especially those who are not used to its effects, may experience paranoid behavior and panic attacks. It can even trigger anxiety and should be avoided when you have such an existing condition. 

Indica or Sativa for Anxiety: Which is Better? 

Basing on scientific facts, if there is an elevated level of activity in your brain, it could generate anxiety or worsen the condition if you already have one. Provided that Sativa deliver activating high effects, we could easily say that it does not suit the treatment process of anxiety.

However, researchers believed that the distinct characteristics of Sativa and indica have little influence on their effectiveness in reducing anxiety. Instead, it has more influence on the ratio of THC and CBD components of a particular strain. 

CBD is more helpful for anxiety relief and reduction of depressive symptoms, while THC can cause heightened effects and induce psychoactive impressions; it can worsen anxiety and even strengthens more the occurrence of paranoia. So, the question is, which is better, indica or Sativa, for anxiety? 

Provided that Sativa strains have more THC components and low CBD levels, it is easy to tell that indica strains have better capabilities for anxiety reduction. In most cases, this is precisely true; we could never cut off Sativa strains out from the picture because it still has room for anxiety treatment. However, it is only restricted to a few strains. 

Indica strains or hybrids with dominant Indica genetics can provide lesser brain activation that can potentially lessen the pronouncement of anxiety. For instance, a person with anxiety may feel palpitations when anxiety occurs. When there is stimulation that causes more palpitations, it could lead to panic attacks. Hence, it is what THC in sativa can do when consumed. 

Best Cannabis Indica For Treatment of Anxiety

So the question of whether Indica or Sativa for anxiety is better, the answer would be Indica. However, the decision will be up to you. This article will give you a few indica strains to provide you with a deeper understanding of indica strains for anxiety. 

Blackberry Kush 

Originated from Afghani landrace, this indica strain is considered medical marijuana with delightful flavors and aroma filled with sweetness. It is used for instant relief from any traces of anxiety. It can even aid in your sleeping pattern by providing a better rest every single night. 

Northern Lights 

A legendary and classic strain in cannabis, this indica strain is precious for anxiety reduction. It has a potent tranquilizing effect that works tremendously on high levels of anxiety. 

Granddaddy Purple 

This indica strain promises to provide a relaxing feeling that radiates all over the body and mind. Apart from reducing anxiety, it could also very valuable help for eliminating the discomforts of pain. 

Final Thoughts 

With final answers to which is better, either Indica or Sativa for anxiety, seeking more profound research and asking for professional advice would always do great, especially when trying to find treatment for anxiety using marijuana. Regardless of Indica having more promising results in anxiety relief, you are still allowed to try Sativa strains with a regulated ratio of THC and CBD, just to keep your mind subtly alerted.

If it does not work for you, consider stopping and try other strains again. Anyway, finding the right strain for your anxiety requires numerous trials and errors. Yet, the essential thing in terms of treating anxiety, never to self-medicate.