Men and women of service are brave, noble, and have risked all that they have in honor of something much larger than themselves. These actions deserve the most sincere gratitude. Yet, all too often, veterans return to an environment that cannot support their needs. Those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) know first-hand the challenges that come with trying medication after medication with no relief. Thankfully, there’s medical cannabis. In honor of Veteran’s Day, here are 10 top strains for PTSD.
1. Blue Dream
By now, many cannabis enthusiasts have grown tired of hearing about Blue Dream. However, when it comes to ease of access and reliable relief, Blue Dream is one of the best strains around. A balanced and easy hybrid, Blue Dream is a cross between tasty Blueberry and Haze.
The result is a mellow and relaxing strain that provides a sense of bodily calmness and mental ease. Slightly sativa-dominant, Blue Dream promotes a strong mood uplift and cultivates a sociable mood. Many medical patients use it for relief from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
2. OG Kush
For those who need something a little heavier, OG Kush is another easy-to-find and effective strain. The exact genetics of this strain are a little obscure, but OG Kush is thought to have a stronger indica heritage than Blue Dream. This means that physical sedation and a heavy-bodied experience will be more predominant.
Many find this type of sedation useful during an anxiety attack. OG Kush is also popular among those with insomnia, which is perfect is PTSD symptoms are getting in the way of some quality shut-eye.
3. Bubba Kush
Heavier still is Bubba Kush. The genetics are also mysterious in this strain, but it is thought to be a cross containing OG Kush and Afghani. Afghani is a pure indica landrace strain, the sedative effects are ramped up in this indica flower. This means that sleep is almost guaranteed.
Bubba Kush is famous for producing a euphoric and giggly vibe. Perfect for whenever you’re in a funk, the upbeat nature of this strain lifts spirits and helps lift the burden of a stressful day.
4. Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express may have become famous thanks to the film with the same title, but this strain is milder than is often expected. The THC content can reach up to 20%, but the overall effects are easy and mild.
A sativa-dominant hybrid, it inspires a lovely upbeat attitude and is perfect for daytime consumption. If you do well with THC during the day, this strain can provide effective relief without overpowering the consumer.
5. Headband
Headband has earned its name for a reason. This popular hybrid reportedly makes you feel like you’re wearing a headband. It produces a pleasant yet distinct pressure around the crown of the head. While it may sound odd, the potent effects of this strain are well-balanced between cerebral euphoria and bodily relaxation.
The winning combination provides a true head-to-toe experience, relieving both psychological and physical stresses. A cross between OG Kush and Sour Diesel, Headband is a great way to wind down when you’re feeling a little too keyed up.
6. Northern Lights
Northern Lights is one of the most popular indicas around. Sleepy and mellow, this strain is very popular among those with conditions like PTSD, bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, and depression.
It’s a go-to sleep aid for many medical cannabis patients out there. Heavy-hitting and fast-acting, this is a strain you grab when you find yourself in a real rut and need to de-stress pronto.
7. Master Kush
Master Kush is an insomnia crusher. Though, this strain is certainly no flower for cannabis beginners. The effects can be heavily sedative and can induce a serious case of couch-lock. A cross between Hindu Kush and an unknown Skunk variety, Master Kush can be a little more euphoric than your standard indica.
Yet, landrace lineage makes the physical effects of this strain dominate. If you suffer from muscle tightness or have lingering pain from an old injury, Master Kush provides the perfect dose of herbal medicine to both the body and mind.
8. Cannatonic
It’s not uncommon for PTSD patients to opt for high-CBD strains during the day and high-THC strains in the evening. Why? CBD has potent anxiolytic and mood-stabilizing effects. Yet, THC is a far more powerful sleep aid. For those looking for a daytime strain that won’t cause a “high”, Cannatonic is a perfect strain.
Cannatonic is fairly popular and fairly easy to find in states with legal medical cannabis. The CBD levels in this strain can reach up to 20%, but you are far more likely to run into a 1 to 1 phenotype of this strain. This means that dried Cannatonic bud that contains a THC to CBD ratio that is about even.
9. Golden Goat
Golden Goat is a popular Colorado strain, but it’s gaining attention in other parts of North America as well. A potent hybrid, Golden Goat is best saved for consumers who know how to handle THC. The psychoactive content in this strain often reaches 23%.
There is some evidence that this higher THC levels may be more beneficial in PTSD than in other conditions. So, the potency alone may be one of the reasons why so many post-trauma patients love this strain. Yet, the balanced mind/body effects from this strain provide consumers with a well-rounded, enjoyable experience overall.
10. Super Silver Haze
While this list is dominated by hybrids and indicas, there are plenty of reasons to appreciate sativa strains as well. Super Silver Haze is one of the most popular and easily accessible sativas around. A cross between Northern Lights, Haze, and Skunk No. 1, Super Silver Haze provides an energizing and spirited daytime high.
Yet, thanks to the smidge of indica heritage, the typical sativa raciness is calmed down in this strain. Instead, patients are left with a focused, happy, and creative experience. In high doses, however, this strain may inspire some paranoia. If you are sensitive to cannabis-induced anxiety, start slowly with Super Silver Haze.
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