Stress Less with These Cannabis Products and Strains

We've all had those stress- and anxiety-riddled days, trying methods like yoga, meditation, bubble baths, or even prescription meds to help with the edge. But what if cannabis could help with stress and anxiety?

In a study published in 2023, researchers took a deep dive into data from Strainprint™, focusing on how different cannabis types - indica, sativa, and CBD - help with anxiety. They looked at feedback from 184 people over 1,028 tracked medicating sessions. They found that all types had a pretty solid effect, reducing anxiety symptoms by about 50%. And it's not just about anxiety. An earlier study using Strainprint™ data showed a 58% reduction in stress over 3,717 sessions.

As we foray into the new year, why not cannabis into your mental health toolkit?

To help you get started, we scoured menus to find the top-rated products for a relaxed, stress- and anxiety-free mindset. Each recommendation includes a review so you can hear from fellow shoppers in their own words, though note, some were edited for clarity or length! Remember, while reviewers have found success with these products, cannabis affects everyone differently. Be sure to chat with your Cannabis Advisor about the best options for your personal use.

Marijuana Flower Strains for Stress

Flower is one of the preferred ways to dose cannabis for many. It's the easiest way to gain the full benefits of the plant – cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more – and with immediate effects to boot. Take a look at Zen Leaf customer-favorite strains to help curb stress and anxiety:

Verano Reserve Space Mints

Space Mints is a potent cross of beloved Wedding Cake and Kush Mints 11. The nugs are green and rich in color, made prominent by deep purple leaves and burnt orange hairs. The hybrid cultivar tastes of sweet mints with underlying notes of dough and earth, and lends talkative effects that lead to deep relaxation.

The is one of best strains I have found for pain and mood health. I want to say WOW from opening the jar to plucking very admirable flower. Covered in frosty good.The aroma was on par cake and Kush, I really like that scent. Very strong pain reduction. I am exceptionally happy with Space Mints!! Highly Recommend.

- Reviewer j****l

Find Space Mints in Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, and West Virginia.

(the) Essence Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry Muffins was created by crossing Afghani with Blueberry, culminating to a bud bright green in hue, accented by deep purple-blue leaves and burnt orange hairs. Notes of cream and sweet blueberries are prominent in this strain, which provides deep relaxation and appetite stimulation.

Reviewers rave about Blueberry Muffins' relaxing, blissful, and mind-soothing effects.

Available in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Savvy The Soap

The Soap is a refreshing sativa-dominant cross of Animal Mints x Kush Mints that will leave you feeling squeaky clean. High levels of Farnesene - a terpene found in the skin of green apples - pull forward flavors of fruit and wood with a slight minty undertone. Anti-inflammatory properties and euphoric effects make The Soap a bright and balanced choice for any daytime consumer.

Love this strain. Yes, it does taste soapy plus it has a skunky smell which I also love. The effects are old school blissful and happy. Perfect to uplift and get me to work. Lately anything by Savvy is tops and is the first flower I look for.

- Reviewer d****a

Available in Arizona, Illinois, and Nevada.

CTPharma Northern Lights

A certified icon of the cannabis world, Northern Lights is a multiple-award-winning indica that hasn’t waned in popularity since its introduction decades ago. Northern Lights has a spicy aroma with hints of pine and earth. The flavor is similar to the aroma, but with an extra bit of sweetness and woodiness alongside the spicy.

Couldn't keep my nose out of the jar because of the rich terpenes with a good amount of gas. The aroma and flavor hits its peak when ground up and tastes good. Very relaxing and euphoric.

- Reviewer m****e

Find Northern Lights in Connecticut.

Osage Creek Eleven Roses

Eleven Roses from Osage Creek is predominantly indica, and known for its profound and enduring body high. This strain, when inhaled, melds the boldness of metallic kush undertones with the sweetness of ripe fruits, creating a sophisticated blend that's a true treat for connoisseurs who have a penchant for rich and intricate flavors.

I love when I can hang with my friends and feel relaxed not play the part and eleve[n] roses helped so much.

- Reviewer c****5

Available in Arkansas.

RedBud Roots Motor Milk

Motor Milk by RedBud Roots is a hard-hitting cross of Motorbreath 15 with Milkbone. This strain boasts a subtle flavor profile, reminiscent of nutty cookies, which intensifies into a more robust and earthy aroma upon exhale. It ushers in a gentle cerebral fuzziness, blending with a serene calmness. This combination fosters a tranquil state of mind, erasing any lingering negativity or restless thoughts. Its relaxing effect is particularly suitable for those restless nights when sleep seems elusive. Often recommended for those dealing with chronic pain, muscle cramps or spasms, depression, and persistent stress, Motor Milk is a go-to for its therapeutic benefits.

Reviewers rate this hybrid as a relaxing, mind-easing option for any time of day.

Find Motor Milk in Michigan.

Cannabis Vape Strains for Stress

Vapes are a concentrated form of flower, created by extracting the beneficial parts of the plant to craft an easy-to-inhale oil. While the full-spectrum benefits are not provided as they are with flower (with the exception of Nectar, live resin, and live rosin options), the immediate benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes appear to have an effect for many. Here are some Zen customer favorites:

Savvy Kickback

Disposables are the ultimate convenience, and Savvy Kickback is a favorite for many for relaxation. The flavors of sweet berries tantalize your tastebuds with each inhale, while the terpene blend soothes nerves, pain, and more, according to reviewers. This 0.3g pen is the ideal grab-and-go option and the perfect taste-testing size.

This tastes like a cool breeze and tropical fruits. No skunk, pine, tree, or earth taste mucking it up. It makes me more inclined to pick it up and use it, which in the long run is better for me. I would definitely recommend this, esp if you are looking for a nice restful feeling, and not the typical one of being stuck on the couch. 

- Reviewer k****k

Available in Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and Ohio, and in West Virginia as Kickback OG.

(the) Essence Nectar Grape Bubblegum

Cured flower, crafted with butane extraction for a full-spectrum experience. (the) Essence Nectar vapes are a standout, and none more so than Grape Bubblegum. A deliciously deep purple strain crafted by crossing GMO with Purple Punch, this hybrid produces a grape-gushing flavor with unique, spicy, and gassy undertones. Beloved for its pain-relieving properties, Grape Bubblegum makes for a great aid in getting your TLC.

Nice peaceful buzz with calming feeling. Stimulates the creative thoughts.

- Reviewer t****e

Find Grape Bubblegum in Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and Ohio.

CTPharma Pure Michigan Bold Disposable

Pure Michigan is an indica-leaning hybrid cross of Oreoz and Mendo Breath. This delicious strain features an aroma and flavor profile of tree fruit, lime, and ammonia. Expect feelings that take the edge off – relaxation, laughter, and an all-around good mood.

Reviewers describe this hybrid as blissful relaxation.

Available in Connecticut.

TANK Cherry Berry Bliss

Cherry Berry Bliss by TANK is a calming and relaxing hybrid full of flavor. This botanically-derived vape is potent, bright, with hints of wood, underscored by notes of sweet, sweet berry.

Alleviated pain and those "other feelings " that needed relief. Good emotional and mental break. Anytime of the day use.

- Reviewer k****5

Find Cherry Berry Bliss in Arkansas.

Redbud Roots Pure THC

Sometimes, all you need is a little THC. Redbud Roots provides just that with the Pure THC cartridge. Mind-easing, relaxing, and with the flavor of fresh earth (but in a good way!), this vape option is ideal for any time of day, and any stressful situation.

Taste really clean energetic and smooth great for getting things done and not being too stressed

- Reviewer o****7

Available in Michigan.

Marijuana Edibles, Lozenges, and Tablets for Stress

Though edibles take a longer time for effects to kick in, they do provide their benefits for 6 to up to 8 hours. Think of edibles as a preventative measure, providing the suite of benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes, feeding your endocannabinoid system before it gets too out of whack.

Bits Elderberry Wellness 1:1 THC/CBD

A bit of proactive self-care so that you can do more than just keep up. Elderberry Wellness is a soothing indica blend with equal parts THC and CBD, plus elderflower and acerola, to add a hint of well-being to any cozy comfort. Less rest and recuperation, more couch-sinking, cozy-cuddling rejuvenation.

I take these in the early evening to get a good night's sleep after a stressful day. Helps clear my mind and let go of BS from the day so I can relax. Usually wake up feeling refreshed.

- Reviewer c****8

Find Elderberry Wellness in Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Encore Pineapple Raspberry Sweet Hybrid Gummies and Lozenges

Encore Edibles are a delight, crafted in a variety of ratios and lineages, with Pineapple Raspberry Sweet Hybrid being a standout for stress and anxiety. These tropical escapes provide 10mg THC per piece and a suite of therapeutic terpenes to aid in mental release.

This is a great relaxing product that you can take any time of day or night. You can go out and do whatever you want without any anxiety or stress, but no raciness or jitters, and your body will be relaxed and the same if you want to chill at home with no worries and even if you want to nap or sleep.

- Reviewer j****7

Available in Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Ohio as gummies, in Pennsylvania as lozenges, and in New Jersey as Verano Lozenges.

Avexia Harmony 1:1 THC/CBD Tablets

Avexia Harmony is named for its 1:1 CBD to THC ratio. This is the yin and yang of Avexia microdosing tablets and the simplest formulation. Equal parts THC and CBD (2.5 mg of each per tablet) from the highest quality all-natural sources will give you effects suitable for both general relaxation and powerful, targeted pain relief.

I needed something for when I get anxiety at work. I take 1 tablet and it takes away the panicky feeling without making me feel high or tired. I just feel like I did pre anxiety attack. I can take 2 if I want to relax more and get some sleep. I’ve tried a lot of edibles and these by far are my fav. Only ones that I buy now.

- Reviewer j****a

Available in Illinois, Maryland, and West Virginia.

Good Day Farm Balance 1:1 THC/CBD Wellness Gummies

Good Day Farm's Wellness Edibles provide just that, and none more so than Balance. Combining THC and CBD to soothe, these 1:1 gummies are the perfect pick for those moments when you're seeking a gentle lift without compromising your ability to get things done. Consider Balance Wellness Gummies your go-to for striking that sweet spot between enjoyable relaxation and effective performance. They're expertly crafted to provide just enough of a pleasant sensation while ensuring you remain functional and productive.

This is a great product for anxiety and depression. I still felt capable of doing all my responsibilities while not being anxious or overwhelmed. And it even helped with creators block.

- Reviewer a****1

Find Good Day Farm Balance Gummies in Arkansas.

WYLD Strawberry 20:1 CBD Hybrid-Enhanced Gummies

WYLD Strawberry 20:1 CBD/THC (20mg CBD and 1mg THC) gummies are a Midwest and West favorite. High-CBD and low-THC, these edibles are crafted with the essence of real fruit and a blend of hybrid terpenes. They strike a delightful balance, offering relaxation for the body while keeping the mind sharp and alert. Perfect for those days when you need to unwind without losing your edge, these gummies have become a favorite choice for anyone looking to ease tension and stay clear-headed.

Anxiety? Pain? Stress? All go away thanks to this product. Absolutely the best I have ever tried.

- Reviewer g****d

Available in Illinois, Michigan, and Nevada.

Find Cannabis for Stress and Anxiety at Zen Leaf

While the cannabis products listed here are reviewer favorites for stress and anxiety, they're just the start of what's available to you at your local Zen Leaf. Explore and shop products online, or head to the dispensary to chat with a Cannabis Advisor about what may suit your routine best. Remember, everyone's needs are a little different, and products uniquely affect each of us. Our educated staff is standing by to help guide you to the most ideal options.

Cheers to a new year where we stress and worry less, all with the help of the plant we love!

References:

1. Carrie Cuttler, Alexander Spradlin, Ryan J. McLaughlin. A naturalistic examination of the perceived effects of cannabis on negative affect. Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 235, Pages 198-205 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.054.
2. Minhas, M., Lunn, S.E. Naturalistic examination of the anxiolytic effects of medical cannabis and associated gender and age differences in a Canadian cohort. J Cannabis Res, Volume 5, Page 20 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00192-x