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Women holding cannabis strains for bipolar disorder

Cannabis Strain for Bipolar Disorder

Cannabis is increasingly being used in place of pharmaceutical medication to treat mental disorders. Some bipolar patients use cannabis to alleviate symptoms of bipolar disorder such as mania and depression.

This means that there is a need to look for the best cannabis strains for bipolar disorder and depression. Although there are limited studies in this area due to the legality of marijuana, uses report that taking weed may exert sedative and anti-depressive effects when taken.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by instability in moods. It can manifest in cycling moods of intense depression and mania. Bipolar disorder can disrupt daily life by causing an influx of energy and excitement, followed by a crash and depression.

Does Weed Help with Depression?

The two cannabis compounds that help in reducing pain and improving mental health are CBD and THC.

CBD or cannabidiol is a compound that contains cannabinoids – our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids. These are used to regulate the inner systems in the body. They also help in reducing pain in the body. CBD doesn’t necessarily make you high. It has less psychoactive effects, unlike THC.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol is the other plant compound in marijuana that produces a cerebral high. THC brings on calmness, relief, and even euphoria. It targets anxiety, stress, and depression. THC also helps to relax the body and reduce pain.

Can CBD Help With Bipolar Disorder?

CBD appears to produce the same results in patients as bipolar medication. Bipolar patients may choose to supplement their diet with CBD products such as CBD oil, supplements, edibles, and tinctures.

This is because using weed to treat anxiety and depression might cause paranoia, and taking an isolated CBD supplement may alleviate symptoms without bringing on a high.

What is the Best Strain For Bipolar Disorder? Indica vs. Sativa

There is limited research in the field of medical marijuana, and that’s why there is no scientific evidence to prove which is the best marijuana strain for bipolar disorder. Some people may get the most results from Indica, and yet others will feel better after using Sativa strains.

The difference is in which strain causes a body high and which one causes a mind high. Indica strains target the body and cause muscle relaxation and pain relief.

On the other hand, Sativa brings on a mind high. This is where all the psychoactive effects like reality distortion occurs. It might seem that Sativa will benefit bipolar patients more, but Indica and hybrid strains can also have a great effect on mood disorders.

10 Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Bipolar Disorder

1.  Bruce Banner

Bruce Banner may mellow out the mood disturbances caused by bipolar disorder. It is a hybrid marijuana strain with a high THC content. This makes it a hard- hitting strain that brings a mind high characterized by euphoria and a burst of creativity.

The Bruce Banner strain is famed for its mind high but it also brings on a mellow body relaxation, which makes it perfect for daytime use.

2.  Agent Orange

Mood disorders like bipolar depression may be relieved by consumption of hybrid-based marijuana strains such as Agent Orange. This strain is known as a mood enhancer and brings on feelings of euphoria, happiness, and positivity. It’s the type to help you get out of bed and conquer the day.

AO delivers a relaxed high that doesn’t drain your energy and will come down quite gently. This strain may also help with body pains and aches.

3.  Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express is another hybrid cannabis strain that is perfect for mood disturbances. It was created to remedy mental conditions such as anxiety and depression.

This strain brings on a long lasting energetic high that boosts productivity and creativity. The effects from this strain are felt instantly. It’s also well-suited for day time use because of its limited psychoactive effect. Patients of bipolar disorder may find relief from their fluctuating mental states in this weed strain.

4.  Golden Pineapple

The high from this strain brings on an upbeat and focused effect that is perfect for bipolar depression patients. It can bring on happiness and euphoria to combat depressive episodes.

Golden Pineapple may boost motivation and energy during a low mood and help one to function normally during the day time. It is among the best strains for bipolar disorder seasonal affective disorder and PTSD. It is also a good social lubricant, and acts by taking away anxiety and creating an outgoing attitude.

This weed strain takes as little as 5 minutes to start acting. It may cause thirst in certain users.

5.  Super Jack

Super Jack is a sativa cannabis strain whose effects target the mind. It provides an energy boost and sparks a creative buzz. It’s a good strain to wake and bake, and will carry you throughout the day.This weed will make you feel productive enough to do the tasks that you have been putting off for a while

It is the perfect alternative medicine for mood disturbances like bipolar disorder. The Sativa content is great for mellowing out mania from bipolar disorder.

6.  Do-Si-Dos

Do-Si-Dos is an indica-dominant hybrid strain that is perfect for treating mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.

This brings on a sense of body sedation with a nice mind high that can be used to battle depressive states that are common in bipolar disorder. Do-Si-Dos is also helpful for curbing manic states. Indica strains are good for calming the mind from anxiety and racing thoughts. The Do-Si-Dos strain is also good for body pain relief.

7.  Sugar Black Rose

Sugar Black Rose is another indica-dominant strain that can be used for mood disturbances. It brings on a relaxing body high, coupled with anxiety and stress relief.

The high starts with a boost in energy and comes down with a relaxed sleepy feeling.

The Sugar Black Rose strain is also effective for pain caused by ruptured back discs, fibromyalgia, injury, and trauma. It also helps with insomnia but may bring on slight munchies.

8.  Skunk 1

Among the best cannabis strains for bipolar disorder is Skunk 1. Skunk No.1 is a hybrid cannabis strain that was created in the 70s and won the title of king in the first ever High Times Cannabis Cup in 1988.

The Sativa content of this strain makes for an ideal cerebral high that brings great focus to details in visuals and sounds. The Skunk 1 strain is also ideal for bipolar symptoms like anxiety, depression, and mania.

This weed should be taken low doses to avoid paranoia and anxiety. It’s best suited for consumption at the end of the day.

9.  Death Star

Death Star is a hybrid marijuana strain that gives a powerful mind buzz. It is very potent and can be used for pain in medical marijuana users.

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It also dissolves anxiety and stress and can be used to stabilize the mood in case of bipolar disorder. It can also be used for nausea and appetite loss. The effect of this weed takes a while to hit, and it may cause couchlock due to complete muscle relaxation.

10. NYC Diesel

This hybrid strain leans more towards the Sativa effects of a mind high that mellow into a complete body relaxation. It’s a good weed choice for social interaction and bring one out of their shell. This strain is popular among people with anxiety and it doesn’t bring paranoia like other strains.

NYC Diesel cannabis strain may help to balance out moodiness that is characteristic of bipolar disorder. It is also great for reducing body pains and aches.

Conclusion

Weed can be used to alleviate symptoms of bipolar disorder such as mania and depression. It helps to balance out mood. The right cannabis strain can also help with anxiety, stress, and depression which a bipolar patient may experience.

Among the best strains for bipolar disorder are Agent Orange and NYC Diesel. Most of the time, Sativa-heavy strains do a good job – after all, they provide a mind high, but in some cases Indica does a good job in mellowing out mood disturbances.

Gavin Kushman. Cannabis strain writer in a cannabis garden
Gavin Kushman

Gavin is a worldly adventurer and cannabis connoisseur, embarking on journeys that take him to the far corners of the globe to explore and document the varied effects, flavors, and histories of both renowned and lesser-known strains. From the misty high-altitude farms of the Hindu Kush highlands to the vibrant cannabis cafes of Amsterdam, Gavin's quest for knowledge spans continents. A recognized authority in the cannabis industry, he frequently lends his expertise to leading publications such as Cannabis Training University, where his captivating blog articles chronicle his unique experiences with different cannabis strains.

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