Winter Prep: Using Cannabis for Mental Health in the Cold Months

Winter is coming! It won’t be long now until the leaves are done falling and snow covers the ground. Not only is this a change in scenery, but it is also common for people to change on the inside too. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD (ironically) is a type of depression that some people develop during the fall and winter months. Scientists think this happens due to shorter days and less sunlight. If this is something that happens to you, know you are not alone! Additionally, we have some cannabis strains that might help with the symptoms of SAD. Keep in mind this is not a cure, just something to ease the weight of depression. Each of these strains are praised for their assistance with mental health issues. However, before we get started, if you or a loved one are struggling with SAD, or any other type of depression, check out your local and online resources. There is no shame in asking for help! Or if that’s not something you're comfortable with, just ask a friend to hang out, having some company helps too.

Blue Dream

This strain was listed as depression relieving in so many areas, it had to be listed here too. Blue Dream is a sativa hybrid that has intense but wonderful cerebral highs to make its users feel happy and relaxed. Created from a cross of Blueberry and Haze, Blue Dream is a classic strain that can be readily found across the country. This strain is good for all cannabis users, experienced or newbie, it will make you feel uplifted and might burst into a fit of laughter too. As for its flavor, expect a sweet berry smell and taste too! When using this strain, people report that they felt motivated and stimulated without being jittery. So when using this stain to fight off depression symptoms, it’s good to practice positive thought, and Blue Dream will make it easy. It can also help with symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Blue Dream strain helps with

37% of people say it helps with Stress
31% of people say it helps with Anxiety
28% of people say it helps with Depression

Source: Leafly

Wedding Cake

Winter is coming! It won’t be long now until the leaves are done falling and snow covers the ground. Not only is this a change in scenery, but it is also common for people to change on the inside too. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD (ironically) is a type of depression that some people develop during the fall and winter months. Scientists think this happens due to shorter days and less sunlight. If this is something that happens to you, know you are not alone! Additionally, we have some cannabis strains that might help with the symptoms of SAD. Keep in mind this is not a cure, just something to ease the weight of depression. Each of these strains are praised for their assistance with mental health issues. However, before we get started, if you or a loved one are struggling with SAD, or any other type of depression, check out your local and online resources. There is no shame in asking for help! Or if that’s not something you're comfortable with, just ask a friend to hang out, having some company helps too.

Wedding Cake strain helps with

24% of people say it helps with Anxiety
21% of people say it helps with Stress
18% of people say it helps with Depression

Source: Leafly

Strawberry Banana

Strawberry Banana is an indica dominant hybrid strain that you can pair with a smoothie of the same name! This strain has a distinct fruity aroma that some say reminds them of the scent of saltwater taffy. Created from a cross of Banana Kush and Bubblegum users can expect to feel calm, physically relaxed, and happy. Although it is an indica strain it has a strong cerebral effect without the risk of giving its user anxiety. When using Strawberry Banana to combat depression this is another strain to use when practicing positive thinking. The cerebral high with the physical relaxation combine to create the ultimate happy stoner. Maybe try listening to your favorite music or watching your favorite movie when trying this strain!

Strawberry Banana strain helps with

28% of people say it helps with Anxiety
25% of people say it helps with Stress
21% of people say it helps with Depression

Source: Leafly

Northern Lights

The next strain is a heavy indica strain called Northern Lights. Northern Lights was created by crossing Afghani and Thai and it is well known for its euphoric and relaxing high. Its effects are similar to Strawberry Banana. However, Northern Lights has a much spicier flavor profile. If you’re to try this strain, expect a pungently sweet and peppery scent with notes of pine and earth. When it comes to depression symptoms, this strain is highly praised probably because it's one of the older strains on the market, it was created in 1985. Depression, anxiety, pain, and insomnia are all things Northern Lights can help with. When using this strain try to do things you like, maybe order your favorite pizza! If depression is trying to keep you down, having a good meal can make you feel a lot better.

Northern Lights strain helps with

40% of people say it helps with Stress
34% of people say it helps with Anxiety
32% of people say it helps with Depression

Source: Leafly

Purple OG

If you’re an experienced smoker and want to help with your depression, Purple OG is the heavy hitter you need! Purple OG is an indica strain that can really help with relaxing after a stressful day. Its flavor is earthy and a little sweet, users say they enjoy how mellow the taste is in comparison to the strong high. When using this strain for depression, this will make you feel happy but it is well known for its couch lock qualities. Be prepared to potentially fall asleep on the couch! However, users have said that the sleep you get after smoking Purple OG was the best in their life. If you’re having trouble sleeping, this strain can help you get quality sleep without feeling groggy and run down the next day. Some have called this weed restorative.

Purple OG strain helps with

40% of people say it helps with Stress
35% of people say it helps with Pain
33% of people say it helps with Anxiety

Source: Leafly

Motor Breath

This strain might sound a bit harsh or even gross, but I promise it’s a quality strain! Motor Breath is a strong and well balanced hybrid strain created from crossing Chemdog and SFV OG Kush. Its flavor is (I’m sure you’ve guessed it) potentially diesel, but with hints of spicy pepper. While some may stray away from strongly scented cannabis, others find it perfect! If this sounds like something up your alley, its effects are strong. Users feel at peace quickly and often feel relaxed and relieved. If you’re planning to use this for depression symptoms, this strain will make your body couch locked and your mind clear. Perfect for relaxing and sleeping, sometimes a good nap is all you need! However, staying in bed all day is not the way to combat depression. Be sure to get some sunlight or just Vitamin D supplements, not seeing the sun can be a big contributor to SAD.

Motor Breath strain helps with