Cannabis has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, but it’s not without its drawbacks. For some individuals, particularly those prone to anxiety or paranoia, the psychoactive effects of high THC strains can lead to an uncomfortable experience. Below is our official Respect My Region list of 15 low THC cannabis strains, some I’ve tried, others I’ve not yet had the pleasure of experiencing, that are said to be ideal for people who experience anxiety or paranoia.
Now before you dive in and start calling every dispensary and asking every budtender about these strains, it is important to remember that the majority of the current cannabis culture and consumer habits all point towards strains and products with as much THC as possible. People want the biggest bang for their buck and since “high thc” is somehow correlated to getting people more high, those highter testing strains tend to get selected over lower % strains.
Many of the strains on this list aren’t commercially grown because they “don’t sell fast enough” or “not enough people buy it.”
There are other strains that tend to be a bit lighter on the anxiety and paranoia side of things so make sure you check out the full list below and continue reading to discover a few other options that I personally recommend.
15 Low THC Cannabis Strains
- ACDC (CBD:THC ratio – 20:1)
ACDC is a renowned strain known for its exceptionally high CBD content, which helps balance out its minimal THC levels. With CBD:THC ratios of up to 20:1, ACDC delivers calming effects without producing intoxication. It’s an excellent choice for individuals seeking relief from anxiety, stress, and inflammation without any paranoia.
- Harle-Tsu (CBD:THC ratio – 20:1)
Harle-Tsu is another strain that boasts a high CBD content and extremely low THC levels. It provides relaxation and relief from stress and anxiety, making it a top pick for those sensitive to THC-induced anxiety.
- Ringo’s Gift (CBD:THC ratio – 24:1)
Named after a well-known cannabis activist, Ringo’s Gift is a strain with a remarkable CBD to THC ratio. This strain induces a sense of tranquility and mental clarity, helping users stay focused and relaxed without anxiety.
- Sweet and Sour Widow (CBD:THC ratio – 1:1)
For those seeking a balanced experience, Sweet and Sour Widow is an excellent choice. Its equal CBD to THC ratio offers mild psychoactive effects alongside relaxing and therapeutic benefits, without overwhelming anxious thoughts.
- Canna-Tsu (CBD:THC ratio – 1:1)
Canna-Tsu is described as a hybrid low thc cannabis strain that exhibits a balanced CBD to THC ratio. It delivers a subtle high while promoting relaxation and alleviating anxiety, making it an excellent option for both recreational and medicinal users.
- Remedy (CBD:THC ratio – 15:1)
As its name suggests, Remedy is a strain specifically bred to provide medicinal benefits. With high CBD levels and minimal THC content, it aids in relieving anxiety, pain, and inflammation without causing any significant euphoria.
- Stephen Hawking Kush (CBD:THC ratio – 5:1)
Stephen Hawking Kush, or SHK, is a hybrid strain with a higher CBD to THC ratio. It offers a mellow and calming experience, making it a suitable choice for individuals prone to anxiety and paranoia.
- Pennywise (CBD:THC ratio – 1:1)
Named after the iconic clown, Pennywise’s name might be eerie, but its effects are far from it. This strain’s balanced CBD to THC ratio creates a calming and relaxing experience, ideal for anxiety-prone users.
- Cannatonic (CBD:THC ratio – 1:1)
Cannatonic is one of the earliest low THC strains to gain popularity. Its 1:1 CBD to THC ratio delivers a gentle, soothing effect, making it a preferred choice for people seeking relief from anxiety without significant intoxication.
- Sour Tsunami (CBD:THC ratio – 1:1)
Sour Tsunami is a strain well-regarded for its balanced cannabinoid profile. Its equal parts CBD and THC create a gentle and clear-headed experience, perfect for managing anxiety and stress.
- CBD Critical Mass (CBD:THC ratio – 1:1)
CBD Critical Mass combines the therapeutic benefits of both CBD and THC in equal proportions. This strain induces a mild high while promoting relaxation, making it suitable for anxiety sufferers seeking some euphoria.
- Swiss Gold (CBD:THC ratio – 1:1)
Swiss Gold’s even CBD to THC ratio provides a gentle and pleasant experience. It’s a great option for users looking for moderate relaxation and relief from anxiety without any overwhelming psychoactive effects.
- Dancehall (CBD:THC ratio – 1:1)
Dancehall is a strain known for its energetic and uplifting effects, but thanks to its balanced CBD to THC ratio, it doesn’t induce anxiety or paranoia. It’s perfect for users who want to stay focused and anxiety-free.
- Valentine X (CBD:THC ratio – 25:1)
Valentine X is a strain with an incredibly high CBD content and very low THC levels. It’s an ideal choice for individuals seeking anxiety relief, muscle relaxation, and mental clarity without any intoxication.
- One-to-One (CBD:THC ratio – 1:1)
The One-to-One strain, as its name implies, offers an equal balance of CBD and THC. It provides a gentle high and therapeutic benefits, making it suitable for anxiety management without overwhelming users.
I mentioned up above that I would share a few lower THC cannabis strains that I’ve personally tried so here goes. DJ Shorts Blueberry is one that I’ve purchased for years. I see it around less and less often so if you happen to find something that is more blueberry in terms of the genetics, you can count on a solid body high and a fruity sweet flavor.
Another great choice is GDP, aka Granddaddy Purple, because of it’s fruity, floral, and earthy/piney flavor profile. My third recommendation is Purple Punch, again because of a fruity, floral, and sour flavor profile that pairs with a light, sometimes sedative, and euphoric body high.
Finding the right cannabis strain is crucial, especially for individuals who experience anxiety or paranoia. Fortunately, the cannabis market has evolved, and numerous low THC strains offer relief for various ailments.
The key to managing anxiety and paranoia with cannabis can be identified by knowing the THC of the products that triggered your experience along with the flavor profile, or terpenes, of the cannabis strain you purchased. In my experience as a budtender and per what I’ve read online and in my schooling, cannabis strains that taste or smell like lemons, oranges, pineapples, potent pine, or gassy pepper, are known to most likely bring on anxiety and paranoia.
People love those flavors and smells and many of us do want it to be as potent and “terpy,” or flavorful as possible. Every strain that falls into those flavor or aroma profiles that I just mentioned above doesn’t necessarily ALWAYS give someone anxiety or paranoia either.
Remember, individual responses to cannabis varies.
Either way, when you’re exploring the effects of new strains, products, or anything related to cannabis, it’s essential to start with small doses and experiment to find the perfect situation that aligns with your needs. That could mean you want even less THC, or more of a certain flavor, say lavender, or orange, or maybe you need to up your dose on certain days because you’re in more pain than normal.
Different situations call for different strains, doses, and consuming styles.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating cannabis into your wellness routine, particularly if you have any existing medical conditions or are taking medications. Embrace the potential benefits of low THC cannabis strains, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
I’m here to help you enjoy a more relaxed and anxiety-free cannabis experience!
