Cannabis and relaxation often get lumped in together.
However, finding the ideal strain for relaxation isn’t so cut and dry.
Different types of cannabis offer different experiences. Whether you’re indulging in a sativa, indica, or a hybrid strain, it will have much to do with the effects of a given flower, ingestible, or concentrated THC.
Furthermore, your choice of cannabis strains for relaxation will come down to who you are as a person, what you like to do to relax, and your definition of relaxation. Not everyone chills out exactly the same way—some people take a load off by skydiving, while others prefer a shiatsu massage. We’re only scratching the surface of the relaxation spectrum, but you get our point.
You could be a long-time enjoyer of the splendid plant or a rookie or novice, and finding the appropriate cannabis strain for stress relief or relaxation can present challenges.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help with this blog, especially if you’re visiting or are a citizen of Atlantic City seeking cannabis strains for relaxation.
Why Choose Cannabis For Relaxation?
Despite our name at The Healing Side, we are not a medicinal dispensary, nor are we scientists, but we do know our cannabis.
Still, we need to point out that cannabis consumption isn’t yet an exacting or precise science.
Of course, objective truths and facts about cannabis exist plentifully. We know it contains cannabinoids and terpenes, for instance. We also know it gets you high. Nevertheless, there are no guarantees of how someone will respond to a given strain.
A general rule is that indica strains and indica-heavy hybrids will be more relaxing than sativas or sativa-heavy hybrids. The former is typically more calming, and the latter offers more invigoration and energy.
As more information becomes available about cannabis, we’re learning that two components of the plant—the present cannabinoids and terpenes–-dictate how relaxing a given strain can be:
Delving Into Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant. The two most common ones are THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis) and CBD (Cannabidiol, a therapeutic, non-psychoactive compound).
Some experts believe that THC aids relaxation in lower doses, while it can trigger anxiety in higher doses [1]. However, balancing high levels of THC with CBD appears to offset some of the more unsettling effects of higher THC doses.
So, if you want highly potent cannabis that guarantees a meaningful psychoactive response while offsetting potentially anxiety-inducing effects, ensure there’s enough CBD present in the strain you purchase.
CBD and THC aren’t the only present cannabinoids in cannabis. You might also find the following in your preferred relaxing strain:
- CBG (Cannabigerol): There’s a growing belief that CBG offsets depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- CBN (Cannabinol): There’s a chance that CBN eases neurological condition symptoms.
- THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinol acid): THC is derived from THCA, but THCA is not psychoactive.
What About Terpenes And Relaxation?
Terpenes are responsible for the odor and taste in your favorite strains but are also present in many other plants.
Terpenes are believed to play a role in the entourage effects of cannabis.
“The entourage effect?” you ask.
Here’s our answer: The experience you have with cannabis and its overall potency will be impacted by more than the present THC and other psychoactive elements. Specifically, all present components will contribute to the given effects.
Linalool is one of the more relaxing terpenes and is used to treat numerous mental health symptoms [2].
A quick Google search will also tell you that myrcene, limonene, nerolidol, caryophyllene, and α-Pinene are other terpenes associated with relaxation.
Top Cannabis Strains For Stress Relief And Relaxation
Here are the top three cannabis strains for relaxation and stress relief that we carry at The Healing Side:
Afternoon Delight
Afternoon Delight is a highly potent hybrid with over 30% THC. It offers calm, relaxing, happy, and energetic effects. A massive contributor to these more “chill out” effects are the present linalool (0.22%), α-Pinene (0.05%), and limonene (0.6%) in the strain. These terpenes combine to offset any potential “jitters” with the high THC count, generating a potent but pleasant cannabis consumption experience.
Bubba Fett
Bubba Fett is quite potent at 25% THC but not necessarily overwhelming for seasoned cannabis consumers (although newcomers should proceed with caution). It’s an indica strain that’s very sleepy and calming, making it a potential choice for those struggling with insomnia, for instance. The presence of limonene (0.57%), linalool (0.09%), and α-Pinene (0.05%) further contribute to the calming, therapeutic experience offered by Bubba Fett. Additionally, this delightful indica has 0.44% CBG, offering anti-depressant properties.
Animal Face
Animal Face is another indica with a slightly higher potency of 28% and carries limone (0.61%), linalool (0.37%), α-Pinene (0.05%), and Beta Myrcene (0.8%), all incredibly relaxing. This is another relaxed and sleepy strain, but it can have a place in your life beyond going to bed. You can melt into your couch, watch your favorite movie, mellow out, and listen to your favorite tunes.
How To Choose The Right Strain For Your Needs
We spoke earlier of how there’s no exact science with cannabis consumption yet, and no more is that notion evident than with matching the best strain to your specific needs.
Our most effective suggestion is to combine independent research with blogs like ours and trial and error. You can also speak to budtenders and other industry experts to point you in the right direction.
When researching, asking questions, and making inquiries, be specific about your needs and pinpoint your version of relaxation.
After all, those who find relaxation in doing yoga or pilates won’t necessarily benefit from the same strain as someone who wants to veg out and watch a movie. Similarly, some people find it highly therapeutic to do art, in which case a traditionally “calming” cannabis might not do the trick, and something more stimulating (but not too jarring) would be more suitable.
Relaxation Rituals In Atlantic City
Atlantic City might be known for the hustle and bustle of gambling at casinos, but it’s also a place to relax.
For one, you won’t have difficulty finding a spa throughout the city. So, why not indulge in your favorite cannabis strain before you get a massage, face mask, pedicure, and manicure?
Beyond that, there’s a plethora of free beaches for you to explore and wander after you enjoy an indica, sativa, or hybrid. And why not enjoy a walk along our famous boardwalk to ramp up your sense of calm and wellness?
There are many ways to enjoy Atlantic City, but combining it with cannabis for relaxation can kick things up a few notches.
Visit The Healing Side To Find Cannabis Strain For Relaxation
Whether you choose our recommended strains for calming and relaxation or need to do some more digging, there’s an indica, sativa, or hybrid for you. When you carefully integrate cannabis into your life, it can help you slow things down and center yourself, melting away the stress and strife weighing you down.
Remember, too, that The Healing Side offers plenty more relaxing strains than our suggested top three. Explore our menu to determine which one (or two, three, or more) of our cannabis products will best suit your relaxation needs.
