Feeling blue lately? You’re not alone. About 5% of all adults in the world suffer from depression, with over 40 million of them living in the United States. Getting your symptoms under control can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you feel like you’ve exhausted all of the things that are supposed to help— like diet, exercise, proper sleep, and so on. But as cannabis becomes legal in more and more places, many people are trying weed to help with feelings of depression. Here’s a little bit of info on how cannabis might be able to help with depression, along with a few of the best strains to try if you’re feeling down.

Terpenes Vs. THC

If you’re new to the world of weed, there’s actually quite a lot of science behind it. Weed is rich in both terpenes and cannabinoids that interact with our endocannabinoid systems (ECS). Terpenes are natural chemicals that are responsible for the way weed smells and tastes. Cannabinoids are also natural chemicals found in cannabis and hemp. Both of them interact with the ECS to promote effects.

The ECS is a network of receptors throughout the body and central nervous system that manages a few natural processes, like your metabolism, sleeping and waking cycle, appetite, immune system function, pain responses, and your mood. When you introduce cannabinoids like THC and terpenes into your system, they interact with the ECS to promote different effects.

For example, evidence suggests that THC, the primary cannabinoid found in weed, offers a lot of therapeutic potential since it causes you to get high. It interacts with receptors in the ECS and may help reduce your body’s pain and inflammation responses. It may also reduce nausea and improve appetite, and help you get to sleep.

Terpenes also offer a handful of different effects thanks to their interactions with the ECS. Terpenes are anti-inflammatory, though many interact with the same receptors as THC, so they might help with pain and your overall mood.

When terpenes and THC are taken together in a hit of cannabis flower or concentrates, their effects are amplified because of the entourage effect. With that said, if you’re looking to combat depression with your weed, you’ll want something rich in THC and terpenes that also help with depression.

Best Terpenes for Depression

In a past article, we broke down how different effects in weed are caused by the terpenes. In fact, terpenes are what cause your typical indica, sativa, and hybrid effects. The same can be said for other effects, too. If you choose a strain rich in terpenes that might help with depression, you might find yourself feeling better than you would if you chose a strain without them. Here are the top five terpenes for depression:

Linalool

Linalool is a floral terpene found in cannabis and lavender. It’s scent is commonly associated with rest, relaxation, and stress relief. One study found that Linalool terpenes may also have anti-depressant effects. Some strains rich in Linalool include Amnesia Haze, LA Confidential, and Lavender.

Myrcene

Myrcene is an earthy, almost metallic terpene commonly found in lemongrass, mangoes, and many different weed strains. It offers sedative effects, but studies have found that it’s also great for anxiety and depression when it’s taken with THC. Myrcene is found in most cannabis strains, but the strains with the most myrcene include Critical Mass, OG Kush, and Purple Urkle.

b-Caryophyllene

b-Caryophyllene is a spicy, peppery terpene that is found in black pepper, though it is also extremely abundant in the majority of cannabis strains. Since it’s such a big molecule, it interacts with endocannabinoid receptors a lot like THC does. One study found b-Caryophyllene to be effective in treating depression and stress-related mental disorders. You can find it in most strains, but a few with the most b-Caryophyllene include Chemdawg, OG Kush, and Bubba Kush.

Limonene

Commonly found in citrus peels, Limonene is also very common in cannabis strains. It promotes energizing and mood-boosting effects, and some preliminary studies suggest that it might be helpful against depression caused by chronic stress. A few popular strains rich in Limonene include Do-Si-Dos, Banana OG, and Berry White.

Pinene

Ever wonder why you start feeling so good when you go for a walk in nature? That’s Pinene terpenes at work. Pinene is the most abundant terpene on earth and is found in tons of different plants, including cannabis. Pinene may have mood and memory boosting effects that may help with cutting through brain fog and depression. You can find a lot of Pinene in strains like Grape Ape, Blue Dream, and Cotton Candy Kush.

Best Cannabis Strains for Depression

Now that you know that terpenes play a major role in how effective a strain will be against depression, you’re going to want to be on the lookout for strains that contain at least two or three of the terpenes we mentioned above. This list outlines a few of the weed strains we have on hand at Flower Avenue for delivery in Washington DC that may help with depression, but if these don’t tickle your fancy, be sure to check out the terpene profiles of any strain you’re interested in on Leafly. The terps make your weed effective alongside THC, so do your research and find something that will work best for you and your symptoms.

Alien Breath

Alien Breath is a triple threat, rich in Limonene, b-Caryophyllene, and Myrcene terpenes. This hybrid strain checks in around 20-25% THC and offers a very earthy, tangy, and fruity flavor profile. It offers a tingly body buzz alongside a deep sense of mental relaxation, which might help you with depression. Go easy on it, though. In high doses, it’ll put you to sleep. Get some.

Glueberry

Glueberry is rich in Myrcene, b-Caryophyllene, and Pinene terpenes, so you know you’re in for a super mellow and uplifting experience against your depression. This strain is a hybrid with sativa-leaning effects that may help you cut through brain fog and anxiety, leaving you to feel more focused and mentally uplifted. As an added perk, a lot of people claim that Glueberry is good for getting you in the mood for the bow chicka bow bow. With a sweet berry and citrus-forward flavor profile, you won’t want to miss it. Get some.

Gushers

Gushers is an indica-leaning hybrid strain that will have you feeling super zen with its high concentration of Limonene, Pinene, and b-Caryophyllene terpenes. It offers a tingly body high along with a blissful, euphoric feeling that is unmatched for stress, anxiety, and depression. With its sweet tropical flavors and its mind-quieting effects, this strain will help you get some much-needed R&R. Try it in a pre-roll.

Jealousy

Rich in b-Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Myrcene terps, Jealousy is the perfect strain to combat depression. Many people find its relaxing effets perfect for socializing and boosting happiness, making it easier to socialize with other people. Lots of people turn to Jealousy for PTSD, anxiety, stress, and depression thanks to its giggly, positivity-amplifying effects. Plus you really can’t beat that earthy, plum-tinged flavor. Try it in a pre-roll.

Scooby Snacks

Scooby Snacks is a soothing and relaxing indica-leaning strain rich in Limonene, b-Caryophyllene, and Myrcene. People enjoy it for its unique mint-tinged earthy flavor, as well as its uplifting and relaxing mental effects. People who have tried love it for stress, chronic pain, and depression, making it a top choice for depression alongside a range of other positive effects. Try it in a vape cart.

Weed delivery DC — Flower Avenue

All of the weed strains we mentioned above are available for delivery in Washington DC at Flower Ave. Get yours by checking out our gift menu or order online. If you’re looking for strains to help you manage your depression, you can always count on us. Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll suggest products to you based on the information above. We believe that cannabis is an incredible medicine that can help us feel our best— physically, mentally, and socially. It’s part of what makes us the best weed delivery service in DC.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is intended to be used as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, and don’t try to self-medicate. If you’re amidst a crisis, please reach out to SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-622-4357) to get help. Take care of yourselves, Flower Fam. You are loved, and you are important ♥