9 Best Cannabis Strains for Depression

Depression affects millions of Americans every day. Whether it creeps in slowly, shows up after a major life change, or hangs around constantly, people across New Jersey are searching for relief that actually works. If you’re here, you’re probably wondering: Can cannabis really help with depression? And if so, which strains are the best for lifting your mood without making things worse?

When searching for cannabis for depression relief, it’s important to understand that not all marijuana strains people with depression choose will work the same way.

If you’re looking for the best strains for depression relief, you’re in the right place. At Silverleaf Dispensary, we believe the right cannabis strain can make a real difference in your day. But not all weed is created equal, especially when it comes to depression. That’s why we’ve put together a science-backed, dispensary-approved guide to the best cannabis for depression relief.

But first, here’s something important to keep in mind:

Important medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The effects of cannabis strains vary greatly depending on personal tolerance, your health, and individual body chemistry.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or changing your cannabis use, especially if you:

Take prescription medications that may interact with cannabis
Have underlying health conditions
Have a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or severe mood disorders
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Are a medical marijuana patient using cannabis for depression

Cannabis products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Laws and product availability may vary by state.

With that out of the way, let’s check out the list of strains that can help you stay productive.

Quick Table: Top 9 Cannabis Strains for Depression

Here’s a quick overview of the 9 best weed strains for depression relief available at Silverleaf:

Disclaimer: THC and CBD levels listed for cannabis strains may vary depending on cultivation conditions, batch, and testing methods. Always check specific product labels at your Dispensary for accurate cannabinoid content before purchasing.

Strain	THC-CBD%	Terpenes	How It May Help with Depression
Blue Dream	THC: 17-24% CBD: <1%	Myrcene, pinene	Calms mood without heavy sedation
Super Sour Diesel	THC: 20-25% CBD: <1%	Limonene, myrcene	Fast-acting energy boost, melts stress
Girl Scout Cookies	THC: 18-28% CBD: <1%	Caryophyllene, limonene	Stress relief, uplifting without couch-lock
Northern Lights	THC: 16-21% CBD: <1%	Myrcene, pinene	Powerful evening calm, best for nighttime
OG Kush	THC: 19-26% CBD: <1%	Myrcene, limonene	Eases mental tension, uplifts mood
Jack Herer	THC: 18-23% CBD: <1%	Terpinolene, pinene	Clear-headed focus, fights racing thoughts
Wedding Cake	THC: 16-25% CBD: <1%	Limonene, caryophyllene	Soothes stress, mellow euphoria
Green Crush	THC: 15-20% CBD: <1%	Limonene, pinene	Balanced energy without anxiety
Mandarin Z	THC: 18-24% CBD: <1%	Limonene, myrcene	Citrus mood boost, creative focus

What’s the best strain for depression? Here’s our direct answer

The best cannabis strains for depression are Blue Dream, Super Sour Diesel, and Girl Scout Cookies, known for their mood-boosting effects and balanced THC. For deeper evening relief or sleep issues, Northern Lights works best. For daytime calm without heavy sedation, try hybrids like Blue Dream or Wedding Cake. Always start low and go slow.

Let’s break down how each of these strains can help you find the one that fits your needs best.

Detailed Overview of the Top 9 Strains for Depression Relief

1. Blue Dream

THC: 17-24% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Day-to-evening relief, staying calm and uplifted

Blue Dream is a wildly popular hybrid that strikes a smooth balance between relaxation and gentle invigoration. It’s favored by many for managing depression without heavy sedation.

Flavor Profile: Sweet blueberry with hints of floral and herbal notes

Blue Dream: How It Helps With Depression:

Blue Dream calms the mind and body while letting you remain alert, making it a top pick for daytime relief or when you want mood support without feeling sluggish.

Best Time to Use Blue Dream:

To gently calm mood while staying productive throughout the day.
When you want balanced depression relief without losing focus or energy.

Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, mild dizziness

Shop Blue Dream Products at Silverleaf

Available formats: Disposable vapes (The Botanist, Cali Heights), flower options, cartridges

2. Super Sour Diesel

THC: 20-25% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Morning energy, fast mood boost, melting stress

Super Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant favorite known for its fast-acting, energizing effects and pungent aroma. It’s often used by those seeking a quick mood boost.

Flavor Profile: Diesel fuel with citrus and earthy notes

Super Sour Diesel: How It Helps With Depression:

This strain’s uplifting effects help dissolve stress and increase motivation while keeping you mentally alert—just don’t overdo it if you’re sensitive to THC.

Best Time to Use Super Sour Diesel:

For an energizing lift during periods of low mood or mental “brain fog.”
When needing fast-acting stress relief before social or daytime activities.

Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, rare anxiety in high doses

Shop Super Sour Diesel Products at Silverleaf

Available at Silverleaf: Pre-rolls (Pete’s Farmstand), disposable vapes (Shine), Select 1g options

3. Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)

THC: 18-28% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Social depression, stress, relaxing without full sedation

Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) is a widely popular hybrid that blends the best of indica and sativa genetics. Known for its sweet, dessert-like aroma and balanced high, GSC is a favorite for mood and stress relief.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, earthy, and minty with subtle spice

Girl Scout Cookies: How It Helps With Anxiety:

GSC is a balanced hybrid, celebrated for its mood-boosting effects and gentle euphoria. Limonene and caryophyllene help “take the edge off” depression while keeping you clear-headed.

Best Time to Use Girl Scout Cookies:

To ease social anxiety before events or gatherings.
Unwinding after work to de-stress without heavy sedation.

Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, increased appetite, rare anxiety if overconsumed

Shop Girl Scout Cookies Products at Silverleaf

Available products: Forum GSC flower (Hillview Farms), live resin disposables (Drool)

4. Northern Lights

THC: 16-21% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Evening depression, nighttime anxiety, sleep trouble

Northern Lights is one of the most famous indica strains of all time, renowned for its calming, almost tranquilizing effects. Its mellow, dreamy high has made it a favorite among people battling depression and sleep issues.

Flavor Profile: Earthy pine with sweet, herbal undertones

Northern Lights: How It Helps With Depression:

With strong physical relaxation and soothing mental calm, Northern Lights is perfect for “shutting off” depressive thoughts and letting your body fully unwind.

Best Time to Use Northern Lights:

Before bed for relief from nighttime depression or insomnia.
When you want full-body relaxation after intense stress or physical restlessness.

Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, sedation, “couch-lock”

Shop Northern Lights Products at Silverleaf

Available options: Select 2G Briq, &Shine 1G cartridge, various flower formats

5. OG Kush

THC: 19-26% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Uplifting mood, tension relief, staying calm in stressful situations

OG Kush is a legendary strain loved for its distinct aroma and versatile effects. It’s one of the most popular indica strains people with depression choose to ease symptoms.

Flavor Profile: Pine, citrus, and earthy notes with a spicy finish

OG Kush: How It Helps With Depression:

OG Kush is favored for its balanced effects, such as lifting the mood and easing stress without a full couch-lock.
Many users find it ideal for taming depressive feelings in high-pressure moments.

Best Time to Use OG Kush:

During high-pressure situations or after a tough day.
When you need mood support but want to stay clear-headed.

Potential Side Effects: Dry eyes, dry mouth, possible dizziness

Shop OG Kush Products at Silverleaf

Available from: Airo 1G cartridges, various flower options

6. Jack Herer

THC: 18-23% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Daytime depression, racing thoughts, staying mentally clear

Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant classic named after the legendary cannabis activist. It’s renowned for its clear-headed, energizing high that won’t leave you feeling spacey.

Flavor Profile: Fresh pine and citrus with a peppery kick

Jack Herer: How It Helps With Depression:

Jack Herer’s uplifting effects can boost your mood and focus, making it ideal for keeping depression in check while you get things done.

Best Time to Use Jack Herer:

When depression creeps in before work, creative projects, or public speaking.
To stay mentally clear and focused during stressful daytime situations.

Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, mild anxiety if overdone

Shop Jack Herer Products at Silverleaf

Available options: Good Green 3.5G flower, Crown Rogue 7G packages

7. Wedding Cake

THC: 16-25% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Stress and mood swings, emotional upset

Wedding Cake is a flavorful, indica-leaning hybrid celebrated for its creamy taste and mellow, mood-lifting high. It’s often used for both mental and physical relief.

Flavor Profile: Sweet vanilla and earthy cake with subtle citrus

Wedding Cake: How It Helps With Depression:

Wedding Cake’s calming, euphoric effects can soften depressive feelings and help smooth out mood swings without knocking you out completely.

Best Time to Use Wedding Cake:

When stress or depression is mixed with irritability and mood swings.
To unwind and boost mood after a challenging day or emotional upset.

Potential Side Effects: Dry mouth, increased appetite, mild dizziness

Shop Wedding Cake Products at Silverleaf

Available products: Ozone Premium Reserve 3.5G, Ozone Popcorn 7G options

8. Green Crush

THC: 15-20% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Balanced energy, motivation, productivity

Green Crush offers balanced effects that many patients find helpful for depression without overwhelming anxiety. This strain provides energy while maintaining calm focus.

Green Crush: How It Helps With Depression:

Green Crush provides gentle energy and mood elevation, perfect for those who find pure sativas too stimulating but still need motivation and focus.

Best Time to Use Green Crush:

Morning or afternoon when you need productivity without anxiety.
During work or creative projects that require sustained attention.

Shop Green Crush Products at Silverleaf

Available as: Select 2G Briq format

9. Mandarin Z

THC: 18-24% | CBD: <1% | Best For: Citrus mood boost, creative focus, social enhancement

Mandarin Z offers bright, citrusy effects that many patients find uplifting. The mandarin terpenes provide natural mood enhancement without heavy sedation.

Mandarin Z: How It Helps With Depression:

The high limonene content and bright terpene profile can provide natural mood elevation and creative inspiration, helping combat depression’s mental fog.

Best Time to Use Mandarin Z:

When you need creative inspiration or social confidence.
During seasonal depression or when feeling mentally stuck.

Shop Mandarin Z Products at Silverleaf

Available from: Ozone (3.5G), Simply Herb (3.5G)

The Science Behind Cannabis for Depression Relief: Why Certain Strains Work Better

TL;DR: The best strains for depression usually have moderate THC, mood-supporting terpenes, and, if possible, a touch of CBD. The wrong product or dose can make depression worse, so start slow, wait for a while for the effects to appear, and track your experiences.

Not all cannabis is created equal when it comes to depression relief. In fact, for some people, the wrong strain or dose can actually make depression worse.

Understanding why certain strains help with depression while others might worsen symptoms can help you make informed decisions.

So, what’s the science behind why certain strains help you feel better while others might worsen your mood?

1. Cannabinoids matter, especially THC and CBD

THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. In low to moderate doses, it can have relaxing and mood-boosting effects. But in high doses, especially for those prone to depression, it can sometimes trigger negative thoughts or worsen mood.
CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and has been shown to reduce anxiety in several clinical trials. It works by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. Think of it as taking the “edge” off THC and providing a calm, clear-headed experience.

Key Takeaway: Strains with a balanced CBD to THC ratio (or a dominant CBD profile) are less likely to trigger depressive symptoms.

2. Terpenes: Nature’s aromatherapy for your mind

Myrcene: Associated with sedating, calming effects. Myrcene is in high quantity in strains like Northern Lights and Blue Dream.
Limonene: Has citrus notes, and some studies suggest it can help boost mood and ease stress.
Caryophyllene: Acts as an anti-inflammatory and may help reduce depression through the endocannabinoid system.
Linalool and Pinene: These are found in some relaxing strains and are thought to help combat depressive feelings.

3. Personal Chemistry Is Key

Your genetics, mental health history, and previous cannabis experience all influence how you’ll react. In some cases, high-THC strains or even high-CBD strains may worsen depression for some people.
For new or depression-prone users, begin with a low dose and gradually adjust as you discover what works for you.

4. Product Format & Delivery

Inhalation (smoking or vaping): Acts quickly, easier to control the dose.
Edibles/tinctures: Take longer to kick in, but effects last longer, so be mindful of dosage, as it’s easy to overdo.

Understanding the science behind cannabis and depression helps inform how to use these strains most effectively. Here are some tips that you can follow when getting started:

6 Expert Tips for Using Cannabis Strains to Manage Depression Effectively

Ready to try cannabis for depression? Here’s how to get the most relief, without any surprises:

Choose the Right Strain: Stick to strains known for relaxation and mood stabilization. Avoid high-THC sativas if you’re prone to racing thoughts.
Start with a Low Dose: Especially if you’re new or sensitive, start small and wait to see how you feel before taking more.
Time It Right: Use relaxing strains after stressful days, or before sleep. If you need calm but must remain productive, try balanced hybrids or low-THC strains.
Pair with Healthy Habits: Deep breathing, exercise, and journaling can enhance cannabis’s calming effects.
Track Your Experience: Keep a simple log of what you used, how much, and how it made you feel—your “depression relief journal.”
Ask for Help: A knowledgeable budtender can help you match strains to your needs.

Note: If you ever feel more depressed after using cannabis, drink water, find a quiet space, and try to relax. Effects will fade with time.

Still unsure if these strains can really help with depression? See what customers are saying about their experience with depression-friendly products from Silverleaf.

Visit Silverleaf for the Top Strains in New Jersey

The right cannabis strain can make a real difference when it comes to finding calm, managing daily stress, or simply getting through tough moments. Whether you’re hoping to unwind after a difficult day, ease negative thoughts, or get more restful sleep, choosing the right strain is key.

The best cannabis for depression relief is found in relaxing indicas and balanced hybrids, each offering unique effects to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Ready to discover the best cannabis for depression relief?

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Cannabis Strains for Depression

What are the best cannabis strains for depression relief?

The best cannabis strains for depression include balanced hybrids like Blue Dream and Girl Scout Cookies, plus mood-boosting sativas like Super Sour Diesel and Jack Herer. These strains typically contain mood-supporting terpenes like limonene and moderate THC levels (15-25%).

Can cannabis make depression worse?

Yes, high-THC strains or excessive doses can worsen depression symptoms. Choose strains with balanced THC:CBD ratios and start with micro-doses (2.5mg THC or less) to avoid this issue.

How do I choose between indica vs sativa for depression?

For depression relief, balanced hybrids often work better than pure types. Sativa strains may provide energy but could increase anxiety in sensitive individuals, while indicas offer relaxation but might worsen morning depression.

What’s the difference between THC and CBD for depression?

CBD is non-psychoactive and clinically shown to reduce anxiety without intoxication. THC can help with depression in low doses but may increase negative thoughts in higher amounts. A balanced THC:CBD ratio often works best.

How long does it take for cannabis to help with depression?

Inhaled cannabis (vaping/smoking) works within 5-10 minutes, while edibles take 30-90 minutes. Effects typically last 2-4 hours for inhalation and 4-8 hours for edibles.

Still have questions? Visit Silverleaf Dispensary or check out our online resources. We’re here to help you find your calm, safely and confidently.