It’s no secret that Winter Quarter is probably the hardest portion of the year for DU students, and for good reason. Morning and evening classes are surrounded by darkness, it’s too cold to walk anywhere, the winter break honeymoon of seven weeks feels like a century ago and for those returning from abroad, it’s something of a bittersweet–if not fully depressing–homecoming.
In short, Winter Quarter (besides ski season, of course) is rather dreadful. But the blues of the season can be alleviated, or at least downsized, by the application of the right strain of cannabis. For those of legal age, or with medical cards, multiple strains of cannabis offer stress and anxiety relieving effects that can turn even the darkest day, the most stressful night of studying, into a blissful experience. Of course, cannabis affects everyone differently, and what offers anxiety relief for one might not for another.
1. Catatonic
Catatonic, a hybrid of MK Ultra and G13 Haze, is a concentrated, stress-dissolving high-CBD strain that works to melt away stress at the same time as leaving one focused and able to do whatever is necessary in their day-to-day life. The hybrid nature of the strain, combining the sedative effects of an indica parent with that of a cerebral enhancing sativa offers a perfect balance of being relaxed while still getting shit done.
2. Sin’s OG #3
Another high CBD strain, Sin’s OG #3 is a personal favorite and a strain that provides a euphoric, heavy body high that is perfect for imbibing in right before bed. Usually a 2:1 CBD to THC ratio (12.7 to 7.5 in the last gram this writer saw), Sin’s OG is a perfect stress relieving strain, especially for those prone to heightened anxiety under THC heavy strains.
3. Blue Dream
Blue Dream has been featured on Driscoll Green before, and for good reason. The strain, one of the most popular nationwide, is a potent sativa-dominant hybrid with a well-documented and unique ability to provide the cerebral-focusing effects of a sativa with a deep, sedative indica-related body relaxation. While sativa strains are commonly thought of as ways to increase paranoia and anxiety, Blue Dream is frequently put on a pedestal for its ability to cut through negative energy and thoughts and to relax the mind, body and soul.
4. Grandaddy Purple
Grandaddy Purple, a cross of Purple Urkle and Big Bud, is a powerful, body-melting heavy indica that can leave one melted into the couch with dreamy, euphoric thoughts. Granddaddy Purple is perfect for alleviating the Winter Quarter blues, and it is the ideal bud to accompany a snowed in night on the couch—with plenty of snacks.
