Cannabis and Depression: Exploring the Potential of Cannabis in Treating Depression

What is Depression?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness that disrupt daily activities. Additionally, it may manifest in physical signs such as fatigue, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty concentrating, and disruptions in sleep. To receive a depression diagnosis, symptoms must endure for at least two weeks and cause a noticeable shift in the individual’s behavior.

Depression, a prevalent mental health condition, is often managed through therapy and antidepressant medications. However, the cost of therapy and the undesirable side effects of antidepressants have led some individuals to explore cannabis as an alternative for relieving their depressive symptoms.

Origins and Indications of Depression

Multiple risk elements and triggers contribute to depression, encompassing genetic predisposition, and hormonal irregularities. The root cause of depression emerges from a complex interplay of lifestyle choices and biological aspects.

The indications of depression encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from subtle to severe presentations. General symptoms of depression comprise:

• Persistent low moods

• Feeling helpless or hopeless

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

• Fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia)

• Irritability

• Suicidal thoughts

• Changes in appetite/weight gain or loss

It is also common for individuals to simultaneously face conditions like anxiety or sleep disorders.

Treatment for Clinical Depression

Typical approaches to address depression involve a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, frequently including antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Lately, there has been growing attention from alternative practitioners towards the potential of cannabis as a means to assist patients in coping with their depressive symptoms.

Does Depression Qualify as a Condition for Medical Cannabis?

In many states, severe sadness can let you use medical cannabis or let mental health doctors decide if it’s right for you. For instance, in New York, the rules about medical cannabis now let certain doctors decide if your condition is eligible. However, some states don’t mention “severe sadness” as a condition.

In California, they don’t say you can use medical cannabis just for feeling very sad. But the law does say if a long-lasting medical problem makes your life worse, you can use medical cannabis.

In Michigan, being sad is not on the list of reasons you can use medical cannabis. But the state knows that some illnesses, like when you’re very stressed or have a tummy problem, can also make you sad. These illnesses sometimes happen with being sad more often.

Some states have rules that make it hard to use medical cannabis, even if you’re supposed to. For example, some places don’t let you use cannabis with a lot of the special stuff (THC) in it. In the end, if you can use medical cannabis depends on where you live and how bad your problem is.

Advantages of Using Cannabis to Manage Depression

People who use medical cannabis often mention that cannabis assists them in dealing with emotional struggles and handling their mental well-being more effectively. There are numerous other reported advantages that warrant further investigation.

1. Improves Mood and Relaxation

New research has connected the use of cannabis and depression to enhancements in mood and a sense of relaxation. Experiencing a greater sense of calmness and happiness might aid in diminishing depression symptoms like constant negative thoughts and irritability.

2. Improves Sleep Quality

People who use cannabis often mention experiencing improved sleep quality and a greater sense of restfulness. Getting more adequate sleep can contribute to stress reduction and enhanced mental clarity, ultimately lessening feelings of depression. Another advantage is a strengthened immune system, which can lower the likelihood of experiencing aches, pains, and illnesses.

3. Supports Concentration

The neural processes of cannabis might boost concentration, which could assist individuals dealing with depression in concentrating better on their daily responsibilities and tasks that demand cognitive exertion. For instance, a case study discovered that strains with high CBD content aided patients with ADHD in enhancing their attention and lessening their feelings of depression.

4. Reduces Anxiety Levels

The use of cannabis might provide relief from anxiety, a frequent symptom linked to depression. A study conducted at the University of Washington titled “Effects of Cannabis on Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders” showed that small amounts of pure THC could lower anxiety, but higher doses might intensify it. On the other hand, all levels of pure CBD reduce anxiety, but higher doses might intensify it. On the other hand, all levels of pure CBD reduce anxiety. The reduction of stress caused by cannabis could aid individuals in feeling more relaxed and effectively managing their depression.

Possible Dangers and Adverse Effects

Without a doubt, cannabis assists individuals in handling symptoms of depression. However, cannabis isn’t a universal solution. It doesn’t prove effective for everyone and might even intensify particular symptoms.

For instance, high doses of THC in cannabis can worsen anxiety disorders. Moreover, if used regularly, it can lead to dependency and trigger psychosis in individuals with a background of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, although CBD might have potential benefits for such conditions.

1. Worsens Anxiety

Studies have discovered that using cannabis can amplify feelings of anxiety, particularly in individuals with depression. Those who use cannabis heavily or consume high amounts of THC are more susceptible to experiencing anxiety related to cannabis, compared to those who use infrequently and in lower doses.

2. Habit-forming Potential

Regular use of cannabis can lead to a habit-forming pattern, potentially resulting in dependence on cannabis or what’s known as cannabis use disorder (CUD). This can bring about unfavorable outcomes, including:

• Low achievement in academics or job performance

• Relationship problems

• Financial difficulties

These dangers are heightened for individuals with depression as they can further complicate preexisting problems and exacerbate symptoms of depression. Indications of improper cannabis use encompass:

• Struggling to Regulate Cannabis Consumption

• Symptoms Experienced Upon Cannabis Cessation

• Loss of Interests in Other Activities

• Strong Cravings for Cannabis

Frequent cannabis consumers might build up a tolerance to THC over time. Nevertheless, this doesn’t always imply misuse or addiction. Numerous medical cannabis users develop tolerance while still using the plant responsibly.

3. Psychosis Risk

People with certain mood problems, like bipolar disorder, might get really bad effects from cannabis. Some examples are:

• Schizophrenia

• Schizoaffective disorder

• Paranoid personality disorder

• Delusional disorder

• Bipolar disorder with psychotic features

• Substance-induced psychosis

While the consumption of THC might elevate the likelihood of psychosis in certain individuals, CBD could potentially alleviate psychotic symptoms.

Best Strains for Depression

Patients use different strains with different effects on depression. My favorites are Granddaddy Purple, Jack Herer, and Sour Diesel.

There are just some strains that can relieve depression. Patients are encouraged to research different varieties, before choosing a strain for treatment, experiment with dosages and product types, and consult a healthcare professional

Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple (GDP) is known to reduce anxiety, chronic stress, and mood. Myrcene, pinene, and linalool are common terpenes in GDP, all of which contribute to the relaxing effect.

Jack Herer

A feeling of euphoria and improved concentration is often reported by Jack Herer fans. Jack Herer is rich in pinene and terpinolene, which can contribute to its relaxing yet uplifting effect.

Sour Diesel

To improve their outlook and combat fatigue, patients may find the Sour Diesel strains helpful. Sour Diesel may be an ideal chemovar for those suffering from depression because it contains the uplifting terpene limonene.

The Bottom Line

Studies on the utilization of cannabis for depression indicate that cannabis offers both potential advantages and disadvantages, which differ among individuals. Depending on the appropriate strain (often termed cultivar or chemovar) and dosage, cannabis could be a beneficial remedy that enhances mood, focus, drive, and the quality of sleep.

On the other hand, certain studies suggest that cannabis can exacerbate anxiety, create dependency, and trigger psychosis in vulnerable groups. Therefore, consulting a healthcare professional before using cannabis for depression symptoms is advisable. If you reside in a state with a medical cannabis initiative, you can schedule an online consultation with a Leafwell doctor to determine if you’re eligible for a medical cannabis card.