Depressive symptoms include feelings of sorrow, emptiness, or irritation that endure for at least two weeks and severely impede an individual’s ability to do daily tasks. For example, even making a bed or having a bath is very difficult for a depressed person.
Depression and the use of medical marijuana are frequently intertwined. Medical marijuana use is twice as common in depressed people as in those who are not depressed. When it comes to medical marijuana, those suffering from depression are more likely to use it than the general population.
It’s easier than ever to get your hands on medical marijuana now that it’s legal for medicinal and recreational use across the states. Legally available medical marijuana may appear safer due to its ease of access.
Medical marijuana is commonly used by those who suffer from depression, as research shows that patients with the illness utilize it to alleviate their symptoms. One of the most prevalent reasons given by most people for using medical marijuana is depression symptom relief. Marijuana may help alleviate the symptoms of depression in the short term, according to several studies.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis sativa (hemp), Cannabis indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis are all types of cannabis. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant’s flower bud. Psychoactivity, or the degree to which cannabis alters your feelings and perceptions, varies throughout the cannabinoids.
Is Cannabis Legal?
Even though cannabis is now lawful and medical marijuana is legal in the United States, some restrictions still exist. While many states permit medical marijuana use, the rules vary widely from one state to the other.
Can Cannabis Help With Depression?
There is a wide availability of evidence that cannabis can alleviate some depression symptoms. Cannabidiol CBD has been the focus of most studies on cannabis and depression.
The 5-HT1A receptors, a subtype of the serotonin receptor, may be affected by CBD, according to a review of research conducted in 2014. Serotonin is commonly referred to as the “happy molecule” because of its link to alleviating sadness and anxiety.
According to a review published in 2019, CBD could have an antidepressant effect, probably due to an elevation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A low level of BDNF correlated with depression symptoms. However, never use medical marijuana for depression symptoms without discussing matters with your doctor. In addition, some research suggests that prolonged use of cannabis for depression may aggravate the symptoms. In other words, you must consider strains, dosages, use frequency, medical history, and other factors before you consume medical marijuana.
Is It Safe to Use Cannabis for Depression?
Patients with clinical depression or bipolar disorder have an increased risk of developing a Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), although the medical community considers the term obsolete. What the scientific community agrees on is that the use of cannabis while having mental problems can provide additional hazards to patients. Antidepressant interactions with cannabis can lead to unpleasant side effects.
A cannabis-friendly doctor is the best person to consult if you show depression symptoms and consider medical marijuana as an addition or replacement for your traditional treatment scheme. You must tell your doctor, primary care physician, and any other physician who provides you medicine that you use cannabis. Talking to a licensed New York medical marijuana doctor can also help you get a NY medical marijuanas card, as they will certify that you meet the criteria. The certificate is one of the requirements if you apply for a medical marijuana card.
What to Do If You Suffer from Depression
There is some evidence to support claims that cannabis can alleviate depression, although scientifically-proven treatments for depression exist, such as:
- Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Self-care strategies
Medication is an effective treatment for depression. You should consult a therapist or your health care physician if you have or suspect you have an anxiety or depression disorder. If classic interventions don’t work as expected, talk to your doctor about medical marijuana as an alternative.
