If you have been feeling chronic sadness or a lack of interest in once joyful activities, you may be depressed. Depression affects around one-third of the world’s population, or 350 million people (a reputable source). This pervasive psychiatric disorder is the leading cause of disability on a global scale. However, many patients with depression do not get the necessary therapy.
Oral medications and other treatments are merely two of the various available treatment choices. As an additional treatment option, researchers are investigating medicinal marijuana. Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of using medical marijuana to treat depression by reading on.
How may marijuana be used for medicinal purposes?
- Benefits
- Cannabis has medicinal promise as a painkiller.
- Medical marijuana has the potential to alleviate anxiety.
In addition, it has been identified as a potential treatment for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
In a 2014 study published in the Hawaii Journal of Medicine & Public Health, the potential efficacy of medical marijuana in the treatment of pain was recognized. The usage of cannabis was related with a 64% decrease in pain complaints from individuals. Many individuals also discovered that the medication improved their ability to relax and sleep.
In 2012, research was undertaken on the effects of cannabis on spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients. This medicine reduced spasticity by around 30 percent, on average.
There may be other benefits, such as the relief of:
- Movement disorders with involuntary motions
- ill health, particularly during chemotherapy
- Problems Sleeping
- Associated Variations in Body Mass Index with HIV
- Immediate and delayed efficacy and safety are presently being explored.
Examining the Relationship Between Marijuana and Mood Disorders
Initial rounds of research on the effectiveness of cannabis oil for depression have been conducted. Researchers are now discussing the benefits of restoring “normal” endocannabinoid function and gaining emotional stability.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo are researching whether medicinal marijuana might ease the symptoms of chronic stress-induced sadness. The Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) at the university has focused on endocannabinoids, a family of chemicals.
These chemical compounds are naturally occurring. They influence our capacity to think, feel, and act. In addition, they have certain molecular similarities with cannabis.
Scientists conducted their investigation on animals, not humans. However, they have also shown that chronic emotional stress may inhibit the brain’s endocannabinoid production. According to their investigation, this led to depression symptoms.
It is conceivable that reintroducing cannabis into the system might help to normalize levels and performance. There is a possibility that this might alleviate depression symptoms.
To properly assess the merits and drawbacks of utilizing cannabis to treat depression, further study is necessary.
Caution and possible dangers
Risks
Depending on how it’s taken, various negative consequences might occur.
It is unclear if marijuana usage increases or lowers the risk of depression, or whether it may be used as a therapy.
Cannabis use may make high-risk persons more prone to developing schizophrenia or psychosis. However, research have not supplied definitive solutions.
71% of individuals who used marijuana to alleviate chronic pain reported no adverse effects. A poll revealed that 6% of respondents had coughing or throat pain.
There is no evidence linking marijuana use to an increased risk of depression. Nonetheless, it is plausible that the two are connected. According to a particular research, infrequent or light users may be diagnosed with depression at a greater incidence than heavy or regular users (Trusted Source).
Multiple mental disorders have been associated with marijuana usage. When the risk for psychosis or schizophrenia is significant, it is essential to be aware that marijuana use may exacerbate these diseases. Psychosis is a serious mental disorder characterized by alienation from the outer world. Among the possible symptoms include hallucinations and delusions.
How you use marijuana may influence how you feel afterwards. The medicine may be sprayed on the skin, taken orally, or given as a patch or tablet to the skin. Traditional modes of pleasure, like as smoking and vaporizing, continue to be the subject of ongoing research.
Scientists at the University at Buffalo are now exploring whether or not an extract called cannabidiol delivers mood-enhancing benefits without potentially generating drug dependency.
Standardized depression treatment
Depending on the degree of your depression, you need tailored care. There are effective therapies for all three severity levels of depression.
Some individuals suffering from moderate depression find alleviation through psychosocial therapies such as psychotherapy (or “talk therapy”). Infrequently is mild depression treated with medicine.
Initially, individuals with moderate to severe depression may benefit from psychological treatments such as behavioral or interpersonal psychotherapy.
For individuals with moderate-to-severe depression, some psychiatrists and mental medical practitioners also prescribe antidepressants. Two such medication classes include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. Due to the possibility of side effects, you should never take medicine without first seeing a doctor. When treating depression in adolescents with antidepressants, it is vital to approach with caution.
Concerns about the usage of marijuana to treat bipolar disorder?
Advice for Overcoming Mood Swings
In addition to working with your doctor, there are some things you may do on your own if you are battling with depression.
Make an attempt to reduce your burden by removing unneeded obligations and concerns. If you are feeling down, allow yourself room to breathe.
Add more structure to the day. When you just cannot miss an appointment or important event, your phone may serve as a useful reminder.
I suggest maintaining a journal. If you are feeling depressed, angry, or afraid, here may be a wonderful place to let it all out.
Participate in a support group for mental health. There may be a support group at your place of employment or faith that may provide guidance and resources. You may also find helpful the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Get as far out of your comfort zone as possible. Possessing a support system is advantageous in many ways, but it may be difficult when you are feeling low.
Find delightful new ways to cope with unpleasant emotions. The cure may be as simple as taking a daily walk, practicing yoga poses, or establishing a meditation regimen.
In conclusion
Even though some studies have showed promising benefits, further research is required to establish if medical marijuana is an effective treatment for depression. Outside of these exclusions, only 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana.
Discuss the potential of utilizing medical marijuana as a therapy with your physician if you live in a state where it is allowed to do so. Together, you can determine if this option is realistic.
You may explore further treatment options with your physician. You can choose what will work best for you if you collaborate.