More than 30 US states have recently legally allowed the use of marijuana for medical purposes. This has led to a much-anticipated uproar about when and how to use marijuana for treating depression, stress, and anxiety.
An estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States alone suffer from one form of depression or another. For some people, depression is a mental illness with severe psychiatric implications. While many consider it a mood disorder with anxiety and angst towards their surroundings.
As dedicated research has been carried out on whether the medicinal use of marijuana can become an effective treatment for depression, it has shown mixed results for using marijuana for serious psychiatric ailments but great results for mood disorders like pain management, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and depression among others.
The Research Overview
Clinical studies on the matter are scarce at most. However, emerging research suggests that marijuana may have a similar impact on depression as an antidepressant without any abrasive side effects.
Besides, marijuana has been known for quite some time to be an effective solution for anxiety. The onset of anxiety alongside depression is like peanut butter and jelly. The two conditions often go hand in hand and may show recurring symptoms in a patient.
Many studies show that certain strains of marijuana and CBD products are great for anxiety. They exert a similar effect as an antidepressant by boosting one’s mood through adrenaline and serotonin.
Understandably, clinical trials are more efficient as evidence to study the effects and implications of marijuana against depression firsthand than anecdotal evidence. However, many people who use marijuana for recreational purposes suggest that marijuana has potential therapeutic effects for depression and anxiety.
Considering the Risks
Generally, marijuana use is considered risk-free, given how the world is now awakening to the notion of legalizing marijuana. Despite that, one cannot completely eradicate the few warnings and risks necessary to be considered for marijuana use.
The best way is to always involve a professional medical opinion, especially when it comes to a mental disorder like depression. A conclusive diagnosis of mental disorders is just as important as any other, and only then can you approach the matter of treating it with marijuana.
Even then, it is in the user’s best nature to discuss it with a cannabis specialist. Experts have a better grasp of the matter than what you would assume is right for you. After all, there is always a risk of overdose, and it is essential to have a daily or weekly dosage count prescribed by your doctor.
Just as the use of marijuana may vary from person to person, so do the side effects. They depend on the method of consumption to the quantity taken, and even the person’s daily routine. Hence, it is better to lead with an expert opinion instead of your own assumption.
CBD Products
For people new to this territory, the safest and the best foot forward is probably through CBD products. Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a cannabinoid product derived from the naturally found chemicals in marijuana plants.
While many people doubt the use of CBD as it may have the same effects as other types of marijuana and get you high, but that’s not the case with CBD.
Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis that causes the sensation of getting “high” and shouldn’t be confused with CBD. CBD products have come out to be one of the best organic solutions to many different problems, including depression and anxiety, among others.
CBD has been infused with oils and tinctures, added in skincare products, ointments and creams, capsules, and gummies, to name a few. Each serves its unique purpose and can effectively aid anxiety and depression without any harmful side effects.
Bottom Line
To summarize, the research is ongoing for whether marijuana can be an effective treatment for depression, and as it expands, there are likely going to be promising results. Until then, if you live in an area where medical marijuana is legal, consult your doctor to weigh your options. If you are suffering from depression and exhausted from seeking treatments through prescription antidepressants, medical marijuana might be for you.
Looking for consultation in Oklahoma? Doctors of Cannabis are a trusted source for residents of Oklahoma with a 3-step easy process for consultation leading to a medical marijuana card arriving at your doorstep. Then you can legally purchase medical cannabis from any dispensary in Oklahoma and schedule a consultation with our doctors every two years to renew your license.
