People have been using marijuana as medicine throughout history, going back throughout history, and modern science has proven that marijuana can help with a range of medical complaints and symptoms of health conditions, from pain to nausea. But does marijuana help depression? This guide will explore the connections between medical marijuana and depression.
Can Marijuana Help with Depression?
Marijuana is often talked about in regard to its mental health benefits; many people have seen improvements in their mood and reduced stress levels after consuming medical cannabis products. But does marijuana help depression? Well, the answer to that isn’t as simple as yes or no. It’s more complicated than that.
Marijuana may be able to help those who have been diagnosed with depression, but its effectiveness will vary from case to case. For example, it has been shown that cannabis can ease some of the symptoms linked with depression, like high-stress levels and anxiety, helping people feel calmer, more relaxed, and more at peace with themselves and their emotions.
In addition, medical marijuana for depression may be particularly effective if the patient’s depressive symptoms are connected to some form of chronic pain. A lot of people with chronic pain conditions suffer from depression, and marijuana has been proven to be very effective at alleviating aches and pains.
By easing the physical pain of people with depression, medical cannabis could be an effective method to also alleviate their mental anguish, as well. Scientific studies back this up, as the study showed that cancer patients who were given cannabis saw signs of improvement in their depression symptoms.
At the same time, it’s still important to note that results can vary. If someone is suffering from depression that isn’t connected to a chronic pain condition or other illness, medical marijuana for depression may not be the answer. While it can be one of the most effective treatments for depression in some patients, it may also make it worse in others, which is why it’s so important for every patient to consult with a health professional and get expert opinions.
The Connection Between Pain and Depression
As we can see, when it comes to marijuana and depression, physical pain can be one of the key factors to take into account. But why is this? Well, studies of patients have found that those who struggle with chronic pain problems, including everything from multiple sclerosis to back pain, tend to also struggle with depression.
A lot of people simply feel drained and worn out due to the fact that they live in a state of such regular pain and discomfort. It can make it hard for them to enjoy life or pursue the things that make them happy, and this can make their depression even worse over time. This is why cannabis can be an option to treat depression in such patients, as it eases their pain, lightens their mood, and gives them the opportunity to enjoy life a little more than usual.
What Are The Benefits Of Medical Marijuana?
If you have a marijuana card, you should be able to access medical marijuana to help soothe certain symptoms you may be experiencing, and it can offer a lot of benefits. When it comes to depression, here are some of the key advantages that could make medical cannabis a viable treatment option:
- Pain Management – As explained earlier on, there’s a big link between depression and pain. Cannabis can help to soothe the feelings of aches and pains throughout the body, which may help to also relieve some of the sadness and negative emotions of depression.
- Relieving Stress and Anxiety – Cannabinoids like CBD are particularly effective at easing feelings of stress and anxiety. These negative feelings are often directly linked to depression. Therefore, by easing some stress and anxiety, patients may find that cannabis can help to soothe some of their depression, too.
- Easing Nausea – A lot of patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, suffer from recurring bouts of nausea and vomiting. This can easily trigger depressive feelings and symptoms. Marijuana for nausea is very useful for relieving the feeling, making life easier and more comfortable for patients.
Best Marijuana Strains for Depression
In general, the best strains for depression tend to be those that have high amounts of CBD and relatively low levels of THC. This allows them to offer useful benefits like pain relief and stress relief, with minimal risk of negative side effects like anxiety. Some examples of popular strains you might like to try include:
- Jack Herer
- Purple OG
- Cinex
- Blue Dream
- Cannatonic
- Cookies and Cream
Tips for Using Marijuana for Depression
If you’re starting out with marijuana for depression and want to have the best experiences and results, here are some handy tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Begin with only low levels of THC to reduce the risk of any paranoia or unwanted psychoactive effects.
- Speak with your mental healthcare provider for advice and guidance.
- Use small amounts, to begin with, and build up gradually.
- Listen to your body and pay attention to how cannabis affects you and influences your symptoms.
- Try different strains to find one that works best for you.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while consuming cannabis.
- Learn about terpenes, as some of them can be beneficial for easing depression.
So, does marijuana help depression? Well, the truth of the matter is that it depends. Some people may experience notable improvements in their conditions after using cannabis products, while others may not see much of a positive change. However, studies show that a lot of patients have experienced benefits from using cannabis, and it should therefore at least be considered as an option for many patients dealing with the effects of depression. Contact us to find out more.