Medical Cannabis for Depression
What Is Depression?
Although we all experience feelings of sadness from time to time, permanently feeling down and having lost interest or pleasure in daily life might be an indication of a more serious problem: depression
According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the main causes of disability in the world, affecting individuals young and old. This page will help you better understand the link between medical cannabis and depression, ultimately helping you make the most informed healthcare decision for your specific needs.
Classified as a mood disorder, depression involves persistent feeling of loss of interest and sadness which can be caused by a wide range of life events such as bereavement.
Sometimes referred to as clinical depression or major depressive disorder, depression can affect your thoughts and behavior and possibly lead to a range of physical and emotional problems.
There are many different types of depression, including:
Major Depression: Many people suffer from major chronic depression that occurs frequently throughout their lives. Nonetheless, with close monitoring, major depression can be treated to reduce the likelihood of it recurring.
Dysthymia: Dysthymia is a low-grade form of depression in which feelings of depression are perceived as being normal personality traits of a given individual. Dysthymia can persist for a long time and may go undetected as a result of its low severity.
Bipolar Disorder: Also known as “manic” depression, bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings. Bipolar episodes might include hyperactivity, problems with sleep, and increased impulsiveness. The extremeness of this disorder calls for treatments that differ from that of other depressive disorders.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD often occurs when people are more susceptible to bouts of depression during the winter months. The onset of SAD, or “winter depression,” can often impact a person’s activities, social life and mood. SAD tends to last throughout the winter and subsides with the arrival of spring and warmer seasons.
Postpartum Depression: This mood disorder typically affects new parents, such as mothers. It is often the result of hormonal and chemical changes that happen inside the brain, and is sometimes accompanied by sleep deprivation.
What Treatment Is Best for You?
Studies have indicated that medical cannabis might be useful for treating conditions such as depression. THC and CBD (two of the major compounds of medical cannabis) both act on the brain, potentially increasing serotonin and theoretically help treat depression.
Medical cannabis might play a role in the treatment of issues that may cause depression and potentially control some depression symptoms.
For example, research suggests that medical cannabis can help to treat chronic pain, a symptom that often goes hand-in-hand with depression.
Two other symptoms that also often accompany depression, insomnia and anxiety, may also be treated with medical cannabis.
According to a 2014 study, medical cannabis can greatly help people treat their depression. The results of the study suggested many benefits of medical cannabis to individuals suffering from depression, including: pain management, a decrease in anxiety levels, and better sleep.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo have also started exploring medical cannabis as a potential treatment for depression, focusing specifically on endocannabinoids, a specific set of brain chemicals that play a role in emotions and behavior.
Surprisingly, endocannabinoids have a chemical makeup similar to that of medical cannabis. Scientists have found that the use of cannabis to treat depression might assist with restoring the brain’s normal levels of endocannabinoids and potentially ease symptoms of depression.
So how exactly does cannabis help to treat depression?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound that has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits and use as a treatment for depression. CBD interacts with the body similar to THC, but does not produce the feeling of euphoria that results from consuming THC.
In many cases, pharmaceutical companies prescribe different drugs to deal with mental disorders such as depression. However, the side effects related to these medications can be detrimental to one’s health.
This has led professionals to seek out other forms of treatment that are more natural than conventional means.
According to a recent study, CBD influences serotonin in the brain to be released. This release of serotonin is what keeps people’s emotions in balance and is one of the major ways in which CBD can treat depression.
Other studies have demonstrated the anti-stress effects of CBD following short- or long-term use. In certain tests, CBD also acted as an Antidepressant.
When dealing with depression, it is our utmost concern to figure out what treatment works best for you. Everyone’s body works differently, and some treatments may work better than others. We’re here to help and offer professional advice to find the best treatment for you.
The Best Strains and Cannabis Products for Beating Depression
There are various cannabis strains and types of cannabis products that can be used to help with depression.
While the effects of each strain will vary depending on the THC and CBD content as well as personal factors, some strains to look out for are: Trutiva, Avidekel, Orellium, and Equiposa.
Different medical cannabis products can similarly produce various results when it comes to depression. Although smoking cannabis is one of the more popular methods of consuming cannabis, patients also have access to other cannabis products that may offer better alternatives according to your needs, such as:
CBD Oils and Concentrates
Edibles
CBD Capsules
Vape Oils
Consult with one of our cannabis educators to see which cannabis strains and products might work best for you for fighting depression.
How to Get a Prescription for Medical Cannabis in Canada to Treat Depression
At Canadian Cannabis Clinics, we offer you access to medical experts that are extremely knowledgeable on the topic of medical cannabis and depression. As a patient, you will consult with healthcare practitioners and a cannabis educator to determine your individual needs.
Our educators will help you obtain the documents needed to purchase your medical cannabis from the best-matched licensed cultivator for your specific needs. We will also take care of all the registration paperwork with your licensed cultivator.
Patients are also assisted with recommendations as to which medical cannabis products may address their depression symptoms and are instructed on the use of cannabis.
Aside from personal guidance, Canadian Cannabis Clinics also provides all our patients with an in-depth guidebook and offers online, email and telephone support We have helped thousands of patients find relief from depression and can truly help you find the product best suited for your needs.
Virtual Appointment
Appointment is online through a secure and private video call.
Clinic Appointment
Appointment is in one of our clinics across Canada.