Depression is a common mental illness that affects millions of people around the world. It has many different causes, but most people find relief by adjusting their lifestyles and sleeping better or spending more time with friends and family. Cannabis might be able to help relieve symptoms of depression as well as some of the underlying causes. This article looks at how cannabis can help treat depression, as well as explore its risks and side effects.
What is Depression and How is it Caused?
There are many types of depression, but the two most common are major and minor. Minor depression is often caused by a single event like a divorce or a job loss. Major depression is much more complex and can be caused by many different factors including genetics, hormones, and other medical conditions. People with major depression are often sad, hopeless, and have little interest in activities they used to enjoy. They also might have a decreased appetite, unusual sleep habits, and increased irritability. People with major depression often have symptoms lasting longer than two weeks.
How Can Cannabis Help with Depression?
The endocannabinoid system is found in the human body, the nervous system, and the brain. Cannabinoids like THC bind to receptors in these systems and produce “feel good” chemicals called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are connected to receptors in the limbic system including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. The hippocampus is responsible for regulating emotion, memory, concentration, and motivation. People with depression often have low levels of endocannabinoids in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. The hypothalamus controls stress, appetite, metabolism, and other biological functions. When someone has depression, their levels of endocannabinoids in these systems are low which creates an imbalance that can’t be corrected by antidepressants alone. Cannabis compounds have been shown to increase endocannabinoid levels in the hippocampus and hypothalamus and help regulate mood and stimulate the memory. There are also many anecdotal reports from people who use cannabis to treat depression that it works well.
Safety and Side Effects of Cannabis for Depression
Depression is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide and is often treated with antidepressant medications. While these medications can be effective at relieving symptoms of depression, they come with many side effects that can impact your quality of life. Given that people with depression often don’t respond well to antidepressants, alternatives are needed. There is some evidence that cannabinoids can be effective, and most side effects are relatively mild. However, as with any medication, cannabis can also have negative side effects, so it’s important to consider the pros and cons before trying it.
Should you treat depression with cannabis?
If you decide to use cannabis to treat your depression, follow these guidelines to ensure you have a safe, successful experience:
- Start with a low dose. You should wait at least a few weeks after starting antidepressants before trying out cannabis to avoid the “discouragement reaction.”
- Don’t use it as a substitute for your prescription medication. You should discuss cannabis as an option for treatment with your doctor, who can help you weigh up the risks and benefits of using it as a complement to your current treatment regimen.
- Don’t drive while under the influence of cannabis. Some people are also tempted to drink alcohol while using cannabis to increase its “high,” but doing so could be very dangerous.
Summary
Now that you know more about depression, make sure to speak to your doctor about it! If you are interested in trying cannabis, visit Budcargo.net online dispensary today.
