Depression is a serious mental illness that can cause symptoms such as low mood and anxiety to chronic pain and low appetite. Cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating these symptoms, which is why more people are turning to it as a treatment for depression. In this blog post, we’ll explore how cannabis can help with depression as well as the potential side effects of using cannabis.
What is Depression?
Depression is a condition in which a person feels sad, discouraged, and unmotivated almost constantly. This can lead to problems with concentration, social behaviours, and self-esteem. The symptoms of depression can be similar in all people, but can also vary based on the age and gender of the person experiencing them. Because of this, it is difficult to diagnose depression and it often goes undiagnosed.
How Does Cannabis help with Depression?
Majority of people with depression don’t respond well to antidepressant medication. In such cases, cannabis could be an effective alternative. Experts believe that the chemical compounds in cannabis, called cannabinoids, activate certain receptors in the brain, mimicking the effects of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and many other functions in the body. Studies have found that cannabinoids may help relieve depression by changing the amount of serotonin in the brain. While antidepressants increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, cannabinoids decrease it.
Benefits of Cannabis
The positive effects of cannabis extend far beyond treating depression. Here are a few of the benefits that have been shown in scientific studies:
- Pain Reduction – Studies have shown that cannabis could effectively reduce pain, especially pain caused by cancer. This could be an important benefit for people undergoing cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, as well as veterans who experienced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- Improved Sleep – Research has shown that cannabis could improve sleep, which could be especially helpful for people who are experiencing insomnia.
- Improved Mood – Many people who experience depression report that cannabis has a significant positive impact on their mood. For some, this could mean a return to a normal mood, while for others it could help to maintain a positive mood.
Possible Side Effects of Cannabis
Cannabis is not without side effects. As with any drug, it can have potential negative interactions with pharmaceutical medications and/or alcohol. Here are some of the potential side effects that have been reported in scientific studies:
- Dry Mouth – Dry mouth could be an issue for people who consume cannabis by smoking. It is important to drink plenty of water when consuming cannabis.
- Increased Blood Pressure – Tobacco with cannabis contains marijuana’s active ingredients, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other compounds that can increase blood pressure.
- Increased Heart Rate – Intense feelings experienced during cannabis use—especially feelings of euphoria—could lead to an increase in heart rate.
- Memory Loss – Studies have shown that long-term cannabis use could negatively affect long-term memory, especially related to recreational activities.
- Increased Anxiety – Intense feelings experienced during cannabis use could lead to an increase in anxiety.
Conclusion
Cannabis is a promising treatment option for people suffering from depression. As with all drugs, it’s important to remember that cannabis is not a cure for depression and should always be used in conjunction with other medications. If you are considering using cannabis to treat your depression, talk to your doctor to see if cannabis is right for you. Visit Budcargo.net online dispensary for a wide selection of
