Can Medical Marijuana Treat Depression

Mental health is getting a lot more attention within the United States after recent events like the pandemic. Various factors like economic decline, job loss, social media overconsumption, and interpersonal conflict have led to the highest depression levels that we have ever seen. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 16.2 million adults suffer from depression in one form or another in the United States. That number is astounding. Some people think of depression as people just making up excuses to be lazy and sad, and that it is not really an issue.

However, anyone who has seen a loved one struggle with depression will know that it is a serious mental illness that can manifest in a variety of physical, emotional, and mental conditions. Oftentimes, anxiety disorder also goes hand in hand for someone struggling with depression. There has been a lot of research dedicated to whether the use of medical marijaua can be an effective treatment for depression and related mental illnesses. We are already well aware of marjiuana’s benefits for those of us who struggle with anxiety, but what about depression? Well, studies and trials have been conducted over and over to try and find out exactly what medical marijuana is capable of. So keep reading if you want to hear more about this amazing topic. 

First, it is important to note that there has not been a significant amount of studies done on medical marijuana’s use for treating depression only. However, a lot can still be talked about when it comes to the topic. Recent emerging research even suggests that medical marijuana can be used in similar fashion to regular prescription anti-depressants, but without all the harmful side effects. Many current prescription medications that are used to treat depression have tendencies to cause weight-gain, suicidal thoughts, increased anxiety, nausea, headaches, and numerous other side effects that can really take a toll on somebody.

We already know that certain strains of marijuana are great for reducing anxiety by creating feelings of calm and peace; similarly, other strains of marijuana could be used to treat depression by raising levels of energy through adrenaline and serotonin. Even though the number of clinical trials are not necessarily staggering, many people who regularly use cannabis will attest to its effectiveness to treat their depression and anxiety.  

So what are the risks for using marijuana as a treatment for depression? Well, I can tell you right off the bat that there are not very many. Marijuana is a very natural drug, and its use is generally considered risk-free. However, that doesn’t mean that there are not some potential drawbacks that can occur when frequently and regularly using marijuana. As always, the best way to use any medical treatment is with careful consideration as well as advice from your doctor or other medical professionals.

It can also be helpful to discuss your treatment options with a cannabis specialist. It is crucial to have your weekly dosage of cannabis prescribed to you by professionals to avoid the risk of accidentally overdosing or something like that. The side effects of marijiuana can differ from person to person (just like any other drug or medication) so you really want to be sure that you are doing everything you can to keep consuming your marijuana safely! 

In conclusion, there is no definitive answer that can be backed by conclusive clinical trials. However, there is a lot of evidence that points to medical marijuana being an effective and safe way to treat and manage depression, along with anxiety and numerous other mental health conditions. I hope that this was helpful!