Is marijuana prescribed for depression in Canada? Is it legal to buy marijuana for depression online? What should you know when treating depression with weed? What scientific studies prove that treating depression with weed actually works?
Scientists have found a clear connection between depression and marijuana.
Cannabis, or more correctly, endocannabinoids, have a major impact on mood.
Depression is a mood disorder with symptoms ranging from negative thoughts, to anxiety, to hopelessness (to put it lightly). It is also the down cycle in bi-polar disorder.
Nearly two million Canadians suffer from depression each year. In this, women outnumber men two to one. They are also more likely to ask “is marijuana prescribed for depression?” and they account for the majority of marijuana purchased for depression. However, men can benefit from using cannabis for depression as well.
The Debate Over Marijuana and Depression
Because marijuana has been illegal throughout most of the world for decades, research into the impact cannabis has on depression is scarce and mixed. Some claim that marijuana use causes depression while others assert the opposite— that they are treating depression with weed.
Canada has been leading the way in opening the door for a better understanding. Researchers at McGill University in Montreal found that the amount of weed consumed matters.
When researchers studied the effects of stress on rats, they found some surprising facts related to marijuana use for depression.
Using a variety of genetically identical rats, researchers designed several scenarios and situations. This allowed them to isolate the variables impacting their findings and determine what role marijuana plays in depression disorders.
Key findings from the Montreal rat-marijuana-depression study were:
- Low doses of THC enabled rats to resist despair longer
- High doses of THC caused rats to give up sooner (be less resistant to the effects of despair)
- The low-dose rats’ brains produced more serotonin (a natural anti-depressant)
- The high-dose rats’ brains under-produced serotonin
No word on exactly what constitutes a low or high dose of THC. But then, these were rats, so surely the human dose would differ a bit.
Does Marijuana Help Depression?
The evidence indicates that marijuana helps the symptoms of depression. Many people treating depression with weed report that marijuana helps them regulate their moods.
Marijuana users have known for thousands of years that it lifts spirits, makes people more social, upbeat, and friendly.
Still, it is wise to allow science to teach us whether weed is useful for battling depression or not. So, what does science tell us?
Consider Endocannabinoids again…
According to the Government of Canada website, Endocannabinoids are natural and occur in the brains of most mammals (including humans) and certain plants (including cannabis).
Endocannabinoids in the brain affect cognition, behavior, and emotion
Understanding the effect of endocannabinoids on the brain continues to increase but one thing is certain: Changes in the levels of this chemical have an impact on how well people understand their surroundings and others, their moods, and their behaviors.
Endocannabinoid levels affect anxiety, pain, appetite, sense of well-being
The levels of this chemical alter how well humans adapt to stress and can impact their personal sense of self. It is also a pain suppressant (analgesic) and stimulates appetite. This makes it useful in many medical applications or as simple stress relief.
Endocannabinoids to raise moods
Key to the question “is marijuana prescribed for depression?” is the ability of endocannabinoids to alter moods for the better. Anyone who has suffered chronic depression understands the desperation one experiences to get better, to feel better, to see the world as a better place – evidence indicates that yes, treating depression with weed succeeds.
Endocannabinoids to depress moods
However, exercise caution when treating depression with weed because research also indicates that the same chemicals which can improve mood can also cause further depression. Simply put, consuming too much THC (as found in the rat study particularly) can have a depressing effect. Therefore, the cannabis strain you buy is very important.
Is Marijuana Prescribed for Depression?
Marijuana is prescribed in Canada for depression. It is listed in a physician’s guideline provided by the Government of Canada.
However, caution to anyone suffering from multiple psychiatric disorders or any psychotic disorder to avoid marijuana use because it can interfere with maintenance medications.
Since the THC does enhances moods the most, many believe in simply choosing a mood enhancer by strain. This requires some research, but is a great way to find a consistent strain that works for you.
For instance, sativa strains provide more of a head high and are popular when you want to engage in activities, socialize, or be productive. Indica strains, on the other hand, are better when you want to relax, sleep, or… chill, as some would say.
In any case, marijuana does treat depression in Canada. Find out which strains are the best and and buy cannabis for depression in Canada today.
