How THC and CBD May Help With Depression
There are stigmas around anxiety and depression, yet at least 40 million adults in the United States struggle with both daily.
While your prescribed treatment will change depending on your specific circumstances, doctors have begun to recognize how THC and CBD may help with depression and chronic stress.
We’ll take a look at the research and help you decide if discussing cannabis use with your doctor is right for you.
What Exactly Causes Depression and Anxiety?
The truth is that humans experience depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders for a wide variety of reasons. This is, at least in part, why there are so many different types of medications and treatments for those who struggle with mental illness.
Stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest for reasons that are as simple as established behavior patterns or personality. We often develop certain behaviors and attributes as a result of personal experiences and reinforcements. As a result of negative experiences, a person might have low self-esteem and be very critical of their own tendencies. These behaviors can result in constant negative feelings that manifest as long-term depression.
However, people can also be more likely to experience depression and anxiety as a result of genetics, which can affect how your brain controls your moods. This is where doctors will prescribe drugs such as antidepressants to assist your serotonin receptors, which can often make all the difference in how you perceive stressful or negative situations.
In summation, mental illnesses are very complicated and often misunderstood. They can be caused due to internal chemical factors but are often worsened by negative behavior patterns that the individual may not be able to help themselves with on their own.
How THC and CBD May Help with Depression
While our previous blog post discussed how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) can assist with pain management, similar studies showed that it also decreased anxiety and improved sleep quality.
While research is still going on, early results seem to indicate that both CBD and THC can assist with mood stabilization. One particular study mentioned describes that cannabis has similar properties as endocannabinoids, a natural brain chemical that assists with cognition, emotions, and behavior.
Additional studies regarding CBD showed that the product was shown to have “neuroprotective properties.” A CBD treatment may produce antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects by helping the chemical receptors in your brain respond more effectively to the serotonin levels already present in your body.
Serotonin is often referred to as the happy chemical and may improve symptoms of depression.
Another promising benefit of using THC or CBD is that they have far fewer side effects than many prescribed antidepressant medications. Many patients who see doctors for mental health have to try varying types and dosages of medications before experiencing the ideal effect and may experience side effects such as insomnia or mood swings in the meantime.
How Would I Incorporate THC and CBD Into My Daily Life?
The primary concern and stigma around using THC and CBD is that users may end up chasing a high and neglecting their responsibilities. First and foremost, CBD is able to be incorporated into your life in a variety of ways and doesn’t produce the mind-altering effects that THC can.
You also do not need a special license or permission to purchase CBD products. CBD oil can be consumed via tinctures, sprays, vapes, topical creams, and in food. Users can enjoy the benefits of CBD in a way that they choose, and it will not impact their day-to-day performance in a negative way.
THC, of course, should be utilized responsibly. Doctors who recommend THC use do so to help with extreme symptoms, but often prescribe some form of therapy or antidepressant in conjunction.
It can have a tremendously helpful impact on your life, but it is not a cure all. Those suffering with depression and anxiety should continue to work with doctors and therapists to make improvements to their life and mood over time. If you’re unsure about the use of THC, talk with your doctor, or utilize the benefits of CBD only which actively blocks the psychoactive effects that you might otherwise experience when using THC.
Medical CBD and THC – OG Medicinals
At OG Medicinals, we believe that all cannabis use is therapeutic. We are an authorized medical dispensary that is proud to help you find the right solution to help you improve your health and wellness.
We’re a Denver-based, locally owned shop located right near the Denver International Airport. Just hop off the plane and look us up! We’re happy to take care of you. To learn more about cannabis and what we’re up to, give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram!