Although the research into treating depression with cannabis is still in its infancy, some studies have shown that it can improve the symptoms of depression while others show that it isn’t useful when it comes to improving or treating it. A much smaller study group found that cannabis could lead to an increased risk of becoming depressed. Finally, one study found that cannabis was effective at treating the symptoms of depression in some cancer patients.

Marijuana contains CBD and THC, chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which create the psychoactive effects that we feel after smoking. We have a natural system that reacts to the cannabinoids in marijuana, known as the endocannabinoid system. When it does improve the symptoms, it’s possible that the ability of marijuana to boost certain endocannabinoids is what helps to regulate our emotions and feelings.

Some research speculates that deficiencies of 2 endocannabinoids – anandamide and 2-AG – may be responsible for signaling depression. Additionally, cannabis may mimic their effects and lift our moods. Cannabis provides “biphasic” effects. In other words, higher and lower doses can generate opposite effects. According to several research studies, lower doses of THC help to relieve depression symptoms while higher doses may worsen those symptoms. Thus, it is important that you get it prescribed correctly.

Tips for treating Depression with Cannabis

If you suspect that you’re clinically depressed, you should always speak with a doctor or psychologist. If have been diagnosed with depression or are struggling with your mood, here are some helpful tips for trying cannabis to relieve your symptoms:

• Begin with a lower dose of THC and increase the dosage very slowly. Be sure you select a cannabis strain that is CBD and THC balanced (or a 1:1 ratio), then gradually increase it once you’ve learned how it affects you.

• Discuss using cannabis as part of your treatment with a mental health therapist or your doctor to ensure that any medications you’re taking along with cannabis are helping and improving your symptoms.

• Keep a journal of how cannabis is affecting your symptoms. Include information such as the dose and when you took it as well has how it affected your mood over the next couple of hours.

• Most importantly, don’t drink alcohol when using cannabis. Your doctor will want to know about the physical or psychological effects associated with the cannabis, not the alcohol.

Hopefully, you’ll find these tips helpful and that your symptoms are alleviated or at least improved. If you need more assistance or need bongs, pipes and beakers for enhancing your smoking pleasure, call us today.

For more information, call Tank Glass at (323)-364-7952 or e-mail us your questions at support@tankglass.us.