And using marijuana for this purpose comes with risks.
Components of Marijuana
Marijuana is complex and contains hundreds of different active substances.
Two of the central cannabinoid compounds in marijuana are THC and CBD.
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These may have differing effects on depression.
Both components of the drug are being studied for the treatment of depression.
Can Marijuana Help Depression?
But it’s important to note that this research was done on animals, not humans.
A 2018 study found that smoking cannabis can significantly reduce self-reported levels of depression in the short term.
Research on the medical use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products is still in the early stages.
There is currently not enough evidence to recommend the use of marijuana for depression or other mental health conditions.
Certain people are also at risk for the development ofpsychosis with the use of cannabis.
People with substance-induced psychosis might have delusions, hallucinations, or both.
People also experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using marijuana.
Symptoms can include anxiety, changes in appetite and sleep, irritability, and mood swings.
If people develop a marijuana addiction (cannabis use disorder), there are treatments available that can help.
Marijuana addiction is typically treated with psychotherapy.
There is also the potential for causing harm to a fetus’s brain in pregnant women.
Each person is different.
Psychotherapy and antidepressants are the first-line options when it comes to treating depression.
Both may be used on their own but can often be even more effective when they are used together.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to a healthcare provider or mental health professional.
They can assess your symptoms, diagnose, and provide treatment recommendations.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Is There Less Patience For Proven Treatments?
Talk to your doctor to see what the best treatment plan is for you.
National Conference of State Legislatures.State medical marijuana laws.
Haj-Dahmane S, Shen RY.Chronic stress impairs 1-adrenoceptor-induced endocannabinoid-dependent synaptic plasticity in the dorsal raphe nucleus.J Neurosci.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Cannabis (marijuana) DrugFacts.
David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG.Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy.Front Psychiatry.
