WHAT IS DEPRESSION? 

Depression is a mood disorder that negatively affects your feelings, thoughts and actions. The symptoms range from mild to severe mood swings; it’s a combination of different factors and circumstances revolving in a person’s life.it can be caused by the following: age, conflict, abuse, certain medications, death of a loved one, major life changing events, gender inequality, hereditary genes, social and economic impact, serious illness and substance misuse. A depressed person may experience appetite change, sadness, loss of pleasure, lethargy, worthlessness, insomnia, slow speech, oversleeping, guilt, difficulty in decision making and focusing, suffer temporary amnesia, sluggish and suicidal tendencies: constantly in a depressed mood. 

 

 

WHAT IS CANNABIS? 

Cannabis is a cannabinoid drug and its products come from the leaves, fibres, stems, dried flowers and seeds gotten from the Cannabis plant. Other well-known names for cannabis are weed, dope, hash, marijuana, choof, pot, yarndi, ganja, joint, cone, stick, chronic and mull to name a few. It can be used as tinctures, transdermal patches, smoked, vaped, eaten in the form of baked goods, taken as pills or capsules, used in oil or powder form and as topical: gels, balms, lotions or salves. It can also be gotten in synthetic form, which could be more dangerous than genuine cannabis. 

 

CAN CANNABIS TREAT DEPRESSION? 

Information on the treatment of depression using cannabis is very limited. The homeopathic benefits of cannabis have been a heated topic of debate for many years now, It is speculated that there is a link and a fine line between depression and cannabis, that the sedative and stimulant components of this herbal drug makes it a preferred choice for many people suffering from depression. Whether cannabis is considered safe for treating depression, enhances the depressive mood or is a depressant is still unclear. Some surveys have shown that cannabis can be an effective form of treatment for depression, while other research studies state it causes depression. More and more people are seen turning to marijuana as a form of relief, though there are several experts in this field who say, that its effects are actually more likely to worsen depression than relieve it, they see no evidence whatsoever that the herb actually helps but, nevertheless, people believe in its ability to help with depressive states.  

 

It is said that depression and stress related situations interrupts the creation of endocannabinoids (chemicals that control our behavior and emotions)and that  the lack of these compounds in our system is the cause of depression. CBD and THC cannabinoids are believed to interact with endocannabinoid receptors, aiding in the restoration of the system and easing depression symptoms. The core ingredient in the marijuana plant that helps reduce anxiety is cannabidiol(CBD),  tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the euphoric feelings associated with cannabis use, It is highly recommended that people besieged with depression should look for lower THC composition strains. Cannabis is helpful for immediate and short-term relief, it is not recommended for long-term management for depression. 

 

Based on the data compiled on this subject, I believe treatment varies from each individual and their exclusive symptoms. That cannabis cannot independently treat depression but used in conjunction with psychotherapy and prescribed medication, such as antidepressants can greatly help the condition. There are strains of cannabis that many people have been found to be very beneficial for depression, it is however imperative to consult a licensed pharmacist before indulging in its consumption. Other factors to consider are changes in lifestyle like healthy diets, better sleeping schedules and regular exercise, can also boost the management of depression.  Exclusive use of marijuana should not be your only form of treatment but a supplement. In conclusion, before you self-medicate, I strongly suggest further research on this topic and to seek medical advice from a professional. Every life matters: your life counts weed to buy canada.