Depression is a mood disorder that affects about 350 million people all over the world, making it a lot more common than most people think. Did you know that depression is also the leading cause of disability?
Even taking into consideration these shocking statistics, most people who suffer from depression do not get the help they need. Depression can affect every aspect of a person’s life, and it can be extremely debilitating.
Depression can make it difficult for people to complete regular daily activities, and there is no way to just “snap out” of it. Although depression is usually longer term, most people who have been diagnosed do feel better with medication, therapy, or both.
Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:
Feelings of sadness/emptiness/hopelessness
Outbursts over small matters
Loss of interest in normal activities/activities that used to make a person happy
Insomnia or sleeping issues
Anxiety & agitation
Guilt
Trouble concentrating or thinking
Unexplained physical problems
Lack of energy
What Does the Research Say?
Since medical marijuana is still illegal on a federal level, it can be difficult for people to conduct research on it. There are a lot of legal parameters to follow and be aware of, so research on depression is still scarce.
Researchers believe that cannabis can help to stabilize a person’s mood. Scientists at the University of Buffalo are looking into cannabis as a treatment for depression caused by chronic stress.
They conducted studies on animals and found that stress can suppress endocannabinoid production in the brain. They concluded that this can lead to depressive behaviors.
Marijuana may help to restore natural function to the brain and endocannabinoid production, which is essential for balance in a person. This could ease symptoms of depression.
Further research is still needed to correctly assess the pros and cons of marijuana for depression, but these findings are promising.
Tips for Depression
If you are coping with depression, you can try some of these tips to help you function better:
Write in a journal
Seek out mental health groups
Spend time with friends and family
Cut out extra stressors in your life
Find a way to relieve stress that works for you (exercise, reading, etc.)
The Bottom Line
Although some small studies have been conducted, there is still no definitive answer to the question of whether or not medical marijuana can treat depression. Every person with depression is different and copes in different ways.
A treatment that may help one person can make things worse for another person. It really just depends on the individual, and the only way to know if cannabis can help treat your depression is to try it.
Although depression is not a qualifying condition in the state of Ohio, you may have another qualifying condition that can make you eligible for your very own medical marijuana card. PTSD is a qualifying condition, so if you think your depression is related to PTSD, we can evaluate you for that as well.
If you think marijuana may be right for you, now is the best time to get started! Medical marijuana dispensaries are home to many great, safe products for natural relief.
Better yet, schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today to see if you qualify!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Ohio Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Ohio.
Comments