Depression

Symptoms

Depressive disorder is a common and very serious, complex illness. Depression is estimated to affect one in fifteen adults in any given year. Depression negatively affects how people think and act. Those with depression can experience: feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in activities; changes in appetite; trouble sleeping; suicidal thoughts; difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.

Benefits

Of people suffering from depression, 80% were also found to be suffering from pain. With the ability to stimulate the endocannabinoid system, cannabis is used to treat a variety of ailments, both physiological and psychological. Cannabis stimulates the endocannabinoid system similarly to anti-depressants, but in a much quicker manner. The analgesic properties of THC provide relief from pain and inflammation caused by illnesses which allows for a higher quality of life.

Cannabis is a natural remedy for depression which combats stress, enhances mood and energy, increases appetite, and battles insomnia.

Those suffering with depression not associated with pain will find CBD strains and products to be the most beneficial. CBD acts on the serotonin receptors located in the brain which are associated with mood balance. It also has relaxing and soothing effects which will help decrease stress and in turn boost mood.

Treatment

Everyone is different, and experimentation will determine the optimal cannabinoid percentage that works best. When treating depression with cannabis we recommend starting with CBD. It can be administered through drops, edibles, or inhalation. Due to the complexity of depression, treatment should start off small for inexperienced users; more can always be administered. CBD has fast-acting antidepressant properties making it a great natural treatment option.

Due to the uplifting and energizing properties of sativa strains, further treatment with sativa strains with very low amounts of THC in conjunction with CBD’s calming effects can give energy when struggling with fatigue due to depression. Harlequin and Pennywise are great strains for depression due to their high CBD to THC ratios. Too much THC can cause paranoia and anxiety. Strains and oils that contain the terpenes limonene, myrcene, and linalool work in an entourage effect with CBD to provide even more calming and mood-improving effects.