“Nothing good ever happens to me”.
“I’m worthless”.
“Things will never change”.
Thoughts like these are often caused by depression.
Statistics say that over 5% of the world’s adult population suffers from depression. However, the number is likely to be much higher since not everyone facing this mental condition communicates about it or gets an official diagnosis. Being one of the most common mental health disorders globally, depression, or depressive disorder, causes people to significantly lose interest in their everyday activities for a long time. Don’t confuse it with regular mood changes in day-to-day life, as depression can severely disrupt all aspects of life, including work and relationships with family, friends, and community. So, what type of treatment is available for experiencing anxiety disorders/depression?
Commonly, doctors prescribe antidepressants, which may have serious side effects such as digestive health issues, hypotension, sudden heat strokes, blurred vision, hormone imbalances, etc. However, over the years, numerous clinical trials and medical studies have found medical cannabis to be one of the best medications for depression due to its efficacy and high safety profile. Its natural action can help restore the brain’s activity and ease depressive symptoms, bringing balance to the system. Read ahead to find out how the vital Ayurvedic herb can improve psychological function and well-being and which of the cannabis strains can be the most effective for easing a mental downturn.
What Are the Important Signs And Symptoms Of Anxiety and Depression?
If you feel sad, irritable, tired, and empty most of the day and nearly every day, it indicates a depressive symptom. Other such symptoms, like feeling excessive guilt, low self-esteem, unpleasant or suicidal thoughts, disrupted sleep and diet, appetite and weight changes, poor concentration, and hopelessness about the future, are what over 280 million people in the world complain about. It can lead to more stress, dysfunction, and continual worsening of the depressive symptoms themselves.
Depending on how severe and recurring these conditions are and how deeply they impact functioning, a depressive episode can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Extreme depression can even lead to suicide, which is the cause of nearly 700,000 deaths every year and one of the most prominent causes of death among people aged 15-29 years.
Various biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to depression. People who have gone through severely abusive, traumatic, or stressful life events and grave losses are more likely to develop this issue. It is also closely affected by physical health. Unhealthy dietary habits, consumption of alcohol, and physical inactivity can lead to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory issues, and even cancer, which, in turn, can cause depression in patients due to the difficulties associated with managing the diseases.
Additionally, the side effects of conventional antidepressants can often worsen depression. A recent study revealed the following:
- Patients with depressive disorders consuming antidepressants complain of side effects like tiredness (45%), headache (34%), dizziness (24%), blurred vision (22%), and hypotension (15%).
- Some of them also suffered from side effects occurring frequently (often daily), such as indigestion (22%), nausea (18%), gastrointestinal problems (15%), pain (14%), constipation (11%), and diarrhea (9%).
- Few medications even led to aftereffects related to hormone imbalances, such as sweating (34%), dry mouth (25%), sudden heat strokes (22%), and swelling (8%).
How Cannabis Can Help with Depression
A 2021 study conducted in the US showed that consuming cannabis led to lower levels of depression among clinically depressed patients, along with lesser pain and better sleep, also helping them with how to manage stress.
Another 2022 research supports the effectiveness of the herb for alleviating the condition. It analyzed over 7300 patients suffering from anxiety and depression, who reported statistically significant improvements on consuming the herb.
It is because it has various organic secretions called cannabinoids, the central among them being THC and CBD. They both act upon the brain’s cannabinoid receptors to alleviate several mental health conditions and restore balance in the system.
How To Manage Depression with Cannabis: The Best Strains
Cannabis has different pure or hybrid varieties called strains. They vary as per their composition. The most common ones are THC-dominant strains such as Cinex and Jack Herrer, while the CBD-rich ones are infrequent, like ACDC and Ringo’s Gift. Certain strains often have a balanced cannabinoid profile that can deliver the advantages of both THC and CBD, such as Harlequin and Cannatonic.
To make the most of the herb to aid in mental well-being naturally, you must choose the strains that have the right proportions of cannabinoids that your system needs. It will depend on how severe the condition and its symptoms are.
Some of the cannabis strains that act as the best medications for depression include:
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Cannatonic
Cannatonic is a hybrid strain of the indica and sativa variants of cannabis. It has a balanced ratio of CBD and THC and useful compounds called terpenes, such as myrcene and caryophyllene.
The robust composition can help uplift your mood without giving you much of a high upon consumption. It can even enable you to manage certain chronic pain conditions.
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Jack Herrer
Jack Herrer is a THC-dominant strain, making you feel a little euphoric on intake. Derived from the sativa variant, the strain is also known as a powerhouse because it energizes the system and activates the mind.
Jack Herrer can boost creativity and focus and enhance the motivation to complete tasks. It contains terpenes like pinene, which smells like sharp pine and relaxes the stressed mind.
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Sour OG
Sour OG is easily found in cannabis dispensaries and is known for containing stimulating terpenes, including beta-caryophyllene. A recent study found that beta–caryophyllene exhibits anti-depressant properties and anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-killing) characteristics.
A hybrid of Sour Diesel (sativa strain) and OG Kush (Indica strain), Sour OG contains both THC and CBD and serves as one of the best medications for depression and conditions like anxiety, stress, pain, and inflammation.
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Cinex
This THC-rich strain is known for its creative stimulation. It can rekindle an interest in the hobbies and activities you love. Cinex is highly concentrated with the citrusy terpene limonene, which can alleviate anxiety and depression.
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XJ-13
This sativa strain contains higher THC levels than CBD, along with terpenes like limonene, which generates a pleasant citrusy aroma and busts stress by invigorating the system and clearing the head. XJ-13 is one of the most highly desirable strains for patients to help manage depression and is easily procurable.
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Harlequin
Harlequin has a balanced composition of CBD and THC, thus providing relief while also clearing the head. The CBD in this strain helps counter the euphoric effects of THC, thus preventing Harlequin from inducing a strong high in the system.
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Granddaddy Purple
Grandaddy Purple works wonders in calming the body. It is one of the most popular THC-dominant and Indica strains and contains primary terpenes such as myrcene and pinene. It is well-known for stimulating appetite and combating insomnia.
Granddaddy Purple is perfect for consumption at night and affects both the mind and the body, delivering relaxation and euphoria.
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Blue Dream
A sativa-dominant hybrid strain having more concentration of CBD than THC, it also contains terpenes linalool and limonene, which are known to ease anxiety and tension and create a positive mood. It also acts as a cure for muscle spasms and migraines.
Depression is a complex psychological condition. It is crucial to seek proper medical consultation from the best Ayurvedic health experts at Hempstreet Medicare to determine the right cannabis strains, dosage, and treatment regime for you. Reach out to us to find out more about what makes cannabis the best medication for depression.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/medical-marijuana-for-depression#research
https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/best-cannabis-strains-for-depression
https://www.verywellmind.com/faq-marijuana-and-depression-1065247
