If you are unable to enjoy the activities that you once enjoyed in your life previously, or experiencing the feelings like sadness, hopelessness it means you are suffering from depression or any other mental health conditions. you are not the only one who is suffering from depression because it is affecting 350 million people around the world. This is considered as the common mood disorder and it is one of the leading causes of disorder worldwide.
You can treat your mental health condition by choosing various treatment options such as using antidepressants which is prescribed by your physician or you can opt for a natural remedy like using St. John’s wort medicinal plant or many alternative therapies such as acupuncture, or massage therapy.
Many studies have been conducted on medical marijuana whether it can ease the symptoms of depression or prevent the disease from occurring. In this article, you will come to know about the benefits and the possible side effects of medical marijuana.
What are the main advantages of medical marijuana?
Medical marijuana can ease the symptoms of anxiety such as nervousness, restlessness, feelings of danger, rapid heart rate, difficulty in sleeping, performing certain behaviors over and over again, increased or heavy sweating, always thinking about the thing that you are worried about, gastrointestinal problems such as gas, diarrhea, constipation, a strong desire to avoid the things that trigger your anxiety, weakness and lethargy.
Marijuana can be considered as the best alternative treatment for the conditions of nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy and it is also used as a main tool for pain management.
It has been observed that medical marijuana can be considered as a potential benefit of pain management according to the Hawaii journal of medicine and Public Health. In a study, participants reported that their pain levels are decreased by up to 64 percent while they are using marijuana. Many people also reported that they experienced a sudden decrease in their anxiety levels and also told that using this drug helps them to sleep better during the study.
Researchers have been used this psychoactive drug from the cannabis plant to reduce the levels of spasticity in people who are suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). People who are participated in this study reported that they experienced less spasticity during the study.
Medical marijuana can also give you relief from HIV-related weight loss, sleeping disorders such as insomnia or difficulty in sleeping, nausea particularly from chemotherapy and involuntary movements associated with movement disorders are considered as the other potential benefits of medical marijuana.
Study on marijuana and depression
Researchers are still conducting studies on medical marijuana whether it can be used in the treatment of depression or can it ease the symptoms of depression. That’s why using medical marijuana for treating depression is still in the beginning stage as there is no clinical evidence from the researchers.
Scientists are conducting clinical trials at the University of Buffalo, whether medicinal marijuana can potentially treat this mental health condition due to chronic stress. Researchers also conducting clinical trials on brain chemicals known as endocannabinoids and the scientists at RIA (Research Institute on Addictions) showing special interest in this.
These chemical compounds are produced naturally and they play a significant role in
- Motor control
- Cognition
- Emotions
- Behavior
Animals have been used in this research and scientists do not perform these clinical trials on humans. After conducting the clinical trials, scientists came to the conclusion that chronic stress will forcibly put an end to the brain’s production of endocannabinoids. They also concluded that it will further lead to depression-like behavior.
As medicinal marijuana enters into the system, it will try to help the smooth functioning of the body and it will ultimately result in ease the symptoms of depression.
It is not officially confirmed by the government whether medicinal marijuana can be used on the people who are suffering from mental health disorders and more researches have to be done in order to get clarity.
What are the risks and warnings of medical marijuana?
Seventy-one percent of people did not show any substantial side effects in a group examined regarding the usage of marijuana for consistent pain. Among them, six percent indicated a cough and irritation in the throat.
There is no definite proof to indicate that the use of marijuana leads to depression. Whereas, there might be a connection between depression and marijuana. Consistent users or using heavy amounts of the medicine are identified with depression more frequently when compared with non-smokers, as per certain studies.
There are several other mental health situations that are connected with the usage of marijuana. It is significant to know that marijuana might trigger psychosis of schizophrenia, if you going through an increased risk of psychosis. A mental complication identified by a disconnection from reality is known as psychosis. The illusions and deceptions are certain symptoms of psychosis.
The possible consequences of usage of marijuana might rely on the way you consume it. As a pill, spray, patches, are certain methods through which medical marijuana can be consumed. Studies are being conducted with conventional competitive procedures, like smoking or vaporizing.
The experimenters at University in the state of Buffalo are presently attempting to find out if a definite extract, called cannabidiol, can provide the mood-elevating advantages without causing reliability on the medicines.
Conventional therapies for depression
The treatment of depression depends on the person and the seriousness of the condition. Low, average and serious depression can be potentially and successfully regulated.
Like psychotherapy, gentle depression might react in a good manner to the treatment that is provided psychosocially. For low levels of depression, medications are generally not prescribed.
For the persons who are going through medium to high levels of depression, psychological therapies like social psychotherapies considered as a fine initial step.
Some physicians suggest antidepressants for the persons whose depression level is more serious. Tricyclic antidepressants and certain serotonin reuptake inhibitors some examples of anti-depressants. Their antidepressants come with possible consequences and it is advisable to utilize the medications as per the advice of your physician. The children and teenagers suffering from depression antidepressants should be consumed carefully.
Conclusion
Even though the study in this sphere appears to be favorable, additional work should be carried out to evaluate if medical marijuana is an efficient therapy for depression. Further on, only twenty-four states and the district of Columbia permits the usage of marijuana now.
If you are living in a region where medical marijuana is legally permitted and you are trying to use this as a possible treatment, we would advise you to consult with your physician. They will help you assess if the usage of marijuana is an alternative for treating your depression.
Your healthcare provider can also show you the way to consider other alternatives for treating your depression. Working with your physician as a team can help you create a fine course of action for treating your depression.
Sirisha B