Major depression is a mood disorder characterized by depressive episodes and extreme feelings of sadness. As one of the most common mental disorders in the United States, it’s important to give this psychological condition the attention it deserves.
Although this mood disorder is quite common, its symptoms and side effects can be severe and life-threatening in more serious instances. The symptoms of depression most commonly affect an individual’s mood and ability to handle daily activities, including sleeping and eating properly.
Although the most immediate and persistent symptoms may be sadness or a feeling of emptiness, other common signs of depression include:
As with any condition, the severity, frequency and presence of symptoms may vary from patient to patient. Regardless of the symptoms felt by a depressed patient, their condition can be debilitating and significantly impair their quality of life nevertheless.
Depression can appear for a variety of reasons, including post-partum pregnancy, illness, abuse and genetics. The underlying cause of a patient’s major depression may not be immediately evident, either.
As researchers continue to study the significance of the endocannabinoid system and its role in ensuring the body’s daily functionality, studies are beginning to uncover the importance this system places in the etiology of depression. Patients with major depression may exhibit an endocannabinoid deficiency that causes them to feel heightened feelings of stress, sadness and anxiety.
Because endocannabinoids play such a quintessential role in ensuring the body’s various systems perform fully, this deficiency could also disrupt one’s sense of wellbeing and cause issues in pain stimuli, digestion and sleeping patterns. In turn, these adverse effects can contribute even further to depressive feelings and agitate pre-existing feelings of sadness or despair.
The cannabinoids found within CBD and other cannabis products react with the endocannabinoid system in a way that enhances mood receptors. In a study conducted by the University of Southern California, patients who smoked marijuana exhibited fewer signs of depression than nonusers. While doctors initially believed cannabis to produce a placebo effect in those claiming to experience a heightened mood after use, researchers are beginning to understand the far-reaching impact of CBD on one’s mental state.
Cannabis products, such as CBD, help regulate the endocannabinoid system by stimulating the production of these compounds in the body. For patients lacking the proper amount of endocannabinoids, CBD products may help balance essential systems scattered throughout their body.
Although health professionals routinely prescribe cannabis for pain relief and inflammation-reducing purposes, doctors are beginning to see the therapeutic benefits of marijuana in patients with depressive episodes, too.
Because patients with depression are seeking a way to regulate their moods, it’s essential for them to find a form of marijuana that does not produce hallucinogenic effects. That’s why CBD oils are one of the best options for these individuals. Cannabidiol delivers the side effects patients desire without altering their state of mind or making them feel “high.”
Edibles and tablet or pill options are also a common form of CBD intake for depressed patients. These forms help the body quickly absorb the necessary compounds for quick and effective relief.
Because there is always a risk for adverse effects when taking cannabis, remember to always consult with a health professional first before consuming CBD.
As the acceptance of medical marijuana increases within the health field, so too does the production of new and innovative products. Today, millions of Americans scattered throughout the United States turn to cannabis to treat their chronic or debilitating conditions. Because no two illnesses are the same, herbalists and physicians are continuously creating new products crafted to suit every individual’s unique circumstances and needs.
If you are suffering from depression, you may benefit from the following CBD product selections:
Other cannabis varieties, such as Granddaddy Purple and Lemon Kush, are especially helpful in treating weight loss and a decrease in appetite that may manifest during depressive episodes. Strains such as Cannatonic, Cinex and XJ-13 are particularly useful in combatting fatigue, as well.
As with any prescription or medical-related product, be sure to consult with your primary care physician before you select the best treatment plan for your condition. Because not all doctors permit medical marijuana treatment for mood disorders, such as depression, be prepared for your physician to deny your request. If this happens, consider seeking a second opinion if you would still like to treat your depression with CBD medication.
At MarijuanaDoctors.com, we help patients across the globe access the resources to connect them to cannabis health professionals near them. Whether you’d like to learn more about the effects of CBD on depression, find a marijuana doctor in your state or expand your knowledge on the positive effects of cannabis, be sure to check out our resources and blog today!
Learn more about Major Depression and what makes medical marijuana an effective treatment for Major Depression’s symptoms.
