What is the Impact of Weed on Depression?

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What is Marijuana or Weed?

Weed is a slang term for marijuana or cannabis, which is used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. However, research regarding its risks and benefits is limited, and it is not commonly prescribed in clinical practice. Despite this, there has been an increased interest in this area, and the prescribing of marijuana may change with emerging research.

How Marijuana Affects the Brain

Marijuana contains over 400 chemical compounds that interact with specific cannabinoid receptors within the brain and body to exhibit effects. The CB1 receptors in the brain are present in areas associated with memory, anxiety, cognition, and pain sensory perception. Common behavioral effects include feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and memory and mood changes.

Is Marijuana a Stimulant or a Depressant?

Interestingly, marijuana can act as both a stimulant and a depressant. The effects of marijuana can include pain relief, relaxation, and increased energy and mood levels.

Marijuana and Depression

The use of marijuana has been associated with worse outcomes for individuals with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Further, research has indicated that prolonged cannabis use (especially in adolescents) can actually increase the risk of developing a depressive disorder later in life. Psychotherapy and antidepressants remain the primary treatment options for individuals with depression.

Risks of Marijuana Use for Depression

Using marijuana to treat symptoms of depression may actually be making your depression worse. There is also evidence that the compounds present in cannabis (CBD and THC) can interact with medications that are prescribed for depression. Due to these significant interactions, it’s worth letting your health professional know if you’re taking or thinking about taking marijuana if you’re on antidepressants.

Adverse Consequences of Marijuana Use

The side effects of marijuana use will vary, depending on whether it’s acute, persistent, or long-term. Acute consequences include dry mouth, dizziness, increased anxiety, increased appetite, irritability, sedation or drowsiness, and impaired motor skills. Persistent consequences include cognitive impairment, while long-term consequences include an increased risk of lung, head, and neck cancers, increased risk of psychosis, and reduced memory.

Seeking the Help of an Expert

It’s important to seek the help of a health professional if you are experiencing adverse effects of marijuana that you’re worried about. In most cases, they will advise you to reduce and cease your marijuana use. Marijuana dependence and abuse can be harmful to the individual. Those with marijuana dependence usually continue to take the drug despite adverse social or psychological effects.

Managing Depression

Depression is a complex mental health condition that requires patient education, evidence-based treatments (medications and therapy), and close follow-ups to ensure improvement and potential adjustments of treatment options. If you’re displaying some common signs and symptoms of depression, it’s worth letting your doctor know.

The Lowdown

More in-depth research is required before any conclusive evidence can be made about the beneficial properties marijuana may have on depressive symptoms. Although the research around marijuana and depression is still being undertaken, previous research has found that marijuana may worsen depression and has a number of negative short and long-term health effects, including cognitive impairment and psychosis. If you do currently use marijuana or are thinking about it, then you should let your health professional know.