Medical Marijuana for Depression: CBD and THC
Medical marijuana has many different benefits. It has been found to help people with nausea, chronic pain, and anxiety. It is also a treatment option for people with depression. If you are considering medical marijuana for depression, then it is important to understand the roles of both THC and CBD.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabinol (CBD) are the two active components of marijuana. THC is the psychoactive part; it is the drug that gives you that “high” feeling. In contrast, CBD is non-psychoactive, so it doesn’t get you high. CBD is credited with many benefits.
Different strains of marijuana have different ratios of THC to CBD. Note that all smokable marijuana will have some of each. However, a strain that has a very high level of THC is going to produce more side effects. In contrast, a high CBD strain will not be as psychoactive. People who want to enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana for depression without getting high should seek out high CBD strains of marijuana.
It is possible to find some forms of the drug that are CBD=only. This is preferable to some people who want to avoid any stigma that they associate with THC. Those forms are typically oils, tinctures, and sublingual pills. Early research indicates that pure CBD may offer some benefits for depression. However, we do not know enough about this, yet, since most research has included some levels of THC.
Each person’s body will be different. However, research indicates that in most cases, people see improvements to depression with strains that are higher in CBD and lower in THC. A large percentage of people in research studies have reported ongoing success with this option. In other words, people with depression who choose high CBD strains have fewer depression symptoms over time.
As marijuana becomes decriminalized and legalized in more places, it becomes easier to find accurate information about the THC-CBD ratio in any particular strain. Of course, you should purchase your marijuana from a legitimate medical seller. You should begin with a small dose. First, this means that you choose the lowest THC ratio available. Second, it means that you use just a little bit at a time. Then you can increase your ratio and dosage amount as needed.
In order to get the best results over time, you should track how medical marijuana affects your depression symptoms. Keep a daily log that includes:
The strain you used
The form (smoke, vape, pill)
THC:CBD ratio
Amount consumed
Immediate effects
Side effects
Effects after continued use over days and weeks
This type of log will help you to see exactly how well medical marijuana is helping you. You will get a clear sense of the right amount of THC and CBD to achieve the goal of reduced depression symptoms with the least side effects. Of course, it can be frustrating to take such a slow approach to medication results. However, it is comparable to the long process of finding the right drug and dosage of any other anti-depressant medication. In fact, it might have fewer side effects and better results than other options.
Dr. Jeffrey Ditzell is a Psychiatrist in New York City and specializes in issues involving anxiety depression and adult ADHD. Medical Marijuana is one of the many treatments Dr. Ditzell offers to treat a variety of mental health issues.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabinol (CBD) are the two active components of marijuana. THC is the psychoactive part; it is the drug that gives you that “high” feeling. In contrast, CBD is non-psychoactive, so it doesn’t get you high. CBD is credited with many benefits.
Different strains of marijuana have different ratios of THC to CBD. Note that all smokable marijuana will have some of each. However, a strain that has a very high level of THC is going to produce more side effects. In contrast, a high CBD strain will not be as psychoactive. People who want to enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana for depression without getting high should seek out high CBD strains of marijuana.
It is possible to find some forms of the drug that are CBD=only. This is preferable to some people who want to avoid any stigma that they associate with THC. Those forms are typically oils, tinctures, and sublingual pills. Early research indicates that pure CBD may offer some benefits for depression. However, we do not know enough about this, yet, since most research has included some levels of THC.
Each person’s body will be different. However, research indicates that in most cases, people see improvements to depression with strains that are higher in CBD and lower in THC. A large percentage of people in research studies have reported ongoing success with this option. In other words, people with depression who choose high CBD strains have fewer depression symptoms over time.
As marijuana becomes decriminalized and legalized in more places, it becomes easier to find accurate information about the THC-CBD ratio in any particular strain. Of course, you should purchase your marijuana from a legitimate medical seller. You should begin with a small dose. First, this means that you choose the lowest THC ratio available. Second, it means that you use just a little bit at a time. Then you can increase your ratio and dosage amount as needed.
The strain you used
The form (smoke, vape, pill)
THC:CBD ratio
Amount consumed
Immediate effects
Side effects
Effects after continued use over days and weeks
This type of log will help you to see exactly how well medical marijuana is helping you. You will get a clear sense of the right amount of THC and CBD to achieve the goal of reduced depression symptoms with the least side effects. Of course, it can be frustrating to take such a slow approach to medication results. However, it is comparable to the long process of finding the right drug and dosage of any other anti-depressant medication. In fact, it might have fewer side effects and better results than other options.
Dr. Jeffrey Ditzell is a Psychiatrist in New York City and specializes in issues involving anxiety depression and adult ADHD. Medical Marijuana is one of the many treatments Dr. Ditzell offers to treat a variety of mental health issues.
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