Marijuana provides lots of health benefits. There’s scientific evidence that its chemical compounds can help in boosting mood, energy levels, sleep, etc., thus managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other illnesses. As a result, more patients are opting for cannabis as an alternative treatment. In the United States, the herb is legal for medical purposes in 33 states. You can easily access state-licensed dispensaries by getting a medical marijuana card Oklahoma. In most cannabis legalized states, an MMJ card is valid for one year, and you need to renew it for another year thereafter.
Marijuana As a Treatment For Depression
Depression is a common mental illness, which affects about 350 million people across the world. However, it’s also one of the major reasons for disability worldwide. Still, most of the patients don’t get treatment for managing the condition properly.
There’s a wide range of treatments for depression available, such as medications and therapies. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a well-known therapy for depression, which is focused on changing thinking patterns.
Medical researchers have found that marijuana is effective in managing depressive episodes, thus promoting mental wellness. Other health benefits of cannabis include—pain management, anxiety relief, and treatment for nausea & vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
Scientific evidence since the 1990s shows that the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a vital role in managing various functions such as mood, memory, sleep, and appetite. Cannabinoids in marijuana bind to receptors in the ECS, thus boosting mood, sleep and stimulating appetite, thus treating depression.
Also Read: How Does Medical Marijuana Help Treat Depression
How does marijuana affect the brain? It usually interacts with three major areas-
- Amygdala- Amygdala is responsible for controlling fear, anxiety, and emotions. Cannabinoids target receptors in this brain region, thus reducing anxiety and promoting mental relaxation.
- Neocortex- This region is responsible for decision-making, movement, and thought processes.
- Nucleus acumens- It helps in regulating the reward system and motivation.
Medical marijuana provides euphoric and relaxation effects, thus helping patients manage their depression symptoms such as negative thoughts. Those who want to get off their depressive episodes without experiencing high effects can use strains with high levels of CBD and low levels of THC.
CBD provides ultimate anxiety relief and manages symptoms of epilepsy effectively. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Epidiolex, a medication containing a pure form of CBD, for the treatment of seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders examined the effects of marijuana on anxiety sufferers.
Researchers found that cannabis reduced levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. However, the findings were for short-term use, and repeated use may lead to worsening the condition.
Also Read: How Medical Marijuana Can Help You with Your Insomnia
Cannabis Strains For Fighting Depression
Different patients may have different effects of marijuana use. One strain managing symptoms of one patient may not work for another. Thus, it’s important to have in-depth research regarding different strains and select the ones that suit your condition the best.
Here’s a list of top strains for depression and anxiety patients-
- Skywalker OG Kush
- Blueberry Lambsbread
- Harlequin
- ACDC
- Valentine X
- Cannatonic
- Haoma
- Bubba Kush
- Kosher Kush
- Sour Tsunami
In conclusion, mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, stress can affect a patient’s overall health. You can’t focus on work or sleep properly if your mind is filled with negative thoughts. There’s scientific evidence that medical marijuana can be used for managing depressive episodes, negative thoughts, and other symptoms. Cannabis’ active ingredients interact with the endocannabinoid system, thus regulating mood, memory, sleep, and various other functions. To alleviate your symptoms completely, make sure you choose the right strains, cannabis consumption method, and dosage.
Talk to a licensed doctor to apply for your medical marijuana card Oklahoma today!