While many are aware that cannabis may help the symptoms of depression, until recently there was no scientific evidence to back up what people believed or experienced.
Research has already found cannabis to be effective in treating a variety of mental and physical conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain…and now, according to a recent study, it looks like depression can be added to the list.
The study from the Research Institute on Addictions has linked cannabis to lowering the symptoms of depression. Although further research is necessary due to the complex nature of treating depression, the study proved positive when treating chronic stress in rats
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Waking Times reports: Scientists at the Research Institute on Addictions (part of the University of Buffalo in New York) found that the chemical compounds endocannabinoids may help treat depression caused by chronic stress. Endocannabinoids are the same compounds in the brain that are activated by THC receptors.
To reach their conclusion, researchers studied the effects of chronic stress on rats. They found that when exposed to constant stress, the production of endocannabinoids in rats was reduced. These are the same chemicals that are responsible for emotion, behavior and cognition. They’re also linked to feelings of relaxation, well-being and increased appetite.
The endocannabinoids that are produced naturally by the body are similar to the ones found in cannabis.
The results of the study also shed some light on why chronic stress, which leads to reduced endocannabinoid production, often leads to depression.
During the study, researches administered cannabis-derived cannabinoids to rats. They found that the cannabinoids found in cannabis were an effective way to restore the endocannabinoid levels in the brains of the animals.
The researchers say that the cannabinoid compounds derived from cannabis may help restore endocannabinoid function in humans, and possibly ease depression and stabilize mood.
Of course, there are several variables to consider when discussing cannabis’ effects on depression. For example, certain strains have been known to reduce depression (read more about cannabis strains here: https://weedy.com/strains), while others can lead to feelings of paranoia and anxiety.
The results of this new study reinforce the possible link between cannabis and depression relief. But experts warn that the relationship between cannabis and treating depression is still a complex one. Some research has found that heavy cannabis users are actually at a higher risk of developing depression, although the link between casual use and depression has yet to be established. The effects of certain strains of cannabis on depression also need to be studied.
The study is a step towards understanding how cannabis can be used to improve overall health. Additional research will hopefully help scientists determine if the cannabinoids found in cannabis will be effective at treating human patients suffering from depression.
Sources:
http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2015/02/004.html
http://www.jneurosci.org/content/34/44/http://www.jneurosci.org/content/34/44/14560.short14560.short
