{"id":4588,"date":"2022-03-03T20:36:16","date_gmt":"2022-03-03T20:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/uncategorized\/cannabis-and-depression\/"},"modified":"2022-03-03T20:36:16","modified_gmt":"2022-03-03T20:36:16","slug":"does-cannabis-help-or-worsen-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/?p=4588","title":{"rendered":"Does cannabis help or worsen depression?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Does cannabis help or worsen depression? | Leafly<\/title> <!-- This is Index Exchange, a script\/\/3rd-party integration that interjects GAM. It needs to be 'ahead' of GTM in the DOM, which comes from Cephalopod. GTM loads GAM. This script needs to setup it's interjection stuff before GAM loads. --> <!-- End Index Exchange --> <!-- Quotes = strings--><!-- No quotes = boolean-->\t <!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v17.5 (Yoast SEO v17.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ --> <!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. --> <\/p>\n<p> <!-- BEGIN Sailthru Horizon Meta Information --><\/p>\n<p><!-- END Sailthru Horizon Meta Information --> <!-- Google Publisher Tag --> <!-- End Google Publisher Tag --> <!-- Google Tag Manager --> <!-- End Google Tag Manager --> <!-- Chartbeat --> <!-- End Chartbeat --><br \/>\n <!-- Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> <\/p>\n<div id=\"copy_clipboard_success\" class=\"fixed top-0 left-0 right-0\">\n<div class=\"bg-white p-lg container mt-xl flex justify-between elevation-low rounded\"> <span class=\"flex items-center\"> <span class=\"ml-md\">Link copied to your clipboard<\/span> <\/span> <button id=\"copy_clipboard_close_btn\"> <\/button> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <!-- End Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> <title>Leafly<\/title> <title>Leafly \u00ae<\/title> <title>Loading\u2026<\/title> <\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-white fixed flex hidden inset-0 items-start md:h-auto md:items-center overflow-auto\" id=\"age-gate-container\">\n<div class=\"bg-white md:h-auto mx-auto p-lg text-sm w-full\" id=\"age-gate\">\n<p><label for=\"select-country\">Where are you from?<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"age-gate__info\">\n<p><button class=\"button\" data-testid=\"age-gate-no-button\" id=\"tou-cancel\">no<\/button><button class=\"button ml-md\" data-testid=\"age-gate-yes-button\" id=\"tou-continue\">yes<\/button><\/p>\n<p><label class=\"checkbox__label my-xl\"><span class=\"text-xs\" id=\"remember-user-label\">Remember me for 30 days. <br \/>I confirm that this is not a shared device.<\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<p class=\"error error--underage hidden\">Darn! You’re not old enough to use Leafly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"hidden age-gate__loading\">Redirecting you to<span class=\"redirect-domain\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"text-xs mt-auto\">By accessing this site, you accept<br \/>\nthe <a class=\"py-xl\" data-testid=\"tou-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/info\/terms-of-use\">Terms of Use<\/a><br \/>\nand <a class=\"py-xl\" data-testid=\"pp-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/info\/privacy-policy\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container my-xl\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col md:col-9\" id=\"article-content\">\n<p>Depression has been called a disease of modernity. More than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dbsalliance.org\/education\/depression\/statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">17 million Americans<\/a> are affected by it, and lifestyle factors can contribute to the disorder. Modern populations are often sedentary, sunlight- and sleep-deficient, socially isolated, and stressed, significantly affecting peoples\u2019 well-being, jobs, and lives. <\/p>\n<p>The relationship between cannabis and depression is complex. For some consumers, cannabis can elevate mood; for others, cannabis can worsen depressive symptoms. No clinical trials to date have focused on cannabis as a treatment for depression, so it\u2019s currently difficult to draw decisive conclusions about whether the plant is helpful or harmful for individuals with depression. <\/p>\n<p>The research that is available suggests that the connection between depression and cannabis is very nuanced. As new studies come to light, it may be that dose, cannabinoids, and use patterns can all influence whether cannabis can ease depression or exacerbate it.<\/p>\n<div class=\"leafly-table-of-contents w-full relative\"><button class=\"w-full text-left text-sm bg-leafly-white py-xs px-sm font-medium\" type=\"button\" id=\"tableOfContents\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Jump to a section<\/span><span class=\"caret\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-depression\">What is depression?<\/h2>\n<p>Depression is a catch-all term for a range of mood disorders that tend to share certain defining symptoms. People living with depression often feel low, hopeless, or sad, and experience irregular sleep or eating patterns, a lack of energy, and the inability to feel excited or joyful. <\/p>\n<p>The most common types of depression include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bipolar disorder:<\/strong> Formerly known as manic depression, this disorder is defined by episodes of high energy and depressed episodes of low energy<\/li>\n<li><strong>Seasonal affective disorder:<\/strong> This disorder commonly occurs in climates and regions with less sunlight during certain seasons<\/li>\n<li><strong>Major depressive disorder:<\/strong> A condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in life, which impairs daily functioning<\/li>\n<li><strong>Persistent depressive disorder:<\/strong> A low mood that occurs for two years or more<\/li>\n<li><strong>Postpartum depression:<\/strong> Depression that occurs after childbirth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While depression is classified as a mood disorder or mental illness, it has ramifications for physical health too. For example, adults with symptoms of depression have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/news\/2017\/heart-disease-and-depression-two-way-relationship\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">64% greater risk<\/a> of developing coronary artery disease. Twenty to thirty percent of people living with heart disease also have depression.<\/p>\n<p>Researchers now realize that depression is often caused by the interplay of different mechanisms. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fphar.2021.762738\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Diverse factors<\/a>, both inside and outside the body, can set depression in motion, including genetic factors, environmental factors, inflammation in the brain, and others. Awareness of this diversity of factors can help construct a more complete picture of what causes the disorder and how to treat it. <\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/health\/how-to-use-medical-marijuana-for-anxiety\" class=\"wp-block-leafly-blocks-leafly-single-inline-block leafly-inline-related-story\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"border border-deep-green-alt border-l-0 border-r-0 my-xl p-md font-bold\">\n<p>Related<\/p>\n<p>How to use cannabis for anxiety<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-depression-and-the-endocannabinoid-system\">Depression and the endocannabinoid system<\/h2>\n<p>While the factors that can contribute to depression are many, attention has recently come to the role played by one of the critical systems in the body: the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/science-tech\/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system\">endocannabinoid system<\/a>, or ECS.<\/p>\n<p>The ECS is a neurochemical signaling network that extends throughout the body, which helps maintain the healthy function of processes such as sleep, memory, mood, and appetite. It keeps the body in balance. <\/p>\n<p>The cannabinoids in cannabis cause effects in the body via the endocannabinoid system, which is why cannabis can influence a person\u2019s mood, appetite, and sleepiness.<\/p>\n<p>While we still have much to learn about the endocannabinoid system, one thing is for sure: A well-functioning ECS is essential for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fphar.2021.762738\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maintaining mental health<\/a>. Dysregulation of the ECS has already been linked to a broad range of illnesses, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0014488610001032\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">psychiatric disorders<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Recent findings suggest that the ECS may play a critical role in depression. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3422568\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">one study<\/a> found that women diagnosed with depression had altered levels of endocannabinoids compared to participants without depression. <\/p>\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fphar.2021.762738\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">other studies<\/a>, the CB1 receptors\u2014a part of the endocannabinoid system\u2014of rodents were removed via genetic modification, and the animals were then observed to be unable to experience joy and pleasure. Researchers also discovered that the animals had a higher likelihood of developing other symptoms associated with depression.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/science-tech\/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system\" class=\"wp-block-leafly-blocks-leafly-single-inline-block leafly-inline-related-story\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"border border-deep-green-alt border-l-0 border-r-0 my-xl p-md font-bold\">\n<p>Related<\/p>\n<p>What is the endocannabinoid system and what is its role?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-is-cannabis-a-treatment-for-or-cause-of-depression\">Is cannabis a treatment for, or cause of, depression?<\/h2>\n<p>A major <a href=\"https:\/\/bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12888-019-2409-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2020 study<\/a> emphasized that while it\u2019s clear that cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis could provide an antidepressant effect, no randomized controlled trials have been carried out investigating this outcome. In short, there is currently no robust clinical evidence to suggest that cannabis could be an effective treatment for depression.<\/p>\n<p>While the jury may still be out on the science, many cannabis consumers have already made their own minds up. Mood elevation is one of the most commonly cited reasons for marijuana consumption. People the world over have used cannabis for millennia as a means of increasing sociability, bringing about feelings of euphoria, and altering perception. <\/p>\n<p>In <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.aahs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Medical-Cannabis-Article.-pdf.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">one recent meta-analysis<\/a>, a large analysis of the results of multiple scientific studies, 34% of participants reported using cannabis to treat depression and low mood\u2014even though there are no states in the US that include depression as a qualifying condition for cannabis use.<\/p>\n<p>However, many medical cannabis patients who have depression also live with pain\u2014and by alleviating pain, depression is often also eased. For example, depression has been reported by <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.aahs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Medical-Cannabis-Article.-pdf.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">up to 54% of patients<\/a> seeking treatment for chronic pain. <\/p>\n<p>Researchers have also spent time trying to figure out whether cannabis use can cause depression\u2014or whether depression leads to cannabis use. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33332004\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Recent findings<\/a> suggest that both might be true, but there\u2019s stronger evidence to suggest that depression kicks off cannabis use. <a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2769386\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">One study<\/a> found that individuals with depression were more than two times as likely to use cannabis on a daily basis.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyt.2021.625158\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research also suggests<\/a> that long-term or heavy cannabis use may also increase the likelihood of developing depression. This doesn\u2019t mean that all long-term cannabis users or heavy users will develop depression: other factors such as sex, genes, tolerance and personal circumstances all play a contributing role as well.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/health\/cannabis-interact-antidepressants\" class=\"wp-block-leafly-blocks-leafly-single-inline-block leafly-inline-related-story\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"border border-deep-green-alt border-l-0 border-r-0 my-xl p-md font-bold\">\n<p>Related<\/p>\n<p>Does cannabis interact with antidepressants?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a> <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-how-cannabis-dose-cannabinoids-and-terpenes-can-affect-depression\">How cannabis dose, cannabinoids, and terpenes can affect depression <\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s vital to point out that the relationship between cannabis and depression is extremely nuanced, a fact that many experts acknowledge is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyt.2021.625158\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">often overlooked<\/a>. The frequency of use, amount used, cannabinoid concentrations, and even the terpenes present may all influence whether cannabis contributes to depressive symptoms or helps alleviate them. <\/p>\n<h3>Dose<\/h3>\n<p>Those already familiar with cannabis know that the effects of a single toke, as opposed to an entire joint, can lead to different experiences. Cannabis, like many substances, can bring about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/science-tech\/cannabis-dosage-importance\">opposing outcomes<\/a> at distinct doses\u2014a phenomenon known as bidirectional effects. <\/p>\n<p>In some individuals, <a href=\"https:\/\/bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12888-019-2409-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">very high doses<\/a> of THC can increase depression, anxiety, and negative mood, a finding that has been echoed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jwatch.org\/na44470\/2017\/07\/10\/thcs-effect-stress-and-negative-mood-its-bidirectional\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">by other studies<\/a>. On the other hand, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyt.2021.625158\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">low doses<\/a> may reduce anxiety and perceptions of stress, helping to generate mild euphoria or feelings of uplift. <\/p>\n<p>In many of these studies, however, precise doses were not identified, so it\u2019s unclear how much, or how little, qualifies as a high dose or a low dose. It\u2019s also worth noting that doses don\u2019t affect everyone in the same way\u2014factors such as personal tolerance, metabolism, even what you ate for lunch, can significantly influence your response to cannabis. <\/p>\n<p>Until more research is carried out that specifically explores the effects of cannabis dosage on depressive symptoms, it\u2019s hard to say conclusively exactly how dosing affects depression.<\/p>\n<h3>Cannabinoids<\/h3>\n<p>Studies also suggest that different combinations of cannabinoids may also influence whether cannabis eases or exacerbates the symptoms of depression.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s evidence that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7324885\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">THC taken with CBD<\/a> may be beneficial as a treatment for depression in the short term. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0165032718303100\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">One study<\/a> found that low THC\/high CBD cannabis was most effective in reducing perceived symptoms of depression. In contrast, high THC\/high CBD cannabis was found to be best in reducing the perceived symptoms of stress. <\/p>\n<p>Preliminary data also indicate that CBD alone may offer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7699613\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">therapeutic benefits<\/a> in the treatment of symptoms of depression. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29607408\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Other research<\/a> found that oral CBD reduced depressive symptoms in frequent cannabis consumers. This outcome resonates with the finding that CBD can counteract THC-induced anxiety in the previous study.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.liebertpub.com\/doi\/pdfplus\/10.1089\/can.2018.0006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">survey of 2,409 CBD users<\/a>, many participants revealed that they used CBD for depression. The survey also found that almost 36% of participants believed that CBD treated their condition very well by itself, but it\u2019s important to note that the data provided an overall analysis of perceived efficacy of CBD across a range of conditions, rather than for depression specifically. <\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/cannabis-101\/what-is-cannabinoid\" class=\"wp-block-leafly-blocks-leafly-single-inline-block leafly-inline-related-story\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"border border-deep-green-alt border-l-0 border-r-0 my-xl p-md font-bold\">\n<p>Related<\/p>\n<p>What is a cannabinoid?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a> <\/p>\n<h3>Terpenes <\/h3>\n<p>Finally, it appears that terpenes present in cannabis may also contribute to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7324885\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">antidepressant effects<\/a> of the plant. Many common cannabis terpenes, such as \u03b2-caryophyllene and myrcene, are already associated with anti-anxiety effects. Anxiety often goes hand-in-hand with depression. <\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s also evidence that several other terpenes may ease depressive symptoms. In a study where certain cannabis terpenes were compared to fluoxetine, a widely-used antidepressant, linalool and \u03b2-pinene were both found to produce an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7324885\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">antidepressant-like effect<\/a> in mice. <\/p>\n<p>A unique synergy occurs when cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in cannabis are combined, a phenomenon known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/cannabis-101\/cannabis-entourage-effect-why-thc-and-cbd-only-medicines-arent-g\">the entourage effect<\/a>. When it comes to treating the symptoms associated with depression, harnessing the right combinations and ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes may be the key to enhancing the plant\u2019s therapeutic benefits. Future research will tell. <\/p>\n<div id=\"author-box\" class=\"p-lg my-xxl bg-white rounded border border-light-grey elevation-low\">\n<div class=\"mb-lg\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/does-cannabis-help-or-worsen-depression.jpg\" alt=\"Emma Stone's Bio Image\" class=\"lazyload inline-block mr-md rounded-full border border-light-grey\"> <\/p>\n<p>Emma Stone<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"text-sm\">Emma Stone is a journalist based in New Zealand specializing in cannabis, health, and well-being. She has a Ph.D. in sociology and has worked as a researcher and lecturer, but loves being a writer most of all. She would happily spend her days writing, reading, wandering outdoors, eating and swimming.<\/p>\n<p> <a class=\"text-sm font-bold underline text-green\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/news\/author\/emma-stone\">View Emma Stone’s articles<\/a> <\/div>\n<div class=\"leafly-sailthru-signup p-lg my-xl bg-white rounded elevation-low border border-light-grey\">\n<p class=\"text-xs pt-lg\">By submitting this form, you will be subscribed to news and promotional emails from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\">Leafly<\/a> and you agree to Leafly’s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/company\/tos\">Terms of Service<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leafly.com\/company\/privacy-policy\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. You can unsubscribe from Leafly email messages anytime.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- Chartbeat --> <!-- End Chartbeat --> <!--\nPerformance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https:\/\/www.boldgrid.com\/w3-total-cache\/ Served from: _ @ 2022-03-04 04:44:43 by W3 Total Cache\n--><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Does cannabis help or worsen depression? | Leafly Link copied to your clipboard Leafly Leafly \u00ae Loading\u2026 Where are you from? noyes Remember me for 30 days. I confirm that this is not a shared device. Darn! You’re not old enough to use Leafly. Redirecting you to By accessing this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Depression has been called a disease of modernity. More than 17 million Americans are affected by it, and lifestyle factors can contribute to the disorder. Modern populations are often sedentary, sunlight- and sleep-deficient, socially isolated, and stressed, significantly affecting peoples\u2019… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4589,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4588","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marijuana_information"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/does-cannabis-help-or-worsen-depression.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4588","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4588"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4588\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4589"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4588"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4588"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}