Treating Depression With Cannabis

Depression is a prevalent mental illness that affects roughly 1 in 5 people worldwide during their lifetime. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness that last at least two weeks and interfere with your daily life. It can also include other symptoms like changes in appetite or sleeping habits; feeling tired or sluggish; irritability; restlessness; lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed; feelings of worthlessness or guilt; trouble thinking clearly or concentrating; feelings of hopelessness about the future; thoughts about death or suicide.

The exact cause of depression is unknown; however, the biological processes that support the disorder have been identified. Depression is characterized by anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure—and low self-esteem. There are two main categories of depression: unipolar depression (major depressive disorder) and bipolar depression (bipolar disorder 2). Unipolar depression accounts for 90% of cases of major depressive disorder.

Is weed good for depression?

One reason why cannabis might help with depression is that it activates the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors located in the brain that help regulate emotion, memory, sleep patterns, appetite control, immune function, and pain management. By stimulating these receptors through the consumption of cannabinoids such as THC or CBD (tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol), one can potentially achieve relief from specific symptoms such as insomnia or feelings of anxiety or sadness.

But what about cannabis as a treatment for depression? While there haven’t been any large-scale studies on the topic yet, some researchers have found promising results from small studies with limited sample sizes. These studies show that THC may reduce symptoms of depression by activating serotonin receptors in the brain (serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation).

What weed strain is good for depression?

Jack Herer

• Main Cannabinoid: THC 
• Main Terpenes: Terpinolene, caryophyllene, pinene

The high from this strain is best described as energetic with a slight head rush feeling that can sometimes lead to paranoia if used too much or too often (especially if taken during the day). Users report feeling happier and more relaxed while enjoying increased creativity through their creation process—whether it’s creating art, writing music or poetry or just coming up with ideas for new projects!

Granddaddy Purple

• Main Cannabinoid: THC
• Main Terpenes: Myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene

Granddaddy Purple is a classic indica-dominant hybrid that has won awards for its potency, taste, aroma, and effects. he buds have purple hues on them, hence the name Grand Daddy Purple (or GDP). GDP has an earthy flavor with notes of pine, berries, and citrus undertones. Its effects are strong but mellow; they include feelings of euphoria as well as sedation that can make your eyes droop or even cause you to fall asleep if used too late in the day.

This strain is great for unwinding after work or helping you fall asleep at night if you have trouble sleeping due to stress or anxiety problems such as PTSD or depression. It’s also good for stimulating appetite so those who suffer from nausea due to chemotherapy treatments may want to try this

Blackberry Kush

• Main Cannabinoid: THC
• Main Terpenes: Myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene

It’s hard to fall asleep when your mind is racing. Your thoughts are spinning, your brain won’t turn off, and you’re too wired to relax.

But what if there was a way to ease into sleep with a strain that helps you find stillness in mind and body? What if there was a strain that could help you let go of all those late-night thoughts keeping you up?

Blackberry Kush is just that strain.this indica-dominant hybrid has a sweet berry flavor and an earthy aroma. This strain leaves users feeling relaxed and sedated while also providing some mild physical effects—they may feel tingly or numb after smoking or vaping it.

This is definitely one of those strains that’s best saved for before bedtime—its meditative tranquility will help you find stillness in mind and body so you can get some well-deserved rest!

Additional Strains to help with your depression:

Pennywise

A nicely balanced and evenly balance THC/CBD strain, Pennywise can be high in myrcene, BCP and pienene. 

Green Crack

Although Green Crack is not suitable for all mood disorders, it can be helpful for those who suffer from purely depressive symptoms and have trouble getting out of bed during the day.

Pineapple Express

Another strain high in limonene content, Pineapple Express is a one-way ticket to Happy Town and is known as one of the most uplifting marijuana strains.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights will help you forget your negative thoughts that you keep repeating over and over in your head. It will help you relax and is one of the best strains at treating insomnia. If your depression is keeping you up at night this strain is highly recommended.

Sour Kush

This strain has elevating and mood-changing properties associated with Marijuana strains for depression. This hybrid has uplifting qualities sparking laughter and relaxing feelings as well it is know for stimulates your appetite.

Lamb’s Breath

A potent and powerful sativa with sticky, green buds, its a quintessential marijuana strain for assisting those who suffer from depression, stress, or a combination of the two.

Girl Scout Cookies

With roughly 18% to 23% THC, the effects of this strain come on almost instantly. Using this strain will help you feel more motivated to socialize, it is also know to be a great strain to help deal with anxiety due to its relaxing properties.

Wedding Cake

This indica-dominant hybrid is very high in THC, and should not be smoked by novice smokers. Know to produce euphoric relaxation leading to a deep sleep.

Gorilla Zkittlez 

This unique cannabis strain will relax your body and aid in focusing your mind on moving forward with your day, helping you get to what you need done. We know depression can by paralyzing and this strain will help you with the task at hand. Zkittlez is great any time of day as a nice uplifting smoke

Gelato

Gelato is a well-balanced hybrid marijuana strain that can help the mind and the body relax and will not cause to much drowsiness. This makes it a good strain for those feeling off in the middle of the day but still needing to keep going and stay motivated.

HOW DO THESE STRAINS HELP?

All of these strains can help combat depression by giving you the means to improve your mood, ease anxiety, and boost your energy, these cannabis strains can help motivate you and help you fight the paralyzing mood disorder and state of mind caused by depression.  If you are going to try cannabis for depression, seek professional medical advice to ensure you’re using the right strain, and ingestion method that works best for you.

Does CBD help with depression?

THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, but CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. Hemp and marijuana come from the same species of plant, but have different amounts of THC and CBD. Some strains of cannabis contain high levels of THC and low levels of CBD; some strains contain high levels of CBD and low levels of THC; and some strains contain balanced amounts of both cannabinoids.

CBD has been used for many years to treat chronic pain and other health conditions. Research suggests that it may also be effective at treating anxiety disorders, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, schizophrenia, inflammation and seizures.

Additionally, CBD may have antidepressant effects through its ability to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by neurons in your brain (this prevents serotonin from being broken down).

CBD oil for depression

CBD oil can be found on almost every street in every state – okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it is true that it is easy to find. If your state )or street) is not as abundant in CBD oil, then there’s a simple solution- turn to the internet. It is easy to buy CBD oil online, all you have to do is to spot the right quality and you’re good to go! 

But, how to do that? 

The easiest way to spot a quality CBD oil is to identify a brand that offers third party lab reports on their oils. These reports should be easy to read, and even easier to access. You should be able to identify the cannabinoid levels, and it should also rule out any nasty pesticides or other harmful substances.  CBD oil can be taken as is, just a few drops under the tongue, or you can add it to your meals, beverages, and even a smoothie.

How much CBD for Depression? 

Depression getting you down? You could start off with. 40 – 70 mg per day. This works well if you space it out into two doses: one in the morning and one before you go to sleep. If you do not notice a difference, or it seems too little for you, wait a week first and then increase the dose by 10mg. do this every week until you reach your Goldilock’s sweet spot.

Top Tip: If you’ve never taken this before, start out with just 5 mg per day and see how it affects your mood over the next week or so. You might be surprised by how quickly it works!

Top CBD heavy Strains for Depression

Charlotte’s Web

13 % CBD – If you’re looking for a strain that won’t get you high but will give you the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), look no further than Charlotte’s Web.

Harlequin

This is another welll-loved strain! With its balanced profile of THC:CBD, its easy to see why. The CBD in Harlequin balances out the THC and as such, delivers a clear-headed experiences that allows calm to descend over the body and mind. 

Cannatonic

The Cannatonic strain is revered throughout the medicinal marijuana community, which is not at all surprising considering the strain’s name contains the word ‘tonic’. It also has a balanced profile of THC : CBD and delivers a gentle relaxing experience that tends to stop any racing negetive thoughts. Another common association of depression is the heaviness that often settles into the body. The Cannatonic strain tends to lift that depressive fog and allows a lightness of being to re-enter and inspire. 

Related: See a full list of strains with high CBD content.

The Bottom Line

Cannabis has been used for centuries as an antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) agent. It’s also known for its ability to improve sleep quality, which is another important factor in reducing depression. The relationship between cannabis and depression is complex; some consumers find that cannabis elevates their moods while others experience worsening symptoms of depression when they consume it.

The above mentioned strains, due to their cannabinoid profiles and terpene profiles, have been effective for others in the fight against depression. The most important thing is to have a chat with your trusted doctor about using cannabis as a supportive measure, and also to start low with your dose, monitor how you feel, and increase or decrease accordingly. 

Depression is a mean opponent, and we hope that this article helps you find the support you need.

Quadzilla Cannabis Online Dispensary in Canada stocks lots of Cannabis strains that help with depression. If you need help picking one out please contact one of our bud-tenders to help you place your order.