Is Cannabis An Antidepressant?

Currently, very little research has been done to study the effects of cannabis on depression. However, there is much anecdotal evidence to suggest that cannabis may be an effective treatment option for some patients suffering from depression. While cannabis is not widely prescribed for depression at this time, many people use the drug to self-medicate with positive results. Moreover, several promising studies suggest that cannabis may act in a similar way as well-known antidepressants.

A neurobiological study from McGill University found that a synthetic form of THC, the most active ingredient in cannabis, acts as an effective antidepressant when taken in low doses. Unfortunately, the same ingredient was found to worsen depression and other psychiatric conditions (such as psychosis) when taken in higher doses. The study found that low doses of synthetic THC can increase serotonin, a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural mood stabilizer. A lack of serotonin can contribute to depression. Several well-known antidepressants including Prozac work by increasing the concentration of serotonin in the brain.

The study was performed on rodents, not humans. When the rodents were injected with too much synthetic THC, the effect was reversed and serotonin levels plummeted. Treating depression with cannabis in humans could be very risky because controlling the dosage is extremely difficult (when smoking a joint for example).

The lead scientist, Dr. Gobbi, was inspired to study cannabis as an antidepressant after noticing that clinical evidence has not kept up with human experiences. “As a psychiatrist, I noticed that several of my patients suffering from depression used to smoke cannabis,” she said. “And in the scientific literature, we had some evidence that people treated with cannabis for multiple sclerosis or AIDS showed a big improvement in mood disorders. But there were no laboratory studies demonstrating the anti-depressant mechanism of action of cannabis.”

Researchers have found that antidepressants are tied to the body’s endocannabinoid system. Both chemicals from cannabis and chemicals that the body produces naturally act on the endocannabinoid system to help regulate sleep, appetite, mood, pleasure and pain, and many other natural functions. The study published in Neurotoxicity Research found that antidepressants help rodents produce more of these chemicals, called endocannabinoids. While this is not conclusive evidence that cannabis acts as an antidepressant, it is certainly promising to find that they are closely linked in this way.

Some people believe that cannabis can cause depression. This belief can be traced back to higher rates of depression among cannabis users. However, this link is likely due to correlation, not causation. It is also highly possible that cannabis use is high among people suffering from depression because people often choose to self-medicate with marijuana.

While marijuana does not necessarily cause depression, some doctors believe that marijuana use can make it more difficult to recover from depression because the drug can reduce energy and motivation. Some doctors also believe that cannabis can interfere with antidepressant function.

It is always best to consult with a medical professional before trying a new treatment, including cannabis.