Does Marijuana Help Depression?

Though many clinical trials and well-funded academic research have taken place, the scientific community at large has yet to achieve a blanket consensus that depression is primarily caused by a singular factor. It is widely recognized, however, that depression is facilitated by a combination of environmental factors (ex. socio-economic pressure, emotional and physical trauma, etc.) as well by imbalances and generally low levels of specific neurotransmitters. The two primary neurotransmitters that are comparatively low in those who suffer from depression are serotonin and dopamine. Within the human brain, dopamine and serotonin function as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators – organic based chemicals released by neurons to relay signals to other nerve cells. The brain includes multiple individualistic pathways, the most significant of which play a key role in reward motivated behaviours, mood, sleep and appetite.  Medically prescribed antidepressants promote, inhibit or generally balance the levels of both serotonin and dopamine and are utilized to treat a number of disorders wherein moderate marijuana usage has also suggested to have been effective.  These disorders include but are not limited to; major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, chronic pain and eating disorders.

Marijuana usage as a form of depression control has both it’s proponents and its detractors within the scientific and medical communities respectively. Although further investigation is needed, research has clearly suggested that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its binding effect on the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, specifically cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) has a direct influence on both dopamine and serotonin production and, as a correlation to this, mood changes as well. The extent of these changes, as yet, is not entirely understood, so caution should be exercised when ‘self medicating’ major depressive disorder or depression-like symptoms. A 2007 study published in The Journal Of Neuroscience exploring cannabinoids anti-depressant like behaviour in active serotonergic neurons concluded that low doses of THC produced strengthened anti-depressant like effects, whereas higher doses of THC reversed the effects and worsened perceived depression – therefore moderate, controlled usage of marijuana could be of benefit.

Lastly, when considering the utilization of pharmaceutical anti-depressants as a form of treatment, one must acknowledge the potential side effects. Nausea, headaches, dizziness, tremors, fatigue or drowsiness, diarrhea, dry mouth, anxiety and insomnia are a few of the clinically documented side effects associated with the usage of commonly prescribed anti-depressants.

Marijuana, comparatively speaking, is a safer explorative option when employed in appropriate dosages – though the consultation of a medical professional, as ever, is highly recommended prior to commencing any sort of treatment in relation to mental disorder or imbalance.