Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance worldwide, with an estimated 150 million people using it. Cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for its euphoric and psychoactive effects. However, there are a growing number of studies exploring the potential benefits of cannabis use for depression symptoms. Research suggests that cannabinoids in cannabis may have antidepressant properties. Cannabinoids have been shown to interact with various neurotransmitter systems, including those implicated in depression such as: endocannabinoid,serotonergic, dopaminergic, adrenergic, and cholinergic pathways. In addition to acting on cannabinoid receptors throughout the central nervous system (CNS), endocannabinoids also bind to cell membrane fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) where they are then released into the blood stream. Evidence suggests that FABPs play an important role in regulating mood. There is a lot of conflicting evidence surrounding cannabis and depression because different studies have yielded varying results. However, current research suggests that using cannabis isn’t necessarily linked to developing depression or worsening symptoms of depression if you already have the condition.
What does the research say?
Scientists have conducted multiple studies examining the effects of cannabinoids on depression. Many of these studies have been short-term, with only a few going beyond 12 weeks. These studies have looked at the use of cannabinoids either as an “entourage effect” or used alone. An entourage effect refers to the combined effect of cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds found in cannabis. Evidence suggests that the combined effect of cannabinoids with terpenes may produce a synergistic effect that increases the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids. Long-term, evidence-based clinical trials are currently lacking. However, animal studies provide valuable insight into the potential antidepressant effects of cannabinoids. For example, animal studies have found that cannabinoids may be effective for treating anxiety and depression in animals models.
Cannabinoids in cannabis and depression
Depression is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. As a population, the use of cannabis is increasing, with an estimated 150 million people using it. Evidence suggests that cannabinoids in cannabis may have antidepressant properties. Cannabis contains cannabinoids that are thought to have antidepressant effects. Some of the most common cannabinoids in cannabis are THC, CBD and CBG. THC is most associated with the “high” people experience when they use cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, has been explored as an antidepressant due to its therapeutic potential in treating a variety of mental health disorders, including:
How do cannabinoids work?
Depression is thought to be caused by the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Cannabinoids act as “natural” brain transmitters that may restore nerve activity after it has been destroyed by harmful “bugs” called pathogens or parasites. Dysregulated nerve activity, also referred to as “pathomorphies”, is one potential contributor to depression. Pathomorphisms are abnormal nerve signalling patterns that are associated with an increased risk of developing depression. These include:
Current evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may be most effective for treating depression
CBD is one of only a few cannabinoids that has been explored for the treatment of depression. As mentioned above, CBD has been found to be effective for treating a number of mental health disorders, including:
Future directions
As research continues, there are several areas that deserve greater attention. These include: - Developing long-term, evidence-based clinical trials - Examining the effects of combining cannabis with “proto-drugs” such as psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine - Further understanding the role of FABPs in cannabis and its antidepressant effects - Further exploring the role of the endocannabinoid system in the brain as a potential therapeutic target - Further exploring the potential of cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, in animal models of depression
Conclusion
Given the growing popularity of cannabis and reported benefits for treating symptoms of depression, it’s important to note that research shows that using cannabis is unlikely to lead to developing depression. However, more research is needed to fully examine the potential benefits of using CBD for treating depression. Depression is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. However, current research suggests that using cannabis isn’t necessarily linked to developing depression or worsening symptoms of depression if you already have the condition.
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