The use of marijuana for healing common conditions is increasing rapidly. Especially for mood disorders that are typically treatment-resistant, like depression. Depression is debilitating to a patient’s mental health, and currently affects 1 in 5 people in Canada, alone.
So, can medical marijuana help? Studies are saying ‘yes’, and users are seeing real-time results with the help from a few specific strains. Here we’ll explore medical marijuana for depression, and the Top 5 genetics to turn to, when looking to elevate your mood and symptoms.
The Research on Medical Marijuana and Depression
The first thing to know when learning about medical marijuana and depression, is what the endocannabinoid system is, and how it works. The endocannabinoid system is a group of neurotransmitters that send signals or messages to other body systems. It’s responsible for feeling an overall ‘homeostasis’ or a sense of balance and well-being. By regulating body processes like immune response, cell communication, appetite, memory, mood, metabolism and more.
When consuming cannabinoids like CBD and THC from medical marijuana, they bind or interact with our body’s natural endocannabinoids or receptors. Ultimately allowing their effects to be felt throughout the body, and mind. For depression, the levels of endocannabinoids your body maintains may be key for healing, and marijuana is showing it can help.
Recently, a University of Buffalo study found a link between chronic stress decreasing the number of endocannabinoids found in the brain. In turn, the researchers discovered this reduction leads to depressive types of behaviour. When patients begin introducing additional cannabinoids via medical marijuana, endocannabinoid levels improve and ultimately restore optimal moods and functioning.
Another study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders also reported promising results for marijuana alleviating symptoms of depression. The research reported that overall, ‘cannabis significantly reduced ratings of depression, anxiety, and stress.” Moreover, the study even pointed to specific marijuana traits that were extra relieving. They found that low CBD and high THC strains were best for decreasing symptoms of depression, while high THC and high CBD marijuana was ideal for stress.
Which leads us to the question…what are the best strains for treating depressive like symptoms? Before we get to our coveted list, let’s first review how CBD and THC help specifically, and the terpenes to seek out.
Benefits of CBD, THC, and Terpenes
Even though CBD and THC come from the same plant, they produce their own individual effects. As do the other cannabinoids that are found in marijuana, which is nearly 100+. In addition to containing these beneficial compounds, cannabis is also chock-full of terpenes. Terpenes are the aromatic centers of the flower and responsible for those sweet and funky scents that consumers crave. They also produce their own specific effects, too.
For depression, here are the top effects provided by CBD, THC and terpenes that can help alleviate symptoms of the condition.
CBD –
- CBD binds to the ‘serotonin’ receptor, AKA the ‘happy chemical’. It strengthens the receptors power and increases levels found inside the body.
- Inflammation of the brain can also lead to depression type symptoms, which CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects can reduce.
THC –
- A 2007 study from McGill University in Montreal, found THC to be an antidepressant.
- In the Netherlands, research showed THC can positively affect the mind’s reaction to negative emotions.
Terpenes –
- Limonene (citrus and lemon aromas) is a terpene prevalent in cannabis strains that is well-known for relieving anxiety and depression.
- Linalool (floral and herbal aromas) is another terpene that has stress-relieving qualities, specifically.
Now that you know everything you need to know about cannabis and its link to depression, let’s get to the good stuff…What are the best medical marijuana strains to choose when relieving depression? Here are the genetics we found users turning to most.
Top 5 Marijuana Strains for Depression
- Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a classic strain that proves beneficial for depression. The genetics contain high levels of limonene and linalool, the terps that are notable for relieving stress and anxiety. Also, adding to Blue Dream’s crave-worthy flavors that are earthy and fruity with a hint of floral. The sativa strain provides an energetic euphoria and mental clarity that make it ideal for daytime use, too.
- Jilly Bean
Another Sativa dominant hybrid, Jilly Bean is uplifting in overall effects for a mood-enhancing experience. The strain contains linalool for therapeutic relief which also provides its desirable floral aroma. Jilly Bean boasts fruity orange and citrus notes too, that hint towards the genetics stimulating and invigorating energy. Due to its lower THC levels, it’s ideal for beginners or those seeking a less psychoactive type of high.
- Super Lemon Haze
You can probably guess that Super Lemon Haze is high in limonene, the ideal terp for lifting your spirits with its exhilarating citrus scent. The strain is predominantly Sativa meaning it can pump up your energy levels, while relieving the mind of stresses and depressive type emotions. Super Lemon Haze uniquely has an ample level of CBD which helps boost its ability to relieve depression, even more. The cerebral high also promotes feeling social, which can help many introverts suffering from mood disorders.
- Jack Herer
Another legendary and classic strain, Jack Herer is a well-known and award-winning sativa dominant hybrid. The genetics are ideal for treating symptoms of depression due to their highly euphoric effects. Jack Herer bursts with citrus and pine-like scents, so you know it’s high in limonene for extra stress and anxiety relief. The strain is awe-inspiring for creative thoughts, and provides a giddy, happy high that proves to be quite comforting.
- Girl Scout Cookies
Last, but not least is the highly coveted Girl Scout Cookies strain. Not only notable for its smooth and delectable tastes, but calming and pleasurable indica dominant effects. The popular genetics are preferred by patients who suffer from depression, because of its ability to promote relaxing yet euphoric vibes. Girl Scout Cookies contains moderate levels of THC for a comfortable body buzz, and mellowing of the mind.
Cannabis for Depression – Elevated Euphoria
Whether you choose one of our top 5 medical marijuana strains for depression, or seek out edibles or concentrates with similar traits…research is showing cannabis can be useful for the widespread disorder. Even better, is MMJDirect.co has you covered. Get the help you need to reach your ideal elevated euphoria. Shop our extensive collection of medical marijuana flower and top-premium cannabis goods, now.