Exploring the Interplay of Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Terpenes in Relieving Depression Symptoms

The Prevalence of Depression in Modern Society

Depression is a major health concern, affecting millions of people around the world. In America alone, over 17 million individuals are living with depression, which is often linked to lifestyle factors such as sedentary lifestyles, lack of sleep, limited exposure to sunlight, social isolation, and stress. These factors can significantly impact people's well-being, work, and overall quality of life.

Exploring the Interplay between Cannabis and Depression Symptoms

The relationship between cannabis and depression is complex and multifaceted. While some people may use cannabis to improve their mood, others may find that it worsens their symptoms of depression. Despite this, there have been no clinical trials focused on cannabis as a treatment for depression, making it challenging to determine the plant's impact on individuals with depression.

The research that is available suggests that the relationship between depression and cannabis is nuanced. As more studies are conducted, it may become clearer that the effects of cannabis on depression are influenced by a range of factors such as dose, type of cannabinoid, and patterns of use.

Understanding Depression: An Overview

Depression is a term used to describe a range of mood disorders that share certain defining symptoms. People with depression often experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low mood, as well as changes in sleep and eating patterns, low energy levels, and difficulty experiencing joy or excitement.

The most common forms of depression include:

•     Bipolar disorder: Previously known as manic depression, this disorder is characterized by episodes of high and low energy.
•     Seasonal affective disorder: This disorder is commonly seen in regions with limited sunlight during certain seasons.
•     Major depressive disorder: This condition is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in life, which can impact daily functioning.
•     Persistent depressive disorder: A low mood that lasts for two years or more.
•     Postpartum depression: Depression that occurs after giving birth.

Depression not only affects a person's mental health but also has physical health implications. For instance, adults with depression are 64% more likely to develop coronary artery disease, and 20 to 30% of individuals with heart disease also experience depression.

Depression is a result of multiple interacting mechanisms, including genetic factors, environmental factors, brain inflammation, and other factors. Understanding the diversity of causes behind depression can help to develop a more comprehensive approach to treating it.

The Connection between Depression and the Endocannabinoid System

In recent years, attention has shifted to the role played by the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in depression. The ECS is a neurochemical signaling network that regulates various processes in the body, including mood, sleep, memory, and appetite.

Cannabis affects the body through the endocannabinoid system and can alter a person's mood, appetite, and level of drowsiness. Although we still have much to learn about the endocannabinoid system, it is clear that a well-functioning ECS is crucial for maintaining mental health.

Recent studies suggest that the ECS may play a significant role in depression. For example, one study found that women with depression had altered levels of endocannabinoids compared to those without depression. Other studies have observed that rodents that lacked CB1 receptors, a part of the endocannabinoid system, had difficulty experiencing pleasure and were more likely to develop symptoms associated with depression.

Does Cannabis Alleviate or Aggravate Symptoms of Depression?

A 2020 study highlighted the potential of the cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis to provide an antidepressant effect, but emphasized that there is currently no

substantial clinical evidence to support the use of cannabis as an effective treatment for depression. This conclusion is based on the fact that no randomized controlled trials have been conducted to investigate this outcome.

Despite the lack of scientific evidence, many cannabis consumers have already formed their own opinions on the matter. Mood elevation is frequently cited as one of the primary reasons for marijuana consumption, with people from all over the world using cannabis for centuries to increase sociability, induce feelings of euphoria, and alter perception. In one meta-analysis, which was a large analysis of multiple scientific studies, 34% of participants reported using cannabis to treat depression and low mood, even though depression is not recognized as a qualifying condition for cannabis use in any state in the US.

While depression is not a qualifying condition for cannabis use, many medical cannabis patients who have depression also experience pain. By alleviating pain, depression is often also reduced. For example, up to 54% of patients seeking treatment for chronic pain have reported depression.

There have also been efforts to determine whether cannabis use causes depression or whether depression leads to cannabis use. The available evidence suggests that both could be true, but there is stronger evidence to suggest that depression precedes cannabis use. One study found that individuals with depression were more than two times as likely to use cannabis daily.

Long-term or heavy cannabis use may also increase the likelihood of developing depression. However, it is important to note that other factors, such as sex, genes, tolerance, and personal circumstances, can also play a role.

Impact of Cannabis Dosage, Cannabinoids, and Terpenes on Depression Symptoms

It is crucial to understand that the relationship between cannabis and depression is complex and often overlooked by experts. The frequency of use, amount used, cannabinoid concentrations, and terpenes present can all influence whether cannabis contributes to or alleviates depressive symptoms.

Dosage

Cannabis, like many substances, can produce opposing outcomes at different doses, a phenomenon known as bidirectional effects. For some individuals, very high doses of THC can increase depression, anxiety, and negative mood, while low doses may reduce anxiety and stress and generate mild euphoria or uplift.

It is worth noting that the precise doses required to produce these effects are unclear, as many studies have not specified them. Furthermore, doses can affect individuals differently, based on factors such as personal tolerance, metabolism, and even diet.

Until further research specifically explores the effects of cannabis dosage on depressive symptoms, it is difficult to determine conclusively how dosing affects depression.