Cannabis Improves Chronic Depression Symptoms, New Study by German Researchers

Depression stands as the predominant focus of mental health research in the context of cannabis. This area of study remains ongoing, continuously giving new insights to guide medical professionals in using cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

Recent research not only contributes to doctors’ understanding but also facilitates patients when they buy cannabis online. This ensures they can produce products tailored to their needs and use them effectively to enhance their quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabis can alleviate depression symptoms by half as soon as six weeks after use.
• Conditions that coexist with depression, such as insomnia, pain, or anxiety, may find relief from the effects of cannabis.
• Smoking cannabis offers quicker relief, whereas consuming it can yield longer-lasting effects.

Depression Statistics in the US

A recent study found that 29% of Americans have been diagnosed with depression sometime in their lives, with women and young adults being more susceptible. The higher prevalence of depression among women can be due to both social and biological factors. 

Socially, women bear a greater burden of emotional labor and caregiving within their families. This means many responsibilities—childcare, elderly care, household chores, and managing the family’s schedule—fall on women’s shoulders. As a result, women may neglect their physical and mental health. Any neglect or changes in health lead to lack of sleep, poor nutrition, insufficient exercise, and weak personal boundaries, all contributing to the risk of depression.

Cannabis’s Components That Impacts Patients With Depression

Cannabis contains various phytocannabinoids, with ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the primary components. These compounds exert their pharmacological effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. 

THC, the main psychoactive ingredient, and lower doses can reduce the subjective response to psychosocial stress and function as an anxiolytic. CBD, the nonpsychoactive component of cannabis, is suggested to have antipsychotic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and procognitive properties. 

A German Study on Depression

A new clinical study offers hope for many patients dealing with chronic depression. Research conducted by the LVR University Hospital Essen in Germany, in collaboration with Algea Care, a European telehealth platform for marijuana, indicates that cannabis may improve this serious mental health condition.

The study appeared in the peer-reviewed journal Pharmacopsychiatry by the Association for Neuropsychopharmacology and Pharmacopsychiatry (AGNP).

Methodology	Conducted over 18 weeksInvolved 59 outpatients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) treated with medical cannabis flower through a telemedical platform. Inclusion criteria required previous treatment with antidepressant medication.
Results	After six weeks, cannabis use reduced the severity of depression by half in 14 patients (23.7%).The mean depression severity decreased from 6.9 points at baseline to 3.8 points at week 18. At week 18, 50.8% of patients showed a treatment response, a greater than 50% reduction in the initial score. One-third of patients reported side effects, none of which were severe.
Conclusion	Patients tolerated medical cannabis well, with a dropout rate similar to that of antidepressant research studies.Patients experienced a clinically significant reduction in depression severity.

Possible Theory Supporting Cannabis and Depression Treatment

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) exists in all body parts and regulates sleep, pain, and appetite. The ECS regulates mood with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, known as CB1 receptors, which play a significant role in depression.  

For example, Rimonabant, a drug marketed in Europe as an appetite suppressant, works by blocking CB1 receptor activity. Scientists hoped to reduce appetite by blocking this receptor because it is associated with hunger response. The drug had to be pulled from the market because many patients developed depressive and anxiety symptoms. This shows that blocking CB1 receptors appears to increase depression.

Researchers have also explored whether stimulating CB1 receptors might produce antidepressant effects. Low doses of a CB1-activating substance increased antidepressant activity and serotonin responses similar to those of an SSRI antidepressant. At the same time, high doses had the opposite effect. CB1 must be a target for developing new antidepressants, and cannabinoids from cannabis might be a helpful treatment.

THC and CBD bind to G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. 

Targeting Coexisting Conditions

Depression coexists with various health risks. It can also trigger physiological alterations within the body, which disrupt its regular functions. These changes include elevated levels of inflammation and stress hormones and heart rate, circulation, and metabolism fluctuations. Such alterations can lead to the development of other medical conditions.

• Insomnia
• Chronic pain
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Eating disorder

A recent study discovered that Australian patients who used medical cannabis experienced notable enhancements in their well-being over three months. 

Over the survey period, the patients indicated substantial improvements in their quality of life and fatigue levels. They also reported important reductions in pain and significant enhancements in moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms. 

• The average pain scores improved by 16.51 points from the initial assessment to the follow-up. According to the guidelines for interpreting QLQ-C30 subscale changes, a gain of more than 14 points on the pain scale is considered a substantial improvement.
• Fatigue showed a noticeable improvement, with an average increase of 4.21 T-scores from the baseline measurement to the mean follow-up. This change signifies a clinically significant enhancement, which surpasses the suggested PROMIS MCID of 3 T-scores.
• For participants with anxiety-related conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder or a combination of depression and anxiety, the mean score was 14.56. During follow-up, it decreased to 8.79. This change represents a clinically meaningful improvement. On average, participants’ anxiety levels decreased from moderate/severe to mild.

How to Use Cannabis for Depression

Strains with Lower-Moderate THC Levels

Certain compounds within cannabis show promise for depression treatment, notably CBD and THC, along with terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool. Seeking out strains with lower to moderate THC levels and elevated concentrations of these compounds could be a great starting point.

Vaporizing or Smoking 

For immediate relief, consider vaporizing or smoking cannabis, as these methods offer fast-acting results. A few puffs can swiftly shift your energy away from a depressive state. Many users managing depression find that a few inhalations every 24 hours suffice to alleviate symptoms.

Microdose

Microdosing cannabis can offer numerous benefits without interfering with daily functioning. It’s a method that effectively maintains relief throughout the day without causing impairment. This method involves administering cannabis in small, carefully measured amounts.

According to a California non-profit organization that has assisted over 1,000 cannabis patients, microdosing cannabinoids can provide relief without resorting to SSRIs.

Cannabis Strains for Managing Depression

Strain	THC	CBD	Terpenes	Effects
Gorilla Glue #4	20%	0%	Caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene, and Myrcene	Heavy-handed euphoria and relaxation
Mochi (dep)	23%	0%	Myrcene	Mellow and relaxing
Apple Fritter	27%	0%	Phellandrene, Limonene, and Caryophyllene	Relaxing and calming
Oreoz	27%	1%	Caryophyllene, humulene, trans-nerolidol, limonene, and myrcene	Uplifting and boosting mental euphoria
Jealousy	27%	1%	Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene, and Linalool	Increase energy, enhance creativity, and promote calmness.

Feeling Blue? Get Loud with Cannabis

A German study on cannabis use for depression indicates that patients who incorporate cannabis into their treatment experience relief. Cannabis can alleviate coexisting conditions such as pain, insomnia, or anxiety. The specific components of cannabis, such as terpenes, are effective in managing depression. Consider the basic elements of a strain from GetLoud Cannabis to help you manage your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently should I use cannabis to manage depression?

An intriguing discovery from an analysis reveals that those who used cannabis more frequently exhibited lower rates of depression compared to those who used it less often. If you can’t consume high to moderate amounts frequently, microdosing could prevent tolerance buildup and daily task impairment associated with regular cannabis use.

If daily use isn’t viable, schedule a weekly session as an alternative method for managing mood.

When is the best time to use cannabis to manage low energy or for mood enhancement?

• If you have work commitments, consider microdosing THC capsules, edibles, or tinctures in the morning.
• If you’re not obligated to work, smoking cannabis may provide quick relief, especially when needed urgently. 
• Cannabis use at night can be beneficial for managing pain or insomnia coexisting with depression.

Which is more beneficial: using cannabis products containing only THC or CBD or choosing those with a combination of cannabinoids and terpenes?

Using cannabis products such as flower can induce what’s known as the entourage effect, where all the components of cannabis synergistically enhance each other. While using individual cannabinoids can still yield benefits, they lack the strength of the combined components found in cannabis.