Depression is a common mental disorder and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In Canada, more than 5% of the population meet the criteria for major depression in any given year. Many are now finding cannabis as a better solution to treat their depression alongside traditional therapy and activities.
There are many treatments for depression. However, it often takes a significant amount of trial and error from health professionals to find effective treatments that don’t have unmanageable side effects. Additionally, despite these treatments being available, 76 – 85 percent of people don’t receive any treatment.
It’s no wonder many people are turning to alternative methods of treatment for depression, such as CBD.
Characteristics of Depression
Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in things one used to enjoy.
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and typically include:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, wringing hands) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide (American Psychiatric Association)
The most common treatments for depression are psychotherapy and medication.
Cannabis and Depression
Although traditional treatments for depression tend to be effective in managing symptoms, these medications are accompanied by a long list of potential side effects. Additionally, they often take several weeks to take effect. As a result, many people turn to cannabis as an alternative.
Cannabis may be a faster alternative to antidepressants by stimulating the endocannabinoid system. Studies have found that the endocannabinoid system is involved in maintaining a balanced mood.
A 2018 study looked at cannabis users’ self-reported measure of symptom improvement. They found users perceived their symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and stress were reduced by more than 50% at a small dose. Strains that were high in CBD were perceived to be the most effective.
Numerous studies have found evidence to support the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects of CBD and hemp. CBD also helps to manage stress which is one of the most significant contributors to depression. It’s believed that symptoms are improved due to increased circulating serotonin – which is the same mechanism for many antidepressant medications like SSRIs.
With THC, however, there may be a tipping point for its effectiveness related to depression symptoms. Low to medium doses appear to be effective in treating depression, where higher doses may exacerbate symptoms for some people.
Preliminary research supports the use of cannabis to help manage symptoms of depression. Still, more research is necessary to understand the mechanisms involved and the potential limitations fully.
Treating Depression with Cannabis
Cannabis, particularly CBD, can provide some short-term relief from symptoms of depression and help individuals to manage feelings of stress. However, cannabis should not be the only treatment method for depression. Cannabis should be used in conjunction with other treatment methods such as psychotherapy.
When discussing managing depression symptoms, we aren’t necessarily only addressing the feelings of sadness or flat affect. Reducing overall stress and improving sleep can also significantly improve one’s overall wellbeing and reduce feelings of depression – both of which cannabis can help.
Many people choose to use CBD alone to manage depression, typically with CBD gummies, capsules, CBD vapes, or tinctures. However, if you’re looking for a strain of weed flower that will help with your depression, we have a few suggestions.
Best Cannabis Strains for Depression
The best cannabis strains for depression are more likely to be Sativa dominant. They will provide a more euphoric, uplifting and energizing effect. Note that these strains may impact sleep, so you may want to consider CBD before bed. Additionally, strains that are high in CBD may be a good choice.
Here are our favourite Sativa strains:
Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze is one of the most popular weed strains in the world. With its 18% THC, this unique strain is one of the most potent of all weed strains you can find on the market. This makes Super Lemon Haze the perfect strain for treating depression, fatigue, anxiety, nausea and chronic pain. This is a strain you will enjoy for its effects on your body and mind and its flavour and aroma of tart and lemon.
Astroboy
Astroboy is a Sativa-dominant hybrid (70% Sativa/30% Indica) strain created through a cross of the powerful Apollo 13 X (Ortega X Cinderella 99) strains. This beloved bud will take you straight to the stars with one hit. The high hits you immediately with a euphoric head rush that leaves you uplifted and blissfully happy with a sense of hazy motivation.
Mint Chocolate Chip
Mint Chocolate Chip is an evenly balanced hybrid (50% Indica/50% Sativa) strain created through crossing the delicious SinMint Cookies with the infamous Green Ribbon BX strain. This tasty bud packs the flavour you know and love from SinMint Cookies together with the energetic high of Green Ribbon for a fantastic experience. Mint Chocolate Chip has a flavour you would expect: chocolate nutty cookies with a punch of sharp mint! The aroma is slightly different, taking on an earthy overtone with hints of rich spices and dank mocha as the nugs are burned.
Sour Candy CBD Hybrid
Sour Space Candy is a rare, evenly balanced hybrid strain (50% Indica/50% Sativa) created through crossing the infamous Sour Tsunami X Early Resin Berry strains. This bud brings on the cerebral effects that will give you a boost of the spirits almost as soon as you exhale, lifting your mind into a state of focused calm with a budding tingly euphoria. Soon, this tingle will begin to inch its way throughout the rest of your body, moving slowly from your mind through your limbs until you’re fully relaxed from head to toe.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
If you’re feeling suicidal, please contact the Canadian Suicide Prevention line 833-456-4566 or go to your nearest emergency room.