Feeling sad the whole day and don’t feel like participating in the activities you once enjoyed? Don’t worry! You aren’t alone. Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. On average, 16.2 million American adults have had a major depressive episode in a year.

The good news is—depression is treatable. Yes! Now, you don’t have to pay for expensive, harmful medications. Cannabis use can help you manage your depression symptoms completely. The herb is legal in 33 US states now, and you can access it after getting a medical marijuana card online. Read on to learn how does medical cannabis treatment for depression patients work.

Medical Marijuana For Depression

Marijuana contains over 100 cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. These cannabinoids possess medicinal properties, thus can help in boosting mood, promoting sleep, and stimulating appetite. When cannabinoids are delivered to the body, they bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, thus changing the way thought processes work.

Marijuana affects these specific areas of the brain-

Amygdala- It plays a key role in processing emotions, fear, and anxiety. It contains cannabinoid receptors, which are targeted by THC, thus provoking emotional reactions.
Neocortex- It is involved in controlling brain functions such as decision-making, movement, complex thoughts, generating motor commands, etc.
Nucleus Accumbens- It’s responsible for regulating reward & motivation, and its operations are based on dopamine and serotonin.

Marijuana interacts with the brain areas to alter their functioning, thus decreasing depressive symptoms. Its euphoric effects provide ultimate relaxation and stimulation.

There’s scientific evidence that marijuana can help in treating depression. In 2015, researchers at the University of Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions found that chemical compounds in the brain (called endocannabinoids) are responsible for managing overall well-being. THC activates the same receptors, thus changing various bodily functions.

In rat studies, the researchers analyzed the production of endocannabinoids in chronic and normal states. They noticed that fewer endocannabinoids were produced in the former state. It was discovered that chemical compounds in marijuana can help in restoring normal endocannabinoid function, thus alleviating depression symptoms.

Researchers have found that lack of serotonin is one of the reasons for the development of depression symptoms such as low energy, negative thoughts and lost interest in sex. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the body, which plays a key role in managing various functions such as social behavior, memory, sleep, appetite, etc. Marijuana’s cannabinoids can help in increasing serotonin levels, thus fighting depression.
Top Marijuana Strains For Depression Patients

When using marijuana as a treatment for depression, choosing the right strain is important. So, analyze your symptoms, how your body and mind respond to cannabinoids and get what’s right for your condition. Here’s a list of the best marijuana strains for depression patients-

Royal Moby
Haze Berry
Harlequin
Amnesia Haze
Super Sour Diesel
Northern Lights
Pineapple Kush
Royal Kush

Apart from strain type, how cannabinoids are delivered to the body influence cannabis’ effects. Smoking is one of the most common methods of marijuana consumption, in which you burn the flowers and inhale the smoke. It provides instant relief but is linked to certain risks. Some of the safest methods of consumption of cannabis are—vaping, tinctures, topicals, and edibles.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online?

If you have a busy schedule or feel anxious talking to the doctor in-clinic, you can see an MMJ doctor online using telemedicine services. You can have an open discussion with the doctor related to your condition, and get your MMJ card delivered to your home. Here’s the complete process-

> Sign up an account
> Talk to the doctor online
> Receive your MMJ letter instantly and your card will be delivered to your home within 3-5 business days

To sum up, depression is a mental illness, which can interfere with your daily activities and affect your focus, relationships, etc. Marijuana’s amazing coping properties are effective in fighting depression and promoting wellness. It has over 100 cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, thus regulating mood and many other functions.

Researchers have found that THC can help in increasing serotonin levels in the brain, thus managing depression symptoms. For alleviating your symptoms completely, make sure to buy the right strains checking THC and CBD levels.

Talk to an MMJ doctor to get your medical marijuana card online.