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Depression – Research on cannabinoids

Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects 6.7% of adults and 3.3% of young people between the ages of 13 and 18 in the United States. Studies have shown that cannabis has antidepressant and antipsychotic effects.

Overview

Depression is a mood disorder that causes emotional problems and a persistent feeling of sadness and indifference. This type of condition affects the brain and is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors.

There are several forms of depression. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with severe symptoms that affect the ability to live a normal day. Although a case of depression may occur once, people diagnosed with the illness typically experience several episodes throughout their lives. A depressive disorder is considered persistent when it lasts more than two years, presenting symptoms of varying intensity. Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, causes a cycle of extreme mood swings.

Some forms of depression can emerge after traumatic experiences. Psychotic depression occurs when a person experiences severe depression and some form of psychosis. Postpartum depression can affect first-time mothers due to the physical and hormonal changes they experience, as well as the feeling of being overwhelmed by new tasks and responsibilities. Seasonal affective disorder develops during the winter months when we are less exposed to natural sunlight.

Depression causes feelings of sadness or discouragement, outbursts of anger, loss of interest or pleasure, sleep disturbances, lack of energy, anxiety, changes in appetite, and feelings of worthlessness.  The condition can be treated with medication and psychological support. For some who experience cases of severe depression, hospitalization or other treatment programs may be necessary.

Discoveries about the effects of cannabis on depression

Different research has found that the endocannabinoid system is associated with mood regulation. A dysfunction in the system, which leads to a reduction in cannabinoid concentration, has been linked to depression and mood disorders 14, 17, 12, 21. This dysfunction is likely caused by chronic stress, according to a study that found that exposure to different forms of stress significantly reduces the concentration of endocannabinoids in women diagnosed with DDM 16.

These findings suggest that cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) found in cannabis influence the endocannabinoid system and may aid its regulation, offering therapeutic potential 2, 15, 21. Cannabinoids have been shown to promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus, suggesting that they could produce anxiolytic and antidepressant effects 19.


Studies have confirmed that both THC and CBD offer sedative, antipsychotic and antidepressant effects 3, 10, 22. A clinical animal study found that the administration of cannabinoids was able to normalize endocannabinoid function and, consequently, stabilize mood and alleviate depression 13. Several animal studies have demonstrated the antidepressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects of CBD 7, 24, 10. In another human study, administration of CBD before or after subjects were conditioned to a colored box with electrical shocks generated a reduction in automatic contextual responding, suggesting that CBD could be effective in treating anxiety disorders 6. More recently, in an animal study, it was discovered that CBD rapidly generates antidepressant and anxiolytic effects 20. Evidence indicates that it is the interaction of CBD with the 5-HT1A neuroreceptor that causes these effects 7, 24.


THC has been found to alter the response to negative images and emotions. In one study, people with THC in their bloodstream experienced a reduction in negative emotional processing propensity 4. A human study found THC and CBD to be effective in reducing the response to frightening facial expressions 11. Cannabis may also help manage health risks associated with depression, as it is linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and higher resting systolic blood pressure. However, one study found that administering cannabinoids to women diagnosed with depression was effective in controlling high blood pressure 18. It is important to note that marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of symptoms of depression 5. However, research has found that adults who use marijuana regularly are not more prone to depression than those who do not use it 8. Additionally, a 2012 study found that suicide rates overall decreased by 5% in states where legislation regulating the use of medical marijuana exists shortly after its implementation. Changes in marijuana laws caused an 11% decrease in the suicide rate for men between 20 and 29 years of age and 9% for men between 20 and 39, with a drastic decrease for young men between 15 and 19 years old 1.

Recent studies on the effects of cannabis on depression

References:

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  2. Ashton, C.H., and Moore, P.B. (2011, October). Endocannabinoid system dysfunction in mood and related disorders. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 124(4), 250-61. Retrieved from
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