1 in 6
people in the UK may experience depression at some point in their lives.
96 million
antidepressant items were prescribed to a total of 9.1 million patients during 2025/2026, according to NHS data.
31.4%
of 1,669 respondents to the largest survey of active UK medical cannabis patients ever conducted reported being prescribed the medication for mental health conditions, such as depression.
50%
drop in PHQ-9 depression questionnaire scores recorded, on average, for 129 patients, after one month of cannabis-based treatments.
Symptoms
Changes in appetite
Continuous low mood or sadness
Disturbed sleep
Feeling irritable
Feeling tearful or hopeless
Having a lack of interest in things
Having low-self esteem
Lack of energy
Lack of motivation
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
When treating depression in the UK, the NHS typically recommend self-guided help, talking therapies or anti-depressants, or a combination of the two. There are a number of different types of anti-depressants conventionally prescribed by the NHS including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Amitriptyline
Citalopram
Duloxetine
Fluoxetine
Mirtazapine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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"People with depression often struggle with insomnia, reduced appetite, poor motivation and anxiety. Antidepressants are not suitable for all due to personal preference, lack of effectiveness and side effects. Talking treatments can be effective but are not always accessible. Cannabis based treatments provide effective relief from these symptoms; allowing patients to function in their everyday lives."
Dr Sue Clenton
Medical Director
21. 08. 2023
Diagnoses of clinical depression are at an all-time high here in the UK. The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a sharp hike in rates of both depression and anxiety – and while that period is, thankfully, slowly passing, life is still fraught with many challenges and uncertainties.
21. 08. 2023
11. 10. 2023
Depression is a debilitating condition that affects about 280 million people around the world. Subjecting patients to what has been described as an overwhelming emotional numbness, extreme sadness or all-consuming hopelessness, depression is a mental health condition that can affect a person’s emotional, physical and social wellbeing. In this article, we aim to explain the evidence available surrounding the application of medical cannabis in depression symptom management, including its short-term effects and potential benefits, as well as the risks associated with taking medical cannabis.
11. 10. 2023
12. 07. 2023
With rates of depression in the UK steadily rising, and only boosted by the recent pandemic, finding treatment solutions can be a daunting task. Now more than ever, it is important to understand all the potential symptom-reducing options available. One of those options may include adding medicinal cannabis as part of your therapeutic plan.
12. 07. 2023
Yes, for some people in the UK, medical cannabis for depression symptoms may be an option, depending on their current treatment plan and other factors.
Since 2018, it’s been legal to obtain a prescription for medical cannabis for a range of conditions, provided that this is done under strict medical supervision. Only specialised clinics like Releaf can prescribe medical cannabis for depression at this time.
While you may be prescribed cannabis for depression symptoms, it will not cure your depression, and won’t replace other treatments that you’ve been prescribed by your primary doctor or specialist. In most cases, you will continue to attend any therapy sessions and take any antidepressants you’ve been prescribed.
For depression, medical cannabis treatments in the UK are focused on potentially improved symptom management. The medication may contribute to a holistic approach to well-being, helping patients address associated problems such as insomnia or problems with their appetite.
Based on research, here are some of the symptoms a consultant might prescribe medical cannabis for in the UK:
|
Depression symptom |
How symptom presents |
Medical cannabis for depression: How it might help |
|
Persistent low mood |
Depression is defined as low mood that persists for a long time, which may be characterised by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, despair, and a loss of enjoyment in life. It can lead to isolation and loneliness, which may make the symptoms worse. People with depression often struggle to reach out or may feel that they are becoming a burden on others, which can also worsen symptoms. |
Serotonin is a chemical associated with heightened mood, and is partially regulated by 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. Some antidepressants work by affecting these receptors, to modulate how much serotonin stays in a patient’s system. Cannabinoids may also impact these same receptors. One pharmacological review from 2025 confirms that CBD has an effect on these receptors, although it also states that the mechanism behind this is unclear. An epilepsy study from 2020 also confirms that CBD acts on 5-HT1A receptors, which may suggest a potentially therapeutic effect on mood regulation, for some people. |
|
Appetite problems |
Depression can lead to both decreased and increased appetite, which may cause weight fluctuations or even nutritional or gastroenterological issues. If untreated, appetite problems may escalate into eating disorders. |
A 2022 article from Current Nutrition Reports states that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an “…important factor in food intake…,” suggesting that medications that offer a potentially therapeutic effect on the ECS could help regulate appetite. More recent research suggests the relationship between medical cannabis and appetite is complex, but that it may modulate appetite, and the medication does not appear to be linked to unhealthy weight gain. |
|
Anxiety often occurs alongside depression, with one cohort study of over 1.3 million UK medical records from 2024 showing that 24% of people with generalised anxiety disorder also had a diagnosis of depression. People living with anxiety may struggle to socialise, feel on edge, worried, or have a fear that something terrible is about to happen. |
A review of research from 2025 concludes that 70% of studies on cannabis and anxiety suggest that CBD or THC could help with symptom management. |
|
|
Insomnia and other sleep problems |
Sleep disorders are frequent in people living with depression and other mental health conditions. The charity Mind explains that poor sleep can worsen mental health, but that people with depression may also sleep at inconvenient times, or sleep too much. |
A 2022 review of medical cannabis and sleep studies concluded that medical cannabis may be linked to at least small improvements in sleep quality. |
It’s important to note that medical cannabis, like all medications, may affect each individual in a slightly different way. If you’re prescribed cannabis for depression and experience any unpleasant side effects, you must tell your consultant immediately, so they can adjust your dose or suggest alternatives.
Anyone looking into depression and cannabis treatments in the UK will probably have heard of the two most well-researched cannabinoids: CBD and THC. Some people may already take CBD for depression, as it’s available as an oil from some health shops and online stores.
CBD is thought to have a supportive effect on the ECS, potentially modulating how receptors respond to other cannabinoids and compounds. As discussed in the symptoms table above, there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may also directly impact receptors associated with serotonin uptake, although the mechanism behind this is not well understood.
THC has a more direct effect on the ECS. Research shows that THC binds to receptors in the ECS, potentially regulating multiple aspects of wellness, from sleep quality to pain and mood regulation, in some people. Administering THC for depression could be a complementary addition to an existing treatment plan.
If you’re diagnosed with depression, cannabis treatments won’t be a “first-line” approach. In most cases, you will be encouraged to try antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that may modulate serotonin levels in your brain to help you manage your mood more effectively. These are often prescribed alongside talking therapies, ranging from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to trauma therapy, which may be prescribed for people dealing with depression as a symptom of PTSD.
In some cases, people may seek out alternative treatments for depression because they’re unhappy with the overall effectiveness of their current plan. Or, they may want to add a complementary treatment that addresses additional symptoms that their current medications do not, such as appetite issues or insomnia.
There may be some cases where cannabis is linked to an increased risk of depression, according to a 2020 systematic review of cannabis and depression studies. The review states that there may be bias in the data used, so this evidence is not conclusive, and many of the study participants were under 18. In the UK, medical cannabis for depression is only available to adults, and only in carefully controlled doses.
A family history of psychosis or other severe mental health illnesses may make someone more prone to negative effects from medical cannabis. Some people may feel that the medication lowers their mood and reduces motivation. Others may find the medication beneficial, but feel like they are becoming dependent on it. That’s why medical cannabis isn’t suitable for everyone.
Some very limited evidence (a case study of a single person) suggests that, for some people, cannabis could elevate serotonin levels too quickly or too much, particularly when taken alongside medications known to modulate serotonin. That’s why it’s critical that people seeking out cannabis for depression in the UK speak to a medical expert who can discuss dosage, potential medication interactions, and other factors.
Dysregulated sleep and depression often go hand-in-hand. People living with depression may feel the need to sleep more, or sleep at inconvenient times, such as during the day or when they have other commitments scheduled. But depression can also lead to insomnia, frequent nighttime waking, and nightmares. Sometimes these symptoms may be due to increased anxiety or related trauma.
Medical cannabis is prescribed for some people to help relieve the symptoms of anxiety, potentially offering a calming, therapeutic effect that can, for some people, slow racing thoughts and reduce overthinking. It may also be linked to improved sleep, which may, in some cases, help someone better manage their mood.
If you’re interested in the possible benefits of medical cannabis for depression, start by filling out the eligibility checker on the Releaf website.
Releaf is the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic, as shown by our 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from over 9,000 reviews. Our world-class clinical team includes over 50 specialists, including mental health experts.
Check your eligibility
Book a consultation
Get assessed
Order your medication
You can pay for your medication on a pay-as-you-go basis or sign up for Releaf+, a pay-monthly service that gives you discounts on medication costs and other benefits, such as legal advice via Releaf Protect.
If you’re ready to join the 240,000+ Releaf community, try the medical cannabis eligibility checker or contact our team.
Important: If you are in crisis or experiencing severe mental health problems, seek medical assistance immediately. Contact your doctor, or in an emergency, contact 999. You may also find the following resources useful:
Mind depression information page - contact their helpline at 0300 123 3393
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) suicide prevention charity - 0800 585858
Samaritans - 116 123 (24-hour freephone)
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