Depression

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. 

CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid derived from the cannabis sativa L. genus, often sourced from hemp cultivars (which are part of the same plant species) thanks to their high CBD and low THC content. It has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential wellness benefits, particularly in the treatment of anxiety, pain, and inflammation. It is also commonly taken as a complementary therapeutic option for the reduction of depression symptoms, alongside traditional treatment protocols.

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.

Certain mood disorders including depression and anxiety are on the list of conditions that can be treated with medicinal cannabis, as are a bunch of other physical and psychological issues. A medical cannabis card is an identifying document that verifies an individual’s permission to use medicinal cannabis obtained from a licensed clinic or doctor. In the UK, medical cannabis cards are issued by private clinics and are only available to those over the age of 18, who have been prescribed medical cannabis by a doctor.

With the rise of depression diagnoses over the past 3 years globally, and also specifically here in the UK, it should come as anything but a surprise that researchers and healthcare professionals alike are keenly interested in finding new ways to help manage depression.

Since the 2020 pandemic, global rates of clinical depression diagnoses have risen dramatically, with more than an estimated 280 million people worldwide now suffering from depression. The same has been seen here in the UK, and in early 2021 more than 21% of adults living in the UK experienced some form of depression. That is more than double the pre-pandemic rate of 10%.

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 treatment options available. One of those options may include taking medical cannabis as part of your therapeutic plan.