Is There a Link?
The connection between marijuana and depression isn’t as understood as many people think. There are some that believe marijuana does not make people depressed, and there are those that say that marijuana use increases the likelihood of depression in users.
It’s an important correlation to study and understand, especially with marijuana becoming more accepted in society and legalized in various areas. In fact, there are some medical marijuana supporters that state the certain types of marijuana can be used to treat depression.
Marijuana and Depression: What Does Science Say?
Dr. Eric C. Strain, a Johns Hopkins professor and Center for Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Research director, says when it comes to a correlation between pot and depression, it’s just not clear. He states, “If there is an association, the data are not as robust as with psychotic illness. It’s just conjecture.”
It’s not like alcohol, as there is consensus when it comes to the use of alcohol linking to a depressive state. In other words, those that drink regularly have a higher chance of experiencing depression than those that don’t drink or simply drink occasionally. In fact, most professionals now believe that alcohol is much worse than marijuana when it comes to a correlation to depression, as it is a depressant.
Pros and Cons of Marijuana Use
For those who use marijuana regularly and also struggle with depression, there is some evidence that these two factors correlate. In a study in the Addiction Journal in 2017, it was found that teenagers who tended to struggle with chronic depression had an increased chance of becoming dependent on marijuana when they grew up.
On the other end of the spectrum, a study on depression and endocannabinoids, which are brain chemicals similar to the chemicals in pot, was done on animals in 2015. Researchers at the University at Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions found that “Using compounds derived from cannabis – marijuana – to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression.” However, studies of this nature have yet to be done on humans.
Then there are studies that are far less conclusive, finding no clear evidence that pot smokers are more inclined to suffer from depression. The American Psychological Association published a study that clearly indicates that teens that smoked marijuana regularly were not more inclined to experience depression later in life.
The Consensus
The consensus among mental health practitioners is that even though the evidence is sketchy on both ends of the spectrum, treating depression with marijuana is not something they advise. Even though pot is not a depressant, like alcohol, it still has a sedating effect on those that use it, and many who use it regularly tend to become a bit lax or start to withdrawal from others and society. If they’re already predisposed to be depressed, using marijuana regularly can simply take them down that road to depression faster. Or, if they’re using it regularly to feel some sort of euphoric feeling, they can become dependent on it, and that can make for some issues down the road financially, legally, socially, etc.
No Luck With Traditional Treatments
Some people suffering from depression that have had no luck finding relief from traditional medicine or treatments may try marijuana because they just don’t want to suffer anymore. They would rather take their chances and alter their consciousness via pot because their current consciousness is rotten. Still, there is no scientific evidence that marijuana will treat that depression and it very well could cause them to become dependent on it or become further depressed later down the road.
What Can Healthcare Providers Do?
When someone visits their healthcare provider and complains of depression, the provider should ask about marijuana use. Many providers will ask about alcohol but skip asking about marijuana. If healthcare providers will begin to inform patients that continued marijuana use may be linked to depression, then perhaps people will consider giving it up. When it becomes clear to the patient that the marijuana use may not be helping and may, and in fact might be bringing them down even further, they may be more inclined to stop using it.
Is Marijuana Safe for Depression?
From much of the research, it is difficult to prove that the use of marijuana causes depression, even though it could have an influence on mood. According to Dr. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin from the Mayo Clinic, the bottom line is that there may be a link between marijuana and depression, but there is no clear-cut evidence that smoking marijuana causes depression. There may be quite a few other factors involved, such as the environment, genetics, current mental health condition, and more.
For example, someone may tend to reach for marijuana because they are feeling sad or depressed, rather than getting depressed because they are using the drug. Additionally, marijuana has the effect of dulling emotions, so it may appear that a smoker may be depressed when he or she is simply disengaged from emotions. Either way, quitting marijuana use will serve you well all the way around.
Alternative Treatments for Depression
It is advised that those struggling with extended periods of sadness or depression think about quitting marijuana and get help from a trained counselor or attend a treatment center. Sometimes depression is caused by life events and sometimes it is caused by chemical imbalances. Either way, it is important to get an evaluation and then create an approach to treat the condition.
Many depression sufferers have found help via getting involved in community activities, beginning an exercise routine, getting counseling, going to a support group, and more. There is certainly hope for overcoming depression symptoms, but it will take some discipline and perseverance.
Marijuana, Dual Diagnosis, and Your Options
Marijuana and depression have been linked in some cases to having an affection for each other. It’s best to steer clear of smoking or ingesting marijuana, as there is no real medical significance for those suffering from depression. In fact, it could make matters worse.
If you’re struggling with marijuana addiction, reach out for help via a substance use disorder counselor or drug rehab. Fortunately, quitting marijuana is not as difficult as quitting other addictive drugs, so make a decision to reach out for help today. You’re not giving up anything, but rather, gaining more clarity, hope, peace, and joy.
