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More research is becoming available regarding the effects of marijuana on the symptoms of anxiety and depression, even though the interactions between cannabis and antidepressants are not well known.
According to psychologists and academics, more people are using cannabis to treat their mental health issues, such as sadness, anxiety, and sleeplessness. The most prevalent conditions for which medicinal cannabis is used include pain, anxiety, and depression. New evidence suggests that states where medical marijuana is permitted may be seeing a decline in the use and abuse of prescription medications.
The usage of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes is expanding globally. People are beginning to use marijuana instead of prescription drugs as awareness of the possible health benefits of the drug grows. We need to know if medical cannabis is secure and reliable as more states legalize marijuana and consumers substitute it for prescription drugs. Thus, if you're wondering if you can substitute marijuana for antidepressants, read the details below.
What Is Marijuana and Is It Effective ?
The Cannabis sativa plant, which also includes hemp and marijuana, is the source of marijuana.
THC causes a high by acting on the brain. Although CBD does not get you high, it has various additional health benefits.
The 2018 Farm Bill makes hemp legal at the federal level and contains very little THC. State regulations differ, but marijuana remains prohibited on the federal level as a Category I controlled substance. "Medical cannabis" refers to goods made from either hemp or marijuana and having different THC-to CBD-ratios.
Numerous scientists believe cannabis has enormous potential as a remedy for various medical issues, including psychiatric disorders. Many compounds known as cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant; THC and CBD are just two of the most well-known. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized two cannabis-related pharmaceuticals for the treatment of weight loss in patients with AIDS and nausea brought on by cancer treatment, as well as one cannabinoid-derived drug for treating specific epilepsy disorders.
However, the evidence for cannabis use to improve sleep and mental health is still in its infancy. According to a few short studies, CBD helps persons with a social anxiety disorder by reducing their symptoms.
What Distinguishes THC and CBD from One Another?
THC is currently a component of the cannabis plant that is most widely used. THC levels vary greatly, although medicinal marijuana products frequently include up to 24% or more THC. THC's strong psychoactive effect modifies mental processes such as consciousness, perception, emotion, and behavior.
The most popular non-psychoactive cannabis compound is CBD. Nonetheless, it is chemotype and has concentrations as low as 3%. CBD has anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects but does not cause intoxication like THC. Anxiety, paranoia, and intoxication are some of the negative consequences of high THC concentrations that CBD reduces.
Based on its chemical makeup, marijuana comes in the following chemotypes.
The terms high THC, THC-dominant, and THC-rich
THC and CBD-containing hybrids
CBD
When these substances are used together, a synergistic phenomenon arises that enhances the curative and medical effects of the cannabinoids present. Users can target particular symptoms and enhance the efficacy of therapies by choosing cannabis strains with different THC/CBD ratios based on the cannabinoid content of the plant. The possibilities for patients are unlimited because the ratio of THC to CBD can change in any direction, whether CBD dominant, THC dominant, or equal percentages of both.
While CBD-rich cultivars benefit medicinal users, high THC concentrations frequently have minimal medicinal benefits and are more suited for recreational usage. Yet, this is not the norm. Several of the best medical marijuana products offer the widest selection of treatment alternatives and come in various THC/CBD ratios.
Getting the right THC and CBD ratios takes some trial and error. You can use this website to make an appointment with a skilled cannabis medical specialist for a medical evaluation if you need help determining which marijuana strains, ratios, and cannabinoids are best for you and ultimately get your marijuana card.
What Conditions Could Medicinal Marijuana Be Used to Treat?
People frequently use marijuana-related drugs to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Several people are also using medicinal marijuana to treat other medical issues, such as:
Parkinson's
Alzheimer's disease
Anorexia nervosa
Epilepsy
Multiple sclerosis
Crohn's disease
Glaucoma
Many people experiment with it while research tries to catch up on safety and efficacy. Many people choose to use cannabis over prescription drugs that their doctor has given them.
The Dangers of Using Antidepressants and Marijuana
Serotonin, dopamine imbalances, and blocked CB1 receptors are the main causes of many mood disorder symptoms. Cannabis has the potential to be a safe and well-tolerated substitute for some antidepressants since it interacts with these compounds as well as CB1 receptors.
THC With SNRIs: THC reduces the effectiveness of several oral antidepressants, such as Cymbalta.
THC, however, is said to have the lowest risk of negative interactions among the many cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant.
Temporary and hazardous interactions are likely with some combinations since cannabis and prescription psychiatric drugs regulate brain activity and act upon comparable pathways and processes in the body. Regular marijuana usage can result in tolerance, dependency, and severe depressive symptoms, even though there isn't much scientific evidence to the contrary.
Without first addressing the potential dangers and benefits with a medical and mental health professional, it is not advised to use marijuana or CBD in combination with antidepressants or any other medicine. It is strongly encouraged to seek medical approval and monitoring.
Bottom Line
Globally, marijuana use and awareness of its potential medical advantages are rising. Many THC- or CBD-based drugs are already FDA-approved. Nowadays, a lot of people use marijuana instead of several prescribed drugs. Some even succeed in quitting their long-term opioid use. Although highly advantageous for many, there are issues and dangers to consider. Using marijuana with some antidepressants may exacerbate or worsen mood disorder symptoms, impede treatment, and result in potentially fatal interactions.
To avoid adverse effects that could harm your general physical and mental health and well-being, it is important to check with your regular doctor, a medical marijuana provider, and your mental health physician before beginning medical marijuana while taking antidepressants.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri Today!
Although marijuana is now legal recreationally in Missouri, you should still get your medical card. If you have any questions, just give us a call!
There are so many benefits to having your medical marijuana card in a recreational state, including being responsible for less in taxes, saving at dispensaries, and higher possession laws.
If you don’t already have your medical marijuana card, we can help! Our doctors are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. During your evaluation, they will be happy to answer all your questions about how cannabis may be able to help with your anxiety or any other medical conditions.
Schedule an appointment with a marijuana professional online or by giving us a call at
(877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting the relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.