Are you wondering how can marijuana help alleviate depression symptoms? It’s listed as a Schedule I drug, can you still use it in your state? You have landed at the right place.

Medical studies have shown that chemical compounds in cannabis have ultimate medicinal properties. Marijuana can help in relaxing the body, boosting mood, sleep, and focus at work. By getting medical marijuana recommendations in a cannabis legalized state like New York, you can legally consume marijuana for medical purposes.

In this post, we are going to discuss how cannabis for depression works and major benefits of getting a medical marijuana card.

What Causes Depression?

Depression is a common mood disorder, which usually occurs due to inability to deal with stressful situations. Unemployment, chronic disease, relationship problems, poverty, etc. are some of the common stressors. Recent studies have found the COVID-19 pandemic increased the risks of anxiety and depression among Americans.

Age is also a key factor associated with depression. Older adults are at higher risks of depression symptoms, which are often made worse by other factors, such as loneliness and lack of social support.

How Marijuana For Depression Works?

For managing depression symptoms, medical professionals often prescribe medications. The common drugs include SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and antidepressants.

Moreover, studies have found that marijuana can help reduce depression symptoms. The cannabis plant contains a wide range of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two most important phytocannabinoids are-

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)– A psychoactive cannabinoid that binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. It causes high effects, which makes it appealing among recreational consumers.
Cannabidiol (CBD)- A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that relaxes the body and mind and provides anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects.

In the body, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for regulating important functions. It contains endocannabinoids (2-arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide), which attach to cannabinoid receptors to control mood, memory, pain, etc.

Medical studies say that anxiety and depression can lead to reducing endocannabinoids in the body.

Both THC and anandamide have a similar chemical structure, thus the former can mimic the functions of the latter, i.e. binds to cannabinoid receptors. This helps in releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, thus improving cognitive function, sleep, etc.

There’s some evidence that marijuana provides positive effects on depression patients only if used for short-term. However, in some cases, long-term cannabis use may increase depression over time.

So, dosing is important when using marijuana for depression. You should try different doses and strains, and note down your experiences with different combinations. This way, you can easily determine what’s working for your symptoms.

Here are some of the best marijuana strains for depression patients-

Cinex
Jack Herer
Mountain Girl
Colorado Bubba
Miss USA
Gorilla Breath
Rollins
Blob OG
Superstar
Nice Cherry

Different Methods of Consuming Cannabis

Inhalation

The inhalation methods allow you to receive therapeutic effects of cannabis instantly.

You can use water pipes, joints, blunts, or vaporizers to heat cannabis and deliver cannabinoids directly into the lungs.

Oral Delivery

There are two ways- edibles and tinctures. Cannabis-infused foods and beverages are processed through the digestive tract, thus have a slow onset time. Tinctures are absorbed sublingually or can be mixed with foods.

Topical

Cannabis-infused balms and creams, which allow you to absorb cannabinoids through the skin. They are usually preferred for localized relief from pain, muscle spasms, etc.

How to Get Medical Marijuana Recommendations in New York?

Marijuana for medical purposes is legalized by more than 30 states. However, to use cannabis legally, you require a medical marijuana doctor’s recommendation. In other words, you need to get evaluated from a board-certified doctor.

Looking for a medical marijuana card near you? See an MMJ doctor online today. Now, at NY Medical Card, you can get a marijuana evaluation in just 10 minutes. Here’s the process-

Sign up for an account online
Talk to a licensed doctor via video call
Get your MMJ recommendation letter in PDF via email

Benefits of Getting a Doctor’s Recommendation in NY

It’s necessary to get a medical marijuana recommendation to purchase, possess, and consume marijuana legally in New York. Here are some of the major benefits of getting a marijuana ID card-

Access to Licensed Dispensaries

In New York, only patients with registry ID cards can purchase cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries. With an MMJ card, you can possess up to a 30-day supply of cannabis. Designated caregivers must show their registry ID cards when purchasing and possessing cannabis on behalf of patients.

Legal Protection

Possession of cannabis is illegal in the state. However, you can possess the prescribed amount of marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. Thus, you can legally use cannabis for managing your medical condition.

Affordable Cannabis

In New York, the Department of Health regulates the prices of cannabis. By getting a marijuana evaluation, you can visit local dispensaries and get professional help for choosing the right strains for managing your symptoms.

Key Takeaways

Marijuana can provide immediate relief for depression symptoms. Chemical compounds in the cannabis plant interact with the endocannabinoid system, thus improving mood, sleep, etc. CBD products can help boost relaxation and boost sleep without making consumers high.

Cannabis strains, delivery method and dosage are the key factors that impact the marijuana effects. Talk to your doctor and seek professional help for using marijuana for depression.

How Can Marijuana Help You Alleviate Depression Symptoms?