Depression is such a complicated disorder where if the person has at least five of the following symptoms for at least two weeks, then he/she is considered to be affected by this disorder.

Depressed mood for most of the time particularly in the morning

Fatigue almost every day

Feelings of guilt all the times

Not able to concentrate and the inability of making decisions

Insomnia or Hypersomnia almost every day

Not desire for any interest or pleasure in daily activities

Thoughts of suicide or death

Restlessness

Significant weight loss or gain

Some institutes define depression as people being affected by different symptoms without considering the frame of time.

While the medications can help relieve the symptoms associated with depression, but these usually involve trial and error method, as these drugs produce different effects depending on the individual. Also, if the patient stops using these medications, it has the possibility of causing discontinuation syndrome. Thus, can lead to various side effects such as low blood pressure, slowed, dizziness, blurred vision, and many more.

Hence, instead of antidepressant medications, many are considering cannabis, as it can be helpful for the patients with depression.

Cannabis and EC system

Cannabis is a wonder plant which contains over 100 compounds known as cannabinoids. Out of these cannabinoids, the most researched are THC and CBD. These cannabinoids are similar to many endocannabinoids that are produced within the body. Hence, by interacting with the receptors in the body, these cannabinoids help to regulate appetite, mood, anxiety, which are most commonly related symptoms of depression.

Cannabis binds to two types of G-protein-coupled receptors, CB1 and CB2. To modulate the effects of depression, cannabis acts on CB1 receptors which are located in the basal ganglia. Cerebellum, hippocampus, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Cannabis improves the depression symptoms by restoring normal endocannabinoid function, thus help the patients to stabilize moods and eases depression symptoms.

Benefits

Cannabis promotes the positivity by inducing the release of hormones specific for elevating the sense of pleasure and calm.

It helps in reducing the production of stress receptors in the brain, thus helps the patients with depression.

It helps in combating insomnia associated with depression.

Cannabis also induces hunger, thus increasing the energy which further enhances mood.

Cannabis Strains

Many strains have proven effective in altering the symptoms of depression. However, it has been reported that the depressed patient should not use pure or high indica strains as these strains tend to induce “couch lock” which could exaggerate the symptoms of depression.

Sativa strains are best known to increase energy, while strains with the high content of terpenes are known for their mood elevation.

Strains that help to reduce fatigue and disinterest

Cannatonic

This is a high CBD strain which significantly helps in relaxation of the body and the mind with least euphoric effects that is caused by THC. This strain is also helpful in relieving pain, thus helps in managing other pain-related condition along with the depression. This is the best choice for daytime usage for the patients dealing with depression.

Cinex

This strain has 60:40 sativa to indica ratio with an average THC content of about 25%. This strain boosts your creative abilities and also, helps in increasing your interest in the daily activities. With the uplifting citrusy aroma, this strain is helpful in making you feel energized. Not only this, it acts on your brain in such a way that it leaves your mind and body with lots of positivity.

It has been seen that strains that are rich in pipene, a type of terpene that helps in promoting focus, thus reduces the disinterest.

Strains that help to Alleviate Anxiety

For dealing with anxiety, one should avoid using a high- THC strain. Rather, you should look for high- CBD containing strains.

Sour Tsunami

This strain contains high CBD content. This strain is useful in eradicating both anxiety and depression simultaneously as it calms the mind along with freeing the patient from any form of stress. Not only this, this strain is helpful in boosting the mood, thus is helpful in reducing many symptoms related to depression.

Northern Lights

This is an excellent choice if your require both day and night-time relaxation. However, mostly it’s usage is recommended before going to bed. This strain has 16-18% of THC levels, hence works quickly where the patient who struggles with anxiety needs some fast sedation.

Blue Dream

It’s a type of sativa strain which helps to reduce stress or anxiety coupled with its mood elevating effects.

Strains for Appetite Boosting

Indica strains are thought to be the best choice to stimulate the appetite in patients dealing with depression.

Lemon Kush

This strain staves off stress with its sweet lemony aroma. It further stimulates hunger by uplifting the mood of the patient.

Strains for Insomnia

OG Kush

This is one of the strains that stands out not only in California but also in the world. This strain is indica dominant hybrid. It is considered to a powerful night time medication due to its strong sleeping effects, thus helps in easing body ailments such as depression and its related symptoms effectively.

Pure Indica

This strain contains about 14% THC content. It helps depressed patients with insomnia issues by providing functional, creative euphoria and pain relief. The strain contains a relatively low amount of THC but provides effective relaxation and great uplifting.

Strains as Mood Elevators

Jack Herer

This strain is known all over the world for its efficacy in the treating depression. This strain has great ability for increasing creativity and happiness as it has mood uplifting property. It activates the positivity in the person along with making you feel relaxed.

Lamb Bread

This strain is an amazing cannabis strain that acts both as an energizer and mood elevator. Thus, this strain brings the happy vibes with lots of positivity.

It’s often seen that patients often use whatever they can get, but in reality, different strains have different effects. Hence, it is important to discuss before starting the consumption of a particular strain of cannabis. To ensure whether the given strain is useful or not for your specific symptom, one can consult various online cannabis centers such as Medical Marijuana Card Orange County, thus improving the quality of life and manage the condition effectively.