Did you know that in England, 25% of people face mental health problems like depression each year? That’s a significant number, which is why many are exploring new treatments, including medical cannabis. Legalised for medicinal purposes in 2018, medical cannabis has shown promise for those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments. These conventional methods often fail for people who have been struggling for a long time1.
Key Takeaways
- In England, 25% of individuals experience a mental health issue like depression annually1.
- Each week, at least 3 in 100 people are diagnosed with depression; only 1 in 8 seek professional help1.
- Legalised in 2018, medical cannabis is now a viable option for those without success in traditional treatments.
- Medical cannabis clinics assess eligibility for cannabis-based treatments.
- Cannabis-based treatments offer a holistic approach to managing depression symptoms when traditional methods are insufficient.
Understanding Depression: Symptoms and Causes
Depression is a complex mental health issue affecting about 350 million people worldwide. It is also the leading cause of disability globally. People with depression often feel persistently sad, irritable, or withdraw from social activities. Recognising these changes early is crucial to prevent severe depression2.
Depression often has a genetic link, running in families. Major life events, such as the loss of a loved one or serious illness, can trigger depressive episodes. Excessive alcohol or drug use can exacerbate depression.
Isolation can also worsen feelings of depression. Understanding the multiple factors contributing to depression helps in choosing the most effective treatment.
Traditional Treatments for Depression
The NHS offers several treatments for depression, with talk therapy being a cornerstone. This therapy provides a safe space for patients to discuss their feelings.
In addition to therapy, doctors often prescribe medication, such as SSRIs, which work on serotonin levels to boost mood. However, these medications can have side effects.
Combining different treatments, like therapy and medication, is often necessary for severe cases. With over 350 million people battling depression worldwide, personalised care is essential2.
It involves exploring different pathways to discover the most effective approach. By blending therapies, we can broaden our scope and significantly impact individuals battling depression.
The Legal Landscape of Medical Cannabis in the UK
In the UK, the system for medical cannabis is quite complex. Although it was legalised in 2018, strict regulations still apply. It’s important to understand who can access this type of treatment. Surprisingly, around half of the UK population, or roughly 29.6 million people, might be eligible for medical cannabis. Despite this, there hasn’t been any official research in the UK since 2018.
Accessing medical cannabis in the UK is not straightforward. There are many hurdles, from extensive paperwork to a limited number of doctors prescribing it. The UK ranks second in the world for the number of clinical trials on medical cannabis, investigating conditions like brain tumours, long-term Covid symptoms, and chronic pain. For more details, check this source.
For those considering medical cannabis, understanding the legal framework and challenges is essential. Although a legal structure exists, obtaining a medical cannabis prescription in the UK remains difficult due to a lack of research and approval processes3.
How Medical Cannabis Works: THC and CBD
THC and CBD are crucial components of medical cannabis, each affecting mood disorders in unique ways. THC induces a sense of euphoria by acting on the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. In contrast, CBD is known for its calming effects, alleviating anxiety without the ‘high’ associated with THC.
Both THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a vital role in maintaining bodily balance. CBD may enhance certain receptors in individuals with depression, potentially reducing symptoms. Research suggests that the ECS helps regulate mood, indicating how THC and CBD could combat depression.
Changes in endocannabinoid levels have been observed in individuals treated for depression. For instance, a study found different endocannabinoid levels in women with depression. Additionally, treating depression with electroconvulsive therapy increased these substances in the brain’s fluid, suggesting that boosting endocannabinoid levels might help alleviate depression.
In summary, THC and CBD interact with the ECS in distinct but beneficial ways. While THC provides quick stress relief, CBD helps manage mood disorders over the long term. Together, they form a powerful duo in tackling depression4.
Conclusion
As mental health issues like depression continue to affect a significant portion of the population, exploring new treatments such as medical cannabis is essential. Legal since 2018 in the UK, medical cannabis offers hope for those who haven’t found relief through traditional methods. Understanding the legal landscape, potential benefits, and risks associated with medical cannabis can help individuals make informed decisions about their treatment options.
Source Links
- https://cannabisaccessclinics.co.uk/depression-and-medical-cannabis/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/medical-marijuana-for-depression
- https://businessofcannabis.com/unlocking-the-potential-uks-evolving-landscape-of-medical-cannabis-research/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7605020/
