Is It True that Marijuana Helps with Mental Illnesses?
Marijuana (cannabis) is the most widely used drug and ranks fourth after alcohol, tobacco, and coffee in the ranking of substances that cause mild poisoning
At the same time, recent studies have failed to prove that cannabis can be safe and effective in treating the six most common mental disorders: depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity disorder, Tourette’s, post-traumatic mental disorder, and psychosis. Many of us have heard about the health benefits of marijuana, which is used in the treatment of mental disorders.
Marijuana in medicine
These two substances, which act in completely opposite ways, are capable of inducing feelings of euphoria and revitalization, while at the same time having an inhibitory and sedative effect. Marijuana resin contains more than 80 cannabinoids, which are the main substances causing the narcotic effect, but the combination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) causes the most significant effects on the body. Cannabis and cannabinoids are increasingly becoming available and used for medicinal use in North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
But the safe long-term effects of cannabinoids have not been considered during these studies. According to medicalxpress.com, a number of studies conducted to prove that for the treatment of chronic pain of non-cancer origin, the use of medicinal cannabinoids is the most effective method when used recreationally. The results of such a study have shown a reduction in anxiety symptoms, but it is not clear whether this effect was due to an improvement in general well-being. In addition, most of the controlled studies that have examined the effects of cannabinoids on a person with depression and anxiety have been complicated by additional conditions, such as chronic pain or multiple sclerosis.
Another study of patients with psychosis resulted in worsening symptoms due to the use of a drug containing the pharmaceutical cannabis-based THC-active substance
Canadian scientists have found that the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the occurrence of depression and suicidal thoughts may be regulated by cannabis: those who do not use it have a 4-7 times higher risk of developing one or another mental condition.
PTSD develops as a result of experiencing a traumatic event – for example, it very often occurs in military men who served in hot spots. In addition to recurrent flashbacks, panic attacks in response to triggers and sleep problems, PTSD can cause other mental illnesses, most commonly depression and anxiety disorder. In addition, PTSD is often associated with increased suicidal tendencies.
In some states in the United States, as well as in Canada, medical marijuana is prescribed to combat the symptoms of PTSD: it is believed that it can help with depression and suicidal moods, among other things. That said, there is little empirical evidence to support this: in other words, it is unclear whether cannabis regulates the relationship between PTSD and the disorders that result from it. Therefore, I recommend that you research the deals to find the right product and dosage for you.
The dangers of cannabis use
In addition, obtaining pharmaceuticals through the illegal market puts people at risk because of the influx of products of unknown content and not meeting safety standards. Scientists fear that along with the development of medicine, and cannabinoid-based medications in particular, the risk of addiction is increasing, as well as the number of car accidents, due to people driving under the influence of drugs.
In order to put an end to the issue, scientists will have to conduct further research looking at the direct effects of marijuana on the treatment of mental health disorders. At this point, there is little evidence that cannabinoids can improve depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as Tourette’s syndrome, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
