Is weed contributing to my depression?

[farawaymusic]

I experience depressive symptoms that are completely relieved with THC. However, when the THC wears off, I experience depressive symptoms that sometimes feel worse than the initial depression. Is this due to THC keeping my receptors downregulated or whatever, such that I now need it in order to get back to baseline? Or is that not really a thing?

I ask because I notice a lot of uncertain thoughts arising when I use it, along the lines of "am I just prolonging my depression?" or "is this just soothing symptoms while exacerbating the underlying stuff?" and I come from a social circle that frowns upon weed use, so I sometimes feel shame about it. I want to feel okay about using it to treat depressive symptoms mostly so I can stop dwelling on this topic so much. Any insights or ideas would be appreciated!

 

[cnnka]

Needs more context weed is very subjective each time. Other times relieved all anxiety depression and all problems other times bring all problems. It’s a tool a two edged sword you need to use it properly for each case the problem is that it becomes habitual and you use it all the time and most times it isn’t the tool for all time.

 

[farawaymusic]

Needs more context weed is very subjective each time. Other times relieved all anxiety depression and all problems other times bring all problems. It’s a tool a two edged sword you need to use it properly for each case the problem is that it becomes habitual and you use it all the time and most times it isn’t the tool for all time.

So true. I have used this plant for years without falling into depression, hence my confusion.

 

[cnnka]

So true. I have used this plant for years without falling into depression, hence my confusion.

I think there comes a time after so many years of use/abuse of this plant that the user should stop it, cause no more benefit has to be gained and only something to lose.
I talk about daily heavy users such I myself, I used for 15 years and smoke it like it was cigarettes, I also see from other users most who smoke like me they eventually stop its use forever or for many many years.
Also have you heard the old saying/rumor that weed leads you into opioids etc?
I think there’s some truth to that after many years of using and anxiety and depression and side effects building up little by little then you find relief in opioids. I don’t tell it’s true but I think there’s a dose of truth in that saying.

 

[BadBoy377]

it isn’t the tool for all time.

It can be depending on the person and general context.

 

[lost weekend]

Most recreational drugs relieve depressive symptoms until they were off .
I know this is about weed but if a cocaine addict had an endless supply they would rarely feel depressed until they inevitability overdosed.
I used to be able to smoke hash everyday all day when I was younger without feeling depressed ,even when I didn't have any it was no big deal ,I wouldnt obsess about it ,when I got to my late 20s I found it made me paranoid ,made me think to much about life and changed my lifestyle .
A drug that induces paranoia on most new users and even seasoned veterans can not be good for your mental health if used constantly
Maybe take a break from it for a few weeks and see how your mind reacts

 

[lost weekend]

I have always admired the mental strength of some heavy weed smokers who can perform their daily routine and even perform their jobs faultlessly when its usualy the most stressful part of the day .
Admired might not be the correct word but it certainly shows a mental toughness

 

[cnnka]

I have always admired the mental strength of some heavy weed smokers who can perform their daily routine and even perform their jobs faultlessly when its usualy the most stressful part of the day .
Admired might not be the correct word but it certainly shows a mental toughness

I noticed I have a problem when at work I gave my coworker(he was a seasoned smoker as well) 4 puffs of THC Vape very strong and he started tripping fr like visuals paranoia and stuff. While I was taking 8 puffs after I wake up over 20 puffs driving to work and endlessly while working.

 

[foodcrisis]

@ the OP

i don't know the science of what happens when the brain is going on and off weed, but i'll say you might want to think about:

how long does the feeling free from depression last with the weed? is it like you use it once a day and get all day relief and it helps you with what you have to do or do you have to continuously smoke to make it through the day and it's bothersome to your schedule? this would be the first thing i would evaluate.

i'd probably think about if i'm physically depressed or if there are issues in my life making me depressed and how you would want to deal with that whether that be quitting weed or doing something to make your life better... i'd think if you were physically depressed and weed didn't really have relief that you felt like was worth the time you are feeling depressed, then it'd be time to stop smoking for a while and see how your body feels.

if weed is helping you, i wouldn't worry about your social circle unless you have to keep a job around it or are in an illegal place... hopefully your family will understand...

i'd say though, that if you are questioning whether or not weed is helping you, then it might not be... maybe think about if the immediate effects of weed that you think are helping you are really even that enjoyable or if your just kind of addicted to messing with your senses. maybe upon properly scanning your body, you'll realize you don't really even need weed... i think about that from time to time, is weed really that great? if it weren't for my HPPD symptoms that come out strong with weed, which i really enjoy. i'd say that the feeling of weed isn't really even that great... honestly helps a lot with my sleep schedule too, and i do kind of like how it feels, but TBH, drugs don't really feel that great compared to just giving up and relaxing.. if you've never tried it, you could try to get on an exercise schedule and hope to get into proper sleeping with out weed... it's not like if you try to experiment going sober, you have to stay that way. you can always go back to smoking if whatever schedule you try isn't your thing.

i've heard people claim it takes months to start really feeling great from being sober and other people claim there isn't even any come down from weed at all... personally i just find i'm kind of tired when i try to go a few days with out smoking, and i'm probably good after a couple weeks.. i'm really not sure though, one of my most recent breaks i was using benzos, so i cheated, and i went 6 months with out smoking or drugs in the past, but that was a long time ago... did a few couple week breaks though too, and can say that i don't think there is a huge difference in how i feel a couple days with out weed compared to being sober for a few months.. you may want to experiment and go a few months though. you won't know how your brain chemistry is till you try. could take some sober time to get on a good schedule.

 

[farawaymusic]

Good advice all around, thank you. The issue for me is somewhat complicated by the fact that I get something spiritual from weed sometimes. Like, I find myself in a state where I realize: all I know is the inside of my own mind, and this plant is showing me a side of my mind I would never have known about otherwise.

It seems like a deprivation to deny myself that access, but if I'm being honest, i don't really know what to do with the access it gives me. I write things down in a notebook when they are revealed to me in the cannabis high, but those writings are of no use when the effect wears off. I just return to being confused and frustrated, thinking I'm living a halfway existence, missing some deeper dimension of things I can only explore with weed.

There may be no way around it. I do have profound experiences of self-knowing thanks to weed, but I also get trapped in a loop of chasing that experience, burning out, losing hold of my life, and becoming miserable again. I don't know what to do. For now I am taking a break from it, to see if the immediate problem of near-suicidal depression goes away. If it does... do I just stop forever? It feels like saying goodbye to a dear friend.

 

[ledbyher]

im quoting this because the article the ai pulled this from gave me a lot of insight into my cannabis addiction.

Cannabis addiction is associated with significant neurobiological changes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), where Δ9-THC disrupts the excitatory-inhibitory balance by impairing GABAergic signaling. Chronic use alters CB1 receptor function, leading to downregulation and compensatory changes such as increased GABA release and reduced GABAA receptor expression, contributing to neuronal hyperexcitability during withdrawal.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cannabis withdrawal symptoms and related anxiety or mental overstimulation are addressed by supporting GABAergic function through herbal formulas. These often include Magnesium (glycinate)[400mg elemental magnesium], L-Taurine, Valerian (extract), and Lithium orotate (1-3mg), which help calm the nervous system and promote GABA synthesis. TCM practitioners may use these formulas to restore balance, especially during detoxification, noting that patients often experience brief, calming "stoned"-like states—similar to the intended effects of GABA modulation—during recovery.

While cannabis does not directly bind to GABA receptors, it indirectly modulates GABA release via presynaptic CB1 receptors on GABAergic neurons.

Recreational Cannabis Use and TCM | Acupuncture Today

Author: Joni Renee Zalk. Title: Recreational Cannabis Use and TCM. Summary: Many people are drawn to cannabis for its effects physically, mentally and emotionally. Medically, cannabis has some legitimate uses, however the scope...

acupuncturetoday.com

 

[Innerpeace]

I have always admired the mental strength of some heavy weed smokers who can perform their daily routine and even perform their jobs faultlessly when its usualy the most stressful part of the day .
Admired might not be the correct word but it certainly shows a mental toughness

This is more than likely these people have an endocannaboid system that is say a nine on the bell curve for cannabis effecting them favorable

Some people are fours, some are sixes

There is an endocannaboid test that tests this. It shows how safe it works s for you and risks involved with thc. Some people s endocannaboid system just doesn’t tolerate it as well as others. Same with alcohol, and most other substances. It’s a test and you would need to be around people that have access to it

 

[BadBoy377]

I was profoundly depressed when I started using cannabis in my mid teens. Which is quite sad but it is what is. I started smoking. I found I was able to move on with life. Weed provided a headspace for me to relax and think my way through some of issues. If not to resolve them entirely but it was a tool for forward growth.

I stuck with it for many years. Time off cannabis is important too. Of course you can wake and bake and keep at it all day on your days off. But not everyday forever.

A big factor is the strength of weed today. It wasn't that strong when I was at peak usage. It's a lot easier to develop chronic disassociation without really having to work at it. This is also a big problem.

Weed needs to be respected and used mindfully. Like all drugs really. But used carefully it has the potential to empower you and enhance your life.

BB

 

[BadBoy377]

Also... This.

 

[Ismene2]

Take a few days off - if you feel better then it's the weed causing your depression.

Sound logical?

 

[lost weekend]

This is more than likely these people have an endocannaboid system that is say a nine on the bell curve for cannabis effecting them favorable

Some people are fours, some are sixes

There is an endocannaboid test that tests this. It shows how safe it works s for you and risks involved with thc. Some people s endocannaboid system just doesn’t tolerate it as well as others. Same with alcohol, and most other substances. It’s a test and you would need to be around people that have access to it

That's interesting and makes sence because I know of plenty strong willed persons who have huge confidence in themselves and you can tell just by the way they speak and carry themselves generally but when they've had a smoke there as quite as a mouse

 

[lost weekend]

I was profoundly depressed when I started using cannabis in my mid teens. Which is quite sad but it is what is. I started smoking. I found I was able to move on with life. Weed provided a headspace for me to relax and think my way through some of issues. If not to resolve them entirely but it was a tool for forward growth.

I stuck with it for many years. Time off cannabis is important too. Of course you can wake and bake and keep at it all day on your days off. But not everyday forever.

A big factor is the strength of weed today. It wasn't that strong when I was at peak usage. It's a lot easier to develop chronic disassociation without really having to work at it. This is also a big problem.

Weed needs to be respected and used mindfully. Like all drugs really. But used carefully it has the potential to empower you and enhance your life.

BB

That's sad to hear .looking back I was quite content I think which may have helped me to smoke often.i started full on when I was only 16 ,taking pipes in toilets during college then talking buckets at night with friends .
I suspect that played a big part on my mental health as I got older .I'm not sure if your brain is fully developed at 16 I suspect not.
I never seen grass till I was about 19 it just wasn't around

 

[lost weekend]

Not the stuff you smoke anyway lol.

 

[ledbyher]

i'll test the day 3 of sober, but usually i'm fighting everything then, maybe it's different this time, my eyes are open.

 

[ledbyher]

my idea of moderation is smoking weed on holidays, and being straight edge for all 4 terms 2 semesters of the academic year.