Is cannabis suitable as an antidepressant?

[Captain.Heroin]

Ever since I started smoking weed, I've been a much happier person than I ever was taking Zoloft. They say that drugs can't cure depression; that they only mask the symptoms. I believe this is true in the case of most hard drugs such as heroin. At the same time, I think cannabis stands apart from most other proposed "antidepressants." Instead of merely "blocking out the bad feeling" I find it helps change my perspective of things during the high moment. I know I sound all spiritual and hippie'ish saying it, but I believe that the concious act of embracing that moment is the true difference between medicating to feel better and medicating just to get stoned for a couple of hours!

I believe what you're saying. I feel great after being stoned too. The next day I have a pleasant afterglow, and am looking forward to more. I think that it helps when you're vaporizing wax instead of smoking low grade weed. %)

If I do smoke weed, it's true top shelf and is so easy to smoke.

No THC is quite bad my man, it's just there for 'teh funnies'. Most of the positive (medical) effects come from CBD and CBC (plus a whole bunch of other stuff in there). Not that this is in any way on-topic or anything.

I disagree. THC is quite active on its own, it isn't pleasant on its own, but without THC, much of the medicinal benefit to cannabis would be lost. Not all of it obviously, as CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory and possibly as an anti-psychotic; however the reasons why I use medicinal cannabis would require THC (except for tendinitis, where CBD in itself would be useful).

 

[double ewe]

no. it might help, but it might also make the situation worse. for me (and many other people i know) cannabis led to laziness and social anxiety, which led to less participation in school, work and social life, which isn't a great situation if you're already suffering from depression. if it's prescribed and managed in conjunction with professional psychiatric treatment, i wouldn't argue against it. but if you're attempting to self-medicate depression with pot, there's a very good chance that it's going to make things worse.

 

[MyDoorsAreOpen]

^ Exactly. I think research needs to be done (I don't see grants for this coming anytime soon), that identified exactly which sorts of depressed people are likely to find relief for their depression from marijuana or its derivatives. Then doctors in places that condone medical marijuana could identify these people and monitor them regularly during treatment, always on the lookout for signs that risks and detriments were outweighing benefits.

 

[Diacetylmorphan]

It will ultimately end up down regulating your endogenous opioid systems making you much more anxious and depressed all the time you aren't high.