THC as an antidepressant

[EpicureanDream]

Have their been any studies that look into THC and other cannabinoids as an antidepressant?

From personal experience, I find cannabis resin to be an excellent antidepressant.

 

[Smyth]

I cant vouch for cannabis because I sont live Holland. Over there they get best quality material. However, i'd like to know about what compounds (polyketides/terpines etc) are contained in hops. I have a strong belief that this does something. Also of topical interest is that compound thujone. GREAT

 

[Riemann Zeta]

For me, nothing has worked better as a mood stabilizer than cannabinoids. Not even lithium.

 

[gloggawogga]

Just some studies that say there aren't any studies, and there aren't going to be any anytime soon:

Do patients use marijuana as an antidepressant?
by
Gruber AJ; Pope HG Jr; Brown ME
Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital,
Belmont, Massachusetts 02178, USA
Depression, 1996, 4:2, 77-80

ABSTRACT

Several lines of evidence suggest that cannabis may have antidepressant effects. However, methodologic limitations in available studies make the results difficult to interpret. We review this literature and present five cases in which the evidence seems particularly clear that marijuana produced a direct antidepressant effect. If true, these observations argue that many patients may use marijuana to "self-treat" depressive symptoms.

The use of cannabis as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder: anecdotal evidence and the need for clinical research
by
Grinspoon L, Bakalar JB
Department of Psychiatry,
Harvard Medical School,
Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
[email protected]
J Psychoactive Drugs 1998 Apr-Jun; 30(2):171-7

ABSTRACT

The authors present case histories indicating that a number of patients find cannabis (marihuana) useful in the treatment of their bipolar disorder. Some used it to treat mania, depression, or both. They stated that it was more effective than conventional drugs, or helped relieve the side effects of those drugs. One woman found that cannabis curbed her manic rages; she and her husband have worked to make it legally available as a medicine. Others described the use of cannabis as a supplement to lithium (allowing reduced consumption) or for relief of lithium's side effects. Another case illustrates the fact that medical cannabis users are in danger of arrest, especially when children are encouraged to inform on parents by some drug prevention programs. An analogy is drawn between the status of cannabis today and that of lithium in the early 1950s, when its effect on mania had been discovered but there were no controlled studies. In the case of cannabis, the law has made such studies almost impossible, and the only available evidence is anecdotal. The potential for cannabis as a treatment for bipolar disorder unfortunately can not be fully explored in the present social circumstances.

http://biopsychiatry.com/canbi.htm
http://www.cannabis.net/antidep.htm

 

[BilZ0r]

In very early tests, THC was shown to be inactive in classical behavioural tests of antidepressant activity

 

[Slaughterhousefive42]

In uncontrolled experience spawning eons, THC has been a godsend for many individuals.

 

[R.M. Shackelford]

Works for me.

*twitch*

 

[Vaya]

To be honest, the times when I am smoking constantly are the times where my fears are brought most sharply to the surface, which leads to some mild, but still sort of managable, depression reminiscent of my early adolesent depression.

Though I continue to smoke for God knows what reasons, I'll be the first to admit my mind is a lot healthier and more stabilized when I'm not smoking frequently, or even weekly.

Vaya

 

[jus blaze]

Out of all the perscription antidepressants I've been on none of them have ever made my depression fade the way cannibus has. Personally every antidepressant I've been perscribed to has not helped me at all. It may take the edge off but I'm still miserable. Unlike most SSRI's and other medications, you notice a difference immediately.

 

[Sprinklervibes]

Taking a break from weed always has an anti-depressing effect for me. Then when I get back to smoking now and then it has very positive effects on me in terms of mood-lift. Then when I smoke too regularly my non-high moments are shitty again.