Best Strains of Cannabis to Improve Depression

Treatment is key for patients with major depression. Often those with the disorder feel like it’s something they have to manage on their own, or they’re afraid of people viewing them differently. For this reason, they keep their depressive feelings hidden. Unfortunately, without treatment, depression symptoms can worsen and lead to serious health risks or even thoughts of suicide.

Luckily, depression is becoming less stigmatized than it once was. We understand now that it is a serious mental health issue that can be treated. There are several categories of symptoms that affect every part of a patient’s life, including cognitive symptoms, behavioral changes, whole body symptoms, and sleep disturbances. One aspect of depression that may be difficult to manage is the effects it has on a patient’s mood.

With the discovery of the intrinsic role the endocannabinoid system plays in mood modulation, cannabinoid therapy may be the key to treating depression. If you’re in a state with an expansive selection of medical marijuana treatments, you may be wondering which strains work best.

How Depression Affects a Patient’s Mood

Although not an outward symptom, one aspect of depression that severely impacts patients’ lives is how it changes and alters mood. In fact, the disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of melancholy that can affect daily activities. There are many ways depression can influence mood, including:

Sadness or depressive feelings
Hopelessness
Apathy
Emptiness
Discontent
Worthlessness or low self-esteem
Loss of pleasure in life
Loss of interest
Frustration
Guilt
Mood swings

Changes in a patient’s mood are one of the symptoms mental health professionals look for before they diagnose a patient with depression.

Cannabis Strains to Improve Mood

Cannabis has a variety of effects, depending on which strain you choose. There are three major types of strains: indica, sativa, and hybrid. Indicas are known for their soothing side effects, while sativas are often used to provide a boost of energy. Hybrids have a combination of effects and take aspects of both types of strains.

If you’re looking to improve your mood, here are five strains known to help fight the effects of depression:

Harlequin (Hybrid): This CBD-heavy strain is highly valued because it doesn’t get users high. The low ratio of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, gives the strain this added benefit. Not only is it perfect for daytime medicating, but it clears your head gives you an improved outlook.
Jack Herer (Sativa): This is a favorite strain among many patients which is used in the treatment of depression. Usually used in low doses, its powerful effects improve mood and give patients a feeling of well-being.
Pineapple Express (Sativa): If you’re looking for happy feelings of contentment, look no further than this extremely popular strain. It’s known for producing a euphoric high, but it also provides increased energy levels.
Northern Lights (Indica): If you’re looking for something with more sedative effects, then Northern Lights may be right for you. Feelings of anxiety will melt away, leaving only deep relaxation and calm.
Cannatonic (Hybrid): Another hybrid with high levels of CBD, this strain is praised for its ability to create a deep sense of calm without the high produced by THC-dominant strains. It also helps counteracts mood swings while keeping your head clear.

Include Your Doctor in the Conversation

If you feel medical marijuana would be an effective treatment for your depression and would like to learn more about its mood-elevating effects, be sure to make an appointment with a marijuana doctor in your state. They can assess your condition to see if you qualify for treatments and help you come up with a treatment plan. They may even have their own strain recommendations.