When you go to the doctor and get prescribed anti-depressants, and even when taking medical marijuana, they probably tell you it takes a few weeks for your medicine to kick in. Why don’t anti-depressants work right away, though? If it’s just a chemical imbalance, why doesn’t the medicine work as quickly as it does with things like anxiety and pain?
Recent studies have revealed that depression may be more than just a chemical imbalance. Scientists now believe that depression comes from inflammation of the brain that is caused by stress. Stress produces inflammatory cytokines, which are what causes the inflammation in the brain. Depression may take so long to treat because it’s battling inflammation that causes this chemical imbalance.
How Does CBD Help With Depression?
Cannabidiol can reduce inflammation by elevating the endocannabinoid 2-AG which binds to the CB2 receptor. The CB2 cannabinoid receptor regulates your immune system, and 2-AG helps by elevating chemicals and encouraging the immune cells to migrate to the affected area.
Hemp oil also elevates the level of anandamide in your brain which binds to the CB1 receptor. This cannabinoid receptor is in control of your neurological system affecting your sleep cycle, perception of pain, appetite, and mood. Anandamide can help you feel more uplifted, and even gives you energy, something hard to come by when you have depression.
More Than Medicine
Depression is not something you should face alone. Going to therapy, surrounding yourself with people you love, and making lifestyle changes will do wonders for your depression. Many people who are depressed will get stuck in that frame of mind, which is very difficult to dig out of. While you are reducing the inflammation in your brain, you have to try and make sure that your way of thinking doesn’t make it all come back.
Talk To Your Doctor
If you are on anti-depressants, quitting them cold turkey may make your symptoms so severe, it can become fatal. Talk to your doctor if you want to try CBD instead. They can help you properly get off the medication, so you don’t take ten steps back from the recovery you have already accomplished.
If you are ready to start fighting your depression in a new way, stop by our shop to check out what we have to offer. We have a large variety of products that fit almost any comfort level. If you are using cannabis for your depression, we would love to hear about it in the comments!
