Cannabis is a drug that contains the mind-altering compound THC. It is smoked, eaten, or vaped and can have very different effects from person to person.
It can leave you feeling anxious, paranoid or confused, and can increase your chances of developing mental health problems like depression. It can also cause psychosis.
Depression
Cannabis is a popular drug used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. It can be smoked, vaporised or consumed in a variety of other ways. It contains a wide range of chemicals, including cannabinoids (the main active compounds in cannabis), and terpenes.
Although a large amount of scientific research is still underway to explore the relationship between cannabis use and mental health, it’s clear that the drug can have a negative impact on people’s wellbeing. This is especially true when used in high amounts, and can lead to a number of harmful effects.
Many people report feeling anxious, paranoid or depressed following a heavy cannabis use. They may also experience psychotic episodes.
There is an increasing body of evidence that shows a link between depression and cannabis use. In particular, some studies have shown that cannabis use can increase the risk of developing psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Some research has shown that cannabis may ease depressive symptoms when taken in a low dose, but that’s not always the case. This is because cannabis is a highly individual substance and each person’s body metabolises it differently, which means that even the same people can experience different effects of the drug at different times.
For this reason, it’s impossible to say what a safe dosage is, and how much is too much. This is why it’s important to speak to your doctor about your personal situation before you begin using cannabis.
Often, people who are depressed will turn to drugs such as cannabis to ease their symptoms. They might find that they can feel better after a cannabis high, or that it helps them to sleep.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these are just short-term effects and that they can be harmful in the long term. This is because cannabis can cause a number of harmful effects, including psychosis and addiction.
Moreover, the use of a mind-altering drug can be counterproductive to psychological treatments of psychiatric conditions like depression. It can cause relapse and make it harder for the person to get well. It can also exacerbate symptoms in existing disorders, like schizophrenia.
Anxiety
There is increasing research and anecdotal evidence that cannabis can help people who suffer from anxiety. However, there is still a lot we don’t know about how it works and how it can affect mental health.
The chemicals in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are thought to work together in the brain. Both THC and CBD have anxiolytic effects, which means they can help people feel calm and relaxed.
THC is the main psychoactive substance in cannabis and gives you a high feeling when it’s smoked. It’s also used in tinctures, edibles and oils.
If you’re taking cannabis to help with your anxiety, you should speak to your doctor before using it. They will be able to advise you about the best way to use it and any side effects you could get.
Some people who have been diagnosed with anxiety can develop a tolerance to cannabis and need to use it more frequently in order to achieve the same effect. This can increase your risk of developing physical and psychological dependence, and also makes it harder for you to stop using it.
Many people who have been diagnosed with anxiety use cannabis to help them feel calm and relaxed. They may take it in the form of a tincture, oil or swab.
In some countries, there is a legalised medical use for cannabis, and people can buy it at a health shop or online. It is often smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes or pipes called joints or bongs.
It is also smoked in a vaporiser, which uses heat to release the active ingredients without the smoke. Vaporisers can be cheaper and easier to use than smoking, but they can be more dangerous.
Studies show that young people who start using cannabis at an early age are more likely to have mental health problems later in life, including depression and anxiety. They are also more likely to have a family history of mental health problems.
It is important to note that, like alcohol, cannabis can cause psychological and physical dependence. It’s best to use it as part of a treatment programme that includes other treatments for your anxiety.
Trauma
People who have experienced trauma and are dealing with symptoms of PTSD often turn to cannabis to help ease their distress. It can be a valuable tool in reducing pain and anxiety and may even help with sleeping problems.
The impact of cannabis on mental health has been both positive and negative, depending on a number of factors. For example, a person’s age and the potency of the cannabis they use can make a difference to their anxiety or psychotic symptoms.
Several studies have found that heavy cannabis use in teen and young adult years increases the risk of schizophrenia or other psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder. Other studies have linked the substance to increased rates of depression and anxiety disorders.
These studies are limited in their scope, but they suggest that there is a relationship between heavy drug use and psychosis. These links are especially apparent in adolescent and young adult users, who tend to have higher tolerance to cannabis and may be more likely to experience the onset of psychotic symptoms after using marijuana.
In addition, many individuals with a history of traumatic experiences can develop an addiction to cannabis, which can cause them to have withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. This is also known as a marijuana use disorder, and it can be very difficult to treat.
There are a variety of methods that can be used to treat this condition, including therapy and motivational incentives. These strategies can help patients stay on track with their treatment, reduce the likelihood of relapse, and ease withdrawal symptoms.
Medications that affect the brain’s endocannabinoid system have also been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of disorders. These medications include antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics and anti-anxiety drugs.
Researchers are now testing the effectiveness of different cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, in treating PTSD. They are also working to understand the biological mechanisms that underlie this condition, which can be very complex.
A few studies have found that patients with PTSD who consume cannabinoids show improvements in their cognitive performance and memory, as well as their overall quality of life. These effects are consistent with research showing that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in mood regulation.
Addiction
Addiction is a complex condition that involves a number of factors including genetics, environment and life experiences. These factors affect your risk of developing addiction or cannabis use disorder and if you do have a substance misuse problem, it is important to seek professional help.
Several studies have found that people who are addicted to cannabis are more likely to develop mental health problems than those who do not have an addiction. They are also more likely to be unable to stop using it. This is because cannabis can bind to the brain’s dopamine receptors and trigger feelings of euphoria, relaxation and detachment. This can lead to an addictive cycle of drug use and abuse.
Some studies have shown that heavy users of cannabis are more likely to experience a psychotic episode than non-users. This is often called “cannabis induced psychosis,” and can produce a range of symptoms like distorted sense of time, dream-like euphoria and hallucinations. It generally resolves within a week of abstinence and is much less severe than schizophrenia.
There are many different types of psychosis, and it is important to distinguish them from each other in order to receive the right treatment. There are several symptoms that distinguish cannabis induced psychosis from schizophrenia, including hallucinations, distortions of reality and thoughts of violence.
In addition to these effects, there is evidence that long-term cannabis use can cause a permanent effect on your thinking and concentration. This can lead to a serious relapse if you are already diagnosed with a mental illness.
A large scale study conducted in Australia found that the majority of people who have a cannabis use disorder have a co-occurring psychiatric illness. This can include depression, anxiety or a personality disorder.
The effects of cannabis on your mental health can vary depending on your age and how much you use. Younger people are more likely to experience negative effects because their brains are still developing and they are more susceptible to addictive behaviours.
Cannabis use can also be a contributing factor to suicidal ideation or attempts. This is because the drug can increase feelings of pleasure and euphoria, which may cause an increased sense of worthlessness or self-harm.
