{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-question-tags-template-js","path":"/question-tag/depression/7","result":{"data":{"allQuestion":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Question_10635-markdown","title":"Frequency of medicating?","slug":"frequency-of-medicating","content":"\"After years of therapy and taking various prescription medications, I've recently turned to MMJ to supplement the treatment of my anxiety and depression.  Since I am new to this, I was wondering if you have any recommendations as to the frequency or dosage when medicating myself.  For example, would it be more beneficial to medicate when I feel a panic attack beginning or when I have a particularly down day, or to medicate regularly (i.e. daily, like taking my daily antidepressant)? Thank you! \"\n_____________________\nThis is a question that we see frequently. It really depends an the type of method that you are suing to consume cannabis.\nSmoking or vaping may be more appropriate when feeling a panic attack coming on since the effect takes place almost immediately. The effect last 2-4 hours which may be enough time for a panic attack to subside. \nA tincture will take about 20-30 to take effect and can last about the same time\nA capsule can take about the same time to take effect or maybe slightly longer and can last shout the same amount of time. \nEdibles can take 1-2 hours to start and can last 3-6 hours depending on your metabolism.\n\nWith any of these methods, and for any medical condition, we suggest starting with a low dose and going slow to increase the dose. Every one reacts differently to cannabis and what works for one person might not fwork for another. When you visit your dispensary, describe to the bud tender there what your medical condition is and what they carry to help treat it. They will also help you decide on the best way to use he cannabis in terms of time to take effect and how long it will last.\n\nPerry Solomon, MD","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10613-markdown","title":"Can marijuana cause depression? ","slug":"can-marijuana-cause-depression","content":"\"I've read some articles that say marijuana can help with depression, but others that say marijuana can make depression worse -- or even cause other mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Which is true?\r\n\"\n_____________________\nDepression is often multifactorial, most often caused by a number of different factors. I dont think that using cannabis would directly lead to depression. However, some people report dark, negative thoughts when utilizing certain strains and under certain conditions. Cannabis is very diverse, and each different type of plant contains different compounds, depending on the genetics of the plant, where it is grown, how it is grown, how long it has been dried and/or processed. Possibly of more importance is that each individual will have a different reaction to cannabis. My advice would be to try out many different varieties of cannabis, as well as inhalation, edibles and tinctures. Go with the herb that smells most pleasing to you. Maybe a skunky weed makes you cringe, while a fruity variety makes you smile. Some people report depressive symptoms when using indica and anxiety with sativa. I would reccomend a hybrid with uplifting qualities. Get outside, breath some fresh air, go for a walk and stay in the present. Get a massage, or give back to the community. Depression usually results from anxiety in worrying about the future, or in regrets of mistakes from the past. The past and the future are only mental constructs, the only thing that is real is this moment. Live fully in the present, learn from the past and plan for a bright future. Cannabis can alter our thought patterns enough to break free from negative thinking, allowing us to live fully in the present moment. \n\nandrewvanmd","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10580-markdown","title":"Would marijuana help me deal with my depression?","slug":"would-marijuana-help-me-deal-with-my-depression","content":"\"I currently take prescription medications to manage my depression, but would like to use something more natural.\"\n_____________________\nThe benefits of cannabis on each person are truly individual and the origins of depression vary; however, many cannabis users report relief from depressive tendencies and I have had several patients report improved mood with regular use.  Your question is timely as the article below was \nrecently published in the Huffington Post:\n\nhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/06/marijauna-depression_n_6622126.html\n\nThe answer is not straight forward as factors that lead to depression are complex and successful treatment of depression is also multi-factorial. There are cases of cannabis users reporting worsening depression and mood issues with use as well. More studies are needed but there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that with the right strain or product, some users obtain relief from depressive issues. It is good to remember that cannabis may not \"cure\" depression but may facilitate the changes in the internal biology to allow us to better cope with depressed moods, anxiety and other emotional stressors that contribute to depression. \n\nI encourage cannabis users to use the medicinal cannabis to treat their symptoms, but also to create mental space to address the factors that contribute to depression. It is infrequently discussed but, there is a mindfulness that may accompany cannabis use. Many people report that using cannabis allows them to \"take a break from stress\". I encourage users to use that break for \"self care\" such as hobbies, exercise, or any activity that is regenerating to your emotional state. This in combination with the symptom relief from cannabis may be therapeutic as well.\n\nCannabis users who are surveyed do report depression symptoms are reduced with cannabis use. Look for more studies regarding cannabis use and depression or mood issues in the future. These topics are being looked at with more intensity due to the intolerances and side effects of the anti-depressant pharmaceutical agents. \n\nNote: If you decide to use cannabis to manage depression, you should coordinate management and reduction of prescribed anti-dperassants with you doctor as these medications often require a tapering of dosage over time to avoid unwanted mood disruptions. A precipitous mood change can occur if some anti-depressants are stopped suddenly.\n\n\ndrgerhart","image":null}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":72,"numPages":7,"currentPage":7,"id":5187,"name":"Depression","slug":"depression","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}