Non-Intoxicating Ways Medical Marijuana is Offering Hope to Depression Sufferers

According to Mental Health America, over 50 million Americans suffer from a mental illness, yet less than half are currently receiving treatment. And for those who do seek treatment, traditional medications—like antidepressants—aren’t always as effective as you need them to be.

Medical marijuana may be the Western medicine alternative you’ve been looking for.

At TeleLeaf, we believe in the power of holistic healing through medical marijuana for depression. However we know that not everyone wants to experience the psychoactive effects of THC-based products. Continue reading for an introduction to cannabinoids and the calming powers of broad spectrum CBD products.

The Chemistry of Cannabis

Not all cannabis products are the same. They come in a wide array of forms, from smokable products to topical lotions. Products also vary in their effects. While many cannabis products can get you high, there are just as many that don’t.

Let’s dive into the chemical makeup of cannabis.

Understanding Cannabis Compounds and Cannabinoids

The Cannabis sativa plant features hundreds of chemical compounds, all with varying effects. Over 100 of these compounds are known as cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates many of the body’s essential functions, including:

• Memory retention
• Immune and inflammation responses
• Pain perception

Everyone is born with an ECS, and our bodies make some cannabinoids naturally—these are called endocannabinoids.

But the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant mimic our endocannabinoids and, when consumed, attach to our cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) to produce a wide variety of effects.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the cannabinoid that most people know about. But there are many other cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, such as:

• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabinol (CBN)

And the list goes on. These cannabinoids differ from THC in one major way: they don’t produce psychoactive effects. This is particularly advantageous for patients who aren’t looking to get high but still want to experience the healing benefits of cannabis.

Two other compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant include:

• Terpenes – Terpenes are responsible for cannabis’s distinctive scent.
• Flavonoids – Flavonoids provide cannabis’s signature green color.

Aside from these botanical functions, terpenes and flavonoids offer additional effects when combined with cannabinoids. These combinations produce an enhanced reaction known as the “entourage effect.”

The entourage effect is a theory that cannabis compounds work best when used together in cannabis products, rather than isolating a single one. Cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create more complex and powerful effects for those living with depression and other mental illnesses.

While there is still much mystery surrounding the ECS and entourage effect, cannabis has had a significant impact on people with depression, especially for those who aren’t satisfied with prescription antidepressants.

Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum CBD

Even though medical marijuana has helped reduce symptoms of depression, many people don’t consider using it because they don’t want the high from THC. Luckily, there are products designed with this in mind.

As you shop for non-intoxicating cannabinoid medicine options, keep an eye out for two key products:

1. Full spectrum products capitalize on the entourage effect by including many of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant. However, full spectrum products contain some amount of THC.
2. Broad spectrum products, on the other hand, offer similar holistic benefits; but they contain negligibly low concentrations of THC (if any).

The Benefits of CBD

CBD products are an effective alternative to THC products. They provide many of the positive effects of cannabis without the psychoactive component of THC. Some of these benefits include:

• Sleep-wake cycle regulation – Like THC, many patients report that CBD supports a more regular and restful sleep cycle.
• Mood balance – Some patients use CBD specifically for its mood stability impacts. While results vary from person to person, many patients report that CBD makes them feel calmer or provides mental clarity.
• Pain relief – Many patients living with chronic pain use CBD to reduce their overall discomfort and improve their quality of life.

It’s important to note that CBD (and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids) and THC interact with the ECS in very different ways. So, if you’ve used THC in the past, switching to (or incorporating) CBD might produce different effects.

That said, there are many reasons you might choose CBD products instead of THC products, including:

• Your job – Many employers prohibit employees from using marijuana, even if it’s legal in their state. Fortunately, broad spectrum CBD products, when sourced from trusted dispensaries, contain less than 0.3% THC.
• Smoking alternatives – Not all medical marijuana patients are looking for a smoking experience. CBD products are available in edibles, capsules, and topical products.
• Low THC tolerance – Not everyone is looking for psychoactive effects, and some people have lower THC tolerances than others. CBD-forward products (especially those made from hemp, which has less than 0.3% THC) offer an option for people looking to avoid THC.
• Avoiding side effects of THC – While THC side effects are generally mild and short-lived, some patients might be looking to avoid appetite stimulation, drowsiness, and other effects. CBD products still produce some side effects, but they’re distinct from those you might experience when taking THC.

Whether your reason for avoiding THC-based products is personal or professional, CBD products may be the right choice for you.

Like THC, CBD has played a role in countless success stories. For instance, one woman was able to overcome her postpartum depression with CBD after prescription medications failed her. With the help of her doctor, she was able to balance her hormones and feel more like herself, all thanks to CBD.

Cannabis Products for Relief Without the High

CBD products are unique in that they come in a diverse array of forms. Don’t want to smoke? Try CBD gummies or capsules. Don’t want to ingest anything? Try CBD serums and lotions. No matter what your preference is, you can find relief.

At TeleLeaf, we’re all about understanding your needs and finding products that work with your lifestyle. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most popular CBD products that might support your healing journey:

• Edibles – Edibles are one of the most well-known forms of CBD and cannabis. There are a number of products available, including gummies, chocolates, and even CBD-infused beverages. Keep in mind that edibles are typically slower-acting since the body needs to digest them before the CBD effects can kick in. CBD capsules, another edible option, are similarly slow-acting.
• Oils and tinctures – CBD oils are either directly extracted from the cannabis plant or feature a combination of cannabis extract and a carrier oil (like coconut or hemp seed oil). Tinctures, on the other hand, are alcohol-based cannabinoid extractions. You can either mix oils and tinctures into food or consume them on their own. An advantage of oils and tinctures is that, when placed under the tongue, the body can process and experience the effects faster. Many CBD oils can also be used topically, adding to their versatility.
• Lotions – CBD topicals like lotions, serums, and creams are used most often by those with chronic pain or skin conditions. The skin acts as a partial barrier, minimizing the amount of CBD entering the bloodstream. This may be preferable for those who want to avoid some of CBD’s side effects.

Whatever your product preference may be, CBD can help alleviate symptoms of depression without making you feel intoxicated.

Discover the Power of CBD with a Medical Marijuana Recommendation

If you’re on the fence about trying medical marijuana or you’re looking for a non-intoxicating product for support on your depression healing journey, you have countless options. CBD is a favorite among patients looking to heal without feeling high.

At TeleLeaf, it’s our job to help you find the symptom relief you need—whether you’re looking for a psychoactive product or not. People living with depression have multiple options for medical marijuana treatment, and our experts can help you find the combination of cannabinoids you need to realign your body and mind.

TeleLeaf also makes it quick and easy for you to get a medical marijuana recommendation from licensed doctors. Sign up for a virtual appointment and get approved the same day, all from the comfort of your own home.

It’s time to discover the treatment you deserve.

Sources:

Mental Health America. The State of Mental Health in America.
https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america

MDPI. Cannabinoids, Phenolics, Terpenes and Alkaloids of Cannabis.
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/9/2774

Harvard Health Publishing. The Endocannabinoid System: Essential and Mysterious.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569

Healthline. 6 Health Benefits of CBD Oil—And a Look at Side Effects.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits

Verywell Health. What Are Cannabinoids?
https://verywellhealth.com/cannabinoids-4847186

National Library of Medicine. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders.
https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/

Medical News Today. Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD: What is the Difference?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/full-spectrum-cbd-vs-broad-spectrum-cbd

Ashlie Behm Photography. Overcoming Postpartum Anxiety & Depression With The Help Of CBD.
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Forbes Health. What to Know About the Types of CBD.
https://www.forbes.com/