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Mental health is often overlooked, even though it has gained more recognition recently. There still is a way to go, however, and for everyone, it is essential to maintain a healthy mind. Research continues to uncover and discuss the benefits of marijuana for mental health. We now know that marijuana can help reduce stress and improve mood. It also can assist in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
So, let’s explore the various benefits of marijuana and what mental disorders it can help with. If you struggle with a mental illness, marijuana may be a positive solution.
Medical Marijuana and Mood Disorders
Medical marijuana may be an effective treatment for mental health issues. Research reveals it can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Specifically, marijuana can reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. Furthermore, it improves cognitive functioning, reduces feelings of paranoia, and regulates mood. This makes it an ideal treatment for those suffering from mental health issues.
It aids in mood disorders as well. It does this by increasing a person’s energy levels and, thus, improving their quality of life. Experts continue to research how it may help ease symptoms related to bipolar disorder. We will discuss this more in-depth later.
For specific mental disorders, marijuana can provide relief from; keep reading.
Psychotic Disorders
Mental health conditions such as psychotic disorders can be debilitating. Symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, can be hard to regulate. However, cannabis may improve the quality of life for those with psychotic disorders.
Using cannabis can diminish anxiety and stress, which are triggers for psychotic episodes. Additionally, it can assist those with psychotic disorders to experience improved sleep quality. Not only can cannabis decrease symptoms, but research suggests it may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Overall, cannabis is an effective tool to help manage symptoms of psychotic disorders. If you or someone you know has a psychotic disorder, speak to a healthcare professional. They can discuss with you the potential benefits of using cannabis. They can also advise whether using it while taking other medication is alright.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric disorder. Medically, it is defined as alternating episodes of mania and depression.
If you have bipolar disorder, marijuana can control the symptoms. It does this by providing relief from anxiety and depression. Cannabinoids, the active compound found in marijuana, can reduce the frequency and intensity of mood swings. It also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. Together, these properties prevent the risk of bipolar disorder-related complications.
Cannabinoids also interact with the brain’s reward system. So, they work well at decreasing the severity of depression and anxiety. For example, they can increase serotonin levels, which can help regulate mood. Furthermore, marijuana has antipsychotic effects, which can lessen the severity of manic episodes.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an all-too-common mental health issue. However, there are many potential treatments for anxiety, and marijuana is one of them.
Using marijuana in a controlled manner can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. So, you may experience less of a racing heart, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. This is mainly due to marijuana’s ability to reduce stress and calm the mind.
In addition, marijuana gives you the ability to break the patterns of anxious thoughts. With cannabis, you can control your anxiety and think more clearly. It’s exciting to learn that it can be an effective long-term treatment for anxiety.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Marijuana also has the potential to reduce some of the symptoms of PTSD. For those with PTSD, cannabis may help anxiety, insomnia, and nightmares sufferers. It can also help reduce feelings of depression and irritability. Both are common triggers of PTSD. Fortunately, marijuana can take the edge off those uncomfortable feelings.
Marijuana may also help to reduce stress levels. More specifically, it can lessen the frequency and intensity of flashbacks and nightmares. It also stimulates the appetite, aiding those struggling with PTSD-related weight loss. Finally, it can provide a sense of relaxation and calmness. This benefits people with PTSD who deal with a heightened state of anxiety.
Marijuana for Long-term Mental Health Issues
Marijuana reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety in the short term. Plus, there is some evidence that using it long-term may lower the risk of developing a mental health disorder. As discussed, you may be able to use it to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Using marijuana in adjunct to therapy can improve symptoms caused by mental illness. In some cases, it can reduce suicide rates.
With further research, marijuana could become a powerful tool for treating mental health issues.
Conclusion
The potential of medical marijuana as a mental health treatment is becoming increasingly apparent. It may be a viable treatment option for those suffering from mental health issues. With further research, it’s exciting that it may become a widely accepted treatment for mental health issues.
