Ria Neuroscience Study Points To Possible Use Of Medical Marijuana For Depression

[knucklehead bob]

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Scientists at the University at Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) are studying chronic stress and depression, with a focus on endocannabinoids, which are brain chemicals similar to substances in marijuana.

 

http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2015/02/004.html#sthash.hzXl055A.dpuf

 

 

 

Edited April 18, 2016 by knucklehead bob

[Dr Gruber]

I've long been of the opinion that MJ helps ease depression......hopefully it can lead to updating the list of ailments.

[mibrains]

I also think that cannabis helps with the symptoms of depression.

 

I am a combat veteran.

 

I have suffered from many bouts of depression.

 

Cannabis usually helps me feel better.

[mibrains]

y Cathy Wilde

 

Release Date: February 4, 2015

 

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Samir Haj-Dahmane

 

Roh-Yu Shen

 

“Chronic stress is one of the major causes of depression.”

 

Samir Haj-Dahmane, senior research scientist, Research Institute on Addictions

 

University at Buffalo

 

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Scientists at the University at Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) are studying chronic stress and depression, with a focus on endocannabinoids, which are brain chemicals similar to substances in marijuana.

 

The findings raise the possibility that components of marijuana may be useful in reducing depression that results from chronic stress.

 

“In the animal models we studied, we saw that chronic stress reduced the production of endocannabinoids, leading to depression-like behavior,” says RIA senior research scientist Samir Haj-Dahmane, PhD.

 

Endocannabinoids are naturally produced chemical compounds in the brain that affect motor control, cognition, emotions and behavior. As the name suggests, they are similar to the chemicals found in marijuana (Cannabis sativa) and its active ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

 

“Chronic stress is one of the major causes of depression,” Haj-Dahmane says. “Using compounds derived from cannabis — marijuana — to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression.”

 

He cautions this is preliminary research. “Our research thus far has used animal models; there is still a long way to go before we know whether this can be effective in humans,” he says. “However, we have seen that some people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder have reported relief using marijuana.”

 

Haj-Dahmane says the next step in the research is to see if using a marijuana extract, cannabidiol (CBD), restores normal behaviors in the animals without leading to dependence on the drug.

 

The study, co-authored by Roh-Yu Shen, PhD, RIA senior research scientist, was funded by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health. It appeared in the fall issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.

 

Medical marijuana remains a controversial issue. Although 23 states and the District of Columbia have approved its use to provide relief for health problems such as glaucoma, nerve pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and nausea from chemotherapy, some experts are concerned that medical use of marijuana may normalize attitudes about the drug and lead people — especially youth — to believe it is completely safe.

 

RIA is a research center of the University at Buffalo and a national leader in the study of alcohol and substance abuse issues. RIA’s research programs, most of which have multiple-year funding, are supported by federal, state and private foundation grants. Located on UB’s Downtown Campus, RIA is a member of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and a key contributor to UB’s reputation for research excellence. To learn more, visit buffalo.edu/ria.  

 

- See more at: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2015/02/004.html#sthash.hzXl055A.AaWn0AgY.dpuf

[mibrains]

Endocannabinoids are naturally produced chemical compounds in the brain that affect motor control, cognition, emotions and behavior. As the name suggests, they are similar to the chemicals found in marijuana (Cannabis sativa) and its active ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

 

We have an endocanavanoid system in our bodies...

 

We are hard wired to use cannabis effectively

[zachw]

For those who use cannabis for depression, how dependent are you on particular strains? Do some strains make things worse for you in other aspects (e.g., elevating anxiety)? 

[trichcycler]

I'm not a sufferer but have supplied those who are. 100% positive some profiles adversely affect clinical sufferers. I think i know its because of the experimental drugs they're prescribed and not their condition/symptoms .   Admittedly I avoid these types in my registry often, as cannabis results are all over the map from day to day. Numbering strains instead of naming them when gifting samples gives me a very clear view of other issues of concern. Untreated(clinically) who claim depression seem to enjoy sativas as well as indica's alike in my experience. its tough to ascertain though, as one strain could make a person lively one day and sleepy another just because of chemotype/health/ph/mental state.......

 

great post zach!!

 

side note- cbd>thc, strain specific perhaps,   causes severe anxiety, gastro intestinal upset, heart palpitations and a feeling of unease for a couple hours after use for me. I'm not the only one.  It has opposite effects for others, maybe for clinically medicated depression sufferers?

[Dr Gruber]

I'm not a sufferer but have supplied those who are. 100% positive some profiles adversely affect clinical sufferers. I think i know its because of the experimental drugs they're prescribed and not their condition/symptoms .   Admittedly I avoid these types in my registry often, as cannabis results are all over the map from day to day. Numbering strains instead of naming them when gifting samples gives me a very clear view of other issues of concern. Untreated(clinically) who claim depression seem to enjoy sativas as well as indica's alike in my experience. its tough to ascertain though, as one strain could make a person lively one day and sleepy another just because of chemotype/health/ph/mental state.......

 

great post zach!!

 

side note- cbd>thc, strain specific perhaps,   causes severe anxiety, gastro intestinal upset, heart palpitations and a feeling of unease for a couple hours after use for me. I'm not the only one.  It has opposite effects for others, maybe for clinically medicated depression sufferers?

Can you explain more about your "side note"?  I don't understand if you are saying strains that contain both THC and CBD cause anxiety...or are you saying something else?

Im not doubting you....im just very interested.

 

 

Ive never been diagnosed with depression but Ive been prone to depression all my life. Its certainly not as bad as many full blown cases but its been bad enough to make life very difficult at times. Since I became a MJ patient and have had regular doses of high quality strains, I haven't had a full out case of depression in 6 years. There are times when certain strains dont help after a while of using them but as long as i keep switching them up Im good to go.

 

Chronic pain is the condition that I got my MJ certification but for me the treatment of depression is my main concern. I don't ever want to go back there.

[trichcycler]

Can you explain more about your "side note"?  I don't understand if you are saying strains that contain both THC and CBD cause anxiety...or are you saying something else?

Im not doubting you....im just very interested.

 

 

 

sorry,  CBD>THC, meaning strains with a higher ratio of cbd to thc. high cbd strains are bad for me and my groups over the years. It doesnt surprise me though. I'm very discerning during interviews, and only allow those who I am sure will enjoy what I do. I'm not looking for hard cases to solve, or challenges in my registry, so those with similar ideals become similar patients in my experience, and are favored for my registry, > more than ones needing high CBD plants for instance.

 

hope that helps?

Edited April 21, 2016 by grassmatch

[Dr Gruber]

sorry,  CBD>THC, meaning strains with a higher ratio of cbd to thc. high cbd strains are bad for me and my groups over the years. It doesnt surprise me though. I'm very discerning during interviews, and only allow those who I am sure will enjoy what I do. I'm not looking for hard cases to solve, or challenges in my registry, so those with similar ideals become similar patients in my experience, and are favored for my registry, > more than ones needing high CBD plants for instance.

 

hope that helps?

 

That's very interesting.

I know someone with severe panic disorder and just the thought of THC starts an attack. A strain with only CBD is the only thing this person can use at this time.

 

Also, i was under the impression that the science is saying that CBD helps with anxiety caused by THC, etc. ?????

 

I guess you never know how its going to be for different people.

[trichcycler]

I havent suffered from cannabis induced anxiety since I grew my own. before that it was hit or miss with each bag.

not sure what that may say. I dont particularly enjoy the super high thc strains either, like Moonshine Haze and such.

maybe the little bit of cbd in the strains I enjoy is actually "counteracting" effects of the thc, whatever " counteracting may mean...

[JustinMartin]

If you’ve been feeling sadness you can’t shake or lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed, you may be suffering from depression — and you’re not alone. Depression affects some 350 millionTrusted Source people across the globe. This common mood disorder is the leading causeTrusted Source of disability worldwide. Yet many people who have depression do not get the help they need. There are many treatments currently available, including oral medications and different therapies. Researchers are beginning to explore medicinal marijuana as an additional treatment. Here’s more about the use of medical marijuana for depression, its benefits, and its possible side effects.

[SamFraser]

I think yes, and you will understand why now. Unfortunately, my wife doesn't know that I use cannabis, so when I had problems with insomnia, smoking weed was not possible for me. But I'm able to buy etizolam online and use it, when it's necessary. These sedative, analytics, and hypnotics pills calmed me more than smoking, for real. If some of you need something stronger to get them to sleep, try it, I'm sure you'll enjoy his effects. You can find more about it on their site or on the internet.

Edited July 31, 2020 by SamFraser