Microdosing THC for Depression

In 2019-2020 alone, more than 50 million adult Americans experienced some sort of mental disorder. Depression was at the top of that list—it is now one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. Can microdosing THC treat depression?

Clinical studies indicate that microdosing THC can alleviate chronic pain, stress, migraines, anxiety—and depression.

Cannabis users report additional benefits of microdosing THC, including:

• Pain management
• Reduction of nausea and vomitting for advanced cancer patients
• Alleviation of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Help with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms
• Help with movement disorders
• Alleviating anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms

Can Low-Dose THC Help with Depression?

While more research is needed on the benefits of THC microsing, clinical evidence and a wealth of anecdotal reports point to efficacy in treating depression at low doses.

Research conducted at Washington State University found that adult cannabis users experienced a reduction in depressive symptoms with a single puff of recreational cannabis. Interestingly, those that received a mix of CBD and THC responded best. That’s why all of our Delta 9 THC edibles contain CBD and other cannabinoids in addition to THC. They are the perfect way to microdose THC for depression.

What’s the Difference Between THC and CBD?

Although they originate from the same plant, these two compounds differ in their chemical makeup, the way they affect the brain, and their legality. CBD and THC affect our endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) differently, and thus have different modulatory effects on our endocannabinoid system.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive chemical compound extracted from cannabis. Typically, it is derived from hemp, but it can also be extracted from marijuana. Marijuana-extracted CBD contains higher levels of THC—and is also federally illegal in the United States.

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC) is the main psychoactive compound extracted from the cannabis plant. It affects the receptors in a way that helps reduce pain, nausea and vomiting, and epileptic seizures.

Read our report on the differences between CBD and THC to learn more about these two key cannabinoids.

Effects of THC and CBD on the Brain

When THC enters our system, it binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, two main cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of signals and receptors in our brain that regulates a range of functions and processes in our body, including mood, sleep, memory, appetite, and reproduction.

In the endocannabinoid system, THC activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, causing a variety of psychoactive effects like:

• Mood changes
• Changes in consciousness
• Motor control changes
• Memory processing changes

Delta 9 THC increases dopamine, causing the euphoric, psychoactive feeling known as a “high.” Dopamine is an important brain chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, so it’s kind of a big deal.

In contrast, CBD has anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant properties—it soothes the mind, causes deep relaxation, and mitigates seizures. This partly occurs because cannabidiol doesn’t seem to bind to either CB1 or CB2 receptors directly. CBD impacts the endocannabinoid system in a more indirect way by antagonizing or regulating the processes of CB1 and CB2 receptors when THC is present.

When CBD and THC are taken together, CBD acts as a stabilizer of how THC interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors (Vuckovic, et, all, “Cannabinoids and Pain”). Cannabidiol also seems to weaken the psychoactive effects of THC on our brain.

How Can the Entourage Effect Help Depression

In order to get more benefits from medical marijuana, microdosing individuals often take THC and CBD together.

This is known as the entourage effect, a theory in which THC, CBD, CBN, and other minor cannabinoids enhance each other’s potential benefits. THC and CBD interact with one another, join forces, and produce more beneficial effects. Dose levels and delivery methods play a crucial role here.

Microdoses of CBD and Delta 9 THC can alleviate symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms. The entourage effect can also help with sleep disorders and pain management.

The results of the entourage effect do not appear immediately; it does require a month or so for the benefits of microdosing cannabis to kick in. When microdosing cannabis, you probably won’t feel the therapeutic effects directly. Rather, you may notice a gradual lessening of depressive symptoms over time.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum CBD is an extract that contains CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. It does not contain any THC.

Broad spectrum CBD products are a perfect way of getting the optimal amount of CBD without the psychoactive side effects of THC. Try our broad spectrum CBD gummies for 10mg of organic CBD from American-grown hemp.

Full Spectrum CBD

Unlike broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolate (pure cannabidiol), full spectrum CBD contains all cannabis plant compounds: CBD, THC, CBN, other minor cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.

Low doses of THC in full spectrum CBD microdosing products ensure that microdosing individuals receive all the benefits of the two components’ synergic force. Each refreshing vegan gummy of the Bliss Delta THC Gummies contain 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD that bring out the best of both.

To treat depression, full spectrum CBD products—combining CBD and low doses of THC—are optimal. Low doses of either CBD or THC can help. Higher THC doses are less effective, and may actually worsen depression for some cannabis users.

Our full spectrum CBD gummies are said by some customers to be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression symptoms. They are hemp-derived and contain 0.3% THC by dry weight. Because they combine THC and CBD, they may just be the optimal cannabis product to fight depression.

See our guide to full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD to more fully understand the differences between them.

CBD and Treatment-Resistant Depression

Traditional treatments for depression have limited impact on depressive symptoms. Some people have success using medical cannabis to alleviate treatment-resistant depression.

A study titled “Cannabidiol: A Potential New Alternative for the Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Psychotic Disorders” explores the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol for managing neuropsychiatric disorders. Preliminary clinical trials support the efficacy of CBD as an antipsychotic and antidepressant.

CBD increases levels of serotonin—a neurotransmitter that regulates emotion, stress, and mood—in the brain. More importantly, CBD can greatly reduce anxiety severity and symptoms of depression with treatment-resistant depressive disorders without the negative side effects.

Sleep and Depression

The role of sleep in mood is well established. For many sufferers of depression, getting more and better sleep can make a difference. For many, THC can improve sleep in low doses.

To understand more about the links between sleep, depression, and THC, see our guide to THC microdosing for sleep.

What are the Best Cannabis Strains For Depression?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that both sativa and indica strains are helpful in alleviating depressive symptoms.

Sativa strains are described as euphoric and energetic. They can help with motivation and fatigue symptoms, providing much needed energy and focus. Indica strains are more sedative and relaxant. They can reduce restlessness, stress, and insomnia.

Some anecdotal reports suggest that indica makes cannabis users more sluggish, while sativa provides just the right amount of push to get over a depressive episode. Other users claim the right combination of the two is what helps their depression.

Different cannabis strains have different effects on different people. Reactions and tolerances on weed strains also differ. It’s up to you to find the most effective type and THC percentage, but always remember to start with low doses.

Our products use hybrid blends that combine the best elements of both indica and sativa. They are balanced and are really the ultimate way to consume cannabis.

What are the Best Edibles for Depression?

Edibles are the most effective way to consume micro doses of cannabis. You get a controlled release of THC and always know the exact dosage you’re consuming. You avoid the carcinogens involved with vaporized cannabis, and you spare your lungs.

Gummies provide the safest consumption method. Delta 9 THC gummies are easy to microdose. Controlling the dosage with smoking or vaping is difficult and unreliable, but you get a perfect microdose of THC and CBD from our vegan gummies.

Relax Plus Gummies might just be the top product for microdosing. They contain premium CBD with a touch of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC, a powerful combo that acts fast in enhancing relaxation.

All our cannabis edibles, including weed drinks, boast the finest ingredients, natural flavors and colors, and 100% USA-grown hemp to ensure the highest quality. Our microdosing edibles are lab-tested for quality and purity; providing a safe purchase for customers’ satisfaction is our top priority!

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