The Connection Between Depression and Marijuana Use
Depression and marijuana use have often been associated with one another. Being a serious mood disorder, depression is displayed by extended periods of extreme sadness, lethargy, and feelings of hopelessness. Marijuana is the product of the psychotropic plant, cannabis, that can be inhaled or ingested, causing feelings of warm happiness and euphoria. It is common […]
Depression and marijuana use have often been associated with one another. Being a serious mood disorder, depression is displayed by extended periods of extreme sadness, lethargy, and feelings of hopelessness. Marijuana is the product of the psychotropic plant, cannabis, that can be inhaled or ingested, causing feelings of warm happiness and euphoria. It is common for depression and marijuana to be associated due to several factors.
Forms of Depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to be diagnosed with depression, one must experience depression’s symptoms for a minimum of two weeks. These symptoms can vary, as there are several forms of depression.- Persistent Depressive Disorder: Depression symptoms must last two years to be diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, varying between months of mild depression symptoms and periods with severe depression symptoms.
- Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression can occur during or directly after pregnancy, triggering major depression symptoms and hindering the birthing parent from caring for themselves and a baby.
- Psychotic Depression: Psychotic depression occurs when a person has severe depression and psychosis. Psychotic symptoms often include a theme, or common thought processes, like guilt, shame, poverty, or illness.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by the onset of depression symptoms when the fall and winter months roll around. This form of depression will normally lift in the spring and summer months, making managing symptoms easier during that time. While less common, some people experience SAD in the summer instead of winter.
- Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is not depression, but does feature depressive episodes that can last for extended periods of time. Depressive episodes are accompanied by extreme manic and active periods that will also last for extended periods of time.
Depression Symptoms
Symptoms of depression can vary depending on the form of depression one is diagnosed with. According to the NIMH, common depression symptoms include:- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or having trouble making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, over-sleeping, or waking up in the early morning
- Appetite or weight changes
- Aches, pains, stomach cramps, digestion problems without clear physical cause
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Suicide attempts
Effects of Marijuana Use
Marijuana use affects the brain by inducing a euphoric effect and is the most commonly used drug after tobacco and alcohol. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that a large number of teens and young adults use marijuana to feel these effects. The legalization of marijuana in many states has also prompted an increase in use and prevalence in people’s willingness to self-medicate for physical and mental ailments. The short-term effects of marijuana include:- Altered or enhanced senses
- Altered sense of time
- Changes in mood
- Impaired body movement
- Difficulty thinking or problem-solving
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Impaired brain development and learning functions
- Breathing problems
- Increased heart rate
- Problems with child development during and after pregnancy
- Intense nausea and vomiting
- Mental health problems
- Psychosis
