Inflammation and depression are thought to be linked, with depression patients often experiencing increased levels of inflammation in the body. Considering the significant anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabis, many depression patients may benefit from medical marijuana use.

Inflammation and Depression

Although depression isn’t considered an inflammatory disorder, inflammation can contribute to depression. The inflammatory pathways in the brain affect all of the body’s systems. People with depression may be more sensitive to the effects of these inflammatory pathways. 

Patients with major depressive disorder, or MDD, have been shown to have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules that produce an inflammatory response in the body. Cytokines contribute to disorders involving neurotransmitters and brain activity, which can relate to depression. Continue reading

Over the past several years, cannabis has been rapidly gaining popularity as a treatment for many different medical concerns. Now, in Florida, medical marijuana use is legal for patients with qualifying conditions who receive a medical marijuana card. 

Some of the most common conditions that are treated with cannabis today include:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Many patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, benefit greatly from cannabis treatment. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event, such as violence, a serious injury, or war. 

The symptoms of PTSD can be placed into one of four categories:

• Intrusion, such as intrusive thoughts and flashbacks of the traumatic experience
• Avoidance, which involves avoiding reminders of the traumatic experience
• Negative changes in thinking and mood
• Changes in arousal and reactivity (physical and emotional reactions)

Continue reading