Why Mental Health Professionals Are Talking About Cannabis

Why Discuss Cannabis and Mental Health

The landscape of cannabis treatment for mental health is evolving quickly. Society’s perception of cannabis has changed over the years, with many people understanding that cannabis may have therapeutic benefits. Because of this, mental health professionals are starting to pay more attention to their clients’ cannabis use.

Cannabis use is increasing, particularly among those with mental health conditions. This trend only amplifies the need for professionals to understand its influence and gain a deeper understanding of users’ experiences. This knowledge will be important as cannabis legalization continues to influence public perceptions of mental health and substance use.

Understanding Cannabis Effects

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates homeostasis across many bodily systems, including mental health. We know that THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, has the ability to change mood and cognition, which could subsequently affect mental health outcomes.

Depending on the strain, cannabis may trigger relaxation effects or alternatively make an individual more alert or anxious. Neutral cannabinoids such as CBD are also receiving considerable focus for their therapeutic potential, particularly for conditions such as anxiety and depression. The US government’s patent on substituted CBD derivatives emphasizes that their antioxidant and neuroprotectant qualities are well-documented.

Exploring Mental Health Connections

Cannabis use is associated with the development and exacerbation of many mental disorders, including anxiety and depression. For others, cannabis is a tool to deal with daily stresses, providing a reprieve from overwhelming symptoms.

It can be dangerous. Further, early use can make an individual more susceptible to psychotic illness and also increases the likelihood of development of a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Cannabis can serve as a therapeutic agent and as a risk factor concurrently. This dual nature means that professionals must individualizedly weigh the factors of each situation, particularly for those who already have mental health conditions.

Evaluating Current Research

Though recent studies have tried to understand the effects of cannabis on mental health, we still lack a comprehensive understanding. Regular use before age 18 can double the risk of developing a schizophrenia diagnosis by age 18. If a person uses it chronically, their risk is six times higher.

Yet despite these findings, nearly half of respondents in a 2017 survey said cannabis improved their anxiety. Continuing research is incredibly important in influencing how clinicians practice. Perhaps most importantly, it assists mental health professionals in understanding and incorporating emerging research into treatment strategies, allowing them to provide holistic care.

Relationship Between Cannabis and Mental Health

The complex interaction between cannabis use and mental health typically requires consideration of the benefits of use against the risks. In this way, cannabis can be a double-edged sword in mental health contexts. On the one hand, it can take the edge off some mental health symptoms. This offers short-lived relief for issues like anxiety and depression.

On the other, it can exacerbate these conditions, and there's evidence linking cannabis use with increased vulnerability to psychotic illnesses. People that use cannabis regularly before the age of 18 have twice the chance of being diagnosed with schizophrenia. Chronic users are at an even higher risk anyway.

1. Impact on Brain Chemistry

Cannabis affects brain chemistry by directly interacting with neurotransmitter systems that are essential for mood regulation. This complex interaction has been found to impact states such as depression and anxiety. Cannabis use in general hijacks dopamine pathways that play an important role in reward and addiction.

These changes underscore the need for a deeper understanding of brain chemistry in the treatment of mental health disorders. For example, though some patients may find relief from their ailments, others may find themselves addicted or their condition exacerbated.

2. Influence on Mood Disorders

Cannabis’s role in mood disorders is complex. Though it can provide acute symptomatic relief, the long-term result can be the exacerbation of diseases such as bipolar disorder. Indeed, while some research has shown that cannabinoids may help stabilize mood for some people, the importance of personalized approaches is key.

Given the complexity of mood disorders, it is vital to be cautious with cannabis as part of an individualized treatment regimen.

3. Effects on Anxiety and Depression

The evidence on cannabis and its effects on anxiety and depression is inconclusive. Although nearly half of respondents in a Canadian survey experienced positive effects on anxiety, many others may experience exacerbation of their symptoms. Individual responses, cannabis potency, and strain selection are important factors.

For some, cannabis provides immediate benefits. For others, it can increase anxiety, underscoring the need for tailored solutions.

4. Considerations for Long-term Use

There are considerable risks to mental health and cognitive functioning from long-term cannabis use. For regular users, there is a risk of developing cannabis use disorder that affects mental health. Given the potential for adverse effects on mental health upon cessation, actively monitoring symptoms is particularly important for those who use cannabis frequently.

We need to integrate conversations about cutting back or quitting cannabis into our mental health care plans. This is especially important considering the risks of long-term use and the negative impact on quality of life.

Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Mental Health

Cannabis is receiving increasing recognition for its potential benefits for mental health, particularly when used under the direction of a professional. Specialized conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression could benefit from medicinal cannabis. It’s important to emphasize that cannabis isn’t a panacea for substance use disorders. The therapeutic benefits can be broad, but knowing how to use cannabis informs individualized treatment plans.

Anxiety Relief Possibilities

Cannabis can provide relief for anxiety symptoms. Some cannabis strains may be more effective than others. Cannabinoids, active compounds found in cannabis, have been found to modulate stress responses and promote relaxation.

During the first month of the study, 79% of participants experienced a reduction in their anxiety scores. Further, these improvements were sustained over the course of the study. User testimonies back up the case for cannabis to treat anxiety.

However, as the NIH points out, more research is necessary to determine the best doses and strains to provide anxiety relief. In youth aged 12-25, cannabis had a large positive effect on reducing anxiety symptoms, suggesting its promise.

Depression Management Options

Cannabis has potential to manage depressive symptoms and improve mood. It can be an adjunct therapy in addition to regular antidepressants. Knowing how each person responds to the substances they use is essential, because cannabinoids work differently on different individuals.

Long-term mental health outcomes should be a serious concern. The efficacy of cannabis in treatment-resistant schizophrenia suggests its wider applicability in mental health. With cannabis as a supplement to a broader treatment approach, many users may experience improved mental health.

Stress Reduction Benefits

Cannabis may help reduce anxiety and stimulate calmness. It can act as a buffer against chronic stress. It’s clear that responsible use is essential to keeping cannabis positive for mental health.

We welcome conversations about how to include cannabis in a well-rounded stress management plan. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index also showed that 67% of participants had seen their sleep improve.

This sheds light on cannabis’s potential to help combat stress and improve sleep quality. Cannabis’s effect on reducing pain by at least 40% reinforces the stress-reducing effects of cannabis as well.

Risks of Cannabis Use for Mental Health

Cannabis, like any drug, has risks associated with its use, particularly for individuals that already suffer from mental health conditions. In fact, regular and heavy cannabis users are six times more likely to develop this serious mental illness. In reality, their risk is two to four times higher than that of non-users.

Cannabis use also significantly increases the risk of developing schizophrenia spectrum disorders. It also tends to make symptoms show up around three years sooner than average. Many others find that anxiety is worsened by cannabis use. In a 2017 survey, nearly half of Canadian respondents reported positive effects.

However, cannabis can make symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis worse for many. Continued use after the onset of psychosis can lead to increased risk of relapse and longer hospitalization.

Potential for Dependency

For heavy users, cannabis dependence is a legitimate issue. Signs of cannabis use disorder are evident. You might have difficulty reducing your use, spending a lot of time getting or using cannabis, and having intense urges to use.

This disorder adds a further layer of strain on mental health, driving up cases of depression and anxiety. Being aware of how one is using cannabis and the potential for dependency is key. Honest discussions with healthcare professionals can help pinpoint risks and offer strategies for safer use.

Risk of Worsening Symptoms

Cannabis can contribute to the worsening symptoms of mental health disorders. It has the potential to exacerbate anxiety and depressive symptoms, especially for heavier users.

Individuals with a history of mental illness should strongly consider how cannabis use might exacerbate their symptoms. Understanding your own triggers and responses is crucial. Cannabis does not treat mental health issues for everyone, and it may even exacerbate them in some cases.

Additionally, cannabis use has also been linked to cognitive impairments, including short-term memory and executive functioning.

Impact on Cognitive Functions

Cannabis has a well-known impact on cognitive functions, particularly in adolescent and young adult users. It can negatively affect memory, attention, and learning skills.

Understanding these cognitive risks is critical for heavy users. Consulting with mental health professionals can help to clarify the implications of cannabis use on cognitive health. This is especially salient for people with preexisting mental illness.

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

Importance of Professional Guidance

When it comes to using cannabis for mental health issues, it's crucial to seek professional guidance. Healthcare professionals, like doctors and therapists, can provide insights into whether recreational cannabis use might be a good fit for your treatment plan. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits, especially since cannabis affects everyone differently, including those with addiction vulnerability.

It's important to get an individualized assessment to figure out if cannabis could help with your specific mental health needs, including anxiety disorders. Many healthcare providers, though, admit they aren't fully comfortable discussing medicinal cannabis due to limited resources or knowledge. Studies show 48% of Australian general practitioners rate their knowledge of cannabis research as poor.

Despite this, an open dialogue with your healthcare provider can lead to more informed decisions about cannabis use, particularly regarding cannabis abstinence and its effects on mental health.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Developing a personalized treatment plan is essential when incorporating medicinal cannabis into mental health treatment. One size doesn’t fit all, which is why customizing these recommendations to your specific needs is so important. Mental health professionals play a crucial role in creating these strategies, ensuring that cannabis use is one element, where appropriate, especially for those dealing with anxiety disorders.

Many healthcare professionals have become staunch proponents of using medical cannabis (MC) to treat chronic cancer pain. However, their support tends to wane for non-cancer related chronic pain. Regular evaluations of your treatment plan are vital to keeping the focus on your mental health goals and addressing any potential cannabis use disorders.

This constant evaluation allows us to pivot and adjust course depending on how you react to cannabis. It also considers any mental health status changes.

Safety and Monitoring Measures

The bottom line with using cannabis for mental health is that healthcare professionals provide ongoing advice and encouragement. They assist you in measuring your mental health symptoms and monitoring them to see how cannabis is affecting you over time. Many professionals, such as nurses, physicians, and pharmacists, are involved in managing pain, but they may prefer referring patients to specialists with expertise in MC.

Be proactive about knowing where your mental health is at and cut back on cannabis when necessary. Routine visits with your healthcare provider help keep you focused and motivated. They also give you the opportunity to adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Conclusion

Cannabis is one of the most controversial topics in the field of mental health. Some are looking at its potential to ease anxiety and depression. On the other hand, opponents point to potential risks such as addiction or disruptive mood swings. Having conversations with the people in your healthcare field helps to open up those lines of communication. They provide compelling stories and tailored recommendations. 

This ensures that decisions around cannabis use go hand-in-hand with prioritizing our health and wellness. It’s not about getting high, it’s about achieving your optimal state of being, and discovering what that is in a safe manner. As the discussion moves forward, it’s important to be vigilant and to seek out evidence-based expert advice.

If you’re interested in learning how cannabis can play a role in your mental health journey, consult with a mental health professional. They’re available to help demystify cannabis, and provide guidance and encouragement as you embark on this journey toward wellness. Continue the conversation in a realistic, fact-based manner to achieve the most favorable results.