By Luke Sumpter Reviewed by: Carles Doménech


Depression is a widespread mental health condition that affects approximately 19.2 million adults within the United States. In Europe, approximately 4.6% of the population suffers from depression or anxiety[1]. In some people, depression can come and go. In others, the condition is a permanent companion that can significantly reduce one's quality of life. Depression draws billions of euros from the economy each year and robs individuals of their potential happiness. Conventional treatments for the condition include a range of medications that work in some cases, but are not exempt from side effects. Interestingly, some people who experience depression turn to cannabis. Researchers are certainly interested in the potential of the herb for an array of conditions, but could it help with depression?

WHAT IS DEPRESSION AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

We all get a little sad from time to time. Stress, anxiety, and emotional life events can leave us feeling down in the dumps. Eventually, this sadness lifts and enables us to continue living our lives undisturbed. But depression is more than sadness. It’s a chronic mental health condition that can linger for months or years on end. Sufferers aren't able to simply “snap out of it”.

POTENTIAL TRIGGERS FOR DEPRESSION

The cause(s) of depression is a complex subject. The condition can stem from a distressing life event such as the death of a loved one, a severe illness, or social/work disorders. For others, it might be the accumulation of minor events that sends them on a downward spiral. The risk of depression is enhanced if people take certain drugs and alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate.

In other cases, depression can come about for no apparent reason at all. Biological factors and personality type can play a role. One explanation for depression is a lack of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Research has also discovered that the hippocampus—an area of the brain involved in learning and memory—is smaller in some depressed people[2]. This could be down to stress suppressing the production of new neurons.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Depression can manifest in many different ways. Sometimes the signs can be mild, and other times quite severe. Common symptoms of depression include:

• Continuous low mood or sadness
• Lack of motivation and apathy
• Low self-esteem
Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches and pains
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feeling tearful and crying often
• Feeling irritable and intolerant
• No enjoyment of life
• Suicidal thoughts

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION 

Multiple treatment options exist for depression. Each one is recommended individually based on the severity and specific characteristics of the condition.

Doctors may prescribe non-drug treatments for depression, suggesting things like psychotherapy and exercise to boost mood. Interestingly, aerobic exercise may increase endogenous cannabinoids that are responsible, together with other substances, for the so-called “runner’s high”[3]. Many depressed individuals can also benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to change patterns of thought and behaviour.

Doctors can also prescribe antidepressants in other cases. There are over 30 different types of antidepressants available, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

SSRIs increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. They limit the reabsorption of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, making more of the substance available. These medications are effective at stabilising mood in some patients, however, sometimes they are associated with side effects including nausea, nervousness, dizziness, sexual problems, weight gain, and insomnia.

These options help some people deal with and even overcome depression. In others, they fail to offer relief. Today, some people are exploring other options, including cannabis.

CANNABIS, DEPRESSION, AND THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

If you smoke weed, you’re probably familiar with how it can make you feel. There are times when hitting a bong can initiate a fit of giggles. Some strains induce a heady buzz that lasts for hours, while others are more gentle and better suited to the serenity of the evening. However, there’s probably been other times when smoking weed has caused you to experience feelings of anxiety or even panic.

Because cannabis can have very different effects on people, it’s not guaranteed to improve a person’s mood.

Research is still exploring the effect of cannabis on depression. Before we delve into the studies, it’s important to make a few distinctions. As different strains contain different concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes, they can have vastly different effects on mood.

Bubble Kush

Bubble Kush
23_genetic background_1 Bubble Gum x O.G. Kush
33_Yield indoors_1 550 - 600 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 19%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 20% Indica 80%
34_yield outdoor_1 600 - 650 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 160 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late September
22_Effect_1 Clear, Physically Relaxing, Stoned

Buy Bubble Kush

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS

Unfortunately, comprehensive research in this area is lacking. So far, we have a shallow idea of these complex mechanisms. However, science has developed a greater understanding of how THC and CBD individually might affect mood.

When looking at the effects of these chemicals on the brain, it’s helpful to have an understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). “Endo” means within, and “cannabinoid” refers to chemicals that influence receptors of the ECS. The ECS is made up of a series of receptors found on numerous cell types throughout the body. So far, science has confirmed two of these receptors—CB1 and CB2.

The ECS is also made up of specialised neurotransmitters that bind to these receptor sites and modulate the system. These molecules are known as endocannabinoids, namely anandamide and 2-AG. As it happens, molecules from the cannabis plant can influence the same receptors thanks to their similar shape. Cannabinoids from cannabis—and other plant species—are known as phytocannabinoids.

Both anandamide and 2-AG play a key role in the dopaminergic system, and therefore, in the regulation[4] of mood. Both of these molecules bind to CB1 receptors[5] on certain neurons and stimulate dopamine release.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the main constituents of modern cannabis cultivars. The molecule produces psychotropic effects by binding to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. The cannabinoid may take the edge off depression in the short-term by increasing dopaminergic cell firing[6]. Consequently, neurons produce and release increased amounts of dopamine. This may result in improved mood and feelings of motivation.

Research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that cannabis significantly reduced rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Researchers gathered data from the app Strainprint to examine the effects of certain strains on depression, anxiety, and stress[7]. The data showed that cannabis users perceived a 50% reduction in depression and a 58% reduction in anxiety and stress after using cannabis.

THC isn’t the only cannabinoid that might help with depression. The study found that strains high in CBD and low in THC were more associated with the largest changes in depression ratings. In contrast, strains high in THC and low in CBD produced the largest perceived changes in stress.

CBD and Depression

Cannabis scientists are trying to figure out how CBD impacts the mood, the central nervous system, and neurotransmission. So far, they’ve discovered some interesting mechanisms, including the cannabinoid’s proposed ability to “hack” the ECS.

Studies are currently analysing the influence of CBD on circulating endocannabinoids and how it works to temporarily disable enzymes[8] responsible for their degradation. Researchers are particularly interested in investigating how the cannabinoid interacts with fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). This enzyme breaks down anandamide[9] (the “bliss molecule”), the brain chemical associated with positive psychological implications associated with the “runner’s high”.

In their search for cellular targets, researchers have also observed an interaction between CBD and serotonin receptors. You’ve probably heard of serotonin, or the “happy hormone”. This neurotransmitter stabilises mood and contributes to feelings of well-being; low levels of the hormone are also associated with depression. Upon determining CBD’s potential to activate serotonin receptors[10] in vitro (outside of a living organism), researchers are keen to find out how it works in animals.

Research in this area continues to unfold. A comparative study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology tested CBD in a mouse model of depression[11], comparing its effects against the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine. Further research, published in Neuropharmacology, set out to assess the impact of CBD[12] on serotonin and glutamate (the excitatory neurotransmitter) in mice.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS

CBD and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

While there's no specific research into CBD and SAD, there is research relating to CBD and many of the symptoms of SAD. Below, we'll investigate a couple of studies which indicate that CBD might at least help to alleviate certain effects of seasonal affective disorder.

A 2011 paper tested the effects of CBD[13] in cases of generalised social anxiety disorder. Subjects underwent a simulated public speaking event after orally taking either 400mg CBD or a placebo. This study marks a significant milestone for CBD and anxiety research in humans. But much more investigation is needed before conclusions can be made.

Researchers from Colorado are also starting to look into the relationship between CBD and sleep[14]. So far, they’ve tested CBD oil in cases of anxiety and insomnia associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

CBD might be able to assist in managing cases of SAD, but too little specific research exists to draw any conclusions.

CANNABIS AND DEPRESSION: A COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP

Although there’s research to suggest that cannabis may help with depression, some data suggests the opposite. Although acute exposure to THC can boost dopamine release, chronic exposure may blunt the dopaminergic system. Long-term cannabis use may decrease the brain's response to dopamine and possibly lead to reduced feelings of reward and motivation.

As stated, cannabis isn't just THC. CBD has displayed positive effects in regards to depression. Plus, researchers have yet to study over 100 other cannabinoids in this domain. The most sensible course of action is to discuss the matter with your healthcare professional. If you feel cannabis could be an appropriate option for you, check out these strains that might soothe some symptoms.

External Resources:
  1. https://web.archive.org/web/20240101151608/https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/254610/WHO-MSD-MER-2017.2-eng.pdf
  2. Late-Life Depression, Hippocampal Volumes, and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Regulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis https://web.archive.org
  3. https://web.archive.org/web/20240101151608/https://jeb.biologists.org/content/215/8/1331?sid%3D739917de-aaf2-469d-9f3a-ab04329720b7=
  4. The mesolimbic dopamine reward circuit in depression - PubMed https://web.archive.org
  5. Reversal of dopamine D(2) receptor responses by an anandamide transport inhibitor https://web.archive.org
  6. The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system | Nature https://web.archive.org
  7. A naturalistic examination of the perceived effects of cannabis on negative affect - ScienceDirect https://web.archive.org
  8. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. Wired to run: exercise-induced endocannabinoid signaling in humans and cursorial mammals with implications for the ‘runner’s high’ | Journal of Experimental Biology | The Company of Biologists https://journals.biologists.com
  10. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ethan-Russo/publication/7507851_Agonistic_Properties_of_Cannabidiol_at_5-HT1a_Receptors/links/02e7e518a5fb6f1904000000/Agonistic-Properties-of-Cannabidiol-at-5-HT1a-Receptors.pdf
  11. Antidepressant-like effects of cannabidiol in mice: possible involvement of 5-HT1A receptors - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  12. Cannabidiol induces rapid-acting antidepressant-like effects and enhances cortical 5-HT/glutamate neurotransmission: role of 5-HT1A receptors - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  13. Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report - PubMed","//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5101100/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

Cookies settings

We are requesting your permission to use your data for the reasons stated below:

Functional cookies

Functional cookies help our website to function optimally and allow us to personalise certain features.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies allow us to remember information that influences the way our website looks, including your preferred language based on your region.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies give us insights into website traffic and customer behaviour, including how many people visit our site, how long they browse for, and which parts of our site they visit.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small pieces of data from a particular website that get stored on a user’s computer while they’re surfing the internet. Cookies have several different functions. Some of them track browser activity that enables businesses to deliver targeted advertisements. Other cookies serve to remember user login details to different websites to make jumping on social media, or other sites, a more fluid process. Because each cookie has its own unique ID, these pieces of data allow website owners to measure the unique traffic coming into their site.

Why do we use cookies?

Cookies come in handy when you visit our website. They ensure you stay logged in, that you can shop safely, and that the items you add to your cart stay there before you make a purchase. But cookies also help us. The data they provide allow us to improve our website and enable us to present you with targeted advertisements that are compatible with your interests.

What kind of cookies do we use?

Functional cookies

Functional cookies help our website to function optimally and allow us to personalise certain features.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies allow us to remember information that influences the way our website looks, including your preferred language based on your region.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies give us insights into website traffic and customer behaviour, including how many people visit our site, how long they browse for, and which parts of our site they visit.

How can I disable or delete cookies?

Not a fan of cookies? No worries. You can disable them (with the exception of necessary cookies) in your browser settings. However, blocking cookies may impact your browsing experience and prevent you from enjoying all of the technical features of our site.

Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: