By Luke Sumpter Reviewed by: Carles Doménech

The relationship between cannabis, mental health, and antidepressants.


Cannabis and mental health share a controversial—and at times paradoxical—relationship. Some cannabis smokers use the herb to elevate their spirits and boost their mood, and some even need the plant to help them get out of bed in the morning. In others, cannabis can invoke feelings of paranoia and other mood disturbances.

There are conflicting views in healthcare when it comes to cannabis and depression. Some studies hold that certain cannabis compounds may help to take the edge off some symptoms, whereas others suggest cannabis abuse leads to symptoms of depression—or vice versa—and interacts dangerously with conventional medication for the condition.

Continue reading to explore the relationship between cannabis, depression, and antidepressant medication.

Cannabis and Mental Health: A Complicated Relationship

Cannabis affects different people in different ways, especially when it comes to mental health. Most people familiar with the effects of the herb will vouch that it does a reliable job of improving mood. A few tokes on a joint can boost dopamine levels, reduce feelings of nervousness, and soothe the body.

These outcomes help many people across the world deal with certain mental health conditions. However, research also associates cannabis with adverse mental health outcomes. Although no research draws a direct link between consuming cannabis and depression, surveys report a high incidence of depression in heavy cannabis smokers[1] compared to non-smokers.Cannabis may also trigger underlying health mental conditions in some individuals.

The psychotropic effects of the herb can stoke symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis—serious mental health disorders—in those predisposed to the conditions.

The cannabinoid THC produces the psychotropic effects of cannabis; however, over 100 cannabinoids exist in the plant, and most are non-psychotropic. In fact, molecules such as CBD can help to inhibit some of the effects of THC, and show potential in the field of mental health[2].

How Cannabis Interacts With Antidepressants

Cannabis and Antidepressants

Staggeringly, over 260 million people[3] across the world suffer from depression, and millions take antidepressant medication[4] to manage their symptoms. However, people with depression are more likely to smoke cannabis. Both weed and antidepressants create profound short and long-term changes in the brain, and frequently interact with each other. Before we delve into the safety issues of this combination, let’s explore the unique effects of each drug.

How Does Cannabis Affect the Body?

Cannabis interacts with several major physiological systems. As their names suggest, cannabinoids primarily target the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a fundamental role by regulating many other systems and helping the body maintain biological equilibrium, aka homeostasis.

Among others, the synaptic space between the neurons of the ECS features three main components: receptors, signalling molecules (endocannabinoids), and enzymes that create and break down these molecules. Interestingly, phytocannabinoids such as THC share a similar molecular structure with endocannabinoids, allowing them to bind to the same receptors.

After taking a hit from a joint or bong, THC diffuses through the alveoli in the lungs, enters the bloodstream, and passes into the brain. Here, the molecule binds to CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, where it gives rise to its psychotropic effects—a high.

This binding also boosts dopamine levels and neuronal activity in the brain. Dopamine plays a role in the brain’s reward system and makes us feel pleasure after eating or practising sport.

This surge in feel-good neurotransmitters might help some users feel relief from their depression symptoms, at least for a while. However, with long-term use, THC begins to blunt the dopamine system[5] and may even block the dopamine response to other stimuli that usually release the chemical.

The neurogenesis hypothesis suggests that depression may arise from an alteration in the creation of new neurons in the brain[6]. The rate of neurogenesis may underpin a healthy and happy brain.

Negative events, such as stressful or traumatic experiences, may alter this rate, leading to depression.

Evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system helps to regulate neurogenesis, and cannabinoids such as THC and CBD may help drive this process[7] in the brain.

CBD also interacts with numerous bodily systems, including serotonin pathways. As a key regulator of mood and feelings of well-being, serotonin plays an important part in how we feel. The ability of CBD to interface with this system means the cannabinoid may help to take the edge off feelings of nervousness and agitation[8].

How Cannabis Interacts With Antidepressants

How Do Antidepressants Affect the Body?

Antidepressants ultimately aim to improve the symptoms of depression by altering brain chemistry. Although depression has no single cause, a shift in neurochemistry following addiction, emotional life events, or genetic factors may lead to feelings of hopelessness, low mood, and low self-esteem.

Antidepressant medication helps to regulate neurological activity by interacting with systems in the brain that govern mood. Some of these chemicals seek to increase and prolong the presence of brain chemicals, such as serotonin, in the synaptic space. Research also suggests that antidepressants might improve depression symptoms by improving neurogenesis rates within the depressed brain, similar to cannabis.

Interestingly, antidepressants appear to recruit the endocannabinoid system[9], and prolonged use may be involved in long-lasting neuroplastic changes in the brain.

Cannabis' Interaction With Antidepressants

Because both cannabis and antidepressants may provide symptomatic relief, some users might think taking the two together will provide even better results. However, taking cannabis alongside conventional medication can produce dangerous side effects when done incorrectly. Check out the list below to find out which antidepressants interact with cannabis.

Types of Antidepressants

The following drugs may autumn into the same "antidepressant" category, but they work in a variety of ways. Varying mechanisms of action mean different drugs interact with cannabis in more or less dangerous ways. Take a dive into the most common antidepressants below and find out if they are safe to take alongside the herb.

  • Tricyclics

Tricyclics are among the oldest antidepressants developed. Due to their non-specific mechanism of action, they generally produce more side effects than newer medications. Known by the brand names Tofranil and Surmontil, tricyclics work by changing brain chemistry. These molecules block the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, ultimately boosting their levels in the brain.

Side Effects

Common side effects of tricyclics include drowsiness, constipation, blurred vision, and a postural blood pressure drop (orthostatic hypotension). Unfortunately, these medications have a high likelihood of negatively interacting with cannabis. Possible side effects of combining the two include potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances (tachycardia-arrhythmia).

Tricyclics
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include branded drugs such as Prozac. These drugs interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, latching onto these sites in the synapses of neurons and preventing cells from reabsorbing serotonin. High levels of serotonin remain in the synaptic space, where it exerts mood-enhancing effects.

Potential Side Effects

Taken alone, SSRIs can produce side effects such as anxiety, shaking, weight loss, and dizziness. These drugs could also pose a certain risk of negatively interacting with cannabis.

SSRIs
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors work by prolonging the presence of neurotransmitters in the brain. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine all autumn into the monoamine chemical class. The enzyme monoamine oxidase metabolises and breaks down these molecules. By inhibiting the action of these enzymes, MAOIs lead to enhanced levels of monoamines in the synapses.

Potential Side Effects

MAOIs negatively interact with a long list of foods, including soy, salami, sauerkraut, cheese, and nuts. Common side effects of the medication include fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and reduced or increased libido. MAOIs could interact dangerously with cannabis, and the combination should be avoided

MAOIs
  • Newer Antidepressants (SNRIs)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are used to treat symptoms of depression, such as irritability and sadness. Doctors also prescribe these drugs, under the brand names Fetzima and Cymbalta, to treat anxiety disorders and nerve pain. SNRIs work by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Potential Side Effects

Frequent side effects of SNRIs include dry mouth and excessive sweating. SNRIs are relatively safe for most people; however, they could pose a certain risk of negatively interacting with cannabis.

SNRIs

Risk Factors of Combining Cannabis With Antidepressants

Combining cannabis with antidepressants could pose several risks. The herb may produce the most dangerous outcomes when combined with tricyclics and MAOIs. However, and despite there being no studies availing this, in the case of to smoke, it may be theoretically safer, while taking newer medications such as SSRIs

You should always consult your physician before combining cannabis with any antidepressant to ensure you’re making a safe decision that won’t put your life in danger.

Depending on your personal and family history, among other factors, your risk of having an adverse reaction could be more or less likely.

Does Cannabis Interact With Other Mental Health Medication?

Cannabis may also interact with the common anti-anxiety drug class benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax). Although no research documents any interaction between the two substances, both work as central nervous system depressants. Moreover, both substances may help to ease feelings of nervousness in some people, while in others may give rise to paranoia and rapid heart rate.

Mixing Xanax and cannabis may result in side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, slurred speech, and confusion. Cannabis can also interact with other mental health medication, including sedatives such as Ambien.

What About CBD and Antidepressants

CBD poses a relatively high risk of interacting with antidepressants. Although the cannabinoid doesn't produce psychotropic effects, it does cause shifts in brain chemistry and liver metabolism. CBD can slow down how fast the liver processes antidepressants, causing elevated levels to circulate around the body. Discuss CBD with your doctor before combining it with antidepressants to make sure you do so safely.

Can You Mix Cannabis and Antidepressants?

Some antidepressants could cause dangerous interactions with cannabis; others are could be relatively safe to take at the same time. Ultimately, you should consult a healthcare professional if you wish to use cannabis and antidepressants together. The combination may provide enhanced results in some cases, but you need to ensure you’re being as safe and responsible as possible.

External Resources:
  1. Marijuana and depression: What's the link? - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org
  2. The Potential of Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Psychosis and Addiction: Who Benefits Most? A Systematic Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Depression https://www.who.int
  4. Antidepressant consumption in selected countries 2017 | Statista https://www.statista.com
  5. The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Depression, Antidepressants, and Neurogenesis: A Critical Reappraisal https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. Cannabinoids, Neurogenesis and Antidepressant Drugs: Is there a Link? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. Cannabinoids, Neurogenesis and Antidepressant Drugs: Is there a Link? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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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: