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Medical Marijuana and the Future Treatment of Depression

Thomas Glucksman
ENC 1102-A003
Dr. Guenzel
June 11, 2013










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Abstract
The following research evaluates the relationship between marijuana and the mood-
processing division of the brain. Is there evidence of a relationship between the two? Does
marijuana have negative or beneficial affects on mood? If so, the research can then be used to
conclude whether or not medical marijuana could be used as an effective treatment for patients
suffering depression. First, a background of depression, general symptoms, treatment plans and
management will be defined. Followed by an outline of the current legal standings for medical
marijuana. Then the anecdotal and scientific research proving marijuana as an effective treatment
will be observed prior to, the reasons some may consider marijuana use harmful in relation to
depression. A study done by Dr. Gobbi will be reviewed as a possible alternative treatment by
exploring a new class of drugs that mimic the chemical structure of cannabis. Then the findings
will be presented and a possible solution or alternative treatment for patients suffering this
disease that afflicts a majority of the nation.










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Medical Marijuana and the Future Treatment of Depression
Everyone suffers the blues now and then, yet some have to go through everyday life
facing what seems to be a never-ending struggle. This describes the disease afflicted by an
overwhelming amount of people called depression. Being the most common mental disorder,
there has been a vast amount of research into the sickness pinpointing its symptoms, why it is
happening and developing an array of antidepressants for patients use to manage their illness
(Grohol, 2006). However, what if the most effective treatment yet is an age-old recreational drug
called marijuana. Typically in the spotlight with negative connotation cannabis has been adopted
for medical use within the last decade. The topic of medical marijuana is highly debated today
whether or not it is truly an effective and useful treatment for any sickness. The following review
of the topic will establish the relationship marijuana use has with depression and answer if this
should be considered an effective treatment plan for patients suffering depression.
What is Depression?
To begin with, there are many different classifications of depression ranging from manic
to biological and even seasonal, depression affects the heart, brain, skeletal system and psychic-
emotional system (Oyama, 2013). However, for the purpose of this argument all the divisions of
depression will be addressed as one general form. Grohol stated, depression is the common cold
of mental disorders which simply goes to show how prevalent this disease is in todays society.
Similar to Grohol, Oyama defined depression as one of the most common psychiatric disorders
to occur in most lifetimes, caused by biological, psychological, social, and/or environmental
factors (2013). Some symptoms of depression include, weight loss or gain, decreased energy or
fatigue, contemplation of suicide, restlessness, irritability and difficulty concentrating or
remembering things (Grohol, 2006). Even though most of those symptoms above can be related
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to by most, it does not mean everyone has depression. Once these symptoms persist for more
than two weeks and interfere with a daily lifestyle, depression could be the responsible factor
(Grohol, 2006). Grohol continued to explain how depression is a severe disorder, and one that
can often go undetected in some peoples lives because it can creep up on you (2006).
Sometimes something will spark depression to become a problem like a divorce or death of a
loved one yet, other times it occurs gradually and often is unnoticed until one is completely
disinterested in life (Grohol, 2006). Furthermore, depression usually strikes adults, and twice as
many women as men because men have different ways of channeling problems usually in
external activities (Grohol, 2006). Of course one cannot just simply diagnose themselves with
depression, there are multiple ways doctors reach this conclusion. The Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as the DSM-5 outlines the qualifications of depression
for doctors and many reach a diagnosis through this (Oyama, 2013). Another way to come to this
conclusion is through laboratory tests. One popular form of these is the dexamethasone
suppression test, which involves injection of a steroid to measure the production of cortisol to see
if the production is not affected meaning the patient suffers depression (Oyama, 2013). Some
other ways of diagnosing depression that are not as reliable include, PET scans and MRIs
(Oyama, 2013). After a diagnosis is reached and depending on the severity, depression may be
treated with antidepressants, therapy or electroconvulsive therapy (Oyama, 2013).
Hospitalization may occur in cases where depression becomes a threat to the patients or
surrounding family and friends (Oyama, 2013).
The Use of Medical Marijuana & its Current Legal Standing
Of course marijuana has been illegal in the United States since most can remember yet a
grey area comes into question when using this illegal substance for medical purposes. Doctors
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cannot prescribe unregulated pot supplied from an unknown source in the black market.
Therefore, dispensaries must exist to distribute marijuana for medical purposes in a safe and
controlled way. Aside from the problem of regulation medical marijuana is an issue for state
governments and isnt controlled at a federal level. Recently Cotterell wrote on the passing of a
restrictive bill allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients suffering seizures and other
more sever illnesses (2014). The bill allows a special strain of marijuana called Charlottes
Web, which is extremely low in THC (Clarke, 2014). THC is the most active ingredient in
marijuana that gives users the euphoric feeling (Cotterell, 2014). In addition, the bill limits the
amount of dispensaries to supply this strain and does not legalize the use in smoking form, only
vaporization (Clarke, 2014). The lawmakers were trying to make the new bill as restrictive as
possible by still allowing limited use to patients who truly benefited from the use of medical
marijuana yet it still shows the slow evolvement in legislation as marijuana as a treatment option
is becoming more and more understood.
Medical Marijuana is an Effective Treatment for Depression
Before clinical research was conducted into the relationship between marijuana and
depression, the only evidence came form self reports. Grinspoon and Bakalar compiled anecdotal
evidence of the relationship between marijuana use and depression in the Journal of
Psychoactive Drugs in 2001. From here a man describes his wife who suffers manic depression;
I've always been smooth-sailing. Smoking marijuana only makes me sleepy. I never use it. She
requires it, or, I swear shed be institutionalized just like her father (Grinspoon & Bakalar,
2001). It is apparent that this mans wife finds the use of marijuana effective in controlling her
mood. The journal also discuses a 35 year old woman suffering depression who was prescribed
lithium at 14 for life, however this made her lethargic and the side effects were too much to cope
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with (Grinspoon & Bakalar, 2001). She explained how [my] normally chaotic emotions
subsided and I had a sudden sense of calm, peace, and well-being when smoking marijuana
(Grinspoon & Bakalar, 2001). Countless anecdotal evidence showed how beneficial the use of
marijuana was to these patients and is still valuable knowledge even though it lacks a scientific
approach. In a recent study published in the European Neuropsychopharmacology journal in
August of 2013, shows the relationship between marijuana and brain functions. Woollaston
reports on the findings, which confirmed by MRI scans of the brain, revealed a beneficial effect
of THC on emotion-processing cerebral regions (2013). These findings are a breakthrough in
the research of the relationship between cannabis and mental functioning proving a beneficial
response in the brain and providing a temporary cure for depression.
Marijuana Use has a Negative Effect on Patients Suffering Depression
On the opposite side of the spectrum some may argue marijuana use causes depression.
The Harvard Medical School reported on a study that evaluated the relationship between
marijuana use and resulting mental disorders later in life:
In an Australian study, researchers interviewed 1,600 14- and 15-year-olds, then again
seven years later. Participants filled out a questionnaire, reporting on their use of
marijuana and symptoms of depression or anxiety. A surprising 60% of the participants
had used marijuana by the time they were 20. The researchers found that the young
women who had used marijuana weekly as teenagers were twice as likely to have
depression as a young adult than women who did not use the drug. Daily use as a
teenager was associated with four times the risk of depression for young women.
However, this lacks to show the relationship between patients already suffering depression who
try cannabis as a treatment. The article addresses a problem in the study by stating, it is still not
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clear, whether marijuana triggers the onset of illness in individuals predisposed to such
conditions or whether it actually causes the illnesses (2003). Medicalmarijuana.org also
compiled a list of statements claiming cannabis to have negative affects on patients suffering
depression. One of these statements came from Simon in 2012 saying how marijuana causes
symptoms of psychosis and paranoid thoughts, yet this is a generalized conclusion and cant be
applied to all users. There are further claims of marijuana use leading to even more sever mental
illnesses; there is a lack of scientific evidence to support them.
Could Investigation of a New Class of Drugs be the Answer?
A study completed in 2007 documents the findings of Dr. Gobbis research when
analyzing the relationship between THC and the brain. Her and her team tested lab animals by
injecting a synthetic form of THC they call a cannibinoid and then measuring depression levels
through the Forced Swim Test (2007). The conclusion was when the cannibinoid was
administered in low doses an antidepressant effect occurred; yet in high doses the opposite
happened worsening depression (2007). This research proves that THC has a beneficial effect in
the brain along with the evidence published in the European Neuropsychopharmacology journal
completed in 2013. Multiple scientific studies prove the effectiveness as cannabis as an
antidepressant however, this is only true in low doses. It is difficult to control the intake amount
of THC through smoking marijuana therefore, if this cannabinoid could be adapted for human
use a new more holistic approach to antidepressants would work. Yet further research is required
to develop a new class of drugs following the chemical makeup of cannabis.
Is Medical Marijuana an Effective Way to Treat Depression?
Despite the negative correlation between marijuana use and the development of
depression there is a lack of evidence to scientifically prove these claims. In addition, some of
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the negative statements made about marijuana in relation to depression were generalized from
few poor experiences. Therefore, with scientific proof and anecdotal evidence of people
responding so well to marijuana treatment for mood disorders leads to conclusion that this is an
effective treatment option for patients suffering depression along with similar mental disorders.
In order to argue otherwise more scientific research must be completed to evaluate the negative
effects marijuana has on the mood-controlling center of the brain. An alternative to this would be
exploration of a new class of drugs that mimic THC yet this would require further research and
investigation. Even if marijuana isnt the cure to depression it has been proven to be a valued
alternative form of treatment that should be offered to patients. With recent bills allowing for
recreational use of marijuana in Washington and Colorado, it is evident the future will bring
more lenient laws surrounding this topic.












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References
Cannabis: Potent Anti-depressant In Low Doses, Worsens Depression At High Doses. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071023183937.htm

Clarke, T (2014) Florida Lawmakers Approve Restrictive Medical Marijuana Bill. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://www.thedailychronic.net/2014/30934/florida-lawmakers-approve-
restrictive-medical-marijuana-bill/

Cotterell, B (2013). Florida lawmakers approve medical marijuana bill. Reuters Health e-Line
2 May 2014. General OneFile. Web. 22 May 2014.

Grinspoon, L., & Bakalar, J. (0001). The use of cannabis as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder
: Anecdotal evidence and the need for clinical research (English). Journal Of
Psychoactive Drugs, 30(2), 171-177.

Grohol, J. (2006). An Introduction to Depression. Psych Central. Retrieved on May 22, 2014,
from http://psychcentral.com/lib/an-introduction-to-depression/000650

Marijuana use may be harmful to mental health. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0503c.shtml
Medical Marijuana as a Treatment for Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://medicalmarijuana.com/experts/expert/title.cfm?artID=65

Oyama, O., & Piotrowski, N. (2013). Depression. MagillS Medical Guide (Online Edition),

Woollaston, V. (2013, August 22). Could marijuana be GOOD for mental health? Breakthrough
study claims the drug could be used to help treat depression. Retrieved from
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2400032/Could-marijuana-GOOD-
mental-health-Breakthrough-study-claims-drug-used-help-treat-depression.html