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How Cannabis can Help Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D)

How Cannabis can Help Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D)

If cannabis can help Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) first, we must understand what SAD is. SAD is a type of depression usually more apparent in the Autumn and winter months as the nights begin to draw in. Hence, its often known as “Winter Depression”. Majority of sufferers have normal mental health throughout the most the year and only exhibit symptoms at the same time of year. As mentioned above, this is usually around mid-late autumn/early winter.

What Causes SAD?

Although the cause of SAD is not yet fully understood it is widely accepted that the lack of sunlight during the winter (or Autumn) months prevent a part of the brain called the Hypothalamus from working correctly. In turn this affects the:

What are the Symptoms of SAD?

In the UK 1 in 15 people suffer from SAD whilst in the US the number is believed to be over 10 million. According to a study carried out by The Weather Channel and YouGov 29% of adults suffer from SAD as the clocks go back and the nights get darker around October time (UK/Northern Hemisphere). The research also finds women are 40% more likely to experience symptoms then men. If you have SAD you may experience some of the signs or symptoms below, however, these will generally alter from person to person:

Treatments for SAD

Depending on your symptoms there are numerous treatments recommended for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Whilst the vast majority of SAD sufferers have manageable symptoms, approximately 20% of sufferers exhibit more serious symptoms and may need to consult medical professionals.

How Cannabis can help:

Whilst the above treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder should be explored an alternative and growing in popularity for medicinal use is Cannabis. Whilst going for a walk or meeting with friends can and does help with SAD, and depression in general, this is not always as simple as its sounds. Been motivated to eat healthily, exercise and socialising is one of the struggles associated with the disorder.

Cannabis contains chemicals called Cannabinoids which work in tandem with the human Endocannabinoid system. This controls aspects of our body and mind including pain, affects our mood and speeds up the growth and development of nervous tissue. This natural plant helps battle stress by enhancing your mood, relieving anxiety, and combating insomnia whilst providing energy and focus. Two cannabinoids that most know of are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both cannabinoids THC and CBD are known for antidepressant properties for patients. A study by McGill University, Montreal, showed that low doses of THC can serve as an antidepressant and aids production of Serotonin. However, the study also shows that high levels of THC can have an adverse effect.

In 2010, a study was published by scientist at the University of São Paulo, Brazil and University of London, UK. The aim of the study was to investigate to see CBD had anxiolytic properties by orally administering 400mg of both CBD and Placebo. Relative to placebo, CBD was associated with significantly decreased subjective anxiety. These results suggest that CBD reduces anxiety in SAD and that this is related to its effects on activity in limbic and paralimbic brain areas.

Top Cannabis Strains for S.A.D

Conclusion

Whilst it is widely accepted that Cannabis has many medicinal benefits. its also accepted that more research is needed. How cannabis can be beneficial and effect our hormones such as Serotonin is becoming more evident by the day. Whilst the above list gives you an idea of the strains available, there are many strains than can alleviate Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder it’s important to know your own thresholds. New cannabis users should aim for higher CBD with lower THC ratios

Using cannabis for your ailments is a great option. However, we recommend that if your symptoms are not manageable you should seek professional medical advice.

As the clocks go back across the majority of the Northern Hemisphere, it is this time of year that S.A.D rears its head. Therefore, for a limited period here at Coffee Shop Seeds we are offering 15% off all medicinal seeds. Use promo code SAD15 at check out.

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