Weed and Depression: What the Latest Research Says

Depression is a mood disorder that occurs in scores of people worldwide. It can impede daily life by causing intense feelings that affect motivation and happiness. The condition may even impact physical health, influencing appetite, sleep, and energy levels. 

In 2020, in the United States, approximately 8% of the adult population experienced at least one major depressive episode. 

Of those who experience depression, less than 50% receive treatment. This may be because of the intricacy of the condition and the long-running stigma against mental health. Depending on the severity, people choose various treatments, including clinical therapy and/or prescription medications. Others try alternatives like cannabis. 

But what's the truth about weed and depression? We look at the research available so far to give a more well-rounded answer.

What is Depression?

Depression is an umbrella term for a set of disorders that affect a person's mood, leaving them with ongoing bouts of sadness and interest loss. ‍The condition is sometimes confused with everyday sadness and grief. However, depression is considered more severe, as those who suffer from depression often exhibit an inability to go on their day as they typically would.

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists and classifies five different disorders under depression that include:

1. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
2. Major depressive disorder.
3. Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).
4. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
5. Depressive disorder due to another medical condition.

Symptoms of Depression

The adverse emotional and physical effects of depression are well documented. But to be diagnosed with one of the above-listed diagnoses, at least 5 of the following symptoms must be present:

• Sleep disturbance.
• Interest/pleasure reduction.
• Guilt feelings or thoughts of worthlessness.
• Energy changes/fatigue.
• Concentration/attention impairment.
• Appetite/weight changes.
• Psychomotor disturbances.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Depressed mood.

Other specifiers that doctors may attach to a depression diagnosis include:

• Anxious distress.
• Mixed features.
• Melancholic features.
• Atypical features.
• Psychotic features.
• Catatonia.
• Peripartum onset.
• Seasonal pattern.

Typically, symptoms must last for at least two weeks before being classified as depression. 

Causes and Risk Factors for Depression

Symptoms can begin at any point in a person's life, and the disorder's cause can range drastically from person to person. It tends to be a mixture of faulty mood regulation of the brain, traumatic events, and genetic vulnerability. 

External factors are believed to play a significant role as well. The effects of stress and medications potentially play a part in the development of depression.

The complex nature of depression and its varied causes have made diagnosing depression difficult. With numerous development avenues, professionals often explore several treatment forms to determine what works best for each patient.

Other medical diagnoses that include depression as a symptom, like:

• Bipolar I and II disorders.
• Cyclothymic disorder.
• Other depression disorders.

How is Depression Typically Treated?

Treatment for depression can include one or a mixture of prescription medications. These might include SSRIs, psychotherapy, hospital/residential treatment, or other alternative remedies.

Patients who don’t respond to traditional treatment methods might use more intensive options like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). More recently, psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms are showing potential in managing treatment-resistant depression.

Some patients have to explore several options before reaching the most suitable method. People are also often encouraged to practice self-help and personal care that puts them in their best mental state. For some, medical cannabis plays a role in that.

What Does the Latest Research Say About Cannabis and Depression?

Depression is one of a few mental health disorders commonly listed as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis in some states. However, the research supporting a beneficial link between depression and weed is limited and just as complex as the disorder, its cause, and its symptoms.

A 2022 study from the UK found that cannabis use was linked to a reduction of depression and its symptoms. However, they concluded by saying that they could not find a causal link between the two due to the limitations of the study.¹ The promising findings will hopefully prompt further studies on the topic.

One review of literature from 2021 called for more research to explore and understand the relationship between cannabis and depression. It found several potential links between the two including that cannabis use and depression often coexist. 

More research pointed toward depression leading to cannabis use as a way to find symptom relief. However, some findings note that cannabis use during adolescence may increase the risk of developing depression.²

Despite the lack of clinical research to support any causal link, mood disorder is a common reason people use medical cannabis.^3,4 Another study found that even if patients are using cannabis products, like those rich in CBD, they may not be reporting that to their psychiatrists.⁵ 

In some cases, it may be that cannabis can help deal with some of the symptoms of depression. Preliminary research suggests that  cannabis may be associated with relief from various symptoms related to depression, such as:

• Anxiety.
• Appetite.
• Mood.
• Other mental health disorders.
• Sleep issues.⁶

Have Any Specific Cannabinoids Been Studied for Depression?

There is currently not enough definitive research into which cannabinoid concentrations and ratios are most effective for depression. However, preliminary studies offer some insights.

For instance, when considering THC for depression, research suggests that low THC and high CBD concentrations provide the most benefit. Analysis from the Strainprint app shows that users reported greater relief with these ratios compared to higher THC concentrations.²

CBG also appears promising based on recent findings. In a patient survey, the majority preferred CBG-dominant cannabis for depression management over conventional medicines.⁷

Can Weed Cause Depression?

In some cases, cannabis has been linked to an increased rate of depression. According to the available research, depression may be more likely to occur depending on the usage and potency of the product.

A large review published in 2017 found that heavy cannabis use was associated with a slight increase in the possibility of developing depressive disorders. However, the review authors state that there was no causal link found between cannabis use and depression, and more research is needed.⁸

Cannabis use may interact with medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for depression. This combination may also increase the risk of developing serotonin syndrome.

The research findings seem to be mixed, but a direct link between cannabis use and depression has yet to garner enough supportive evidence. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D. shared with Mayo Clinic, "Marijuana use and depression accompany each other more often than you might expect by chance, but there's no clear evidence that marijuana directly causes depression.”

What About CBD and Depression?

CBD (cannabidiol) has become a popular topic in mental health conversations. Some early research suggests it might affect mood by working with serotonin receptors in the brain.⁹ This happens to be the same system targeted by many antidepressants.

So far, studies have been small or done on animals, meaning the results don’t always apply to people. A few human studies suggest CBD may help reduce feelings of anxiety or low mood. Still, researchers agree there’s not enough evidence yet to call it an effective treatment for depression.

Are There Any Risks?

CBD is usually well-tolerated, but it’s not risk-free. Some people report side effects like tiredness, dry mouth, or appetite changes.

Because CBD can affect how the body processes certain medications, it might also interact with antidepressants like SSRIs or tricyclics.

If you take medication for depression, it’s important to talk with your doctor before trying CBD. They can help you avoid interactions and make sure any products you use come from a reliable source.

At this point, research on CBD and depression is still early, and results are mixed. More large, high-quality studies are needed to determine whether CBD really helps and how it might safely fit into treatment plans.¹⁰

What Does Current Research Say About Terpenes and Depression Symptoms?

Terpenes are the natural compounds in cannabis and other plants that give them their scent and flavor. Some people believe terpenes may also play a role in how cannabis affects mood. Early research is exploring this idea, but findings are still limited and not enough to make any medical claims.

Certain terpenes have shown potential mood-related effects in animal and lab studies, including:

• Linalool.
• Pinene.¹¹
• Limonene.¹²
• Beta-caryophyllene.¹³

For example, limonene (found in citrus) has been linked to uplifting or energizing sensations in some research. Meanwhile, linalool (common in lavender) is often associated with calmness. However, these studies are small, and most have not been confirmed in people.

When it comes to cannabis, the mix of terpenes and cannabinoids may influence a person’s overall experience.¹⁴ That might be one reason why patients report that certain strains feel more relaxing or mood-boosting than others. But because terpene levels vary widely by strain and batch, results can be unpredictable.

For now, researchers agree that more studies are needed to understand how terpenes affect mood. This will help determine whether they have any consistent role in managing symptoms of depression.

Best Strains for Depression According to Patient Feedback

Many patients say certain cannabis strains help them feel more relaxed, focused, or uplifted. These effects vary widely from person to person, but the following five strains are among the most commonly mentioned.

1. Blue Dream

A balanced hybrid often reported to promote a calm, creative mood without heavy sedation.

2. Jack Herer

A sativa-dominant strain said to deliver an energizing, clear-headed feeling that helps some people stay productive.

3. Harlequin

Known for its higher CBD content, this strain is described as gentle and clear, offering mild effects that don’t feel overwhelming.

4. Cannatonic

Another CBD-rich strain that many users describe as stabilizing or grounding, with a mild, calming effect.

5. Granddaddy Purple

Often chosen for its relaxing properties, this strain is said to help users unwind at the end of the day.

Because each person’s body chemistry is different, strain names alone aren’t a guarantee of experience. Terpene and cannabinoid content can vary from one grower to another, so it may take some experimentation to find what feels best for you.

Why These Strains?

• These selections are based on patient reports rather than definitive clinical evidence. Users mention feeling uplifted, relaxed, and more focused and motivated.
• The terpene and cannabinoid profiles likely matter. For example, higher CBD or balanced CBD:THC ratios may reduce certain risks tied to high-THC products. Everyone's experience varies.
• Timing and context also matter. Some people use more "energetic" strains (like Jack Herer) during the day to counter apathy or fog. Then, they'll opt for more "relaxing" strains (like Granddaddy Purple) in the evening if sleep or unrest is a factor.

Can You Get a Medical Card for Depression?

In some states, depression qualifies as a condition for medical cannabis. In others, it doesn’t, as rules vary from state to state.

Even where depression isn’t listed, patients may still qualify if their symptoms connect to another approved condition, like anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain.

If you think medical cannabis could help, the best first step is talking with a licensed medical provider. They can explain your options and help you learn what’s allowed where you live.

References

1. Mangoo S, Erridge S, Holvey C, et al. Assessment of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for depression: analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Expert Rev Neurother. 2022;22(11-12):995-1008. doi:10.1080/14737175.2022.2161894 ↩︎
2. Feingold D, Weinstein A. Cannabis and Depression. Cannabinoids and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. 2020;1264:67-80. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57369-0_5 ↩︎
3. Pacek LR, Weinberger AH, Zhu J, Goodwin RD. Rapid increase in the prevalence of cannabis use among people with depression in the United States, 2005-17: the role of differentially changing risk perceptions. Addiction. 2020;115(5):935-943. doi:10.1111/add.14883 ↩︎
4. Pacek LR, Weinberger AH, Zhu J, Goodwin RD. Rapid increase in the prevalence of cannabis use among people with depression in the United States, 2005-17: the role of differentially changing risk perceptions. Addiction. 2020;115(5):935-943. doi:10.1111/add.14883 ↩︎
5. Wieckiewicz G, Stokłosa I, Stokłosa M, Gorczyca P, Pudlo R. Cannabidiol (CBD) in the Self-Treatment of Depression-Exploratory Study and a New Phenomenon of Concern for Psychiatrists. Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:837946. Published 2022 Mar 22. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837946 ↩︎
6. Bonini SA, Premoli M, Tambaro S, et al. Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2018;227:300-315. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.004 ↩︎
7. Russo EB, Cuttler C, Cooper ZD, Stueber A, Whiteley VL, Sexton M. Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2021;7(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0058 ↩︎
8. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice, Evidence A. Mental Health. Nih.gov. Published January 12, 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425748/ ↩︎
9. Pinto JV, Saraf G, Frysch C, et al. Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review. Can J Psychiatry. 2020;65(4):213-227. doi:10.1177/0706743719895195 ↩︎
10. García-Gutiérrez MS, Navarrete F, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Sala F, Manzanares J. Cannabidiol: A Potential New Alternative for the Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Psychotic Disorders. Biomolecules. 2020; 10(11):1575. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10111575 ↩︎
11. Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211 ↩︎
12. Eddin LB, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, Kesari KK, Beiram R, Ojha S. Neuroprotective Potential of Limonene and Limonene Containing Natural Products. Molecules. 2021; 26(15):4535. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154535 ↩︎
13. Francomano F, Caruso A, Barbarossa A, Fazio A, La Torre C, Ceramella J, Mallamaci R, Saturnino C, Iacopetta D, Sinicropi MS. β-Caryophyllene: A Sesquiterpene with Countless Biological Properties. Applied Sciences. 2019; 9(24):5420. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9245420 ↩︎
14. Johnson AL, Verbitsky R, Hudson J, Dean R, Hamilton TJ. Cannabinoid type-2 receptors modulate terpene induced anxiety-reduction in zebrafish. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2023;168:115760-115760. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115760 ‌ ↩︎

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