It’s essential to know what bipolar illness is before diving into how cannabis treats its symptoms. Around 4.4% of individuals in the US experience bipolar disorder at some point in their life, which is a mental health disorder that can lead to drastic mood fluctuations. Although the precise etiology of this disorder’s beginning is unknown, research shows that it is caused by a confluence of environmental, biochemical, and genetic elements.
Recent studies suggest that cannabis may have special advantages in the treatment of bipolar illness. The most often utilized substance in the bipolar community is medical marijuana. Although currently there is insufficient scientific evidence to establish whether the medication is beneficial or harmful for bipolar individuals. Psychotherapy and medication are frequently used in the treatment of bipolar illness. Pharmaceutical drugs are most frequently administered to control mood. Pharmaceutical drugs, however, may not work as quickly for many individuals and can have unwanted effects.
In this article, we’ll examine how cannabis’ potential advantages may help with bipolar symptom management.
Why Do Individuals Prefer Cannabis For Bipolar Treatment?
Several anecdotal accounts claim that marijuana is beneficial for bipolar disorder. As marijuana effectively starts to slow down the brain, Cannabis can help people with bipolar illness manage their manic, anxious, and stress-related symptoms. Cannabis could appear to be a viable substitute for pharmaceutical drugs that don’t work. Some patients at a marijuana dispensary in California claimed in interviews with Psychiatric Advisors that cannabis helped lessen mood swings, anxious thoughts, and especially feelings of dread, allowing everyday living more tolerable.
In a study, people with this condition were asked to assess how they felt after using cannabis. Those who used cannabis within four hours noted the following:
- Lesser feelings of rage
- Less depression
- Less anxiety
- Increased energy
Cannabis may help bipolar illness sufferers function better in their day-to-day life. A more recent Trusted Source research from 2010 that examined 133 patients with the disorder found that those who took cannabis had improved:
- Logical Fluency
- Focus
- Memory
Benefits of Cannabis for Bipolar Disorder
The effects of stress, sleeplessness, and mental illnesses may be lessened by cannabis. Some cannabinoids could be helpful to lessen symptoms. Some benefits of cannabis are listed below:
Reduces Mental Impairment And Mood Symptoms
Cannabis has a mood-altering effect on bipolar individuals since it may almost quickly make negative emotions go. Cannabis could be beneficial by elevating positive emotions.
Relieves Symptoms of Psychosis
There is evidence that shows the endocannabinoid system may be crucial in the emergence of psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) in people with schizophrenia and bipolar illness. Cannabis was proven to lessen psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia in two randomized controlled studies. The same outcomes, meanwhile, have not been seen in bipolar illness.
Improves Concentration, Attention, and Memory
Contrary to what the majority of marijuana detractors assert, marijuana use among bipolar patients may enhance memory, focus, and attention. Research including 133 bipolar patients discovered that cannabis use was related to greater neurocognition as compared to non-use, including attention, verbal reasoning, and memory recall.
Medical Marijuana Strains Recommended For Bipolar Disorder
There are several marijuana varieties that may be used for a wide range of conditions, including bipolar disorder. You will find the top strains on this list, but keep in mind that your own preferences may vary based on your current demands.
1. Girl Scout Cookies: This hybrid strain is praised for its strong euphoric effects. They efficiently alleviate pain, tension, and hunger loss while providing a euphoric high.
2. White Widow: Without a question, this strain is among the most well-known in the cannabis community. It gives you a euphoric, tranquil high that reduces tension, sadness, and pain while also allowing you to have a restful night’s sleep.
3. Blue Dream: This strain is regarded as a legendary strain. It is a hybrid with a Sativa dominance that gives consumers a euphoric and cerebral high. It is effective in treating symptoms including headaches, anxiety, and depression.
4. Bruce Banner: This strain could lessen the mood swings brought on by bipolar. It is a combination of a significant amount of THC.
5. Super Jack: It is a Sativa strain that focuses on influencing the mind. It boosts energy and inspires creativity. You become more productive during the day and the lethargy and distractions brought on by bipolar illness are eliminated.
CBD For Bipolar Therapy
Scientists have recently looked at whether CBD may treat bipolar illness. Manufacturers and pharmaceutical firms often extract CBD as an oil from the cannabis plant. The proportion of THC in CBD might vary depending on the plant’s cultivation method and extraction technique. If CBD helps people with bipolar illness is yet unknown to medical professionals. For instance, short research conducted in 2020 discovered that some individuals’ bipolar symptoms lessened as a result of utilizing CBD.
Key Takeaway
Cannabis is frequently used by patients with bipolar disorder to relieve their symptoms. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only authorized drugs that contain certain cannabinoids.
According to recent studies, cannabis has “uniquely favorable benefits” on goal-directed behavior and cognitive function in bipolar patients. A group of researchers who presented the findings of their study at the Neuroscience 2022 event showed that cannabis enhances mental function while lowering hazardous decision-making, a bipolar disorder sign that is frequently connected with the illness.
The years of studies that have been done so far are encouraging, even if more study is required before we can state with certainty that marijuana is an effective cure for bipolar illness. High-THC cannabis flower could be a viable option to take into account for individuals who are experiencing this disorder and are seeking a natural cure. Before using cannabis to treat bipolar illness, individuals should speak with a doctor.
If you are living in Los Angeles and looking for medical marijuana to treat your chronic pain. You can consult with a physician that specializes in medical marijuana and l;et them know your concerns. You can also look for marijuana doctor los angeles as they would guide you more on the subject.
References
-Health Central. “Medical Marijuana for Bipolar? Getting H[…]gh is NOT the Object.” Published January 11, 2014. Accessed November 29, 2018.
-Journal of Affective Disorders. “Cannabis Use and First Manic Episode.” Published August 20, 2014. Accessed November 29, 2018.
-Psychiatry Advisor. “Cannabis Use in Bipolar Disorder Present[…] Treatment Challenge.” Published August 28, 2018. Accessed November 29, 2018.
-The University of Washington. “Effects of Marijuana on Mental Health:
Bipolar Disorder.” Published June 2017. Accessed November 29, 2018.
-U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Cannabinoids in Bipolar Affective Disorder.” Published September 18, 2014. Accessed November 29, 2018.
