Medical marijuana is more popular than ever. One of the main reasons is because it has proven to be effective in helping treat mental health issues.

Many of the benefits of cannabis are yet to be discovered, but some are very well established. There is a long history behind using cannabis to treat issues such as depression and anxiety.

Here is an in-depth look at how marijuana can be used during treatment.

Prevention

Preventative health care is health care.

It’s a shame that most medical professionals don’t focus on preventing problems. Many serious conditions can be easily avoided.

Mental health issues are complex. Some things like depression or bipolar disorder are genetic. Anxiety can be inherited, too.

However, sometimes anxiety and depression can be triggered.

Stress is one of the main triggers of mental health issues. Trauma is another one. There’s no way to prevent trauma, but stress can be avoided.

Cannabis can help alleviate stress. It’s known for its calming effect. Living a relaxed, healthy lifestyle is key to a happy lifestyle.

For many people, cannabis enables them to do just that.

Depression

Depression can be unbearable.

Lots of people suffering from depression turn to antidepressants. That could be a valid choice, but it’s not right for everyone. Antidepressants can have other unwanted side effects.

There are no long-term negative side effects associated with cannabis. In fact, the opposite is true. Studies only show positive long-term effects.

There is no reason why you can’t use cannabis to treat depression.

It’s a much healthier and more natural alternative to other drugs. Of course, when using cannabis to treat depression, a health professional should be consulted. Thankfully, many doctors realize the benefits of marijuana.

Obtaining a medical marijuana card is not difficult in most states.

When you get your card, your doctor will advise on dosage and usage. You might have to adjust things every once in a while. The same is true for any type of medication or treatment plan.

Certain strains of marijuana are more suited for treating depression than others. That’s why it’s important to always buy from a dispensary.

That way you know what strains you are getting and how powerful they are.

Anxiety

Most people experience anxiety at some point in their life.

It does not have to become a lifelong condition. Sometimes anxiety attacks only occur once and then never come back.

More often than not, anxiety is triggered by a stressful or frightening situation.

That’s why cannabis is ideally suited to treating anxiety. It doesn’t have to be consumed on a daily basis. It’s possible to only use marijuana when you’re feeling stressed or anxious.

For those who don’t want to get high, CBD oils and cannabis-related products are also promising. Adding a few drops of CBD oil to your morning coffee is a great way to help you remain calm throughout the day.

You don’t have to let anxiety control you.

Combined Treatment

Mental health issues are usually not simple.

A variety of factors influence onset and recovery. The best way to treat mental health issues is by taking a holistic approach.

Incorporating cannabis into a healthy lifestyle maximizes the chance of success. Eat a diet that helps depression. Engage in regular exercise.

Seek out therapy and other forms of help.

Talk to your friends and family about your problems. People are much more open to talking about mental health than they used to be. There should be no stigma when it comes to depression.

Cannabis alone might not solve your problems.

PTSD

It is extremely difficult to move on from trauma.

However, it is possible. Cannabis has been proven to help treat PTSD.

This is because cannabis helps improve and restore the nervous system. When you experience trauma, your brain re-plays the trauma and connects triggers to the event.

Cannabis can help rewire those associations.

Other forms of therapy like EMDR therapy have been groundbreaking when it comes to treating PTSD. Combining these treatments with cannabis could change people’s lives.

There is no reason why trauma should define your life.

Conclusion

Mental health issues are a huge cultural issue that not enough people are talking about. Hopefully cannabis can help change that.