Hello and thank you for your great question,
Unfortunately, CBD ,with or without THC, will most likely not completely replace an antidepressant that is successfully alleviating your symptoms of depression. If the antidepressant is working, I would recommend you continue that treatment while using a low dose of cannabis when you are feeling especially down. However, CBD without THC will likely have little to no effect of depression. THC, at very low doses, provides the boost in mood.
Please keep in mind that cannabis is best used at the lowest dose and frequency possible to address your depression. There is both scientific and a plethora of adecdotal evidence that heavy cannabis use can lead to the worsening of depression.
In one 2014 study, researchers found that the brain’s of chronic cannabis consumers became less sensitive to dopamine over time. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes pleasure, reward, pain, and focus. Lack of dopamine is also implicated in some models of depression.
https://www.pnas.org/content/111/30/E3149
The idea here is that less sensitivity to dopamine makes you apathetic and detached, two major symptoms of depression.
Other animal research has found that THC in low doses boosts serotonin, but high doses of the cannabinoid had the opposite effect.
https://www.jneurosci.org/content/27/43/11700
Here are some recommended high CBD strains you can use to help with your symptoms – I recommend ACDC and Harlequin for depression.
-Harlequin-
Harlequin is one of the most popular CBD strains available. Typically testing around the 5:2 CBD/THC ratio, it exhibits a sativa-dominant alertness with only mild euphoria. Harlequin has a happy bent that most will find enhances whatever activity they are engaged in.
Ringo’s Gift
-Ringo’s Gift – is a hybrid cross of Harle-Tsu and ACDC. It keeps on giving to patients seeking a nearly full-on CBD-driven strain, with an average ratio of 24:1 CBD/THC.
Sweet and Sour Widow
-Sweet and Sour Widow- indica cannabis strain
Sweet and Sour Widow lands in the middle ground with a 1:1 CBD/THC ratio. This even split offers first-time cannabis consumers an enjoyable entry point to both THC and CBD without sending them into orbit. It also makes for good medicine while being slightly euphoric and stoney.
Stephen Hawking Kush
-Stephen Hawking Kush- indica cannabis strain
Stephen Hawking Kush offers mild, relaxing effects while doling out a healthy dose of CBD, too. This indica-dominant strain is one of the more unique CBD cuts out there, offering both heady and soothing effects.
-ACDC- hybrid cannabis strain
ACDC is easily my favorite CBD strain. The cannabinoid content is usually heavily CBD-dominant, sitting on average at 20:1 in its CBD/THC ratio. An imperceptible amount of THC makes ACDC an outstanding companion for daily medicinal cannabis consumers seeking to relieve tension, pain, or anxiety.
- Cannatonic- hybrid cannabis strain
Cannatonic isn’t nearly as sedative as the name implies. This strain usually brings a smaller CBD/THC split, ranging from 5:1 down to 1:1. This even-keeled cannabinoid profile gives consumers a great deal of flexibility to use Cannatonic as medicine or as an enjoyable, mild mannered strain to unwind with.
-Harle-Tsu hybrid cannabis strain
Harle-Tsu, is an outstandingly functional CBD cut. By combining Harlequin and Sour Tsunami, Harle-Tsu achieves a pleasant disposition without encumbering the consumer with strong sedation.
drkim
Many people that use a CBD:THC ratio of 20:1 twice daily and then every 6 hours on top of twice daily find themselves to be able to slowly titrate off antidepressants starting around the 3 week mark. This is always advised with your doctors awareness and plan to titrate.
drb
