The Rise of Depression and the Cannabis Response

Are you experiencing depression? You are not the only one suffering from depression. Millions of Americans are also affected by it. Recent statistics revealed that depression is on the rise in the United States.

The number of people diagnosed with depression rose 33% between 2011 and 2014. (1) The National Center for Health Statistics previously reported that antidepressant usage rose 65% between 1999 and 2014. It went from 7.7% to 12.7% for 12 year-olds and men to 19.1% for 60-year-olds. (2)

They say that universal depression screenings are becoming more common and that people are now talking about this disorder and using pharmaceutical drugs to treat it CBD For Energy

I'm left wondering how this depressive state has grown in leaps and bounds. One thing is that there has been a lot of change in the world since January 1,2000. It is enough to make anyone feel depressed. Although I may have missed something, here are some examples that I remember:

September 11, 2001

The Patriot Act

Terrorist attacks continue, both domestically and internationally.

Mass murders in schools

Deaths and opioid addiction are on the rise

Multiple wars in Middle East

Natural disasters that are intense: floods, earthquakes (hurricans, tsunamis), flooding, blizzards, droughts, and hurricanes.

Fukushima nuclear catastrophe of 2011

2008's economic crisis

Overpriced real estate

Earnings that aren't comparable to the cost of living

Homelessness is on the rise

Donald Trump's 2016 presidential election and his presidency were divisive.

This list doesn't include the most difficult personal situations that many of us encounter from time to time.

The big winners are pharmaceutical companies.

Though most of the antidepressant-package inserts warn of one or another side-effect, pharmaceutical antidepressants are the ubiquitous 'go to" solution and coping mechanism for depression. Many people also report difficulty getting off antidepressants, even if they're ready.

Increased neuro-inflammation has been shown to be a factor in depression. It is now well-known that inflammation can lead to many diseases.

Get therapeutic cannabis.

Studies on depression have shown that cannabis can reduce inflammation. (3) Because of its chemical compounds, particularly THC and CBD. Actual healing can occur, not just symptom-mapping. It can also restore damaged parts of the brain, and improve the immune system. It is non-toxic and cost-effective, with very few side effects.

The team analysed data from Strainprint to determine if there were any changes in symptoms following different cannabis chemotypes or doses. Self-reported depression symptoms fell by 50% overall." (5)

Why don't more people use cannabis medicinally instead of going down the pharma path? Three main reasons are suggested by me:

The Reefer Madness movie propagandism of 1936 and the subsequent 1937 Marahuana Tax Act promoted the stigmatization

Trust in doctors and the things they prescribe

There is a general lack of information about cannabis use for therapeutic purposes, and not recreational.

My friend used cannabis medicinally to overcome depression. She shared her experiences with me, saying that cannabis gave her her life back.

The multiple catastrophic events of the 21st century have made the world a completely new place. It is disorienting, depressing, and confusing for anyone who knows the difference. Using therapeutic cannabis responsibly, however, is a way to escape depression and stay mentally and emotionally healthy.

We can make the world change, even though it may not be in the way we want.

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(1) Olivia Goldhill, Depression diagnosis up 33% in USA, and that's good. May 14, 2018,

(2) Laura A. Pratt (Ph.D.), Debra J. Braody (M.P.H.), and Qiuping Gu (M.D.) Antidepressant Use among Persons 12 and over: United States, 2011-2014. August 15, 2017.

(3) A. K. Walker and A. Kavelaars; C. J. Heijnen and R. Dantzer , Neuroinflammation, Comorbidity and Pain and Depression. January 2014.

(4) de Mello Schier A, de Oliveira Ribeiro NP. Coutinho DS. Machado S. Arias-Carrion O. Crippa JA. Zuardi AW. Nardi AE. Silva AC. Antidepressant-like, anxiolytic-like effects cannabidiol. 2014

(5) Cuttler C., et. ., Cannabis temporarily relieves symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress April 24, 2018.

Susan graduated from the Holistic Cannabis Academy in 2018. She has over 45 years of experience working with a variety of wellness modalities. She is a modern-day interventionist who helps people to identify and eliminate stressors that cause their distress and provides strategies for achieving inner peace, contentment, and inspiration.