Fighting the Holiday Blues with Cannabis
It is the Hanukkah and Christmas season and many are already at home, or on their way to a divine spot to spend time with loved ones. For some people, it is a time of joy and fun and sharing. For others, it is a time of dread. They either are completely alone or just in a spot where memories are just too hard to bear. There are many emotions at stake over this time of the year, and all the commotion in the stores are driving the nail thoroughly in.
When the endocannabinoid system gets disturbed, the body is prone to get sick in one way or another. When you are under stress or feel anxious and lonely, your endocannabinoid production levels drop. This has an even bigger effect on emotions and behavior. This is why, when cannabinoids are taken in in whatever form, emotions take a positive turn and stress and depression will decrease significantly.
When the Chemical Balance is Upset
Seeing that each individual cannabis plant has an individual make-up, it relates to the individual biological profile of each individual. This means that each individual reacts differently to the cannabinoid content of the plant. It mostly refers to the chemistry in our brains, and interestingly enough, it can change neurochemistry. Cannabinoids have the power to change cognitive behavior. It modulates the chemical ratios in the brain. Where THC can activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD can also activate non-cannabinoid receptors. It also modulates receptor pathways to initiate actions.
How THC can change your mood
It is not news that elevated dopamine levels bring a splurge of joy and happiness. It is vital in the reward-and-punish sector of the brain. When THC is consumed, it activates the CB1 receptors and as a result, the dopamine levels in the brain associated with mood and emotions are elevated. It is believed that the CB1 receptors bring change to the presynaptic GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid). When GABA attaches to a GABA receptor, it induces calmness.
CBD and Serotonin
Serotonin also plays an important role in mood regulation. It is a neurotransmitter, and cannabis can increase serotonin levels when it is activated. CBD is especially effective in elevating serotonin and acting as an antidepressant. CBD changes the neurochemical concentration of serotonin. It binds and activates the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor that leads to higher serotonin production. As a result, the mood and emotions of people using cannabis, change.
Cannabis is a safe way to deal with the Holiday Blues
Cannabis has an overall healthier effect on the brain. As it is possible for cannabis to change the neurochemistry of the brain, it also has a positive influence on neuroplasticity. As the word indicates, neuroplasticity is the ability to optimize and change neural networks in the brain. CBD can slow the decrease of hippocampal neuro cell production down. Chronic stress decreases the density of the synaptic input-receiving dendrite spines (storing sites for synaptic strength responsible for transmitting electric signals to the neuron´s cell body). CBD reduces the effect and creates a healthier neural environment.
Some Helpful Ways to deal with Holiday Blues
Finding the Right Strain – The terpene profile of a cannabis strain is important when you want to reduce stress. Look for strains containing Limonene as it is generally uplifting. Strains with pinene terpenes are also good as it combats fatigue, where Linalool reduces anxiety.
Without the High – If THC is not your thing, find CBD products like CBD oil or a Hemp Tea. CBD gummies are also a good choice. There are more than enough products available to soothe your mood.
The Synergy of THC and CBD – Look for strains with a slightly higher ratio of CBD to THC. Keep in mind that high THC content sometimes has a negative effect on anxiety. It doesn´t matter if you smoke, vape or eat your cannabis, shoot for a smooth soothing effect.
Note it down – It is not always easy to know what and how to deal with your emotional stress. There is more than enough advice, but each person needs to know how to deal with it. A good way to deal with the effect of cannabis on your stress is to make notes in a journal. You do this to see what was effective and how much you used at a time. Also, note down how far in between you consumed cannabis.
Focus on Micro-dosing – It is always a smart idea to micro-dose. It is not always the best answer to smoke yourself to a stupor.
Use Edibles for Destressing – Make yourself a cannabis-infused brownie or muffin and experiment with micro-dosing. Remember, edibles get broken down differently in the body and it takes longer to have an effect. Be careful not to consume too much at a time.
CANNABIS AND DEPRESSION, LEARN MORE..
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