Consuming cannabis can help women recovering from childbirth
Postpartum depression occurs in 10-15% of term deliveries. Its onset usually occurs in the first six weeks after delivery and is characterized by intense anxiety, sadness, and excessive concern for the health and feeding of the newborn. Traditionally, healthcare providers prescribe antidepressants and psychotherapy. However, many question the efficacy and safety of these treatments. This being the case, many mothers have begun to opt for the benefits of cannabis, greatly reducing levels of depression during these stages.
Although it is unclear what causes postpartum depression, most attribute it to fluctuating hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, and parental anxiety. Cannabis is becoming an increasingly common treatment for depression. Endocannabinoids are found in the human nervous system and regulate mood, pain sensitivity and other important bodily processes. These neurotransmitters are also found in marijuana.
Studies have shown that exposure to cannabinoids through breast milk does not increase the risk to the child. In addition, maternal depression is already indicative of an altered endocannabinoid system, so taking cannabidiol (CBD) may actually be a good thing. Studies continue to show that after a certain period of time, there were no detectable differences in the babies of mothers who used cannabis sporadically.
CBD acts on, among other things, serotonin and anandamide, signaling substances in the body most associated with depressive symptoms (or happiness). Because of this effect, CBD oil has been shown to be an effective and fast-acting antidepressant in women after childbirth. The herbal agent ensures that the brain produces more Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and facilitates its processing, leading to a healthy mood.