Studies are discovering new reasons marijuana is more beneficial than Big Pharma alternatives
Bipolar disorder, equally likely to affect men and women, causes a person’s mood, energy, and mental clarity to vary greatly. Such fluctuation leads the person to experience waves of mania and depression. Several pieces of research have shown that cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) can have positive effects on depression and anxiety. Based on that, a new study has found that marijuana may have unique benefits for people suffering from this disorder.
Research has shown that these compounds are an excellent substitute for antidepressants, painkillers, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants, suggesting therapeutic potential in mood and related disorders. In addition, marijuana was also found to be effective in improving cognitive function while helping to reduce risky decision-making. This fairly common factor occurs in people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The findings were presented by the researchers at the Neuroscience 2022 conference. According to the results, it is suggested that cannabis is able to reduce dopaminergic activity in the brain to help suppress its symptoms. The researchers claim that chronic consumption of this plant reduces the release of dopamine, which causes the person to normalize their deficits in goal-directed behaviors.
Other related studies indicate that marijuana use in some people with bipolar disorder improved their mood and promoted a more positive outlook. It is essential to keep in mind that the research surrounding the beneficial effects of marijuana use in bipolar disorder is very preliminary. Researchers are still conducting tests to obtain more concrete results.