Medical Marijuana and Bipolar Disorder
What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar is a mental health disorder that can be classified as causing extreme changes in mood. This can result in very low points featuring depressive episodes as well as high points of mania. These mood swings are inherently unpredictable and extreme in nature. In addition, some individuals with bipolar can also have symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions. Categories of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder can be classified by a few different descriptions, depending on the symptoms and severity of the individuals affliction. 1. Bipolar Disorder I These individuals ensure at least one manic episode that lasts for a week. These individuals may also experience major depression. Depressive symptoms typically outnumber mania symptoms by 3:1. 2. Bipolar Disorder II
These individuals have a more mild form of mania that is referred to as "hypomania", which typically lasts for several days. These individuals suffer greater periods of depression, which outnumber hypomania by 40:1 in most of these patients. 3. Bipolar Disorder - Unclassified This bipolar classification features individuals that have symptoms of mania or hypomania but do not occur often enough, or occur in short durations, and do not fall under the other classifications. 4. Cyclothymic Disorder Individuals with cyclothymic disorder suffer from periods of hypomania that alternate with frequent, but brief, periods of depression. The symptoms of depression in this category do not last long and often do not involve enough symptoms to be defined as major depression.
Current Treatments for Bipolar Disorder Bipolar is treated with prescription medication, which is determined on a per-patient basis. There are three main medication options that are used for bipolar disorder, whether individually or in combination. These include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and, in some cases, antidepressants. Some recent research is also considering cannabis as an alternative therapy for some bipolar patients.
How Can Cannabis Help? While the research regarding cannabis and other conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s and chronic pain is fairly straightforward, the research can become a bit murky when dealing with cannabis and bipolar disorder.
Benefits of Cannabis for Bipolar Disorder There are several benefits for bipolar users to consider cannabis as an alternative therapy. The first is that cannabis is found to result in minimal mental impairment and a better mood. According to a 2016 study1, individuals with bipolar disorder did not experience significant mental impairment compared to individuals without bipolar. In addition, this study found that these patients reported better moods after consuming marijuana. A study2 from one year before also equates that bipolar suffers who use marijuana not only reported that it “enhanced their mood” but that it is also helped to promote a more positive outlook.
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http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0157060 http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118916
This report did not conclude whether marijuana would assist with more severe symptoms of depression or mania, however some anecdotal reports3 do suggest that individuals take it to manage these symptoms as well.
Downsides to Cannabis for Bipolar Disorder Due to the severe and unpredictable nature of bipolar disorder, managing it with cannabis is not as clear cut as with other conditions. In some cases, cannabis has been found to worsen manic symptoms, or trigger a manic or depressive episode4. Another 2015 study also found increased suicide attempt rates among some individuals with bipolar disorder who consumed marijuana, versus those who did not. However, this study was based on individuals who had an earlier bipolar onset, which some doctors believe results in a more severe case of the disorder.
Best Strains for Bipolar Disorder For individuals who are looking to try medical marijuana to treat their bipolar symptoms, there are a few strains that are better for this condition.
CBD vs. THC There are two main compounds found in cannabis, which are CBD and THC. Both of these compounds can work together as well as separately, depending on the course of treatment. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that produces various medical benefits including pain relief, anti-inflammatory benefits, mood balancing effects to managing depression as well as psychosis. On the flip side, you have THC which is an active cannabinoid that produces similar effects for pain relief, anti-inflammatory benefits and mood balancing - but it comes with a “high�. In some cases, THC products can over-stimulate the brain and worsen symptoms of psychosis or certain disorders, such as bipolar. This is not the case for all patients, but it is something to be aware of.
Top CBD Strains CBD is a great alternative therapy for bipolar disorder thanks to the non-psychoactive qualities. There are a few CBD strains that would be suitable for this condition including: ACDC ACDC is a Sativa-dominant CBD strain with less than 1% THC. This strain ideal for individuals battling chronic pain, anxiety, seizures and several other metal and physical ailments. CANNATONIC
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https://www.medicaljane.com/2017/03/26/bipolar-disorder/ http://www.jad-journal.com/article/S0165-0327(14)00570-9/abstract
Cannatonic is a 50/50 Indica/Sativa blend that produces an relaxed and uplifted feeling in its users. This strain can help individuals dealing with mood swings, PTSD and other mental disorders such as bipolar. CHARLOTTE’S WEB Charlotte's Web is a near-pure CBD strain that contains less than 1% THC, meaning it does not have psychoactive properties. This strain is very mellow, relaxing and provides focus making it adept at managing bipolar disorder, as well as headaches, pain and insomnia.
Top THC Strains If you are a bipolar patient wanting to use THC to treat your disorder, it is a good idea to stick to low or moderate THC strains - as opposed to those with 20-25% THC levels. Some of these strains that may be suitable for bipolar disorder include: BLUE DREAM Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant strain that is favored by bipolar patients due to its ability to deliver strong effects, which invigorate the mind and settle the body. This strain is well-suited to individuals dealing with depression, chronic pain or insomnia. SOUR DIESEL Sour Diesel is a potent Sativa that is favored for its energizing cerebral effects. Sour Diesel is an excellent choice for bipolar patients looking for a daytime strain. Not only does it help you focus and stay productive, but it also works to alleviate depression, pain, and stress with long-lasting relief. NORTHERN LIGHTS Northern Lights is an Indica-dominant strain with a potent ability to help numb the body and mind, to produce complete relaxation - even sedation. This strain is brilliant for bipolar patients needing a strong strain to help calm periods of mania. This strain also helps with appetite loss, pain and insomnia. While the research is still up in the air regarding cannabis use and bipolar disorder, it is best left to the individual and their doctor to determine whether or not cannabis can be an effective course of therapy.
Buy Medical Marijuana Online FairCannaCare is an online cannabis dispensary that stocks a variety of marijuana products including flower starting at $2 per gram, as well as shatter, distillates, edibles, vape pens and CBD oil and flower options. This mail-order marijuana service is ideal for individuals who are struggling with the costs of cannabis and looking for a cheaper alternative. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/marijuana-and-bipolar https://hightimes.com/health/treat-bipolar-disorder-medical-marijuana/
https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-spectrum-categories#1 https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-how-does-cannabis-affect-bipolar-disorder-n466 https://www.verywellmind.com/can-marijuana-help-your-bipolar-disorder-3973342