CBD for Peripheral Neuropathy: How Does It Work?
by Bethan Rose
Giving birth is a very emotional time. The most common emotions associated with giving birth to your own child are obviously excitement, happiness, and maybe even anxiety but many women even experience depression. This type of depression is known as postpartum depression and is often referred to as the “baby blues”. We know that cannabis can help with the symptoms associated with depression, but does the same hold true for postpartum depression? Let’s find out!
Postpartum depression is a common condition experienced by women who have just given birth. Like standard depression, it includes mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping and the condition typically presents within two-three days after delivery and can last weeks. However, there is a noteworthy difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues. Postpartum depression is more severe and longer-lasting. Symptoms of postpartum depression can range from mild to severe and lasts for weeks to months while the “baby blues” only last a few days to a few weeks.
When postpartum depression moves beyond being “baby blues”, the new mom may experience additional symptoms that are significantly more severe. If symptoms continue to get worse or have not diminished after two weeks, it would be wise to consider reaching out to a medical professional.
Postpartum depression may be defined as a condition that’s exclusive to women who have just given birth that manifests because of the dramatic fluctuation of hormones, but new fathers can experience it as well. Fathers at risk include those who are young, have a history of depression, or are struggling with issues such as the relationship with mum and finances.
A study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that 15% of mothers experience postpartum depression but that the numbers are likely to be higher since so many women don’t report their experiences. This condition can be quite traumatic for mothers as they struggle to connect and bond with their baby, which is why finding an EFFECTIVE treatment is imperatively necessary.
Cannabis works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (the ECS), which is responsible for maintaining processes that aid in maintaining homeostasis, such as reducing inflammation. Dr. Haj-Dahmane investigated cannabis for depression and explained that “using compounds derived from cannabis -marijuana- to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression”.
Women diagnosed with postpartum depression are often prescribed pharmaceutical medication, particularly antidepressants, as well as therapy. However, taking certain medications just after birth presents some concerns, especially if the mother is nursing. Studies have shown the risks of taking these kinds of pharmaceuticals while breastfeeding. Can cannabis be the effective solution to relief from postpartum depression? All signs point to yes but what does research have to say about breastfeeding and cannabis use? The current research on cannabis use while breastfeeding is thin but professionals, such as Dr. Yasmin Hurd, explain that “even in early development, marijuana is changing critical circuits and neurotransmitter receptors” and that the potential consequences of transmitting the psychoactive through breastfeeding aren’t worth the risk.
New mothers are also prone to insufficient levels of an endocannabinoid known as anandamide. This endocannabinoid is responsible for regulating appetite and mood. Since the cannabinoid THC shares an identical chemical structure to anandamide, it can interact with the body in the same manner which the anandamide does. In other words, cannabis containing THC can assist in the regulation of food and replenishing of anandamide levels necessary to ward off mood swings. This 2018 study published in Molecular Neurobiology also found that the cannabidiol (CBD) cannabinoid induces “rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects”.
So in conclusion, cannabis can be helpful if you are one of the many mothers or even fathers suffering from postpartum depression. However, similar to taking pharmaceuticals, new mothers consuming cannabis must consider the risks especially if breastfeeding since more research is needed.
Cannabis’ former reputation as a gateway drug may have been dispelled, but it turns out that there is some element of truth to the rumor: The plant’s progressively evolving status as a normalized medicine in 37 U.S. states and a recreational substance in 18 U.S. states is prompting a wave of change across America’s statehouses….
Researchers working at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson have refined a method of ketamine use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Specifically, the group focused on ketamine’s ability to relieve the side effects of a common treatment called Levodopa. Nicknamed “K,” “special K,” “cat valium,” and “vitamin K,” ketamine is…
Austin decriminalized cannabis possession, Vancouver is now home to some not-so-legal magic mushroom shops, and a British woman shared her life-changing medical marijuana journey. Let’s dive into this week’s cannanews. Austin Voters Pass Cannabis Decriminalization Bill Voters in Austin, Texas, have approved Proposition A, a ballot measure that decriminalizes cannabis possession and bans no-knock warrants….
The worldwide skincare industry, which is projected to inflate to $189.3 billion USD by 2025, could soon be merging more closely with cannabis. In particular, the cannabis plant’s non-intoxicating compound cannabidiol (CBD) is grasping the attention of experts in this field of work for its ability to amplify the effects of retinol. Retinol, a fat-soluble…
As if losing a limb is not hard enough, experiencing pain in the part of the limb that is no longer there acts as a constant reminder of what has been lost on top of the actual pain. Phantom limb pain (PLP) plagues an estimated 8 out of 10 people who have lost a limb,…
Research reveals that cannabis can impact male reproductive health through reprogramming sperm, which may have implications for any baby born from such…
Woody Harrelson’s new dispensary opened for business, Thailand announced its giveaway of 1 million cannabis plants, and Vermont awarded its first cannabis…
There’s no denying the fact that CBD is dominating the wellness landscape. Increasing awareness of the cannabinoid’s medicinal effects is going hand-in-hand…