How Cannabis is a safe treatment for Postpartum Depression

Motherhood can be fascinating but also comes with challenges. Most of the challenges mothers face may seem natural, but their reality manifests in postpartum depression. Due to the overwhelming consequences this disorder can cause, many mothers are seeking a safe treatment for postpartum depression without the negative side effects certain pharmaceuticals present. 

What is postpartum depression (PPD)?

PPD is a mood disorder that affects new mothers. PPD has no specific causes, but many attribute it to changes that occur in the mother’s brain, coupled with the inability to sleep well. Also, the changes in hormones of the mother’s body and parental anxiety that come with motherhood can lead to PPD. A study reveals that PPD is a major depressive disorder that affects a minimum of 15% of mothers. 

Many mothers may feel guilty and ashamed of the PDD symptoms they might face and end up not reporting. Pharmaceutical depressants are among the treatments that may help mothers with PPD. But these treatments come with many adverse effects, thus worsening the condition further.

Although not very popular, fathers also may have postpartum depression. Thus, it is prudent to scan fathers too for this condition for their safety and the safety of people around him. The following details how cannabis is a safe, alternative treatment for postpartum depression:

Cannabis acts as an antidepressant

Currently, the use of Cannabis as a treatment for depression is on the rise. The use of marijuana for treatment of depression is a success due to its antidepressant ability. A study on animals shows that chronic stress reduces the production of endocannabinoids, leading to depression-like behavior. Thus, it suggests that components of cannabis can alleviate such symptoms.

Cannabis helps regulate imbalances in the endocannabinoid system 

The human body has a system of receptors known as endocannabinoids that are in the nervous system and the peripherals. These receptors are responsible for regulating mood, sensitivity, pain, and all other essential body processes. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that is responsible for all sorts of good feelings and other euphoric feelings.

New mothers mainly face fluctuations in hormones, especially estrogen. Low estrogen levels mean low anandamide levels. Therefore, low levels of estrogen can make a mother feel anxious, stressed, and experience uncontrollable mood swings.

Cannabis can help in regulating the imbalance. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid that has psychoactive effects, has the same chemical structure as anandamide. It interacts with the same receptors in the body to bring a euphoric feeling and make you feel relaxed to fight depression.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid that is the exact opposite of THC, doesn’t produce psychoactive effects and helps in blocking the breakdown of the natural anandamide in our bodies. Thus, it helps to keep them in balance all the time. Although these cannabinoids come from the same plant, their effects are different. Typically, different marijuana seeds produce different strains with different effects. These seeds are available at various cannabis store locations.

New mothers who want to use Cannabis for the treatment of PPD should stick to CBD, as it does not have any psychoactive effects. CBD might be an effective antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication and can be an ideal choice for mothers battling PPD.

Cannabis is a safe treatment for postpartum depression symptoms

Cannabis can alleviate many symptoms of postpartum depression that women face, including anxiety, sadness, and loss of appetite, and insomnia. It might work well with no risk of overdose since its dosage is easy to control as needed. Chances of addiction from medical marijuana are meager; therefore it is safe for mothers.

No doubt that many mothers are using cannabis as a treatment for postpartum depression. Some of them publicly share their experiences with marijuana, and how they use it, whether by smoking, CBD edibles, CBD capsules, or CBD oils.

How safe is cannabis for breastfeeding mothers?

The use of Cannabis while breastfeeding is still under study, and less and yet, there is no evidence of its effects on breastfeeding mothers. Many antidepressants that mothers use during PPD have risks and potential side effects.

With medical Cannabis, our concern is the risks of the infants ingesting THC, which has psychoactive effects that might get to his or her bloodstream. It may negatively affect the baby. 

Nonetheless, CBD products might be safer for breastfeeding mothers since it does not produce the ‘high’ effect. It is responsible for fighting various postpartum depression symptoms like sleeplessness, fatigue, and provide full-body relaxation.

It is crucial to discuss your health concerns with a qualified medical practitioner who can help you along with your journey in using Cannabis as a treatment for postpartum depression.  If you are not breastfeeding your child for any reason, you may choose budget buds that can give you instant relief. Browse through several online marijuana dispensaries and buy the one that fits your needs.

Like any other medication, make sure that you do not misuse cannabis and exercise great care. Besides using cannabis as a treatment for postpartum depression, you can also use cannabis for various ailments like Parkinson’s disease, cancer, ADHD, and arthritis, among others.

Conclusion

Cannabis is proving to be a safe and better alternative treatment for many health issues, including postpartum depression. New mothers, as well as fathers, can find a connection between them and their babies when they consume cannabis. It helps parents enjoy their new phase of life (parenthood) and also love their infant. 

The good thing is that there are different forms to consume cannabis, including cannabis-infused products and oils. Also, various cannabis recipes are available. The choice is yours!