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In 1983, Gross et al also carried out a controlled experiment of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinal to test the idea that the appetite-stimulating effects of this prominent psychoactive component of marijuana might be beneficial to patients suffering from anorexia. Tetrahydrocannabinal did not promote weight gain in the patients, and was associated with severe dysphoric reactions in about 25% of the patients.
(Note however that THC is just one of ~60 psychoactives in marijuana that contribute to the high.)
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Patients who use cannabis to "relax" may be treating the anxiousness sometimes associated with depression. Cannabis aids the insomnia sometimes present in depression and can improve appetite. Better pain control with cannabis can reduce chronic pain related depression. While cannabis cannot yet be considered a primary treatment of major depression it may improve mood when used under physicians supervision and in combination with therapy and/or SSRIā??s.
There is currently a debate as to which "strain" of cannabis is most appropriate for the adjunctive treatment of depression. Since symptoms are so individualistic it is hard to determine what strain is right expect empirically. In general Sativa dominant strains tend to be more "up" and Indica dominant strains more relaxing.
Patients themselves are often the best judges of whether or not cannabis helps relieve the symptoms of depression. A poorly educated or narrow-minded physician may think any use of cannabis to be a substance abuse related aspect of depression. More enlightened psychiatrists (i.e. Lester Grinspoon of Harvard Medical School) appreciate the often beneficial aspects of cannabis therapy.
