There are numerous reasons why people often struggle throughout the winter months. The days aren’t as long or sunny, it’s colder outside, and of course there’s the stress that comes with the holidays and end-of-year work responsibilities.
The existential dread that comes with the winter season is even worse for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Fortunately for people who suffer from the symptoms of SAD, medical marijuana could potentially serve as a solution that could help patients overcome seasonal affective disorder. For more details about the relationship between medical marijuana and Seasonal Affective Disorder, keep reading below.
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder has numerous potential root causes. A few of the most common include:
Chemical Imbalances: Most people who suffer from seasonal anxiety and other mental health disorders suffer from some sort of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Chemical imbalances can affect serotonin levels which have a drastic effect on how often people feel happy or sad. Chemical imbalances are naturally occurring, and how they affect each individual varies.
Lack of Sunlight During Winter: Believe it or not, a lack of sunlight can have a dramatic impact on people’s health. In particular, a lack of sunlight can affect people’s vitamin D intake which tends to decrease during the wintertime.
Negative Thoughts Caused By Stress & Anxiety: Once the summer ends and days begin to get shorter, people who suffer from SAD may begin to feel higher anxiety levels than normal or stress out about things that they normally wouldn't. Research at this point is unable to determine if this is a cause of SAD or a result of being diagnosed with it.
Although research about the relationship between marijuana use and SAD is still in the early phases of being conducted, there’s still lots to be optimistic about for medical marijuana patients who suffer from SAD.
Ways Medical Marijuana Can Help Overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder
Medical marijuana has shown potential to be effective in treating depression when used in lower dosages. The ways medical marijuana use could be most effective in helping to overcome SAD include:
Alleviating Anxiety
Preliminary research displays evidence that medical marijuana can be highly effective in helping to combat symptoms associated with anxiety. That research also concludes that lower THC levels are favorable to higher ones. Additionally, research also says that CBD could be more effective in helping to combat anxiety than THC. Patients who have their medical marijuana cards have access to a wide selection of medical marijuana products to choose from at medical marijuana dispensaries located throughout the State of Ohio.
Increasing Serotonin Levels
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for communicating messages between nerve cells throughout the body. Its location within the central nervous system helps neurological brain cells form connections that allow it to affect numerous bodily functions, specifically mood. Although the relationship between serotonin and marijuana is still being explored, there is enough research available to conclude that when used in moderation, medical marijuana has the ability to increase serotonin levels in patients.
Improving Sleep
Regularly getting a good night’s rest is essential to good mental health. Among the many symptoms that people living with seasonal affective disorder deal with, one of the most debilitating is insomnia that can make sleeping throughout the night extremely difficult. Fortunately, medical marijuana has proven to be effective when it comes to making it easier for patients to get a full night’s rest. The impact sleep has on a person’s overall health is immense, and obtaining a medical marijuana card could be key to maintaining good mental health throughout the winter months.
If You’re Experiencing Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, Medical Marijuana Could Be an Option for Treatment
Seasonal affective disorder can make the winter months seem never-ending. That’s especially the case when people don’t have access to resources that help treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. The good news is that people living with Seasonal Affective Disorder are likely to experience symptoms that can be treated with medical marijuana, and cannabis is becoming more and more accessible in Ohio.
At Ohio Marijuana Card, same day appointments are available for those who need them, and friendly, knowledgeable representatives are available to answer the questions you have about medical marijuana six days a week.
Keep in mind that talking to our patient support experts is absolutely free, and you will get a full refund of your evaluation cost if you are not approved for medical marijuana. Give us a call today at (866) 457-5559, and we can help you figure out if scheduling an appointment with a marijuana doctor in Ohio would be a logical next step for you.
The winter months can be especially tough for people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, but fortunately help is available. The best way to find out if symptoms you’re suffering from due to seasonal affective disorder can be treated with medical marijuana is by scheduling an appointment with a certified medical marijuana physician who can get you approved for a medical marijuana card in Ohio today.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Ohio Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Ohio.
Comments