Cannabis And Depression Research

[GoldChico]

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws reports that adults who use cannabis report suffering from less-severe incidents and/or symptoms of depression than non-users, according to survey data published last month in the journal Addictive Behaviors. Researchers at the University of Southern California analyzed survey results from 4,400 adults who had completed The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale ( a numerical, self-report scale designed to assess symptoms of depression in the general population ). Authors compared "depression scores" among those who consumed cannabis daily, once a week or less, or never in their lives. "Despite comparable ranges of scores on all depression subscales, those who used once per week or less had less depressed mood, more positive affect, and fewer somatic ( physical ) complaints than non-users," the authors wrote. "Daily users [also] reported less depressed mood and more positive affect than non-users. ... These data suggest that adults apparently do not increase their risk for depression by using marijuana," researchers concluded.

For more information, look at ( NORML - Working to Reform Marijuana Laws Since 1970 ).

Source: River Cities' Reader (IA)
Section: City Shorts, Pg 2
Copyright: 2005 River Cities' Reader
Contact: letters@rcreader.com
Website: River Cities' Reader

 

[Stoned_Poet]

I've been saying the same thing for years

The doc put me on all kinds of pills for depression like zolft and paxil,shit like that and it never helped I felt the same if not worse..I saw this thing on like 20/20 or something about this kid who killed his grandparents because of zoloft,nice huh? Ok,you're depressed so take these and be twice as crazy..I have better luck with weed it cheers me up and if I skip a "dose" I don't spaz out and foam at the mouth.