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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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HIGH SPIRITS Just one puff of cannabis could ease depression, stress and anxiety Andrea Downey The Sun Wednesday 25 Apr 2018 JUST one puff of cannabis can significantly reduce depression and anxiety, new research suggests. But prolonged use over time could lead to worsening feelings of depression, experts warned. Washington State researchers assessed how varying levels of chemicals found in marijuana affected people's moods and feelings of wellbeing. The team found that just a single puff of cannabis high in cannabidiol (CBD) and low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was enough to reduce depression symptoms. After just two puffs patients felt less anxious and after ten puffs they were less stressed. Lead author Carrie Cuttler, assistant professor of psychology at Washington State, said: "Existing research on the effects of cannabis on depression, anxiety and stress are very rare and have almost exclusively been done with orally administered THC pills in a laboratory. "What is unique about our study is that we looked at actual inhaled cannabis by medical marijuana patients who were using it in the comfort of their own homes as opposed to a laboratory. "A lot of consumers seem to be under the false assumption that more THC is always better. "Our study shows that CBD is also a very important ingredient in cannabis and may augment some of the positive effects of THC." To test how the chemicals in marijuana could help mental health problems Cuttler and her team used data from the app Strainprint, which allows medical marijuana users to track how different doses affects their wellbeing. Users rate the symptoms they are experiencing from one to ten before using cannabis, then rate them again 20 minutes after smoking along with how many puffs they had. "This is, to my knowledge, one of the first scientific studies to provide guidance on the strains and quantities of cannabis people should be seeking out for reducing stress, anxiety and depression," Cuttler said. "Currently, medical and recreational cannabis users rely on the advice of bud tenders whose recommendations are based off of anecdotal not scientific evidence." One of the main ingredients in medical marijuana, cannabidiol, is also used in cannabis oil to treat a range of issues including mental health, sleep problems, low appetite, epilepsy, Alzheimer's and palliative care. It is also said to help prevent the signs of ageing and protect against eczema and psoriasis. Last year the World Health Organisation declared CBD safe to use with no risk of addiction. Currently anyone found possessing cannabis can be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both punishments under UK legislation. Supplying or producing the class B drug can land people in prison for a maximum of 14 years an unlimited fine, or both. There has long been an argument to legalise the drug to help people with chronic pain and anxiety. The All Party Parliamentary Group on Drug Policy Reform says tens of thousands of people in UK already break the law to use cannabis for symptom relief. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6137739/cannabis-ease-depression-stress-anxiety/
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