Depression hits millions. Microdosing could be helpful and part of a solution.

Affecting 40+ million adults each year in the US and Canada, it can be rough. Unfortunately, it can emerge slowly, making it hard to recognize it. Almost 60% of those with it do not seek help, but cannabis can help. With the right dosage and with a health professional’s guidance, life can be better.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Some of the symptoms of depression include:

• poor concentration.
• feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth.
• disrupted sleep
• changes in appetite or weight
• feeling very tired or low in energy
• hopelessness about the future
• thoughts about dying or suicide

If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical health. There are treatments, and cannabis is among the tools to help. Some studies have even found small marijuana doses (microdosing) can be better for patients with specific ailments, and large doses can exacerbate the very symptoms cannabis has been prescribed to treat.

A Canadian study found THC, one of the main compounds in marijuana which produces the euphoric effect, is an effective anti-depressant at low doses. Since cannabis strains have different amounts of THC and a number of physiological factors, such as how much a person consumes, can affect how it affects the brain.

The researchers noted:  “Because controlling the dosage of natural cannabis is difficult – particularly when it is smoked in the form of marijuana joints – there are perils associated with using it directly as an antidepressant.”

RELATED: Study: Individuals With Depression More Likely To Use Cannabis

Many situations can contribute to depression, including diet, heredity and stress. Researchers at the University of Buffalo, in another study, found THC reduced chronic stress levels. Samir Haj-Dahmane, PhD., said:

“Chronic stress is one of the major causes of depression. … Using compounds derived from cannabis — marijuana — to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression.”

More research and patient information needs to be gathered regarding marijuana and depression. It has been to proven to help chronic pain, inflammation, and other health issues.If you have depression, work with a medical professional to determine treatment options.