How THCA Can Help Treat Your Depression

Currently, there’s a lot of talk about THCA and its many benefits. But can you use THCA for depression?

Depression is a complex and debilitating condition that, sadly, affects millions of people around the world. While traditional treatments like talk therapy and antidepressant medications have been successful for many individuals, far too many still struggle with finding an effective treatment. Fortunately, one treatment quickly emerging and showing a lot of promise for the treatment of depression is THCA – a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.

Before Discussing Depression, A Comparison Between THC and THCA…

For clarification, let’s first answer the question, “What is the difference between THC and THCA?” THC is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis that can cause euphoria and other effects. THCA, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive precursor of THC that must be heated (decarboxylated) in order to convert to THC and produce its effects.

THCA is a non-psychoactive compound found in raw cannabis. When heated, THCA is converted into THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” you get when you use marijuana. While THC has long been studied for its potential therapeutic effects, THCA has begun gaining attention for its potential effects just lately.

THCA As a Treatment for Depression

There is some evidence to suggest that THCA could have antidepressant-like effects in lab tests. Researchers have discovered that THCA increased the availability of serotonin. (Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating mood.) Researchers also saw changes in the expression of certain genes related to depression.

The journal Frontiers in Pharmacology published a study that examined the effects of THCA on anxiety and depression in lab subjects. What did these researchers find? THCA reduced symptoms of both anxiety and depression! What’s more, they concluded that THCA may have potential as a natural alternative to traditional antidepressant medications.

THCA For the Treatment of Pain

THCA may also be beneficial for people who, as a result of chronic pain, tend to experience depression. Chronic pain is frequently associated with depression. The two conditions can interact in complex ways. Unfortunately, opioids and other traditional pain medications can be addictive and have a range of negative side effects. On the other hand, THCA could be a far safer alternative.

The Journal of Pain Research published a study which found that cannabis-based treatments – including THCA – were effective in reducing chronic pain in people with multiple sclerosis. Granted, this study did not examine depression specifically, but the findings do suggest that THCA could be beneficial if you experience depression as a result of chronic pain.

More Research Needed

Studies continue to strongly suggest that THCA could well be beneficial for depression, but – as is so often the case – more research is needed for definitive answers. Most of the studies associated with the use of THCA for depression have been conducted in laboratory models. As a result, their findings may not entirely translate to your typical individual.

A vast array of products is available through Hemp Generation including Delta 8 products, Delta 9, CBD products.

In 2018, Chloe Blesh and Louis Rubio founded Hemp Generation. Since then, they have dedicated themselves to introducing a new way of thinking regarding cannabis products. Through natural, high-quality products and education, they focus on representing cannabis products accurately, and promoting long-term wellness for one and all.

Check out Hemp Generation on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and other online locations. Always check with your physician before beginning any new pain or depression treatment regimes.