Marijuana, also known as cannabis or weed, has distinct effects on the body, and understanding what these substances do can be beneficial in comprehending your girlfriend's “self-medication”. Serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter, serves as a natural mood stabilizer (among other bodily functions). When these neurotransmitters become imbalanced, they have been linked to depression. To help regulate neurotransmitters, some take certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).In the body, serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan, an amino acid found in certain foods (among other sources) but not in marijuana.
Instead, the calming effects of smoking marijuana are due to a different set of substances, namely tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannibidiol. While lighting up may help improve the mood for some, it may be worth visiting with a mental health professional or healthcare provider to have your girlfriend discuss her depression and explore alternative methods to treat it. Antidepressants are medications that are commonly used for mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Marijuana is illegal at the federal level but has varying legality between states in the U. S.
