Looking for information on the best method/strain for treating depression.

[Ace215]

Hi everyone-I know this is more of a medical question but i thought I'd post here as the medical board doesn't look like it's utilized too much.   Long story short-I am seeing an alternative medicine doctor for a rare condition I have which causes chronic hives.   Part of my treatment is that essentially I'm going to have to eat a carbohydrate free diet.   As some of you probably know carbohydrates affect the serotonin level in the brain so without carbs it's very easy to become depressed which I feel is happening. 

Being that western medicine only made my condition worse and I'm working with an alternative medicine doctor I'm not looking to go the natural route for treating the depression.  I'm looking for info on what the best strains are for treatment of depression as well as best method for using.  If you have any experience with this please let me know.

Thanks a lot for your help

--R

[J.T.H.C.]

I like white rhino or sensi star.  I also have depression which is exacerbated by the anti seizure meds I take.  I'm moving to PA this summer from HI, I'm bummed theres no medical program there.

[ufoman]

The 'general rule' is; sativa's or sativa heavy crosses for strains that can help to elevate your mood. Indica's for 'body stone' and pain relief. The more pure the Indica strain the better in terms of pain relief. The 'which strains' part of your question is a real pick-em. You'll have to do your own homework and lab testing to find out which particular strains are best suited to your individual needs.

Just to help plant your feet on the right path; skunks and skunk crosses have a tendency to produce 'uplifting' highs which is just what the doctor ordered if you're combatting depression. Any of the White strains, White Widow, White Rhino, White Russian etc. are all great for a pain relieving body stone. Just think 'sativa for uplifting high' and 'indica for body stone/pain relief.' You won't go far wrong finding the right medicine. Besides, looking for the right one is half the fun!   

[brandisha420]

i also suffer from depression/ metal illness and use cannabis to treat myself. i recommend white widow or sugar shack or even some good  middies. i medicate 3 times a day one- two bowls depending on my how i feel mentally and mood wise.

[Derek Rosenzweig]

There has to be some kind of strain-ailment compilation out there somewhere. California NORML's website is probably the best place to start that search.

[jackcat]

http://boards.cannabis.com/  Look around, there is plenty of info. 

[lucifus13]

Northern Lights is my favorite for elevating my mood, I havent been depresed in a long time.  Having been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and number of other things.  Look for higher levels of CBD in the strain, directly related to what you're asking.http://

[OwlEyes]

I always prefer Durban Poison or G-13 when I'm feeling down.

Happy Smoking!

[Cannasuticals]

Your grower, should have that information for you.
BUT, any strain has a dial of sorts, time.
Strains are usually sold with good descriptions of thier charactoristics.
As some have said, satties up, cebral, uplifting. Indies, body stone, more loungy type buzz.
However, as the plant grows and your into the flowering season, by useing a loupe, and watching the Tricomes mature, thats your DIAL, the more clear the the trics, the more speedy the buzz, in either genotype.
The more matured the trics, the more sedate, or sleepy the buzz will be.

If I run into a needer, and they cant sleep, I would have had, a jar in the freezer that was just for them. All reddies, and bam sleep!!
Or a sleepy type person would need a bit of pep, that freezer would have a jar, that the trics are all clear...and off you go!!

I have helped many folks build and maintain personal gardens and was able to dial them into their exact needs.

[papakush]

I would recommend a top shelf Sativa Super Silver Haze, Blue Dream I am the president of a not for profit collective in California so I hope this info helps

[oiamed]

I want to suggest St. John's Wort for depression.  I lost my job about six weeks ago and this always causes me some depression (though far less depression than being a teacher to which I will not return as a career again - can't handle those goddamn kids).  Anyway, cannabis is BY FAR the king of natural remedies for depression, anxiety, lack of sexual appetite, etc, not to mention it makes me feel friggin' great.  I have given up cannabis for a little while and have switched to St. John's Wort. 

St. John's Wort stops a natural enzyme from breaking down dopamine, which is implicated in depression.  It creates a natural lift in some ways similar to cannabis effects.  St. John's Wort is the subject of intensive depression study in the U.S.  It works differently than cannabis, though I wonder if dopamine is affected by cannabis?  Very possible. 

I suggest cannabis for depression, but St. John's Wort is a good second. 

oiamed