Cannabis Can Ease Your Winter Blues

What can be more amazing than crisp white snow and that fresh, winter air? For some, this is the most beautiful time of year but for others, it can be the most tiring. Shortened days and limited sunlight can lead to unwanted winter blues.

What is Seasonal Depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurring depression that begins and ends with one particular season. For most this happens in the winter but others are known to have these feelings in the spring and summer (reverse-sad). Everyone has days when they’re not at their best but SAD isn’t just a day when you’re feeling mopey, it involves an extreme shift in mental states through seasons.

SAD Symptoms

If you are one of the many people suffering from seasonal affective disorder this year you may be experiencing some unpleasant symptoms that came along with it, such as:

• Trouble falling and staying asleep or sleeping too much
• Weight gain and food cravings
• Strong feelings of sadness and/or anxiety
• Loss of interest in sexual activities
• Irritability
• Social withdrawal

This can be a difficult time of year but know that you aren’t alone and our favourite natural medicine is here to lead us through these long months.

Holiday Depression is Very Real

When the sun seems to forget to shine on the shortest days of the year things may already seem grim but after the excitement of the holidays, things can easily get progressively more stressful. Seasonal depression is taken to a whole new level with its partner in crime- holiday depression.

- Holidays are expensive. People save up all year to put aside a bit of money to make their loved ones feel special and loved, for that fancy new year’s party, or a fancy dinner. These might be some of the most beautiful and memorable experiences of your life and worth every cent and maybe not, but either way it adds up. It can seem difficult to get back on track and most people find they have to cut back and budget their way through the beginning of January and February.

- There is just not enough time for everything. I think everyone can agree that making the holiday season special takes extra time and planning. Even if you got away from hosting any parties or events this year there were most likely small errands like gift shopping or cooking a potluck salad that has left you wiped out.

- Social burnout can happen at any time of year especially when you’re going from house to house and opening up your social calendar more than any time of year. Sometimes this can just be from all of the content social interaction or dread from seeing that creepy uncle over your grandma’s dry turkey.

Cannabis Is Here to Help

We now know what seasonal depression is and what causes it but how about treating it? I will tell you what cannabis can do for the negative effects of the changing seasons

• Reduced serotonin levels during winter

When the days are shorter and colder and we spend less time in the sun, our bodies produce less vitamin D which is essential in the production of serotonin. This neurotransmitter is responsible

for balancing mood and with less of it we need to start getting creative. Luckily for us, THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the body which have an important role to play in the creation of new serotonin. This can help us get through the toughest parts of the long winter and stay calm all year round.

• Internal body Clock Disruption

Despite what you may think, we don’t actually need more sleep in the winter even though the shorter days may make you feel that way. Every person has their own unique internal body clock called our Circadian Rhythm that controls our sleep cycle, internal temperature, and the timing of hormone release. In the winter when we don’t get as much sunlight and vitamin D these rhythms drift and throw off our internal clocks. This doesn’t just make you a night owl, it leads to feelings of depression, fatigue, and insomnia. All of these things are controlled by our endocannabinoid systems which in turn, are heavily affected by the cannabis plant. Introducing more of the compounds found in this natural green medication tricks your body into letting you fall asleep and stay asleep, fights those feelings of sadness, all while evening out your sleep cycle.

• Social Anxiety

Having a loving and supportive network of friends and family is Important all year but especially when the winter blues sneak its way in. Unfortunately, seasonal depression can leave you wanting to lock yourself away under a pile of warm blankets at home and far away from any kind of social activities. Cannabis can help you feel calmer therefore making those events where you need to chat up a storm much easier and this will leave us feeling happier and more connected until the sun comes out again.

Conventional Treatments to Pair with Cannabis

If you are experiencing seasonal depression, Cannabis is a sure-fire way to help but more conventional treatments should be paired to help you get out of that rut as quickly and effectively as possible. This can include making small lifestyle choices or more serious treatment like therapy. Try these things to help combat the winter blues:

• Go for a walk
• Eat healthier and get all the nutrients your body craves
• Herbal remedies like St. John Wort can help fight anxiety
• Give back to your community by volunteering
• Vitamin D supplements

Don’t feel discouraged if trying to manage these seemingly small tasks is unmanageable. Depression and SAD can make it impossible to perform these tests simply because of the disorder. Stay strong and remember, any victory is just that: a victory. Even if it was just getting out of bed today, you are doing well today.

Try not to be too discouraged if you have these feelings throughout the cold winter months, try to stay moving and hopeful with neutral remedies and medications. Have you experienced SAD or know people that are and want to try cannabis to treat it? Let us know about your experience in the comments.