CANNABIS AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION | CANNA GLAMOUR - by: Cami Camers

Greetings Cannafamilia, it's a pleasure to connect with you again in this new edition of Sensculture for the Cannaglamour segment. In this edition, I'll be talking about a topic that many of you have requested and which generated a lot of interest when we discussed it at the Women Cannabis Congress.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is classified as a serious mental health condition. The birth of a baby can trigger a mix of strong emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. It is generally normal for a mother to experience postpartum blues after the birth of her baby, which typically includes mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. However, some mothers experience a more severe and longer-lasting depression known as postpartum depression. It is important to note that these symptoms can interfere with a mother's ability to care for her baby and perform other daily tasks. The symptoms of postpartum depression include mood swings, feelings of depression and persistent sadness, excessive crying, difficulty bonding with the baby, emotional withdrawal, and often, isolation from family and friends.

Why does postpartum depression occur and why is it more common than we think?

After childbirth, a dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone levels can contribute to postpartum depression (PPD). Other hormones produced by the thyroid gland can also decrease significantly, which can lead to feelings of fatigue, depression, and sadness. Anandamide, a naturally occurring endocannabinoid, is known as the "happiness molecule." This endocannabinoid regulates mood, appetite, and promotes feelings of joy. When a new mother gives birth, her anandamide levels drop dramatically.

How does cannabis help a new mother going through postpartum depression?

The two most famous molecules in cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), are responsible for the remarkable ability to restore, replenish, and maintain crucial anandamide reserves. THC has a chemical structure almost identical to anandamide. THC binds to and interacts with the same receptors in the endocannabinoid system throughout the nervous system and brain as anandamide. CBD helps prevent the breakdown of natural anandamide in the body of the new mother.

Medical cannabis can help alleviate postpartum depression (PPD) by helping women regulate their anxiety levels, their nervous system, and sleep, and by improving their mood. They will feel more relaxed and have a much more positive attitude. It can even help in the bond between mother and baby, creating that essential and special connection. It may even be so beneficial that stronger, more invasive medications that could affect breastfeeding, among other things, may no longer be necessary. If you think you may be experiencing common feelings of postpartum depression, don't hesitate to contact your doctor immediately and explore the option of medical cannabis. A happy and healthy mother equals a happy and healthy baby.

That's all for now. Thank you so much for your love and support; we continue with our mission to educate.

Your friend and psychologist, Camille Perez Duteil

@camicamers