MEDICINAL Cannabis FOR TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: It is estimated that more than 300 million people suffer from depression, a common mental disorder characterized by depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for extended periods. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Objective: To assess the effectiveness and effects of medicinal Cannabis in the treatment of depression by systematizing and analyzing what published research on the subject over the last 5 years, thereby contributing to health promotion. Methodology: This study is an integrative review, with a search for publications in BVS and PubMed databases. Articles that examined the correlation between the use of medicinal Cannabis and the treatment of depression were selected. Results: The selection process resulted in 9 scientific publications. Of these, 55.5% reported an improvement in depressive symptoms, 33.3% indicating improvement in sleep, 22.2% noted an improvement in quality of life, and 11.1% reported an improvement in pain. Only one study showed no improvement in depression symptoms, and another suggested that patients who used medicinal Cannabis were at greater of risk of visiting the emergency room. Discussion and conclusion: The analysis of the articles elucidate that there are benefits to using medicinal Cannabis for the treatment of depression. However, it is important to note the need for further research on this phytotherapeutic treatment, particularly randomized clinical trials, as depression is a multifactorial condition requiring long-term and often continuous treatment.