It's not a solution to the underlying problem, it's a temporary reprieve from the symptoms. But escaping your depression for even just a few hours with no real catch (for most) can feel pretty liberating and allow you to process/ catch your breath. And unlike alcohol:

No hangover or worsening aftermath
Relatively low potential for addiction
Doesn't cause mental issues, rarely worsens them
No organ damage (except lungs if you smoke instead of edibles)
No risk of overdose
No increased risk of self-harm or harm to others
Can increase empathy & introspection
And no brain damage, despite popular myths

Studies have found adult cognitive issues from weed are 1) from extreme, daily use and 2) completely go away after quitting for a month or less. Compared to alcohol, where any amount does a small-to-moderate amount of permanent brain & organ damage that builds over time

I don't think weed is particularly healthy or unhealthy, but if weed culture gets a bunch of depressed people to become stoners who'd otherwise become alcoholics, I see that as a huge win. Alcohol is genuinely as bad if not worse than half the illegal drugs out there. E.g. despite having higher risk of overdose, cocaine actually isn't as harmful as alcohol to your long-term health

[–] mar_k@hexbear.net 7 points 20 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours ago) (2 children)

That said if you're depressed and feel somewhat dependent on weed as a temporary fix, I'd recommend looking into research from the past few years on magic mushrooms. The FDA under Biden literally recognized shrooms as a "breakthrough therapy" treatment for depression. One of the safest (and least addictive) drugs we know of, with a couple states already legalizing shroom therapy for depression. Study after study is showing that just one or two trips (psychoactive doses in a safe, clinical setting, with a tripsitter therapist, relaxing music, and an eyemask) appear far more effective than years of SSRIs and talk therapy. Literally being shown to grow new neural networks and trigger rapid neuroplasticity in the brain

[–] Le_Wokisme@hexbear.net 4 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

have they checked shrooms against shit life syndrome?

[–] mar_k@hexbear.net 2 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago)

Well the bulk of these studies is in people with treatment-resistant major depression where nothing else worked, so pretty much. Also shown to help patients depressed because they have severe debilitating cancer

[–] very_poggers_gay@hexbear.net 2 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

I mean, if someone is depressed and dependent on weed, I'd be hesitant to suggest adding more psychoactive substances. The research on psilocybin and depression is promising (same with research on psilocybin and alcohol use), but AFAIK it is still untested if psilocybin helps with cannabis use disorders or depression+comorbid cannabis use

[–] mar_k@hexbear.net 1 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 4 hours ago)

I wasn't really talking about people will full on cannabis disorder, but even then I can't imagine it making dependency any worse. Just obviously don't be high on weed or take any other substance while tripping, and put time into creating the right set and setting for yourself. (And avoid if you have any history with schizophrenia or delusions)

[–] Abracadaniel@hexbear.net 2 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

I've "overdosed" on weed twice. Once with an oil tincture and another time by drink a whole 100mg soda in like half an hour.

The effects were weed paranoia reaching the level of fairly severe panic attack culminating in vomiting, then slowly starting to feel normal (still high though lol. The second time I felt like I rebooted. Oh and I was fine the next day if a bit groggy.

Wouldn't recommend but still better than alcohol poisoning!

[–] mar_k@hexbear.net 2 points 13 hours ago

Yeah I've seen a couple friends really green out which isn't fun in the moment, but they're always completely normal after. I mean overdose as in fatal/injurious