Surviving Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in a seasonal pattern. A treatment gap exists between the prevalence of depression and our ability to provide rapid-acting, effective treatment that achieves remission. Depressive disorders present an enormous global public health burden. The most common period for the onset of a SAD episode is late October through November. January and February are the worst months overall, and the symptoms don’t fully subside until early May. The cooler weather forcing and coercing many folks indoors and the shorter days add to reduced exposure to natural light during these months and this is believed to play a significant role in triggering SAD. Some people may even experience SAD during the summer.

Individuals such as myself who experience SAD may express that one of the most challenging symptoms associated with this condition is depression. SAD can lead to profound feelings of sadness and mega blues, a type of blues that will depress a person way more than the typical “cabin fever” or “winter blues” that numerous individuals encounter. Whether my blues or yer blues, it is important to address these feelings, otherwise it can have serious negative consequences for a person’s health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Cannabis enables and enhances the subjective sense of well-being by stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a key role in modulating the response to stress, reward, depression and their interactions. In the United States over the period 1990 to 2007. It was also found that medical marijuana legalization was associated with reduction in suicide risk for men, with a 10.9% decline in risk for men aged 20 to 29 and 30 to 39 years. Could cannabis play a role? Previous cross-national observations seem to suggest that Medical Cannabis may help pain, insomnia, depression, and anxiety in convenience samples with adequate tolerability.

Melatonin levels increase in the dark, leading to feelings of fatigue. Too much melatonin can actually make it harder for you to sleep.

Seasonal Affective Disorder can also impact the pineal gland in several ways. The pineal gland (aka – the Third Eye) is located in the center of the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, the pineal gland is a small, cone-shaped gland in the center of the brain that produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin plays a role in the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. The timing of melatonin release at night may also be delayed in people with SAD. Precursors to melatonin are tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin, and N-acetylserotonin.SAD affects the pineal gland’s Melatonin production. Folks suffering from SAD normally experience a seasonal variation in melatonin production, secreting more melatonin in the winter than in the summer. This is because the pineal gland is triggered to produce melatonin in response to decreased light. The overproduction of melatonin leads to SAD. Some individuals assert that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is distinct from general depression, as its depressive symptoms are primarily experienced during the winter months, leading to the classification of the condition as SAD. However, there are others who experience depressive symptoms associated with SAD in various seasons, including certain summer months. In my view, depression is condition that does not pause or vary to consider the season first.

Cannabis, the Endocannabinoid System and the Pineal Gland

THC and CBD are just 2 of over 100 other plant cannabinoids that have been identified from the cannabis plant. These phytocannabinoids affect the body by binding directly to cannabinoid receptors and other molecular targets of the ECS, replenishing deficient endogenous cannabinoids, encouraging regulation in a dysregulated ECS and providing homeostasis in times of imbalance. A paper published in the Journal of Pineal Research confirmed the presence of ECS components in the pineal gland of rats. Researchers detected receptors and enzymes, suggesting that the ECS helps to govern the function of the pineal.

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Some History of Cannabis
Cannabis is one of the most ancient plants recognized by humans, widely cultivated, consumed, and utilized several millennia ago in eastern and central Asia. Historically, it was a source for food, and fiber for tissue and rope as some archaeological artifacts suggests, historical records dating back to at least the third millennium BC mentioned its use for religious or spiritual purposes. Several scholars postulate that Cannabis’s existence goes as far back as the Pleistocene epoch. Paleo-botanical research provides evidence of its presence during the Holocene epoch approximately 11,700 years ago, in the regions around East and Central Asia, near the Altai Mountains. First traces were found in a cave in China in 1900; hemp tissue dating around 12.000 BCE. and its fibers were unearthed in clay vessels from graves dating as far back as 10,000 BCE. For its medicinal and psychotropic properties, it has spread worldwide nowadays due to human cultivation. Cannabis was used in shamanistic rituals and in Chinese medicine around 2700–2300 BC and it is documented in written records of Ayurvedic medicine, and by archaeobotanical evidence found in Western China, precisely in the Yanghai Tombs dating back over 4500 years. Furthermore, it is documented during the Han Dynasty (between about 206 BC and 220 AD) by the botanist Shen-Nung in the first known Pharmacopoeia; the “Shen Nung Pen Ts’ao Ching”, where it is recommended to treat gout, rheumatism, malaraia, alleviate weight loss and weakness, referred to as waste diseace, constipation, and female’s disorders or menstrual issues. This founder of Chinese medicine has discovered the first therapeutic interests of the plant by experimenting it on himself, while the physician Hua T’o used cannabis as anesthetic on his patient undergoing surgical operations on abdominal organs. The ancient records spanning from ancient China to Africa, documenting cannabis’s therapeutic and psychoactive properties laid the groundwork for recognizing its potential benefits, and informed Western interest and medieval medicine in its potential for pain management and mental health applications, guiding subsequent research into its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, the increasing comprehension of cannabis characteristics contributed to its broader use for both medicinal and recreational purposes during the 20th century. Nevertheless, research progress regarding its medicinal beneficial effects was hindered due to prejudice and misinformation, and the financial significance of its seeds became negligible by the mid-20th century, as they were mainly utilized as animal feed and, sometimes, consumed by humans.

Reviewing the Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Pathophysiology of Depression

“Major depressive disorder is a high-impact, debilitating disease and it is currently considered the most prevalent mental illness. It is associated with disability, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. Despite its significant repercussions in our society, its exact pathophysiology remains unclear and therefore, available antidepressant treatment options are limited and, in some cases, ineffective. In the past years, research has focused on the development of a multifactorial theory of depression. Simultaneously, evidence supporting the role of the endocannabinoid system in the neurobiology of neuropsychiatric diseases has emerged. Studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system strongly impacts neurotransmission, and the neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems, which are known to be dysfunctional in depressive patients.  Accordingly, common antidepressants were shown to have a direct impact on the expression of cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain. Therefore, the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and major depressive disorder is worth consideration.”

“Overall, the synthesis of the above mentioned “puzzle pieces” further supports the claim made throughout this entire paper: the ECS is a very complex system with a variety of functions, which we are only beginning to understand.”

Modulation of Endocannabinoid System Components in Depression: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence

“Studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may be involved in the etiology of depression and that targeting the ECS has the potential to alleviate depression. ECS components (such as receptors, endocannabinoid ligands, and degrading enzymes) are key neuromodulators in motivation and cognition as well as in the regulation of stress and emotions. Studies in depressed patients and in animal models for depression have reported deficits in ECS components, which is motivating researchers to identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers within the ECS. By understanding the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression, we enhance our understanding of which brain targets they hit, what biological processes they alter, and eventually how to use this information to design better therapeutic options.”

“A better understanding of the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression may direct future research efforts to enhance diagnosis and treatment.”

Medical cannabis use in Canada and its impact on anxiety and depression: A retrospective study

“This study provides some evidence to support the effectiveness of medical cannabis as a treatment for anxiety and depression.”

An investigation of cannabis use for insomnia in depression and anxiety in a naturalistic sample

“In terms of perceptions, individuals with depression, anxiety, and both conditions who use cannabis for insomnia report significant improvements in symptom severity after cannabis use.”

“The present study was conducted to investigate cannabis use profiles and self-perceived symptom improvement for insomnia in individuals with depression, anxiety, and comorbid anxiety and depression through crowdsourced health data. Self-reported scores before and after cannabis use indicate a significant self-perceived benefit with the use of cannabinoids for insomnia. These findings are consistent with preliminary results from clinical trials, suggesting that cannabis may be a future option for insomnia management.”

“This naturalistic investigation of cannabis use for insomnia suggests that individuals with depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression and anxiety perceive benefits from using cannabis for sleep, although the extent to which this reflects pharmacological efficacy versus response expectancies (i.e., placebo effects) cannot be ascertained. In addition, compared to other cannabis strains, CBD-dominant products may be less helpful for sleep, specifically in individuals with depression.”

Expectancies for Cannabis- Induced Emotional Breakthrough, Mystical Experiences and Changes in Dysfunctional Attitudes: Perceptions of the Potential for Cannabis-Assisted Psychotherapy for Depression

“Depression’s dramatic, negative impact remains concerning as over 300 million people worldwide appear to suffer from the disorder (WHO, 2017).”

“In contrast, recent work suggests that a high dose of psilocybin, when administered in a therapeutic setting with sufficient support, precedes improvements in depression and other forms of human suffering (see Carhart-Harris et al., 2017, 2018; Schenberg, 2018). A comparable approach with cannabis seemed to have potential given parallels between reactions to high dose cannabis and psilocybin (Earleywine et al., 2021; Farmer et al., 2019). Three of the most promising subjective changes include a facet of Mystical Experiences dubbed Oceanic Boundlessness (OBN), a sense of connectedness with a lowered sense of self-importance known as Ego Dissolution (ED), and a categorical leap in affective experience called Emotional Breakthrough (EB). All three of these responses to a psychedelic predict subsequent improvements (e.g. Carhart-Harris et al., 2017; Garcia-Romeu et al., 2019; Nour et al., 2016; Roseman et al., 2018; Roseman et al., 2019; Uthaug et al., 2018). Generally, as these experiences increase, suffering decreases.”

“Cannabis at an ideal dose and low frequency might facilitate the relevant subjective experiences and improve depression as well (Earleywine et al., 2021). Spiritual traditions in some Sufi mystics, Tibetan Buddhists, Zion Coptics, Rastafarians, and Hindus emphasize that ideal dosages of cannabis consumed in appropriate settings precede mystical “peak experiences” (Ferrara, 2016, 2020), the same effects that predict psilocybin’s antidepressant effectst.”

“Participants reported expecting such a cannabis-assisted session to generate OBN and decrease depression.”

“Extending this work to other problems responsive to psilocybin also seems reasonable. Cannabis users might expect improved cancer-related distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and drug problems for relevant sessions,”

Unraveling the molecular basis of cannabidiolic acid methyl Ester’s anti-depressive effects in a rat model of treatment-resistant depression

“These findings contribute to our limited understanding of the antidepressant effects of CBDA-ME and shed light on its potential psychopharmacological mechanisms. This discovery opens up possibilities for utilizing cannabinoids in the treatment of major depressive disorder and related conditions.”

Rough-set based learning: Assessing patterns and predictability of anxiety, depression, and sleep scores associated with the use of cannabinoid-based medicine during COVID-19

“The combination of THC and CBD appears to be most beneficial on General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores for patients dealing with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, chronic pain, and arthritis.” O:)

Role of the endocannabinoid system in the formation and development of depression.

“Two types of cannabinoid (CB) receptors have been described in the human body: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptor distribution may be related to the cannabinoid functions of memory and cognition regulation as well as motor control. In addition, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) related to CB1 receptors may be involved in human emotion regulation, especially depression occurrence. Indeed, CB1 receptors are all distributed in depression associated neuroanatomical structures and neural circuits. Both animal experiments and clinical studies have demonstrated that impairment of the ECS pathway is present in depression models and patients, and application of both CB1 receptor agonists and anandamide (cannabinoid-like substance) degradation inhibitors produce similar biochemical and behavioral effects as antidepressants. These findings provide a solid basis for understanding the ECS role in the formation and development of depression. Therefore, it can be inferred that the ECS may have an important function in both depression treatment and the effects of antidepressants.”

For your consideration…
Dealing with headaches brought on by SAD? 

Medical Cannabis for Headache Pain: a Primer for Clinicians

“An increasing number of retrospective studies have shown a decrease in pain scores after administration of cannabinoids, as well as long-term benefits such as reduced opiate use.”

“Specific formulations of the plant have been shown to be an effective treatment modality for chronic pain, including headache. It is important for clinicians to know which product is being discussed as well as the harms, benefits, contraindications, interactions, and unknowns in order to provide the best counsel for patients.”

Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science.

“There is accumulating evidence for various therapeutic benefits of cannabis/cannabinoids, especially in the treatment of pain, which may also apply to the treatment of migraine and headache. There is also supporting evidence that cannabis may assist in opioid detoxification and weaning, thus making it a potential weapon in battling the opioid epidemic.”

Characterizing Cannabis Use and Perceived Benefit in a Tertiary Headache Center Patient Sample

“This is the largest study to date to document cannabis product usage patterns and perceived benefits for migraine management in a clinical headache patient sample. A majority of patients surveyed reported using cannabis products for migraine management and cited perceived improvements in migraine characteristics, clinical features, and associated risk factors.”

UK medical cannabis registry: assessment of clinical outcomes in patients with headache disorders

“Improvements in headache/migraine-specific PROMs and general health-related quality of life were associated with the initiation of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in patients with headache disorders.”

Efficacy and Safety of Medical Marijuana in Migraine Headache: A Systematic Review

“The studies demonstrated that medical marijuana has a significant clinical response by reducing the length and frequency of migraines. No severe adverse effects were noted. Due to its effectiveness and convenience, medical marijuana therapy may be helpful for patients suffering from migraines.”

“All the studies showed encouraging findings on the therapeutic effects of medicinal marijuana in migraine treatment.”

Medical Cannabis, Headaches, and Migraines: A Review of the Current Literature

“This literature study demonstrates that medical cannabis use decreases migraine duration and frequency and headaches of unknown origin. Patients suffering from migraines and related conditions may benefit from medical cannabis therapy due to its convenience and efficacy.”

The Use of Cannabis for Headache Disorders

“Preclinical studies examining the role of the endocannabinoid system in migraine pathogenesis also suggest a potential therapeutic value for cannabis in the treatment of headache. It has been postulated that a general deficiency in endocannabinoid tone could underlie headache disorders.⁷² Cannabis also shows potential to interrupt specific stages in the pathogenesis of headaches, including glutamate signaling leading to CSD,⁷⁵ cranial blood vessel dilation caused by NO and CGRP,⁷⁷ serotonin release from platelets,⁹¹ and afferent trigeminovascular nociceptive inputs.”

Regardless of the disease, the disorder, whatever the symptom is, the Endocannabinoid System is probably involved, regardless of the specifics. Search the Freedom Wares CannaFangled Abstracts to find more information and studies of targeting the ECS for SAD related symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, sleep issues, cramps, pains and more…

Suggested approach for addressing symptoms of SAD

1. Ask For Help – Sometimes (though not all ways easy) asking for help is the first step and one of the most important things you will need to do. Start by helping yourself first. Knowledge is power, research and educate yourself with the tools that will be unique for you to better manage yuor symptoms of SAD. From there, reach out. Reach out to your family and close friends tell them how you feel. Often just talking about things can ease our feelings and help us better focus on a better healing path to take. Support can be key, don’t put off asking for help.
2. Establishing a Schedule – Creating a routine can be difficult during trying periods. Developing a daily schedule that incorporates consistent sleep patterns, meal times, and activities can be highly beneficial. Maintaining consistency offers a sense of stability that may be sought after.
3. Assess Your Environment – Whenever you can, be it at home, at work, or elsewhere, create an atmosphere filled with comfort, ample lighting, and relationships with places and individuals that bring you joy. Strive to make your surroundings secure and stabilizing. Transform your living space into a sanctuary that you eagerly anticipate returning to. Adorn your surroundings with comforting blankets, gentle lighting, and cherished belongings that evoke happiness. Cultivating a warm and inviting atmosphere can significantly enhance your overall well-being.
4. Activate your EndoCannabinoid System and Engage in Physical Activity – Engaging in exercise activates the ECS and can significantly enhance your mood. Choose activities that you find enjoyable, such as hiking, indoor workouts, the treadmill or experimenting with various sports that may be suitable for you. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood enhancers.
5. Cannabis – Further examine the therapeutic advantages of cannabis in the treatment of depression and investigate various cultivars and forms of cannabis to determine what may be beneficial for you. Always keep in mind to start low & go slow when it comes to learning what dosage is best for you.
6. Psilocybin – Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for mental health. Psilocybin shows promise for treatment-resistant depression and for those who have struggled to find relief with existing treatments.  Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) has been suggested “to have positive effects on patients suffering from depression and psychiatric distress associated with life-threatening disease”. Preliminary efficacy shows significant improvements in depressive and anxious symptomatology which are immediate and partially sustained. 

7. Music – Seasonal Affective Disorder, similar to other types of depression, can create a sense of hopelessness and an impression that relief is unattainable. Engaging with music provides a straightforward and effective means to alleviate the symptoms associated with SAD. Listen to your favourite tunes, search for new favourites, go catch a live band and support local music in your community. Sing!! Previous studies indicate that undirected singing is intrinsically rewarding and mediated by opioid or dopaminergic systems; however, endocannabinoids are also involved in regulating reward and singing behavior. Immerse yourself more deeply in music and learn to play an instrument. A previous controlled study in depression patients showed that individualized music therapy reduced depression, anxiety, and increased functioning significantly (Fibromyalgia patients dealing with depression).  Studies have also previously discussed that music can reduce depression and this effect could even play a role in music-induced analgesia.

8. Establish Connections – Social support plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health. It is important to dedicate time to engage with friends and family. Virtual interactions are also valuable! Communicate your emotions and inform others about the ways they can assist you. Seek a local support group or consider an online option to connect with individuals who are experiencing similar challenges.

9. Naturally Enhance Your Vitamin D Levels – Increase your exposure to natural sunlight, even if it requires taking brief walks during the day. If walking is not appealing to you, consider driving on a sunny day while enjoying your favorite music. Additionally, open your curtains and blinds to allow sunlight to illuminate your living environment.