Researchers in Germany and Sweden conducted a test on the efficacy and safety of cannabis in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). The study, titled "Efficacy of Medical Cannabis for the Treatment of Depression: A Naturalistic Outpatient Study," was published in the journal Pharmacopsychiatry in January 2024.
In this study, 59 patients received cannabis therapy for 18 weeks. The results were promising:
- The average severity of depression decreased from 6.9 points to 3.8 points by the 18th week (almost a twofold improvement).
- 50.8% of patients showed a positive response to treatment by the 18th week (more than half of the participants saw improvements in their condition).
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"These results are extremely promising and encouraging, as they expand the evidence for further use of medical cannabis to treat psychiatric illnesses in Germany," said Julian Wichmann, founder and CEO of Algea Care, in an article in Forbes. "Moreover, the study lays the groundwork for future research on the impact of cannabis therapy on treating mental health conditions and illnesses."