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May 26, 2025 by Weedwonderland 2 minutes

Cannabis and Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the Complex Interplay

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Cannabis Treatment

While the relationship between bipolar disorder & cannabis use is complex and has created controversy, it is of interest to patients and their clinicians as both cannabis legalization and its medical applications continue to grow.

Biological Interaction

Cannabis interacts with the body using the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate mood, cognition, and stress response. Bipolar disorder often dysregulates the ECS, which complicates the interplay between cannabis and bipolar disorder. The 2 main psychoactive components of cannabis are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC alters mood and affects the ECS. CBD has a calming, stabilizing effect and no psychoactivity.

Research on Cannabis and Bipolar Disorder

Some research reported cannabinoids can help manage symptoms. Other research suggested patients may be at increased risk of episodes and worsening symptoms. A recent review published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, “Cannabis use in bipolar disorder: A scoping review,” found that 70% of patients with bipolar disorder who use cannabis recognized subjective benefit, while objective research demonstrated increased mood cycling, psychotic features, and lack of adherence to medication.

Medical Cannabis for Bipolar Disorder: Could It Help?

CBD has emerged with anti-inflammatory properties, and without psychoactivity. Possible benefits would also include:

Reduced anxiety associated with depressive or manic episodes in the acute and unstable phases of bipolar disorder
Regulated sleep in mania and depressive episodes
Reduced neuroinflammation
Likely neuroprotective properties

All of these possible mechanisms are being examined; however, none of the above evidence is sufficient to consider cannabinoids as a front-line treatment for bipolar disorder.

Cannabis Bipolar Treatment: Adequate Factors and Risks

Habitual use of cannabis has been linked to many negative outcomes and factors for bipolar disorder:

Increased cycling of mood
Earlier onset of mania
More severe affective features
Changing the profile and effectiveness of lithium and other medications that are mood stabilizers
Higher rates of non-medication compliance

For example, earlier use of cannabis is linked to earlier onset of, and more severe, bipolar disorder.

Does Cannabis Help Bipolar Disorder? Patient Reported Experiences

Many patients report subjective benefits of using cannabis, such as reduced anxiety, improved sleep, or reduced depression; however, generally, these benefits were not directly correlated with improvements in the underlying illness. In fact, it appears that medical cannabis can provide short-term comfort, only to worsen the illness in the long term. There is a need for each patient and physician to develop a treatment plan as research catches up to clinical practice and clarity is established.

The Relationship Between Cannabis and Bipolar Disorder

The relationship between cannabis and bipolar disorder is complicated and has different effects on individuals. Below, I will highlight the importance of individualized processes, monitoring, and developing good communication with healthcare professionals.

Do You Want to Consider Cannabis for Better Mood Management?

At Weed Wonderland, we have a great selection of cannabis strains that may help with anxiety, sleep, and mood improvement. Feel free to check out our online store and find the right cannabis experience for you.

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