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Someone suffering from bipolar disorder will experience extreme mood changes. This is the number one symptom of this mental health condition, but other bipolar disorder symptoms can include:
- High moods (mania or hypomania) – feeling very happy, excited or energetic
- Low moods (depression) – feeling sad, tired or hopeless
The above can last for a few days or a few weeks, and you’ll also experience periods of time where your mood is stable. This can last for weeks, months or years.
Unfortunately you can’t cure bipolar disorder. Instead, people can manage the symptoms with either medication, talking therapy, or a combination of the two. Another potential option is medical cannabis, which has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions since 2018. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
Below, we’ll be exploring medical cannabis for bipolar UK, and how it could potentially help someone manage bipolar disorder symptoms.
How Does Cannabis Affect People with Bipolar Disorder?
This 2016 study found that using cannabis didn’t cause anyone with bipolar disorder to experience significant mental impairment. It also found that using medical cannabis improved mood for some people with bipolar disorder, as did this 2015 study. However, this research is very preliminary - a lot more studies will need to be done to fully grasp how medical cannabis works for people suffering from bipolar disorder.
It’s a good idea to briefly touch on the effects of cannabis on depression and anxiety. We can prescribe for these two conditions, which just so happen to be two possible symptoms of bipolar disorder. In this recent trial of 300 adults with anxiety, both THC and CBD-dominant cannabis helped reduce people’s anxiety. THC and CBD are two of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. And in this 2021 observational trial, participants self-reported a drop in depression symptoms after consuming cannabis.
So although medical cannabis isn’t a treatment that can ‘cure’ bipolar disorder, there is strong evidence to suggest it can be used to help manage symptoms.
Risks of THC Use in Bipolar Symptoms
It’s always best to follow the dosage guidance your clinician gives you. They’ll work with you to choose medication and dosage that suits you and your symptoms. You may not get it right the first time you use medical cannabis, which is why we recommend starting slow. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s body can react differently, and you’ll have your own individual tolerance to the medication. Just monitor how you react, and feed this back to your clinician during your next appointment.
Below are some potential side effects of medical cannabis to look out for:
- Coughing (when using inhalable forms)
- Bloodshot or irritated eyes
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth or thirst
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea
- Feeling tired
The above are short-term, and should wear off within a few hours. If they persist, stop taking your medication immediately, and speak to your clinician.
In very rare cases, you may experience cannabis-induced mania or deepened depression. But this is more likely a result of someone not consuming their medication as prescribed, or using cannabis in higher doses recreationally and purchasing cannabis from an unreliable source.
But like we said, consuming your medication as prescribed by your clinician should minimise risks.
Can CBD Support Mood Stability in Bipolar Disorder?
Medical cannabis has been proven to help improve mood. This is potentially partly due to its interactions with the serotonin (5-HT) receptor. Also, don’t forget, when symptoms of any condition are eased, quality of life improves - which will put anyone in a better mood.
There is also some early evidence that medical cannabis may have some calming properties - but more research is needed to fully understand this.
Medical Expert Opinions on Cannabis and Bipolar Disorder
Whilst medical cannabis can be prescribed for symptoms of bipolar disorder, it won’t be prescribed for the condition itself. It’s also very important to keep in mind that our medical experts at Alternaleaf will not prescribe if you have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia.
Everyone is viewed as an individual, and your clinician will make a decision on whether or not it’s suitable to prescribe to you based on your history and symptoms/condition.
Should Bipolar Patients Use Medical Cannabis?
If you’re wondering: Is cannabis safe for bipolar disorder? The answer is largely based on your medical history. And, remember, everyone is different, so the way medical cannabis affects one person, may not be the same as how it affects you.
Following guidance and checking in with a qualified expert, like the clinicians at Alternaleaf, will ensure safer consumption. However, it’s very important to keep in mind that if you have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, we will not prescribe you any medication.
FAQs
Can cannabis replace bipolar medication?
This is unlikely - remember medical cannabis is usually prescribed for the symptoms of this condition. The best thing to do is have open and regular conversations with your clinician. They’ll advise you on what’s best, whether that’s to lower doses of your bipolar medication, or not. It’s likely they’ll encourage you to continue any talking therapies. At the end of the day, healthcare professionals want to help and work with you towards a solution that reduces any unwanted side effects, and fits with your lifestyle.
Is CBD oil safe during depressive episodes?
It’s possible to consume CBD oil for bipolar disorder in the UK. But whether or not it’s safe to consume during a depressive episode depends on the individual. You know your body, and if you feel you may react badly, it may be better to stop use. If you’re unsure, speak to your clinician, and they’ll advise you on what’s best.
But remember, CBD is non-psychoactive, so won’t make you feel high. This 2022 review stated that, while further research was key, cannabis may be “a viable long-term treatment” for mental health issues like depression.
Are low-THC strains safer for mental health?
When it comes to THC and bipolar disorder it may actually be better to discuss how using the whole cannabis plant as medicine might be more helpful than using just its separate parts.
In fact, different cannabinoids like THC and CBD, along with over 150 different terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) may work together to enhance the effects of medical cannabis, as seen in this research. And this idea that these elements work better together is known as the entourage effect.
Summary
It’s important to be aware that a lot more research is needed to see how medical cannabis affects someone with bipolar disorder. Work closely with your clinician if you are prescribed for symptoms like depression and anxiety, and consume as guided.
But THC and CBD for mental health continue to be pushed into the mainstream by clinics like Alternaleaf. It’s real, it’s regulated, and we’re here to talk about it.
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.