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February 06, 2015

Study: Marijuana effective against depression

A new study found that marijuana may be effective in fighting depression stemming from chronic stress.

University of Buffalo neuroscience researchers found that chronic stress reduces a natural compound produced in the body that could be replaced by cannabis, the Huffington Post reported.

The compound, endocannabinoids, activates the same brain receptors that THC does. And when the body is lacking endocannabinoids, feelings of well-being are reduced.

"Using compounds derived from cannabis — marijuana — to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression," lead researcher Dr. Samir Haj-Dahmane said in a university press release.

The Huffington Post also notes that heavy marijuana use has been linked to depression in a separate study.

Click here to read the full story.

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