Managing Depression with Medical Cannabis
Depression is among one of the most common mental health conditions and is characterised by a prolonged period of low mood (usually for at least two weeks). It is currently believed to affect around one in four people in the UK, however, there are a variety of forms (postnatal depression, clinical depression, psychotic depression) and symptoms can vary in severity significantly.
What are the symptoms?
Depression can affect people in many different ways and can range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness to feeling suicidal. These symptoms can persist for weeks, months, and even years and can include:
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling tearful
- Feeling guilty
- Being irritable and intolerant of others
- Having a lack of motivation
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Anxiety
- Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
In some cases, physical symptoms may also present themselves, such as:
- Feeling constantly tired
- Sleeping badly
- Having no appetite
- Low libido
- Aches and pains
Cause and treatment
In some cases, medical cannabis can be considered when first-line therapies have not achieved adequate success in the improvement of symptoms or quality of life. There is some evidence to suggest that depression may be more common in people with suppressed Endocannabinoid levels, implicating a role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the aetiology of Depression.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
Medical Cannabis and Depression
In some cases, medical cannabis can be considered when first-line therapies have not achieved adequate success in the improvement of symptoms or quality of life. There is some evidence to suggest that depression may be more common in people with suppressed Endocannabinoid levels, implicating a role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the aetiology of Depression.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
What Does
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There are no hidden fees, no subscriptions. Just fair, predictable pricing to support your care throughout the year.
Standard Plan
£99
Onboarding fee
Free
Month 1
£29
Month 3
£29
Month 6
£29
Month 9
£186
Total Year 1
Transferring Plan
£50
Onboarding fee
£29
Month 1
£29
Month 3
£29
Month 6
£29
Month 9
£166
Total Year 1
Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
As featured on
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Your go-to blog for medical cannabis facts and updates.
FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help manage symptoms of depression?
Medical cannabis may help some patients managesymptoms of depression such as low mood, poor sleep, and anxiety—particularlywhen conventional treatments have failed. At Cantourage Clinic, we assess eachcase carefully to determine if cannabis-based therapy is a suitable addition toyour care plan.
Is medical cannabis a legal option for treating depression in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, medical cannabis can be prescribedby a specialist doctor for treatment-resistant depression, especially whenstandard options like antidepressants or talking therapies have not beeneffective. Cantourage Clinic offers legal, regulated access under full clinicalsupervision.
What kind of cannabis products are used for depression?
Treatment is tailored to the individual. Ourclinicians may recommend CBD-dominant or balanced THC:CBD formulations to helpstabilise mood, improve sleep, and ease anxiety. These products can beadministered as oils, capsules, or vaporised formats, depending on personalneeds.
How do I begin medical cannabis treatment for depression at Cantourage Clinic?
Simply book a consultation with one of ourexperienced specialists. We’ll review your mental health history, currentsymptoms, and previous treatments. If appropriate, we’ll develop a personalisedtreatment plan and guide you through each step of your medical cannabisjourney.