A new study released this week by the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) has found that the components of marijuana could be useful in reducing depression that results from chronic stress.

According to the Huffington Post, chronic stress has been observed to reduce endocannabinoids, which are chemical compounds in the brain that activate the same receptors as THC. They are also an active component of marijuana, and have been linked to reduced feelings of pain and anxiety, increases in appetite, and overall feelings of well-being.

RIA senior research scientist Samir Haj-Dahmane stated, "In the animal models we studied, we saw that chronic stress reduced the production of endocannabinoids, leading to depression-like behavior. Chronic stress is one of the major causes of depression. Using compounds derived from cannabis - marijuana - to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression."

Somewhat similar research has been done before. Science Daily reports that research was conducted by the New Mexico Legislative Health and Human Services Committee that found smoking medical marijuana to be effective in reducing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the research did not have definitively conclusive results.

 Researcher Dr. George Greer stated, "Many PTSD patients report symptom reduction with cannabis, and a clinical trial needs to be done to see what proportion and what kind of PTSD patients benefit, with either cannabis or the main active ingredients of cannabis."

The neuroscientists at RIA are also keen to test their findings. According to Science Daily,   Haj-Dahmane says that the next step in the research is to see if using a marijuana extract - cannabidiol (CBD) - restores normal behaviors in lab animals without leading to dependence on the drug.

What are your thoughts on the usage of medical marijuana?