The American Psychological Association reports that 25 percent of college students are taking psychiatric medications to mitigate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. But for many other students, medical marijuana has become the answer.

Registered psychiatric nurse Barbara Blaser says cannabis has the potential to be a saving grace for suffering students. Blaser worked for the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Disabilities for 30 years before becoming Director of Clinical Services for Oakland-based medical marijuana dispensary Magnolia Wellness.

“I believe that cannabis offers hope for people living with a mental illness,” Blaser told Leafly. “I think, in particular, people with anxiety disorders can be helped.”

Many physicians, however, are reluctant to discuss medical marijuana as an option with their patients, despite claims from students like Brianna, who says cannabis has been much more effective than her prescription antidepressants.

Brianna says cannabis has been much more effective than her prescription antidepressants. “The medication helps,” she said, “but not nearly as much as cannabis and CBD.”

See the original article at Civilized