What is the Fastest Way to Treat Depression?

Depression doesn’t wait. When it hits, it doesn’t care about your schedule, your responsibilities, or your mental resilience. You want relief, not in six weeks, not “eventually,” but as soon as humanly possible. The reality? There is no instant fix. But there are fast-acting treatments that can reduce symptoms significantly in a shorter window.

Let’s get something out of the way: depression is a complex and serious mental health condition. It doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. Anyone claiming they’ve got a magic bullet is either lying to you or trying to sell you snake oil. That said, some approaches can work faster than others, and medical cannabis is emerging as one of them.

Fast-acting treatments for depression

Here’s what science and clinical evidence currently suggest are the quickest paths to relief:

1. Ketamine therapy

Used under medical supervision, ketamine (or esketamine) has shown rapid antidepressant effects, sometimes within hours. But it’s not available on the NHS for most people and remains expensive and highly regulated.

2. Intensive therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works, but it takes time. However, intensive CBT programmes, daily or multiple sessions per week, can produce faster results than the usual weekly model.

3. Medical cannabis

This is where things get interesting. In recent years, medical cannabis has gained attention as a potential option for managing depression, especially for those with treatment-resistant symptoms.

Can medical cannabis help with depression?

There’s growing evidence that certain cannabinoids, particularly CBD, can help regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep. These are all critical components in managing depression effectively.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which often take 4–6 weeks to build up in the system, many medical cannabis users report feeling relief from symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, or insomnia within days.

It’s not a miracle cure; nothing is, but for some, it can be a powerful part of a broader treatment plan.

How to get a prescription for medical cannabis in the UK

You won’t get cannabis for depression through your GP or the NHS (not yet, anyway). But you can get a legal prescription from private clinics that specialise in cannabis-based medicine.

One such provider is us, a UK-based medical cannabis clinic that supports patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other qualifying conditions. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Free eligibility assessment: You’ll fill out a short form to see if you qualify.
2. Medical review: A specialist doctor will assess your case. You’ll need to show that you’ve tried at least two conventional treatments (e.g., SSRIs) without adequate relief.
3. Prescription & delivery: If approved, you’ll receive a personalised prescription, and your medication will be delivered discreetly to your home.

The team at MARUCANNA is known for their professionalism and understanding approach, no judgement, no stigma.

Final thoughts: It’s about what works for you

Everyone’s experience with depression is different. What helps one person might do nothing for another. The key is to explore your options safely, legally, and under medical supervision.

If you’ve hit a wall with traditional antidepressants or are looking for a faster-acting alternative, medical cannabis could be worth exploring. It’s not for everyone, but for some, it has been life-changing.

Just don’t try to self-medicate with street weed. That’s not treatment; it’s risk-taking. If you’re serious about your mental health, go through a trusted clinic like MARUCANNA.

Need help now?
If you’re in crisis or feeling overwhelmed, don’t wait. Speak to someone. Contact Samaritans at 116 123 or reach out to a trusted GP.