Multiple lines of evidence suggest that cannabis and CBD may help with post-traumatic stress disorder. Among them are some of the following:
Increasing rCBF in certain brain regions may be accomplished using cannabidiol (CBD). This is beneficial because it decreases stress and improves the brain’s circulation of essential chemicals and minerals.
Because of the endocannabinoid system’s role in memory retrieval, cannabis may be useful in preventing the revisiting of traumatic situations.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more frequent in people with PTSD, although terpenes like pinene may help cure them.
There is less of the feel-good chemical anandamide in the brains of those with post-traumatic stress disorder. Raising endogenous levels of anandamide may have beneficial effects on mood and anxiety.
CBD has shown promise for facilitating restful sleep with fewer interruptions.
A substitute for benzodiazepines is cannabis. Even though they shouldn’t be used, many doctors continue to prescribe benzodiazepines for PTSD long-term.
One research found that using cannabis helped lessen PTSD symptoms, at least temporarily. More than half of the PTSD symptoms were immediately alleviated by inhaling cannabis, according to the same research.
However, there are risks associated with taking cannabis and CBD to treat PTSD.
Possibile Adverse Effects and Risks
Many patients have found relief from severe disorders, including as PTSD, after using cannabis therapy. However, cannabis use is not right for everyone. The use of cannabis to treat PTSD, or any other ailment, is not without risk.
Symptoms of sickness and headache
Extreme weariness
Insomnia
Rising levels of worry
Paranoia (more probable with cannabis having high quantities of THC) (more likely with cannabis containing high levels of THC)
Hallucinations (of special concern for persons with PTSD who have nightmares and flashbacks) (of particular concern for people with PTSD who experience nightmares and flashbacks)
There was a noticeable amount of blood in her eyes.
One’s hunger and satiety shift
Emotional swings
You should always talk to your doctor before taking cannabis or any other medication, since there may be more adverse effects not mentioned here.
PTSD: An Alternative Approach to Treatment
The following treatments for PTSD may be taken alone or in combination with cannabis, depending on your doctor’s recommendations and personal preferences.
Therapy
Trauma-specific cognitive behavioral therapy is only one of several helpful therapeutic approaches (CBT). Cognitive processing therapy (CPT), extended exposure therapy (PE), stress inoculation training, and present-focused therapy are among more forms of treatment (PCT).
Individual sessions with a psychologist or social worker may be helpful for some patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Some individuals feel more comfortable consulting members of their inner group. There is no one, universally effective kind of therapy; rather, there are numerous that are commonly used in tandem.
Medications
Antidepressants like sertraline are used by some patients with PTSD to manage their condition (Zoloft). Sertraline is also effective in treating OCD, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, all of which share symptoms with anxiety.
Sometimes, a doctor may recommend a brief course of a sedative like benzodiazepines (benzos). Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are just a few of the well-known benzos. The problem is that benzodiazepines are very addicting; one research revealed that 17% of all benzodiazepine usage was due to abuse or misuse. Further, since they may impair patients’ capacity to deal with PTSD symptoms, benzodiazepines are not advised for long-term treatment of the disorder.
Lifestyle
Medications aren’t the only option, however; healthy habits like getting enough rest, working out regularly, and eating well may help, too. PTSD treatment based on alterations to one’s way of life is very personalized. Although a quick walk in the outdoors might be therapeutic for some, others may find greater peace in a quiet evening in front of the fire.
Could a Veteran’s Benefits Be Affected If They Use Cannabis to Treat PTSD?
Veterans with PTSD who are considering looking into the efficacy of medicinal marijuana for the treatment of their condition sometimes worry about losing their VA benefits if they do so (VA). But the VA makes it clear on its website that veterans’ involvement in state marijuana programs has no bearing on their eligibility for VA treatment and services.
Anti-PTSD Seeds That Work
It’s important to find the strain that helps you the most with your PTSD symptoms. But there are those who find success with CBD-rich strains. Terpene-rich strains, such as myrcene, pinene, and limonene, may be useful, but we can’t say for sure how you’ll react to cannabis in general or to any specific strain.
PTSD and Cannabis: The Missing Link
More clinical studies are required to determine whether or not medical marijuana is an effective therapy for PTSD, although it shows promise for many soldiers and others living with the disorder. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but CBD and medical cannabis may help those who suffer from anxiety, sadness, and/or sleeplessness as a consequence of their condition.
Common Queries
Can PTSD sufferers benefit from eating edibles?
You should start gradually and low when consuming edibles, so choose products with little THC and maybe equal or larger quantities of CBD. To that end, it’s important to remember that ingesting THC via edibles has a considerably more profound effect than smoking or vaping the drug. However, the effects of edibles tend to stay for longer.
However, those who have to take cannabinoid-based drugs for PTSD may find sublingual tinctures very helpful.
Do any terpenes help with post-traumatic stress disorder?
Potentially useful terpenes include limonene, bisabolol, myrcene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and humulene. These terpenes have anti-inflammatory and sleep-inducing properties, making them ideal for those with PTSD.
Can PTSD be helped by using marijuana?
For many individuals, PTSD is a crippling issue. Medical cannabis has been suggested as a potential therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there has been a dearth of randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the topic. Unfortunately, there is currently no silver bullet treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Research has shown that medicinal cannabis may be an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Get started on your journey to getting a medical marijuana card now by applying with Leafwell.