In the US, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about 12 million adults. In addition, 6% of Americans are predicted to experience PTSD at some point in their lives. For those who serve in the armed forces, this number rises significantly. PTSD is also becoming more common among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obtaining a medical card online is essential for anyone with PTSD who wishes to include marijuana in their treatment plan because it will grant them legal access to the drug in their state.
Although there is no quick fix for PTSD, there is growing evidence that medical cannabis may be beneficial. Examine how using CBD and cannabis in conjunction with other forms of treatment may help reduce some of the symptoms associated with PTSD.
Using Cannabis for PTSD: Benefits and How It Works
Cannabis and CBD may be effective for PTSD for a number of scientifically supported reasons. Among them are:
- CBD may enhance regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the brain. This lessens anxiety and increases the flow of vital nutrients and hormones through the brain.
- Because the endocannabinoid system is involved in memory retrieval, cannabis may help prevent the mind from replaying traumatic events.
- Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs), which are more prevalent in people with PTSD, can be treated with terpenes like pinene.
- It has been demonstrated that PTSD patients have reduced levels of anandamide in their bodies. Increasing the body’s available amount of anandamide may help elevate mood and lessen anxiety and fear.
- CBD might encourage better sleep with fewer nightmares and disruptions.
- Benzodiazepines can be substituted with cannabis. Benzodiazepines are still prescribed even though they are not advised (contraindicated) for the long-term treatment of PTSD.
- According to one study, cannabis may, at least temporarily, lessen PTSD symptoms. According to the same study, cannabis inhalation significantly decreased PTSD symptoms by over 50%.
- However, there may be negative effects from using cannabis and CBD to treat PTSD.
- In addition to traditional remedies, Horn Kratom is another natural option worth exploring for its potential calming and wellness-supporting benefits.
Dosage and Methods of Cannabis Consumption
There are numerous options for cannabis dosage and consumption for those looking to use it to treat PTSD.
According to one study, cannabis can momentarily lessen PTSD symptoms, and inhaling cannabis vapor or smoke can significantly reduce symptoms by over 50%. The cannabis flower’s immediate bioavailability and effects, as well as the deep breathing needed to smoke or vaporize it, are probably related to this.
Other ways of consuming cannabis have not received much more attention. In smaller doses, edibles would probably be a useful medication and offer longer-term relief from PTSD symptoms. The effects of tinctures are similar, but they happen faster.
Possible Risks and Side Effects of Cannabis Use
Many people have found that cannabis medicine helps them deal with difficult conditions like PTSD. However, not everyone is a good fit for marijuana. The following are some adverse effects of cannabis use for PTSD or any other condition:
- Headache and nausea
- Intense fatigue
- Insomnia
- Increase in anxiety
- Paranoia (more likely with cannabis containing high levels of THC)
- Hallucinations (especially concerning for PTSD sufferers who have flashbacks and nightmares)
- Red bloodshot eyes
- Appetite changes
- Mood changes
Before using cannabis or any other medication, you should always speak with your doctor because you might experience additional side effects not covered here.
Alternative Treatments for PTSD
Depending on your preferences and how your doctor recommends it, you can use cannabis in addition to or instead of the following PTSD treatment options.
Therapy
A number of therapeutic approaches, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are successful. Present-centered therapy (PCT), stress inoculation training (SIT), prolonged exposure (P.E.), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) are additional therapeutic approaches.
Some PTSD sufferers may find solace in individual therapy sessions with a social worker or psychologist. Others might turn to their loved ones for advice. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and can take many different, frequently combined forms.
Medications
Antidepressants like sertraline (Zoloft) are among the medications that some PTSD sufferers take to treat their condition. Additionally, sertraline is used to treat anxiety-related conditions like social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Sedatives such as benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” may occasionally be prescribed for a brief duration. Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are a few examples of well-known benzodiazepines. Nevertheless, benzodiazepines are extremely addictive, and according to one study, 17% of all benzodiazepine use was due to abuse or misuse. Furthermore, because they may make it more difficult for patients to manage their PTSD symptoms, benzodiazepines are not advised for long-term PTSD treatment.
Lifestyle
Other lifestyle-based, non-pharmacological treatments include healthy eating, exercise, and sleep. Using lifestyle factors to treat PTSD is very personalized. While some people might find more comfort in lounging by the home fireplace, others might benefit from a strenuous hike in the fresh air.
Does Using Cannabis for PTSD Impact Veteran Benefits?
The possibility of losing their benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) is a common worry among veterans researching the potential benefits of medical marijuana for PTSD. “Veteran participation in state marijuana programs does not affect eligibility for V.A. care and services,” the V.A. notes on its website.
Best Strains for PTSD
The strains that are most effective for you are the best. Nonetheless, anecdotal evidence suggests that some strains alleviate PTSD symptoms, such as:
- OG Kush
- Cannatonic
- Harlequin
- Blue Dream
- Northern Lights
Although terpene-rich strains like myrcene, pinene, and limonene might be beneficial, we are unable to make any generalizations or forecast your reaction to any cannabis product.
Final Words!
More clinical trials are required, but medical marijuana for PTSD may be a good option for many veterans and other PTSD sufferers. A standardized approach to treating PTSD does not exist. Nonetheless, a person suffering from PTSD-related anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia might benefit from CBD and medical cannabis.
Find out more about treating PTSD with cannabis medication. Use Texas Marijuana Card Online to apply for a medical marijuana card right now, and we’ll help you every step of the way.
Also Read: Recuperbate: Your Guide to Effective Recovery and Well-Being