Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops when a person goes through a terrifying event and is most common among war veterans, victims of natural calamities and abuse, and accident survivors. Symptoms include flashbacks, anxiety attacks, sleep disturbances, and excessive alertness, which can seriously hinder normal functioning. Standard measures for treating PTSD include therapy and, in severe cases, medical drugs. However, some individuals are venturing into the use of cannabis in dealing with the symptoms of this disorder. Cannabis is developing great interest as an alternate approach, and as such, it's important that we gain an understanding the effects of cannabis on PTSD and how it will benefit patients.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a condition experienced by many in the world, including a great number of war veterans and first-response practitioners. Usually, the common PTSD symptoms are divided into four, which include:
- Re-experiencing the event – consists of involuntary episodes of the event in the form of flashbacks and dreams, as well as memories of it that are too strong.
- Reactions to avoid the trigger – for instance, people trying not to go to places and engage in activities which can lead to remembering the trauma that happened.
- Depression – people feel hopelessness, alienation, and negative emotions or even have difficulty feeling.
- Hyperarousal – characterized by increased vigilance, irritability, insomnia, and an excessive startle response.
The common interventions are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and prescription medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs.
However, many patients living with PTSD experience being treated with psychotropic medications as ineffective or suffering negative adverse reactions. As a result, there’s a growing interest in using alternative methods of treatment, such as cannabis.
Does Cannabis Help PTSD/CPTSD?
Cannabis and its active constituents called cannabinoids, which include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and (CBD), separately act within the system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for a number of functions, such as mood, stress, and fear responses, which are very crucial to patients suffering from PTSD.
Here’s how cannabis may potentially alleviate PTSD symptoms:
Reduction of Anxiety and Hyperarousal
PTSD often results in extreme anxiety and constant hyper-arousal states, compelling the individual to remain on guard and tense all the time. Studies have shown that CBD and other cannabinoids have anxiolytic effects that are able to lower anxiety levels when taken from a prescribed dosage. These effects make it easier for the body to cope with stress and surge moods.
Moderate THC intake is believed to help alleviate anxiety as well. Excessive THC may produce anxiety in some people. However, some studies have shown that it has anxiolytic effects when used moderately.
Better Sleep Patterns
There is poor sleep and too many nightmares, which troubles many people with PTSD. Some studies suggest that cannabis, especially the strain with high content of Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, helps patients to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Moreover, a publication in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology noted that the occurrence of nightmares amongst PTSD patients is brought down by the use of cannabis, which is beneficial as it alleviates distressing symptoms of the condition.
Coping with Reliving Traumatic Events
Reliving traumatic experiences in any form, including through vivid images or even disturbing thoughts, is a common problem for PTSD sufferers. There is evidence to indicate that cannabis can permit individuals to efficiently process these memories.
Cannabinoids have the potential to reduce the emotional elements related to traumatic stimuli by influencing the processes of fear conditioning (the process of developing emotional responses to certain memories) and, in addition, the processes of fear extinction (the process of reducing emotional response to traumatic memories over time).
Mood stabilization
In treatments involving the use of marijuana, such as CBD, a certain effect on a patient’s depression symptoms and depression itself was evident. Cannabis may potentially help negative patterns, such as mood chasms or emotional detachment in PTSD, and improve the state of mind.
Most importantly, as it interacts with serotonin receptors, CBD can be useful in regulating mood and alleviating depression, which is a secondary condition that occurs frequently in PTSD.
What Does Research Say About Cannabis for PTSD?
Cannabis has been known to have the capability to help PTSD patients, but it persists that clinical evidence remains weak as studies are still at a nascent stage, and, therefore, most evidence is from testimonials or qualitative analysis. Nevertheless, some studies have provided very positive outcomes:
- According to a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2019, individuals with PTSD who used cannabis were found to have a marked improvement in their symptoms, which included flashbacks and intrusive thoughts, as well as irritability.
- The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies showed that the oral application of synthetic THC has diminished the results of distressing dreams in patients with PTSD.
- A more modern study in 2021 conducted by PLOS ONE concludes that the regular consumption of cannabis helps reduce the severity of the diagnosis of PTSD with time, helping some patients cope through better primary structures.
Studies indicate that veterans, as well as many first responders, have described experiencing some relief concerning their PTSD with the use of cannabis. For most of these patients, herbal medicine is a safe option that achieves what pharmaceutical drugs could not, but with none of the nasty side effects that come with the latter.
What Are the Best Cannabis for Anxiety and PTSD/CPTSD?
Some of the cannabis products offered to and used by persons with PTSD do not produce similar effects due to the type of cannabinoids involved. The following includes some cannabis products.
- CBD dominant products: This category contains CBD oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles; these products contain non-psychotropic CBD that reduces anxiety, induces calmness, and stabilizes mood. This consideration is important, especially for patients who do not want to experience a high.
- THC dominant products: THC is believed to be effective in helping decrease nightmares and improving sleep ability. However, it can add a layer of anxiety at higher dosage levels. Cannabis strains that have equal amounts of THC and CBD can produce a relatively less euphoric effect and a more soothing high instead.
- Full-spectrum products: This consists of all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in sufficient quantities to create an effect that is greater than that produced by any one compound alone (entourage effect).
- Topical applications: Some patients prefer the use of cannabis-infused creams or balms on their bodies to ease the tension, stress, and or physical symptoms that accompany PTSD.
What Are the Best Cannabis Strains for PTSD/CPTSD?
Some of the best strains for PTSD that may be suitable for helping patients suffering from PTSD are Blue Dream, known for its well-rounded high, and OG Kush, which is preferred for its calming effects. Girl Scout Cookies also come in handy with PTSD patients due to their cheery effects and anxiety-easing properties. Other strains like ACDC are high in CBD and offer relief without strong psychoactive effects, while Granddaddy Purple is an Indica praised for its relaxing effects.
Indica vs. Sativa: Which Strain Manages PTSD Better?
Indica strains are more chilled due to their heavier nature and are thus recommended for use at night for people with insomnia and those whose anxiety levels are quite high. In contrast, Sativa strains are usually more stimulating and uplifting and will prove useful during the daytime when you are weak or need a positive body state. In depression and anxiety symptoms of PTSD, a combination of both types, a hybrid strain, would be needed.
Best Indica Strains for Rest and Relieving Chronic Pain
Notable indica strains for PTSD relief include Granddaddy Purple due to its relaxing traits that cause fast body relaxation. Likewise, another strain is Northern Lights, which is commonly indicated for patients suffering from insomnia and anxiety issues. Bubba Kush is also common among patients with PTSD because of its sedative and peace-inducing effects. These Indica strains are likely to help users relax, which would reduce the severity of PTSD and encourage them to sleep better.
Best Sativa-Dominant Strains to Help Turn Emotions into Happiness, Love, and Laughter
People who would like to have an uplifted attitude and euphoria can opt for sativa strains like Green Crack and Jack Herer. Green Crack hits like a charm and keeps the user alert, focused, and active throughout the day. Jack Herer is a pleasant strain that gives its users a mellow as well as a focused feeling. These Sativa strains may be beneficial for combat veterans suffering from fatigue and lack of motivation related to PTSD.
Are There Potential Risks and Considerations of Using Cannabis to Manage PTSD Symptoms?
Some people may develop adverse effects of anxiety, dizziness, significant memory loss, or emotional blunting, which is more common with high-THC strains or excess usage. Besides, cannabis is not for everybody, and the physician's guidelines should primarily be sought before embarking on cannabis therapy.
What is the Future of Cannabis and PTSD Treatment?
With the decline of cannabis stigma and the advancement of research, there will be additional developments in how cannabis is administered among PTSD patients. Studies are still underway into the effects of THC, its dosage schedule, and the effectiveness of different combinations of drugs on PTSD, especially among veterans and first responders who are the most affected by the disorder.
In jurisdictions where medicinal cannabis use is legal, more physicians are willing to endorse cannabis as a treatment for PTSD. Changes in the law and the growing availability of medical marijuana will help even more PTSD patients, as more suffering individuals will be able to consider cannabis in their treatment.
Conclusion
The ability of cannabis to reduce PTSD symptoms cannot be overlooked, and this provides an option for individuals who do not do well with medication. It reduces anxiety, helps people sleep, and can help with the retrieval of traumatic memories, which are all beneficial in the fight against PTSD and assisting victims improve their well-being. Just like any other treatment, though, you have to be cautious with the use of cannabis and, ideally, begin with a modest dose to see how it works on you as a broader strategy for mental health.