Medical Marijuana for PTSD: Is Medical Marijuana a possible treatment for My PTSD symptoms?
Are you experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that impacts many people across the world. Past traumatic life events affect the lives of thousands of people and cause several other mental illnesses. Other mental health problems caused by PTSD include anxiety, depression, memory loss, insomnia, and agitation.
People living with PTSD may try to relieve their symptoms by conventional methods, use antidepressants, or undergo several psychotic therapies.
Unsurprisingly, a great number of patients turn to cannabis; a natural plant, to benefit from its therapeutic effects. Cannabis has the potential to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. The use of medial marijuana has increased due to reports of optimal patient outcomes. But before jumping to the benefits of medical marijuana for PTSD, we need to have a better understanding of this health condition.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD – A psychiatric disorder that is a result of past traumatic or tragic events. Trauma from past experience if not resolved can results in PTSD symptoms.
After the traumatic events, people show acute stress disorder (ASD) symptoms. If these symptoms continue to appear for a month or over, the ASD changes into PTSD. The primary Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms are anxiety, depression, intense mood swings, and suicidal thoughts. That’s why people turn to Marijuana to reduce the symptoms and pain related to trauma.
You might be concerned about whether marijuana and PTSD are a safe combination? Or can I get medical marijuana for pain? Worry not; we are here to discuss every aspect of the use of Marijuana for PTSD for your guidance.
Can Marijuana Help With PTSD?
Marijuana is an alternate treatment that reduces the symptoms of anxiety and paranoia. Approximately two out of ten people with PTSD utilize marijuana to relieve symptoms. [1]
People who suffer from anxiety disorder use Medical Marijuana to lower down the irritable feelings of traumatic events. Many studies shows that marijuana reduces the functionality of the amygdala as it involves fear responses. Another piece of research indicates that CBD oil and other cannabinoid extracts are effective in traumatic memories. [2]
Due to the potential benefits of marijuana, there are frequent searches for “Medical Marijuana dispensary near me” to access legal marijuana. However, it is better to look for a medical marijuana doctor first who can evaluate your condition and make sure your condition qualifies for marijuana use. To see if you qualify for medical marijuana, schedule a free consult with us here.
Medical Marijuana for PTSD:
Medical marijuana contains both THC and CBD as they are natural extracts of the cannabis plant. The effects of both THC & CBD are opposite to each other. THC enhances the euphoric feeling while CBD mitigates the psychoactive effects of THC. [3]
However, the marijuana suggested by medical marijuana doctors contains less THC. The lower concentration of THC makes medical marijuana effective for people with PTSD. It lowers down the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal activity. A Medical marijuana evaluation can be a first step in getting a solution for your PTSD symptoms.
According to the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, those who use medical marijuana have fewer symptoms of PTSD. Also, a 75% decrease in symptoms is a shred of evidence for Medical marijuana and PTSD. [4]
Increased Rates of Medical Marijuana Use:
Several researchers and medical institutes are working to figure out the effectiveness of Marijuana, CBD Oils, and cannabis extracts for PTSD. Large scales studies show that the amount of Cannabis users has been escalating. PTSD sufferers want to mollify the symptoms of traumatic effects with marijuana.
Specifically, 65% of people who endure PTSD use Marijuana in their lifetime. This increased influx of people suggests a special connection between PTSD and Marijuana. [5]
Why do PTSD & Marijuana use often Co-Occur?
People use marijuana as a alternative therapy to relieve the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The most unpleasant symptoms of PTSD are:
- Memory loss
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Aggression
- Hyper arousal
- Nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts
Many cannabis or medical marijuana dispensaries have been established to serve these medical purposes and provide legal marijuana in the areas where medical marijuana is legal. People use medical marijuana to relieve pain and depression. Medical marijuana helps patients to get quick relief and also addresses the problem.
The self-medication theory of marijuana for PTSD is correct as the veterans use marijuana to reduce the symptoms of hyper arousal PTSD. By taking Marijuana, a patient can cope with sadness and anxiety. [6]
If you search “cannabis store near me” to get medical marijuana, you will find many certified dispensaries in your area if you live in a state where medical use of cannabis or marijuana is legal. So, it is recommended to keep an eye on Federal law and your state rules before purchasing or possessing marijuana. The State of Maryland allows the use of Medical Marijuana, to apply for a medical marijuana card, you may visit the State’s website here:https://onestop.md.gov/public_profiles/601c0fd9f9d7557af267e1e1
How does Cannabis work in the body?
Marijuana can be used as a therapy to suppress negative feelings. Several trauma survivors use substances like cannabis, CBD oil, and medical marijuana to reduce traumatic memories. Our endocannabinoid system is affected after the traumatic events and results in fear, memory loss, and sleep disorders.
The components of cannabis plants like THC & CBD are effective for treating several mental health problems. It can alleviate the symptoms of nausea, anxiety, and epilepsy. The endogenous cannabinoid works on the cannabinoid receptors and alleviates the symptoms.
People living with PTSD have a low amount of , affecting their brains’ normal functioning. However, the incorporation of Cannabis plant extracts like THC & CBD supply endogenous cannabinoids for healthy processing of the brain [7].
Reduced Depression & Suicide
PTSD patients may experience intrusive thoughts and suicidal ideation. Many researchers hypothesized that the use of marijuana could mitigate the symptoms of PTSD. It can lower down the depressive episodes in people and alleviate other mental health symptoms.
Marijuana can suppress challenging memories and aversive anxiety. Furthermore, Medical marijuana has fewer side effects and risks as compared to other drugs.
A Promising Complementary Therapy
People involved in low-risk cannabis use – medical marijuana may get some relief from depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
A person can effectively manage PTSD symptoms. The use of Marijuana has shown to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Though the medical marijuana research is still ongoing, there is enough evidence showing the efficacy of cannabis in PTSD symptomology. The growing number of states seeking to legalize medical marijuana shows the need for medical marijuana as an alternative treatment is more acceptable today than ever. If you or your loved one suffer from PTSD symptoms and want to find out if you qualify for medical marijuana, follow this link to schedule a free consultation with us. Get the help you need today!
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REFERENCES:
- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/consult/2016lecture_archive/11162016_lecture_slides.pdf
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269881119882806?journalCode=jopa
- https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/marijuana-addiction/marijuana-ptsd-marijuana-help-ptsd/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140522104850.htm
- Cougle JR, Bonn-miller MO, Vujanovic AA, Zvolensky MJ, Hawkins KA. Post-traumatic stress disorder and cannabis use in a nationally representative sample. Psychol Addict Behav. 2011;25(3):554-8. doi:10.1037/a0023076
- https://www.verywellmind.com/self-medication-in-ptsd-2797539
- https://theconversation.com/cannabis-shows-potential-for-treating-ptsd-new-study-125370
