Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

PTSD, Cannabis and The Healing Process

For a person working through the daily self-care needed to manage their symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), incorporating new practices may become crucial for the healing process. Therapy, as well as finding community with those who have had similar experiences are seen as the foundation to moving past the period of greatest trauma and into a healing space. Often times, medication will be prescribed to help lessen the intensity of the most problematic symptoms. Recently, several important studies have pointed to the potential role cannabis can play in the recovery of those who are living with PTSD. In highlighting these studies, our aim is to share information and learn what we can while not diminishing widely recognized therapies and treatments recommended by trained mental health professionals.

The Studies

Use and Effects of Cannabinoids in Military Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder | 2015

In this study published by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, it is concluded that “the evaluated evidence indicates that substantial numbers of military veterans with PTSD use cannabis or derivative products to control PTSD symptoms, with some patients reporting benefits in terms of reduced anxiety and insomnia and improved coping ability.” Link to study

Use of Medicinal Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | 2019

This Lithuanian study reviewed several other studies up to May, 2019 evaluating the “clinical and therapeutic potentials of medical cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids in treating PTSD patients.” While it’s mentions that more conclude research is needed to establish concrete findings, it states, “Present data show that cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids, both acting on the endocannabinoids system, may have a potential therapeutic use for improving PTSD symptoms, e.g., reducing anxiety, modulating memory-related processes, and improving sleep. Link to study

Cannabis: A Potential Efficacious Intervention for PTSD or Simply Snake Oil? | 2019

This Canadian study by the Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University in Ontario explores the broad implications of medicinal marijuana as beneficial, but recognizes the limited progress in studying it due to legal difficulties. “There have been indications that cannabis or some of its components, primarily THC and CBD, diminish particular symptoms of PTSD…In addition to potentially reducing PTSD symptoms, cannabis also mitigates the propensity for inflammation  and may be useful in psychological conditions that involve elevated inflammatory processes within the brain.” Link to study

Cannabinoids and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Treatment and Prevention | 2016

Clinical trials in Israel offer perhaps the best access for research in the field of medical cannabis. This review concludes that “cannabinoids administered shortly after exposure to a traumatic event were found to prevent the development of PTSD-like phenotype.” While these are animal-based studies, the authors recognize the need for more human-based clinical trials. Link to study

Should I Consider Cannabis for my PTSD?

Just as every person is unique and has individual needs, every case of PTSD is different and deserves qualified attention. We will always advocate for those experiencing symptoms of PTSD to seek the advice of expert medical and psychological professionals, and reach out to family and friends who can offer support in times of greatest need.

Should you decide that medical cannabis is right for you, please always remember to start slow, and go slow. The Novel Tree Medical’s team of state-certified medical cannabis consultants are here to answer all of your questions and offer product recommendations based on having served thousands with similarly serious conditions.