Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD for short, is a mental disorder in a person who undergoes a severe traumatic experience which may or may not involve physical harm. Events that occur in war, vehicular accidents, injuries, domestic violence, rape, the death of a loved one and so on can all potentially cause PTSD in an individual. The disorder can cause chronic and inexplicable fear, feelings of helplessness, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, uncontrollable anger, and even crippling guilt. The disorder makes it difficult for those who suffer from PTSD from living a normal life and can persist for months, years, and even the lifespan of some individuals.

While there are numerous psychological therapies out there, along with various medications available to those diagnosed with PTSD, there is no known effective cure, and oftentimes the particulars of PTSD as a mental disorder is so specific to the individual that it can be difficult to diagnose and properly treat.

Using Cannabis to Treat PTSD

Cannabis is a complex medicinal plant that may actually be used to treat a variety of debilitating symptoms caused by a surprisingly large number of ailments. Its usefulness as a non-lethal medicine (you cannot die from an overdose of cannabis) cannot be overstated and its versatility in terms of how it can be consumed and as to how it can be useful for so many illnesses is something to be excited about. However, it is important to remember that consulting with your primary care physician should be your first priority when considering incorporating cannabis into one’s medical regiment and that cannabis is to be used as an adjunct therapy and not a replacement. It is also your responsibility to communicate with your doctor as to how your use of cannabis has affected your health and of your progress with utilizing medical cannabis.

With that said, much of the current research surrounding cannabis as a potential treatment for PTSD has been focused on the usefulness of Cannabidiol (CBD) - recent lab tests with animal models, individual case studies, and even statewide surveys in New Mexico showcase that this specific cannabinoid is vastly helpful to those utilizing it as a treatment for fear, traumatic memories, anxiety, and even helping with troubled and restless sleep.

Overall, many exciting studies have shown that Cannabis may be quite useful for treating individuals suffering from PTSD for the following reasons: relieving anxiety; enhancing one’s mood to combat depression; helping to manage possible nausea associated with “episodes”; preventing possible psychosis; and significantly aiding with sleep.

Beneficial Cannabinoids and Terpenoids for Treating PTSD

The cannabis plant offers a plethora of therapeutic benefits and contains cannabinoids and terpenoid compounds that are useful for a variety of ailments. Once again, many of the current studies surrounding cannabinoids and PTSD are focused on CBD, but do remember that the other possible compounds in cannabis do possess other beneficial properties. The following list denotes which cannabinoids and terpenoids work synergistically with each other for possible therapeutic benefit in treating the symptoms of PTSD.