Medical marijuana has become an increasingly popular treatment method for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). New studies continue to provide evidence that sheds light on the ways in which medical marijuana can provide relief in patients dealing with PTSD and other mental health conditions.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a shocking, frightening or dangerous event. These events often trigger the body’s natural defenses, known as the “fight or flight” response. This response is the body’s way of helping to protect itself from possible harm. As a result, hormones are released, increasing alertness, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
In most cases, people recover from this response. Some, however, may continue to feel ongoing stress and frightened long after the traumatic event. These symptoms and feelings are what is known as PTSD.
How Does Medical Marijuana Help with PTSD?
Many people living with PTSD have reported positive results from medical marijuana. In one study, researchers found that PTSD sufferers who used medical marijuana not only reported a greater decrease in PTSD symptom severity, but also were 2.57 times more likely to recover from PTSD than those who weren’t using medical marijuana in the study.
Another study, recently published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, found that “cannabis reduced the severity of intrusions, returning thoughts of a traumatic event, by about 62%, flashbacks by 51%, irritability by 67%, and anxiety by 57%.”
PTSD patients state that the benefits of medical marijuana have been noticeable, particularly when it comes to anxiety and sleep disturbances. Many people report using medical marijuana to cope with anxiety when given at lower doses.
Another debilitating symptom of PTSD is trouble getting adequate sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, an estimated nine in ten people with PTSD suffer from insomnia. Fortunately, medical marijuana has been known to be an effective sleep aid.
Research has found that “THC reportedly promotes sleep by activating the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors. It has also been widely reported that THC shortens the period of sleep latency and causes the users to sleep longer.”
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card
Do you suffer from PTSD? At MMTCFL, we can determine if you are eligible for medical marijuana and help you get your medical marijuana registration card. Get started with medical marijuana today by taking our online eligibility survey.
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