PTSD
Sometimes the hardest ailments to cope with are the ones that show little or no physical signs of existence.
That is definitely the case with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD.
According to the Sidran Institute approximately 8% of all adults will develop PTSD during their lifetime.
That is a staggering percentage and if you have ever dealt with the symptoms of PTSD before, or known someone who has, you know that it is very important for people who suffer from PTSD to know that they are not alone. Often, having a caring support network can save someone’s life.
From diagnosis to medication, western medicine and culture has struggled with understanding PTSD, which makes it very difficult to treat.
Thankfully, many patients are finding symptom relief with medical cannabis.
After reading this article you should have a solid understanding of how medical cannabis may help relive some of the symptoms of PTSD. Please post your questions or comments in the section below this article and a member of the Kanteeva team will respond back to you.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a complicated and disabling illness that can affect people for their entire lives.
The American Psychiatric Association defines it as:
A psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault.
PTSD can present itself in a variety of different ways and some of the most common symptoms are listed below.
Feeling Like the Traumatic Event Happens Again and Again
While thinking about a traumatic event is a normal and healthy way to cope with it, having feelings like it is happening all over again can be a symptom of PTSD. With PTSD, something as non-threatening as a smell or noise can make you feel as though you are reliving trauma all over again.
Refusing to Go Where the Trauma Occurred
Of course no one wants to be in harm’s way again but with PTSD things that were once familiar and welcoming can feel very terrifying. This is especially true for storm survivors or those who experience trauma at home.
Feeling Agitated and not Knowing Why
Having trouble sleeping, emotional instability, intense agitation for seemingly no reason, feelings of isolation and constant anxiety are all common symptoms of PTSD.
How PTSD is Traditionally Treated
According to the National Center for PTSD it is treated by using a combination of multiple psychotherapies and a medication regimen that typically includes antidepressant medications like Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and Effexor as well as anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, Valium and Ativan.
These types of antidepressant medications can have severe side effects associated with them and are also known to be some of the most addictive controlled substances on the market.
For many, being able to stop taking an antidepressant medication is a battle that can last for years.
Anti-anxiety medications also have negative side effects associated with long term use and can become addictive and habit forming. Often patients develop a tolerance to anti-anxiety medications which then results in an increased dosage and in turn leads to more side effects or dependancy.
Can Medical Marijuana Help Treat PTSD?
I have a lot of veterans who will come see me and the're on 5 medicines. Usually, they’re prescribed Serotonin drugs, anti-psychotics, sedatives like Benzodiazepine, like Klonapin, Valium. And we’ll transition them to medical marijuana and within 6 months time, they get off most of the meds.
- Dr. Thomas Cook, Psychiatrist - Hawaii Public Radio
Thanks to the development of medical marijuana programs in Canada, as well as several states in the US, there are numerous patient testimonials for the effectiveness of cannabis on the symptoms of PTSD.
Many patients report that medical cannabis is a very effective treatment option for them. Many PTSD patients have found relief of insomnia and the reduction of night terrors, with some users reporting that it has eliminated their night terrors all together.
Many medical cannabis patients have also stated that cannabis has significantly reduced their anxiety; some even claim that they have been “flashback free” for 6 months or longer thanks to medical cannabis.
Although medical cannabis is not a cure for PTSD, many patients have stated that they have found relief from various symptoms of PTSD while using medical cannabis. These symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Night Terrors
- Flashbacks
- Panic Attacks
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Headaches
- Heart Palpitations
- Social Isolation
- Other Mood Disorders
What Does Science Say About Medical Cannabis and PTSD?
Medical cannabis is used in conjunction with other therapies. Peer support groups are a highly supported therapy for patients suffering an Operational Stress Injury [another term for PTSD]. Medical cannabis strains with the right CBD and THC levels are assisting veterans with chronic physical pain, as well as anxiety and insomnia issues. I believe that medical cannabis will continue to work in conjunction with many other therapies.
- Shelley Franklin, Veteran Program Coordinator, Canadian Cannabis Clinics (via Psychology Today)
Unfortunately, scientific research is limited when it comes to the use of medical cannabis for the relief of PTSD symptoms. Currently, there is an FDA backed study that is being conducted by MAPS. It is in Phase 2 and headed by Dr. Sue Sisley in Arizona.
Even though the research is limited, many people suffering from PTSD have claimed that medical cannabis works very well for treating their symptoms and some patients have said that they were able to stop using other opiate medications after consulting with their doctors.
US Marine Corps veteran Roberto Pickering stated that he was able to stop taking 14 different medications and find relief from his PTSD symptoms thanks to medical cannabis and he is just one of many people who have made similar testimonials.
What are the Best Marijuana Strains for PTSD?
It can be difficult to select the best strain for your individual needs and we are here to help you. It is also important that you speak with your health practitioner(s) so you are able to monitor your progress and find the best strains, consumption methods and dosing for your unique needs.
Most people have reported that strains with higher levels of THC and medium to high levels of CBD tend to be the most effective for helping with symptoms associated with PTSD, especially when it comes to the symptoms of anxiety and nightmares.
Here are a few strains that many medical cannabis patients with PTSD have had success with.
What are the Top Strains for PTSD?
We base these strain recommendations on testimonials from medical cannabis community members, anecdotal research, scientific research and a variety of other factors like accessibility.
Blue Dream
This a slightly Sativa Dominant Hybrid strain has a very high THC content and a medium CBD content. Patients have reported feeling calm, energetic and creative while consuming Blue Dream. For PTSD, many users report that this strain is ideal for daytime use as it allows them to be calm without being drowsy or couch locked.
Cannatonic
This 50/50 Hybrid strain typically has equal levels of THC and CBD. It is a favorite strain for many patients who suffer from PTSD because of its low THC levels and high CBD levels. The effects of Cannatonic produce a relaxed and mellow experience. Drowsiness or lack of focus are not typically not associated with Cannatonic, as can be the case with higher THC strains.
OG Kush
This slightly Sativa Dominant Hybrid has very high THC levels and low CBD levels. OG Kush is a popular strain for evening or night time use because of its calming and sedative effects. According to patient testimonials, OG Kush is a favorite for many people who suffer from PTSD because of its effectiveness at helping with the suppression of nightmares and insomnia.
Amnesia Haze
This Sativa Dominant Hybrid is often recommended by members of the medical cannabis community for treating the symptoms of PTSD. Members claim that it lives up to its namesake by helping you forget things but it is also popular for delivering almost instantaneous relief of anxiety. While it is very high in THC content, ranging from 17% - 25%, it is known for delivering an energetic experience that helps alleviate pain and anxiety without leaving you feeling groggy or couch-locked.
While this strain is known for helping to alleviate anxiety, beginners to medical cannabis should be careful as too much THC can actually make anxiety symptoms worse. We recommend having some experience with medical cannabis before trying Amnesia Haze. Experienced members of the medical cannabis community frequently claim that there is no better strain for alleviating PTSD symptoms throughout the day than Amnesia Haze.
Final Thoughts
PTSD is a debilitating disease that can wreak havoc on individuals, their families and friends, as well as on their personal and professional lives.
While the medical community at large does not recognize any “conclusive” scientific data on the effectiveness of medical cannabis in the treatment of PTSD, there have been numerous medical cannabis patients and health care practitioners who have reported to have experienced significant symptom reduction and relief.
If you are interested in beginning a medical cannabis program, we suggest you speak with your healthcare practitioner(s) and join the Kanteeva community for helpful information from other patients and practitioners.
No one should have to live with recurring trauma every day. We hope you find peace and healing as soon as possible.
We Want to Hear from You!
Have you found relief from the symptoms of PTSD by using medical cannabis? If so, we would love to hear from you!
Please help us spread the word about the amazing benefits that medical cannabis patients are finding all over the world.
With your help, thousands of other people could finally find relief.
Please share your stories, comments, and questions below. If you are a medical cannabis patient please also mention what strain has been effective at helping you find relief from your symptoms.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we look forward to hearing your stories soon!
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