Medical marijuana and ptsd

Medical Marijuana and PTSD

What is PTSD? PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a psychological condition that is caused by a terrifying event, whether by experiencing or witnessing it. While many individuals can go through traumatic events without being subjected to post-traumatic stress disorders, but typically when symptoms last for months or years and interfere with daily life, it is considered PTSD. According to the National Center for PTSD, roughly 10% of women and 4% of men develop it at some point. This is fairly significant, and somewhat surprising given that it is estimated 60% of men will experience trauma during their life and 50% of women1.

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https://www.marijuanadoctors.com/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/

There are various side-effects caused by PTSD that range from person-to-person. Some of the most common symptoms include flashbacks and nightmares, which lead to difficulty sleeping, as well as severe anxiety.

Most commonly, symptoms of PTSD are grouped into four categories:2 ● Intrusive Memories - Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the event, unwanted memories and flashbacks. ● Avoidance - Avoiding people, places or things that remind you of the event as well as avoiding discussion of the event. ● Negative changes in thought processes, behaviour and mood. ● Changes in physical and emotional reactions.

These symptoms can vary in intensity over time and often appear most intense during periods of stress, or events that may trigger flashbacks (ie: car backfiring may trigger retired soldiers to feel like they are still at war).

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https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc20355967

Current Treatments for PTSD Current treatments for PTSD range from various psychotherapy treatments, such as cognitive therapy or exposure therapy, as well as prescription treatments such as antidepressants or antianxiety medications - and, more recently, cannabis.

How Can Cannabis Help?

Cannabis has seen the spotlight recently thanks to its ability to help PTSD sufferers manage their symptoms, especially anxiety and insomnia.

A 2014 study found that participants had a 75% reduction in their symptoms3 thanks to cannabis. An earlier outpatient study by The Canadian Forces Health Services Operational Trauma and Stress Support Centre between 2004 and 2006 had similar results. In this study, individuals suffering from PTSD were given an endocannabinoid receptor agonist for their nightmares. As a result, 72% had fewer nightmares, or stopped having them altogether4.

Additionally, a 2013 study at the New York University’s Langone Medical Center took a closer look at the endocannabinoid system in the brain. As a result, they discovered that patients with PTSD had lower levels of the neurotransmitter anandamide5. In fact, they can have up to 50%

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https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02791072.2013.873843

4

https://www.marijuanadoctors.com/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130514085016.htm

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less of this neurotransmitter!6 This is significant as anandamide has been deemed “the bliss molecule� and is often released during exercise.

In addition, PTSD patients also appeared to have a higher number of cannabinoid receptors.

When these receptors are activated, they can assist with suppressing memories. According to Dr. Dustin Sulak, "cannabis decreases the physical pain, prevents flashbacks and nightmares, and is an excellent treatment for insomnia."7 Cannabis can also communicate with other receptors in the brain and throughout the body to help with lowering anxiety and managing depression, in addition to other symptoms.

Best Strains for PTSD As with all ailments, there are good and bad cannabis strains depending on the individual user and the symptoms they are trying to manage. When it comes to PTSD sufferers, these symptoms can generally be broken down into: anxiety, depression and insomnia.

If you do suffer from PTSD, it is important to note that the cerebral high produced by Sativadominant strains can sometimes exacerbate anxiety, especially when it is pre-existing prior to the trauma. However, these strains are ideal for daytime use and can be extremely beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate PTSD symptoms and just need a bit of help getting through

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https://herb.co/marijuana/news/cannabis-combats-ptsd https://illegallyhealed.com/what-this-doctor-has-to-say-about-cannabis-use-and-ptsd-may-shock-you/

the day-by-day. If you do suffer from anxiety, either from your PTSD or otherwise, strains that are higher in CBD have a calming effect without the same psychoactive results, which can be quite beneficial.

For individuals with more severe symptoms, or who also suffer from insomnia, Indica-dominant strains are a great option. These are considered evening strains as they produce heavy body effects, often resulting in “couch lock”. Lastly, hybrid strains are a great alternative. While most hybrids will be heavier on the Sativa or Indica side, there are lots of 50/50 hybrids, that have a perfect balance of both effects.

Below are some of the best strains for PTSD:

Sativa-Dominant ●

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Super Jack is a pure Sativa that comes from mixing Super Silver Haze and Jack Herer.

This strain has potent THC levels (up to 24%) and produces uplifting and energizing effects with a strong sense of focus. While effective, Super Jack is not overwhelming. It will leave you clear-headed and is ideal for reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue and depression as well as managing chronic pain, headaches, stress, lack of appetite, bipolar disorder, asthma and PTSD. Pineapple Express is a Sativa-dominant strain is a hybrid of Hawaiian Sativa and Trainwreck. The effects of this are excellent for making users feel happy and upbeat thanks to its energizing effects. Be wary though, in some cases this strain can have 20% THC. This is quite potent and while it will help you forget about pain, stress and trauma, it can also result in anxiety for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Green Crack is a Sativa-dominant strain that can have very potent levels of THC. This strain has a strong cerebral high that is paired with an energy burst and a boost in mood.

Green Crack has also been proven extremely effective with treating anxiety and depression, and it manages PTSD quite well.

Indica-Dominant ●

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Purple Kush is a pure Indica derived by breeding Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani. This strain has an average of 22% THC and is very potent. This strain has a blissful, longlasting euphora to lift your mood. This is followed by a gentle physical relaxation to leave you pain-free and help aid with sleep. Purple Kush is very popular for anyone dealing with insomnia, chronic pain, muscle spasms and depression.

Grand Daddy Purple is a pleasant Indica-dominant strain. The effects of which result in happiness, positivity and relaxation. Due to this, Grand Daddy Purple is widely regarded as an excellent strain for treating PTSD. Rockstar is another Indica-dominant option containing 14-19% THC. As a 70% indica, 30% sativa split, Rockstar effects include a cerebral head rush accompanied by uplifted mood and extreme happiness. As this head high builds, it is followed by strong body relaxation, without the sedation. This strain is a favorite for headaches, pain, mood disorders and sleep-related issues.

Hybrid â—? Blue Dream is one of the best strains around thanks to its balanced hybrid nature. This strain is extremely popular and provides physical relaxation and eases mental anxiety, while still leaving you fairly clear-headed. Blue Dream is Sativa-dominant, which brings uplifted mood and makes this strain ideal for reducing anxiety, depression and managing PTSD. Click here to browse or buy medical marijuana online and learn more about the strains best suited for PTSD symptoms.

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Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc20355967 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc20355973 https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabis-and-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd https://www.marijuanadoctors.com/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/ https://herb.co/marijuana/news/cannabis-combats-ptsd