PTSD & CANNABIS BY DR PEPPER HERNANDEZ

by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D. CTC Award-Winning Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner Photos Courtesy of Full Moon Farms, Humboldt County CA

Post Traumatic Anxiety Disorder, or PTSD, is a devastating and life-altering disorder that can develop following a traumatic event. Those who do suffer from it are trapped in that trauma, as flashbacks and dreams force people to relive their trauma over again, which can be manifesting in panic attacks, hypervigilance, overwhelmed emotions, sometimes disconnection from loved ones, and even self-destructive activity.

PTSD is a difficult disorder to treat or even live with. But I personally do believe that focused therapy, meditation, and cannabis can help one get back to a healthy mindful life. Along with PTSD sufferers that claim this combination has helped them cope with their severe symptoms and, in some cases, thrive. It does take time, patience and diligence, but there is hope.

Researchers from The University of Pennsylvania, The University of California San Diego, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and The University of Colorado collaborated on the study, which was supported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The study’s authors consider the growing usage of cannabis for PTSD, particularly in areas where it is legal. “The results imply that it is some combination of THC, CBD and perhaps some of the many other parts of the cannabis plant that create the therapeutic effect. Cannabis has many molecules that can create a biological effect, including up to 120 cannabinoids, 250 terpenes and around 50 flavonoids.”

The new study also adds to the growing body of evidence that cannabis can aid those with PTSD. For example, the researchers discovered that PTSD patients who smoked cannabis not only had fewer symptoms but were also 2.57 times more likely to recover from their condition during the trial than those who did not.

What I would suggest to a medical patient in a legal state “When searching out cannabis for PTSD, remember these cannabinoids seem to work well with one another for anxiety issues. CBD, CBG and CBN may be of particular use. Also, these terpenes may be helpful limonene, linalool, bisabolol, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene. When trying a new strain or cultivar, use the micro-dosing technique to ensure proper dosage and to make sure there are no unwanted side effects. Contact a Cannabis Trained Professional anytime and keep track via your cannabis medical journal.” Hernandez

5 Cannabis Strains That Can Help Manage PTSD Symptoms. ACDC Sour Kush Blue dream GrandDaddy Kush Harlequin

Additional facts: At any given time, about 5% of Americans (about 13 million people) suffer from PTSD. In the United States, an estimated 8% of adults – or 1 in 13 people – may acquire PTSD at some point in their lives.

Not all cannabis cultivars are alike, and as organic farmers continue to breed their specific genetics, users need to know what the cannabinoid profile is. Knowing the flower, they are testing can bring the best experience and outcome, and help make an educated decision on what will be the best product for their medical ailment. Please check with your cannabis therapy consultant for more guidance.

All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated & Trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.

Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com.

Go forth, Go Cannabis...