Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a psychiatric condition that results from traumatic, life-altering events. This complex mental health condition involves serious anxiety and depression. While PTSD is common among veterans, children can also develop the condition because of abuse or neglect. Some individuals can also develop PTSD after the death of a loved one.

Many PTSD sufferers usually undergo several “talk” therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, desensitization, and group sessions to reduce their symptoms. Conventional medications like Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and sleep aids can also help reduce PTSD symptoms. But recent research on how cannabis affects the brain suggests that cannabis compounds could be an effective remedy for the severe symptoms of PTSD, like insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

Each year on June 27th, National PTSD Awareness Day recognizes the effects post-traumatic stress has on the lives of those impacted by it. Even though there exist PTSD treatments, most PTSD sufferers don’t get the help they need. June is PTSD Awareness Month. That’s why in this article Trilogy Medicinal will focus on how medical marijuana can help PTSD.

For PTSD sufferers, medical cannabis can be a great alternative to prescription medications. Medical cannabis may reduce the side effects and dependence on conventional medications. It may also facilitate relaxation, ease stress and anxiety.

The primary compounds responsible for the therapeutic effects of medical cannabis on PTSD are CBD and THC. These compounds interact with endocannabinoid receptors (CB-1 and CB-2) which are found throughout the body. Endocannabinoids result from fat-like molecules within cell membranes and are responsible for maintaining bodily homeostasis. These receptors interact with CBD and THC and regulate naturally occurring endocannabinoids, including anandamide and 2-AG.

According to research, there’s a link between PTSD and depressed lower serum levels of the brain lipid anandamide. Since anandamide is the body’s natural antidepressant, its shortage can result in undesirable effects on the body, including chronic anxiety, impaired fear extinction, aversive memory consolidation, and other PTSD symptoms.

Anandamide activates CB1 receptors. THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids can also activate these receptors.

Studies note that exposure to chronic stress decreases CB1 receptor binding and expression within the hippocampus. This finding has potential, as the hippocampus is effective in managing short and long-term memory consolidation. Disruptions to memory consolidation are believed to cause PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks and hyper-vigilance.

There are 2 types of cannabis strains that can help with PTSD symptoms: Indica and sativa. Indica offers calming properties to the body and can help with anxiety and insomnia relating to PTSD.

Indica contains more CBD and less THC, which provides the body with a soothing effect. However, this doesn’t mean that sativa strains are not good for PTSD. Sativa strains may help stimulate mood for PTSD sufferers.

There are many indica, and sativa strains that can help with PTSD symptoms. However, before using these strains for your condition schedule with Trilogy Medicinal in Port St. Lucie to determine if medical cannabis is right for you.

Medical marijuana for PTSD may work well for many veterans and other individuals with the condition, but more clinical trials are needed. There is currently no standard treatment for PTSD, but medical cannabis could be a viable alternative to manage PTSD symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you have been diagnosed with PTSD and are interested in how medical marijuana may help you, schedule with Trilogy Medicinal in Port St. Lucie today!