Using Marijuana For PTSD – All You Should Learn

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a medical condition that occurs due to a traumatic event. This condition is common among war veterans. About 3.5 percent of the American adults suffer from PTSD every year.

For treating PTSD, therapists usually suggest a combination of medications and psychotherapy. However, these may not work for every patient. Some scientific evidence says that marijuana’s therapeutic properties can help PTSD patients promote wellness.

The herb is legal in more than 30 states now, and you can easily access it with a medical marijuana doctor’s recommendation.

Medical Marijuana For PTSD

PTSD is caused by a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, terrorist attack, serious accident, etc. Patients with this condition often experience disturbing, intense thoughts, which remind them about their traumatic events. Many prefer avoiding such situations, places, things, etc. that revive such events.

Common symptoms of PTSD include lack of focus, trouble sleeping at night, guilt or shame, aggressive behavior, and lack of interest in activities once enjoyed.

Medical specialists usually prescribe four SSRIs/SNRIs for PTSD—Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and Effexor. However, medications don’t treat the entire condition. However, they may lead to certain side-effects.

Studies have shown that marijuana is effective in managing PTSD symptoms. In the body, there exist a wide range of cannabinoid receptors to which cannabis compounds (phytocannabinoids) interact, thus altering various functions.

Different cannabinoids work differently. For instance, THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, thus improving sleep, mood, etc. Research says that CB1 receptors are responsible for controlling traumatic memories.

A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology reported that participants (suffering from PTSD) who didn’t take cannabis had increased depressive episodes. This shows that marijuana reduces the risks of depression, which is linked to PTSD.

Additionally, scientists have found that PTSD is linked to certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, anandamide and glutamate.

Improper signaling of glutamate and serotonin can result in fight-or-flight response—a physiological reaction that occurs in stressful situations. CBD is beneficial in turning off traumatic memories, relieving anxiety and depression.

CBD also helps in improving blood flow to the hippocampus, a brain region linked to memory and emotion. Clogged blood vessels cause problems in decision making, cognitive function, etc.

Using Marijuana For Fighting PTSD

Before using marijuana for PTSD, you need to learn about the cannabis laws. Marijuana is still illegal as per federal regulations. But, the majority of the states have legalized it for medical purposes.

To use cannabis legally, you require a marijuana evaluation signed by a medical marijuana doctor.

Now, it’s very easy to apply for 420 evaluations. At Online MMJ Los Angeles, we have a team of licensed mmj doctors who see patients online and deliver recs in 10 minutes. Here’s the complete process-

• Sign up for an account
• Talk to a medical marijuana doctor via video call
• Receive your recommendation letter in PDF via email

Moreover, you need to learn about the major factors affecting cannabis effects in the body, such as consumption method, dosage, strains, etc.

How to Consume Medical Marijuana?

Inhalation

This is the most common method of consuming cannabis. You can inhale cannabinoids through smoking or vaping. The best part is, it delivers instant medicinal effects.

However, you can’t overlook the harms of burning the substance and inhaling toxins and carcinogens. If you have lung problems, we recommend you prefer smokeless marijuana delivery methods.

Ingesting

Edibles are marijuana-infused cookies, capsules, brownies, etc. In fact, this method has gained popularity among marijuana consumers in the past years.

It’s important to note that edibles work differently. When you eat marijuana, THC doesn’t reach the bloodstream directly. It passes through the stomach instead.

Thus, edibles have a slow onset and last longer.

Related- Pros And Cons of Marijuana-Infused Edibles

Tinctures

Tinctures are alcohol-based extracts, which are absorbed sublingually. Just put a few drops of cannabis oil under the tongue, and the cannabinoids are absorbed in the body instantly.

The best part of using tinctures is that they come with dropper bottles, thus it’s easier to measure how much you are consuming.

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After consuming tinctures, you can experience cannabis’ medicinal effects within 5 minutes.

Thus, by taking tinctures before going to bed, you can easily get relief from nightmares, insomnia, etc.

Choose The Right Strains

The concentrations of THC and CBD greatly influence the effects of marijuana you receive.

Taking high-THC strains, especially if you are a beginner, can make you feel uncomfortable. You may experience a cannabis overdose.

So, when buying marijuana from a medical dispensary, make sure you check the label carefully.

See the levels of cannabinoids, date of manufacturing & date of expiry, brand name, etc.

Related- The Best Cannabis Strains For PTSD Symptoms

Dose Properly

How much cannabis you consume matters. Taking higher doses of marijuana can lead to unpleasant side-effects. So, make sure you dose cannabis properly.

There’s no standard formula to evaluate the optimal dose for managing PTSD symptoms. In fact, it varies from patient to patient.

Try different doses and stick to the ones delivering you the best results.

Final Thoughts

Marijuana can help PTSD patients ease their symptoms effectively and naturally. The herb contains more than 100 cannabinoids, which work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system of the body.

Cannabinoids can help in fighting anxiety, depression, sleep problems, etc. associated with PTSD.

Choose the right cannabis strains, dose and delivery methods to alleviate your PTSD symptoms. You can try different combinations and see which ones are working for you.

See a medical doctor near me to apply for a marijuana evaluation today.