PTSD | Support

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of Americans, with women disproportionately impacted. According to recent statistics, approximately 10% of women veterans suffer from PTSD, compared to about 4% of male veterans. In the general population, an estimated 5.2 million adult women in the USA experience PTSD annually. Good news! cannabis has helped countless women and men would live with PTSD.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines PTSD as a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms include intrusive thoughts, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity.

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Cannabis and PTSD Symptom Management:

Recent studies have shown promising results in using cannabis to manage PTSD symptoms. A 2021 study published in PLOS ONE by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) found improvements in PTSD symptoms among participants using cannabis with varying THC and CBD concentrations.

Many veterans have reported positive experiences with cannabis for PTSD. One participant in a 2020 MAPS study shared, "Cannabis has helped me sleep better and reduced my anxiety. It's made a real difference in my day-to-day life."

Another veteran commented, "After trying various treatments, cannabis has been the most effective in managing my PTSD symptoms. It's given me a sense of control I didn't have before."

These anecdotal reports are backed by the study's findings, which showed that cannabis users were 2.57 times more likely to no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD compared to non-users.

Ongoing Research and Caution:

While these results are encouraging, it's important to note that research in this area is still in its early stages. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is at the forefront of this research, but larger, more comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using cannabis for PTSD.

Research

Research exploring the relationship between PTSD and the endocannabinoid system, and is growing. Here are a few examples:

Cannabis: A potential efficacious intervention for PTSD or simply snake oil? - PMC

Topical Administration of Terpenes Encapsulated in Nanostructured Lipid-Based Systems - PMC

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Acne - PMC

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As research continues to expand, it may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the ECS for the management of PTSD-related health concerns. Oui will keep on top of it!