CBD, Cannabis and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The potential of cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder is a growing area of research. An increasing number of people have reported benefits from using cannabis products to alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
Published on 05/20/2021
Curation and editing by Sechat Content, with information from Canex (Emily Ledger)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that is triggered by stressful or distressing events. The condition is often characterized by reliving a traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks. Individuals suffering from PTSD may also experience feelings of isolation and guilt.
According to the National Health System (NHS) - the British healthcare system equivalent to SUS in Brazil - post-traumatic stress disorder can be triggered by any event that an individual considers traumatic. This can include serious accidents, violent assaults, abuse, and childbirth experiences. It is estimated that 3 out of every 100 people may have PTSD during their lifetime.
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Can CBD and Cannabis Treat PTSD?
The potential of cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder is a growing area of research. An increasing number of people have reported benefits from using cannabis products to alleviate PTSD symptoms.
There is little clinical evidence to demonstrate the mechanisms by which cannabinoids may benefit PTSD symptoms. However, it is widely accepted that the potential abilities of the compounds to reduce anxiety may play an important role.
Although clinical evidence is still lagging, there is a significant amount of anecdotal evidence and patient-reported evidence supporting the benefits of cannabis-based medications.
For example, while there is no solid data on how many PTSD patients use cannabis-based products, reports suggest that it has become a common option in some countries, with or without a medical prescription. In fact, a significant number of American cannabis brands now offer discounts - or even free products - to war veterans.
In the UK, however, current guidelines mean that medicinal cannabis can only be prescribed by specialist doctors. As things stand, it is highly unlikely that those living with PTSD will have access to medicinal cannabis through the NHS. Therefore, this ends up leaving private prescriptions or illicit cannabis as the only options for many.
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