Cannabis has the ability to treat a myriad of symptoms of different illnesses, including PTSD. In fact, one study showed that patients using cannabis had a 75% reduction in symptoms. Since this is the case, we’re going to look at what PTSD is, the symptoms one may show and the multiple ways medical marijuana is capable of treating PTSD.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This is a severe anxiety disorder that occurs after exposure to an event that results in psychological trauma. There are many different events that can cause PTSD (accidents, assaults, etc…) but the most common is PTSD from combat.
What are the common symptoms of PTSD
- Reliving the traumatic event that induced PTSD
- Avoiding situations, places and people that may cause one to relive the event
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Negativity
- Feeling keyed-up or hyper
- Sleep problems
- Nightmares
- Irritability
- Anger
- Poor Concentration
- Blackouts
Multiple Ways Medical Marijuana Treats PTSD
Improves Sleep
Cannabis has the ability to promote sleep hormones, so that you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This natural drug can also reduce and eliminate nightmares. Additionally, marijuana lacks the negative side effects that many prescription sleep aids can produce.
Slows Down and Soothes Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts are a common contributor to PTSD. These are uncontrollable, threatening thoughts that occur in the patient’s mind, over and over again like a recurring nightmare while you’re wide awake. They can lead to overwhelming amounts of stress, anxiety, fear, anger, aggressiveness and depression. Luckily, Marijuana interacts with Cannabinoid receptors in the brain to slow your thought process and soothe these negative thoughts.
Decreases Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal causes a person to be on “high-alert” or feel extremely anxious. Often times, this is physically exhibited by increased heart rate and respiration. Typically this occurs from thinking about the traumatic event. Marijuana decreases these negative feelings that produce panic attacks.
Improves Impulse Control
Additionally, cannabis can slow the cognitive “thinking” process, perhaps providing more time to think a decision through.
Helps Ease Aggression and Anger
It has been suggested that unlike alcohol, marijuana actually reduces aggressiveness and makes the patient much slower to anger. Scientists believe this has something to do with the way cannabinoids (CBD and THC, specifically) interact with cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
Lifts Anxiety and Depression
Marijuana is particularly good at reducing anxiety and depression by boosting positivity. Certain strains provide different effects so it’s extremely important that you get a recommendation from your doctor as some strains can actually make anxiety and paranoia worse.
Consolidates Fear Memories
Furthermore, marijuana is able to assist in processing traumatic memories by consolidating fear memories. This means that it takes memories of negative experiences that may have gotten out of control and stabilizes them so that less flashbacks and panic attacks occur.
May Promote Neurogenesis
Neurogenesis is the growth and development of new nervous tissue. Research suggests that neurogenesis can treat anxiety disorders, like PTSD. Studies have shown that marijuana promotes neurogenesis, thus allowing it to treat this disorder.
All things considered, there’s no reason to suffer in silence, when medical marijuana is capable of treating PTSD.
If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD, contact Marijuana Doctor, today.
Call us at (786) 224-4005 or schedule an appointment ONLINE.
