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How Can Marijuana Help in Managing PTSD Symptoms?
Marijuana continues to grow as an effective medication for various conditions. As a result, more states are legalizing cannabis for medical purposes. Thus, we are now in an era where more studies are conducted to have a better understanding of the herb. And, how does it help in treating mental illnesses such as PTSD, thus promoting wellness? To access cannabis products in a legalized state, you require a medical marijuana evaluation letter signed by a licensed doctor.
Cannabinoids in marijuana have shown amazing therapeutic effects, and they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The two major cannabinoids are THC and CBD. Both have medicinal benefits, but only THC delivers psychoactive effects. As there are no potential side-effects associated with marijuana use, more patients with anxiety, PTSD, etc. are now opting for it as a natural alternative to prescription medications.
Understanding The PTSD Symptoms
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition where a person suffers from stress after experiencing a traumatic event. It can be—the death of a loved one, natural disaster, rape activity, etc., which can lead to sleep problems, flashbacks, and a lack of focus. Moreover, PTSD patients may experience major emotional changes, which can affect all corners of their lives. PTSD is common among veterans returning from military services.
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for PTSD, and it’s focused on identifying and changing thinking and behavior patterns. Additionally, prescription medications can help in correcting these emotional changes, but they may lead to unpleasant side-effects. Cannabis has emerged as another way to manage symptoms of PTSD.
How Does Marijuana Work?
The marijuana plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, which have amazing medicinal properties. When the cannabinoids are delivered to the body through any method, they improve the essential functions of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), such as memory, mood, appetite, etc. The cannabinoids accelerate the production of neurotransmitters that are linked to happiness and pleasure with the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS.
Thus, we can say that cannabinoids can help in preventing traumatic memories and nightmares while maintaining emotional wellness.
According to a study by NYU Langone Medical Center, PTSD patients have much lower levels of anandamide than non-patients. What’s anandamide? It’s a neurotransmitter produced in the body that is responsible for functions such as happiness, mood, fear, etc.
Moreover, anandamides act as natural antidepressants. CB1 receptors can help in coping with traumatic memories, thus promoting mental wellness. Researchers have found that lack of endocannabinoids such as anandamides can lead to PTSD symptoms such as anxiety, fear, etc.
PTSD patients often experience nightmares, and cannabis can help in managing these symptoms. Moreover, this condition also triggers stress and tensions, thus causing difficulty in sleep. Marijuana works by reducing REM sleep and increasing deep sleep, the most restful part of the sleep cycle.
In 2009, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nabilone in treatment-resistant nightmares in PTSD patients. Following the treatment, 72% of the participants stopped nightmares and other symptoms.
Moreover, the majority of patients also reported an improvement in the quality and duration of sleep while reducing flashbacks and sweating during the night. Researchers concluded that cannabinoids could serve a major role in improving sleep and managing PTSD symptoms than prescription medications and antidepressants.
While both THC and CBD can help patients with PTSD, CBD delivers non-psychoactive effects. CBD helps in promoting sleep & relaxation and preventing traumatic memories. There’s a wide range of marijuana strains with different CBD and THC levels available in medical dispensaries. Try different strains, analyze how your body responds to cannabinoids, and buy the right ones for managing your symptoms.
Here’s a list of the best marijuana strains for managing PTSD symptoms-
- Frosted Freak
- Gobstopper
- SnowLAnd
- Northern Berry
- White Dragon
- Tangie Cookies
- Suver Haze
- Erez
- Cherry Thunder Fuck
- Tahoe Alien
- Pie Face OG
- Star Killer
- Citrus Sap
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online?
Telemedicine has made the process of 420 med evaluations is very easy. You need not visit an MMJ clinic physically. Just complete a simple form and talk to a licensed medical cannabis doctor online. Here’s the complete process-
- Sign up an account
- See a board-certified doctor
- Receive your PDF medical marijuana recommendation letter instantly
To sum up, PTSD is a mental illness that can lead to trouble sleeping, a lack of focus, flashbacks, etc. Cannabinoids in marijuana (mainly CBD and THC) can help in managing PTSD symptoms by binding to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids can help in accelerating the production of anandamides in the body, thus promoting happiness and reducing fear & anxiety. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which promotes sleep, relaxation and prevents traumatic memories. Researchers have found that cannabis can help in reducing REM sleep and promoting deep sleep.
Talk to a doctor to apply for your medical marijuana evaluation today!
