Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition, which is caused by a terrifying, shocking event. Patients suffering from this condition usually experience anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, etc. about their traumatic events. Some of the popular medications for PTSD sufferers are—antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, etc. But, these drugs may cause some unpleasant side-effects.
However, medical experts believe that marijuana can be used as a natural alternative to PTSD medications. Cannabis is legal for medical purposes in 33 US states, including California. To access marijuana products from any state-licensed dispensaries, you require a licensed doctor signed medical marijuana card San Bernardino.
To understand the effects of marijuana in treating PTSD, it’s important to learn about the body’s endocannabinoid system. It’s a biological system, which comprises a wide range of endocannabinoids produced within the body, and they bind to the receptors, thus managing various bodily processes such as mood, memory, sleep, etc.
The marijuana plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, which possess medicinal properties. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a phytocannabinoid, which is responsible for causing high effects. THC’s chemical structure is similar to that of the anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in memory, movement control, and thought processes.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center found that patients with PTSD have much lower anandamide levels as compared to those who don’t suffer from this condition. Thus, THC can help in changing the normal brain communication, thus promoting wellness.
Another phytocannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol) won’t make you high but has the potential to alleviate inflammation, nausea, anxiety, epilepsy, etc.
Although THC and CBD aren’t naturally produced in the body, they can influence a wide range of biological processes by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.
In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, researchers analyzed the effectiveness of marijuana in treating PTSD. The results were amazing. 75% of the participants reported a significant decrease in symptoms after using cannabis.
Marijuana can relieve tensions & stress and boost mood & sleep. However, to receive the best effects, make sure you consume the right amounts of cannabinoids. Moreover, how often you consume marijuana also influences the effects on your body.
What about self-medicating with marijuana? Well, many prefer this. Some patients with anxiety say that they are able to control symptoms associated with their traumatic events (such as anger and stress).
Also Read: How Can Marijuana Help You Get Off Depression Symptoms?
However, self-medicating with cannabis can cause drug dependence. A marijuana use disorder can worsen a patient’s condition instead of improving. According to a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, self-medicating with cannabis can increase the risks of developing a substance use disorder in anxiety patients. A dependence associated with self-medication can increase the chances of the development of social anxiety.
So, when it comes to using marijuana for managing your PTSD symptoms, make sure you seek professional help from a licensed medical marijuana doctor.
Here’s a list of cannabis strains that are effective in managing PTSD symptoms-
To sum up, PTSD is a condition, which involves reliving the moments of a traumatic event. This illness is common among veterans returning from military services. Marijuana has amazing cannabinoids, which can help in managing PTSD symptoms by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, has a chemical structure similar to that of anandamide, thus it can help in changing brain communication. Self-medicating on marijuana may not help you get the desired results. So, always seek professional help for what’s right for strains, dosage, and consumption method.
Talk to a licensed doctor to get your medical marijuana card San Bernardino.
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