PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

What is PTSD?

According to the Mayo Clinic, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

There is plenty of evidence from studies in humans and animal models on the critical role that the ECS (endocannabinoid system) plays in the control of emotional states, including PTSD.

Several studies have shown an association between trauma and substance use. 

There is also an increased use of cannabis in post-traumatic stress disorder patients.

Clinical studies suggest that PTSD patients may cope with their symptoms by using cannabis. 

Early studies in humans also suggest that treatment with cannabinoids may decrease PTSD symptoms, including sleep quality and the frequency of nightmares.

Currently, there are few unbiased, randomized, and controlled studies investigating cannabinoids for sleep.

• Cannabinoids and post-traumatic stress disorder: clinical and preclinical evidence for treatment and prevention
• Changes of endocannabinoid plasma levels following type I trauma: A prospective pilot study
• Elevated Brain Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Availability in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder- A Positron Emission Tomography Study
• On Disruption of Fear Memory by Reconsolidation Blockade: Evidence from Cannabidiol Treatment
• PTSD Symptom Reports of Patients Evaluated for the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program