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Does marijuana help PTSD?
Many say, yes, it can.
And considering there’s no medication designed specifically to treat PTSD, it’s not surprising that some patients break the law to use cannabis as a PTSD treatment.
PTSD kills. Medical marijuana can save lives.
If you are thinking about suicide, please call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
PTSD Statistics
Each year, more veterans die from suicide than do in combat. Suicide is the leading cause of death in the military.
In 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs reported that every day, 22 veterans commit suicide. 22. Every. Day.
Overall in the US, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death.
PTSD patients are at particularly high risk for suicide. Approximately 27% of PTSD patients also attempt suicide.
Ways Marijuana Helps PTSD?
These are some of the PTSD symptoms that marijuana may help relieve:
- may eliminate nightmares
- may improve sleep
- may decrease hyperarousal
- may soothe intrusive thoughts
- may slow down thoughts
- may improve impulse control
- may lift depression
- may help ease aggression & anger
- may help consolidate fear memories
- may spur neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells)
Why Patients Should Exercise Caution
Patients must be educated. Soothing PTSD with cannabis is NOT about getting high. Cannabis can be a helpful medication, but patients must exercise caution as well.
New patients should learn about using cannabis as a medicine.
They should be aware that every strain of cannabis can cause a different physical reaction. Some strains/cultivars of cannabis can cause anxiety and increase the risk of panic attacks in some individuals.
READ: What’s the deal with strains?
Additionally, how much cannabis you use, determines the effects you will experience. Dosing is complicated and highly individualized. Read: Dosing: How much cannabis should I use?
Also, keep in mind that cannabis can interact with some medications, for example, Zoloft and Weed can interact.
Interactions may occur when combining marijuana with other medications as well. READ: Can I use marijuana while I’m on antibiotics?
Cannabis should be used responsibly under the guidance of a licensed healthcare practitioner.
READ: Marijuana Gifts Cannabis Users Love
Marijuana and PTSD – The Science
The bodies of all mammals naturally make cannabinoids.
In fact, in the 1990’s an entirely new system of the human body was discovered, the endogenous cannabinoid system.
All mammals need a balance of internal cannabinoids to function effectively. A cannabinoid imbalance may lead to disease and disorder.
What’s a cannabinoid?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis that act on receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoid receptors are widely distributed throughout our brain and body.
Our bodies naturally make a natural form of cannabinoids, called endocannabinods. We NEED these endocannabinoids for our bodies and brains to function properly.
The Endogenous Cannabinoid System & PTSD
PTSD Patients Have Low Levels of Natural Cannabinoids
In 2013, The NYU School of Medicine used brain scans to demonstrate that patients suffering from PTSD have chronically low levels of the natural cannabinoid, anandamide, in their brain.
In theory, the administration of medical marijuana could help restore the correct imbalance of cannabinoids in PTSD patients and may explain why it relieves they symptoms of PTSD in some patients.
Understanding Dynorphin & Kappa Opioid Receptors
Aside from balancing internal cannabinoids, studies show that marijuana also stimulates kappa opioid receptors.
Proper functioning of kappa opioid receptors is essential to healthy stress relief.
When the healthy body begins to experience stress, the endocrine system releases a natural opiate called Dynorphin. Dynorphin binds to Kappa Opioid receptors in the brain and that stops feelings of depression and unease (dysphoria).
Brains With PTSD Exhibit Unavailable Kappa Opioid Receptors
A 2013 study published in JAMA Psychiatry demonstrated that the dynorphin process is in inhibited in patients with PTSD.
If someone has PTSD, their kappa opioid receptors hide in the cells and refuse to bind with dynorphin. This may explain the depressive symptoms often associated with PTSD.
READ: How long does a marijuana high last?
Cannabis Stimulates Kappa Opiate Receptors
Studies show that the administration of cannabis stimulates kappa opiate receptors (cannabis makes the kappa opiate receptors available).
When a PTSD patient uses cannabis, the cannabinoids may stimulate the kappa opiate receptors to become available. This night allow dynorphin to bind with the receptors, thus providing natural relief.
Risks & Aversions to Medical Marijuana as a PTSD Treatment
According to current research and extensive anecdotal evidence, cannabis can be a surprisingly safe treatment for PTSD. No one has ever overdosed from cannabis. Plus, the side effects of cannabinoid treatment are usually less disabling than traditional pharmaceuticals.
However, like all medications – all substances – cannabis has risks. Marijuana can cause side-effects or adverse reactions in some patients.
Risk For Cannabis Addiction
PTSD patients have been more frequently diagnosed with “cannabis use disorder” than otherwise healthy individuals. Unfortunately, the accuracy of this statistic is affected by the fact that anyone illegally self-medicating is officially considered to suffer from cannabis use disorder. Self-medicating individuals may not be suffering from true addiction.
Still, cannabis is potentially psychologically addictive. It has about the same addiction rates as alcohol, around 9%. The risk for addiction isn’t nearly as high as the risk for addiction to opiates.
Additionally, withdrawal from cannabis feels more like withdrawal from caffeine and isn’t as intense or deadly compared to alcohol withdrawal.
In Many Places Cannabis Is Still Illegal
Illegal use still has terrible repercussions for millions. While the government withholds this medication, heroes are dying every day.
Patients who risk breaking the law to use illegally face prosecution including jail time. It’s ludicrous.
Medical Marijuana Is Expensive
It all depends where you live.
In many places where patients are able to access medical marijuana, it’s often cost prohibitive. In NJ, a monthly supply can cost over $1,000 each month.
It’s EXTREMELY RARE for any health insurance to cover the cost of medical marijuana. It doesn’t matter if the state has approved medical marijuana, insurance companies still don’t have to cover it.
*Veterans living in AZ, CO, CA, MI, NV, NM or OR may qualify for medical marijuana assistance from Grow for Vets.
Cannabis May Increase Anxiety & Risk of Panic Attacks
Patients should realize that some strains/cultivars of cannabis can cause anxiety and increase the risk of panic attacks in some individuals.
Also, cannabinoid therapy is extremely individualized. The strains and amounts that work for me might not work the same for you.
Educate yourself and use cannabis responsibly under the guidance of an experienced doctor. Start small and use caution.
A medical dispensary should be able to best guide you on selecting strains to help treat your specific condition.
Additionally, patients should know that cannabis may increase the risk of psychosis in some people who are genetically predisposed.
Patients Should Be Cautious of Drug Interactions
Drug interactions are uncommon with marijuana, but considering biochemistry, they are possible. If you’re taking prescription medication, you should speak with your doctor before beginning cannabis treatment.
Read more about mixing antidepressants and marijuana.
What PTSD Feels Like:
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