Effects and Benefits of Cannabis for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Patients
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms can be extremely severe and sometimes debilitating. Those who suffer from this disorder experience symptoms such as flashbacks or nightmares, severe anxiety, irritability and anger, trouble sleeping, and feeling guilt or shame. Cannabis has been shown to treat some of these symptoms by producing positive changes.
Treating PTSD with Cannabis
The effects of cannabis for PTSD patients can vary depending on the type of symptoms they are experiencing and their severity. Here are several effects and benefits that PTSD patients can acquire from using cannabis.
1. Pain reliever
If you happen to have PTSD, your nervous system is constantly on high alert and is constantly unstable because of the disturbance. This can cause a lot of pain because your brain is not able to distinguish between actual danger and memories of past trauma.
The good news is that cannabis has been shown to reduce pain by blocking specific receptors in your brain that are responsible for registering pain signals. It also stimulates other receptors to release dopamine, which helps reduce any chronic pain you may be experiencing.
Cannabis acts as an analgesic (pain reliever), so it can be beneficial for people who are dealing with these physical manifestations of their illness.
2. Reducing stress levels
Treatment with marijuana has proven effective in treating symptoms of stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety in PTSD patients. Cannabinoids found in cannabis are similar to chemicals produced by the brain, which regulates many body functions, including relaxation, sleeping, and eating.
A study in 2013 concluded that THC could relieve emotional numbness that is commonly found in PTSD patients by regulating emotions and enhancing feelings of pleasure and happiness.
3. Reducing Anxiety
Research suggests that CBD may interfere with the reconsolidation of traumatic memories by inhibiting glutamate receptors in the brain. Interfering with the reconsolidation of traumatic memories helps patients process their trauma and avoid triggering responses when reminded of their trauma.
One of the most common symptoms of PTSD is anxiety, and cannabis has been shown to effectively reduce this symptom. Studies have shown that cannabis users experience less anxiety than those who don't use it at all. Cannabis also reduces the heart rate of users, which may cause them to feel calmer than they usually would.
4. Sedative effects
Cannabis has sedative properties, which make a person sleep peacefully. This is useful for someone who suffers from insomnia or nightmares. In fact, many patients take care of their psychiatric symptoms by smoking cannabis. It also prevents panic attacks, relieves stress, and stabilizes mood swings.
Bottom line
Scientists and medical professionals have found marijuana to be much more successful when compared to antidepressants in dealing with PTSD. Cannabis could be the answer to ending the epidemic of suicide among PTSD patients.
We may not be able to confirm or deny these claims here, but there is no denying that marijuana has medical benefits and thus should be available to those who need it.
Recommended Strains For PTSD
Headband: This hybrid strain Headband has a long lasting effect that helps you relax and diminishes stress. It's also a great strain for patients are in pain.
Chemdawg: Chemdawg is a strain that provides a beautiful head high that puts you in a end to end relaxed state, helps to soothe the mind while making you feel as light as a feather. Use in moderation, if you are sensitive to sativa strains.
Sour Diesel: If you are looking for one of those day highs that turns up the energy and elevates how you feelin', Sour Diesel should be on your list of favorites . The euphoric feeling you'll experience is better than any mood-elevating strain... my opinion.
Cinderella 99: If you need something a little more uplifting and mood boosting, Cinderella 99 is the strain for you. It's sativa effects really take your mind off of the little things and helps you enjoy the party life is.
White Widow: White Widow can boost your munchie intake and help relieve you from even the most hardcore bad mood no good very bad day. It's like happiness, in a flower.
Girl Scout Cookies: If you have had a stressful day and just want to unwind at night, this strain is for you. GSC produces a relaxed and confident high making for a great night-time smoke. You can use it to help release all the stress from the day and to get rid of any anxiety.
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