Cannabis has long been cited as a treatment for PTSD by patients. Chronic issues brought on by this crippling ailment include self-destructive conduct, panic attacks, hypervigilance, separation from others, and nightmares. These severe sensations can occasionally even result in suicide. Many PTSD sufferers continue to say that cannabis does assist, despite the fact that the research on the subject has been fairly mixed.
New studies now offer molecular explanations for this therapeutic impact.
Two recent studies suggest a potential role for cannabis in the treatment of PTSD. One demonstrates how cannabis can lessen activity in the amygdala, a region of the brain linked to reactions of fear to threats. Another hypothesis proposes that the plant’s cannabinoids may contribute to the eradication of traumatic memories. Recent research suggests that these effects may be helpful for those with PTSD.
Researchers discovered that cannabis may be beneficial. Low dosages of the cannabinoid THC or THC in combination with the other cannabinoid CBD were both able to increase the extinction rate for difficult memories and lower general anxiety levels. According to their research, THC is primarily responsible for the improvements in the extinction rate, although CBD can lessen some of the adverse effects that could result from using more THC.
Over 23 states have already approved medical cannabis, and others are contemplating it. Despite the trend toward legalization, there hasn’t been a thorough analysis of the literature so far regarding the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis for many of the ailments it is suggested to treat. In this study, the use of medical cannabis to treat posttraumatic stress disorder will be examined in light of recent literature (PTSD).
Veterans and those with PTSD can now walk into a medical dispensary and receive the care they require; previously, this might have been a guessing game at a recreational dispensary.
A bill to include PTSD on the list of ailments that can be treated with medical cannabis was just approved by Colorado lawmakers.
According to Roger Martin, the founder of Grow For Vets, “What it actually does is it doesn’t remove rid of the negative memories that you have, but it kind of simply helps you to relax to the point where they’re not right up in front of your skull.”
“Thousands of veterans have come right out and informed me that cannabis is the only thing that has ever relieved their symptoms of PTSD and that not a single prescription the VA has ever prescribed has ever helped at all.”
Before a patient can apply for a registry identification card, a doctor must complete a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, including reviewing any prior diagnoses for a debilitating or disabling medical condition, and current medical condition, including a suitable personal physical examination.
In order to assess the effectiveness of using medical cannabis as a treatment, the doctor must also be present to offer the patient follow-up care and treatment.
For individuals under the age of 18, the prescription would require the approval of two doctors, one of whom would need to be a board-certified pediatrician, family physician, or child and adolescent psychiatrist.
